"Summer Cool My favorite summer spot that is enjoyed by kids of all ages: The Rings Fountain. Sixty four jets spray to heights of 30 feet on this section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The unpredictable jets of water shoot like ribbons into the sky and delight everyone on this beautiful day."

"Take a Ride on Fanciful Native Creatures The newest addition to The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a carousel featuring colorful animals, fish and insects native to the New England area. Inspired by the drawings of Boston school children, the fanciful creatures are the creation of local artist Jeff Briggs. The 36 seats are unique and make the ride one of the most accessible in the area for both young and old with physical or sensory disabilities. Watching the wings of the butterfly move gently to music ranging from Raffi to the Star Wars theme is sure to bring out the kid in all who visit."

"In Boston with the kids? Nancy Schon's famous sculpture is loved by everyone familiar with Make Way for Ducklings. Mrs. Mallard and her 8 ducklings lead you into the Public Garden at the Beacon/Charles St. entrance. Follow the path to a ride on the swan boats and take advantage of a green space enjoyable any time of the year."

"The Boston Children’s Museum knows a thing or two about keeping kids amused and entertained—it's been doing it for more than a century. An unmissable landmark on Fort Point Channel (look for the giant Hood milk bottle), the museum has an eclectic collection of exhibits and interactive areas, including an authentic Japanese silk merchant’s home that was donated by Boston ’s sister city, Kyoto . Parents and kids alike can clamber through a three-story vertical maze; there’s an entire room devoted to playing with bubbles; and the third floor is largely given over to a kid-size construction zone where aspiring builders can work on projects, scurry through pipes and cargo-net bridges, and take the wheel of a Bobcat payloader. A performing-arts program introduces children to dance, music, and theater—don’t be surprised if you find your formerly shy son or daughter up onstage by day’s end."

"All Aboard the Boston Tea Party Museum A floating museum is certainly a bit out of the ordinary, and this walk back in history does not disappoint. Live actors, interactive exhibits of artifacts, and authentically restored tea ships will transport children as well as adults back to the historical time that led up to the American Revolution. Who wouldn't love to toss a crate of tea overboard just like the Sons of Liberty did over 200 years ago!"

"Harvard's Glass Flowers I get so excited when I visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History. It has so many diverse displays that there is something of interest for everyone. Drawn from specimens of Harvard's 3 research museums, it covers the categories of animal, vegetable, mineral. My favorite has to be the glass flowers. What appears to be a comprehensive collection of botanical specimens, is actually made entirely out of glass. Their are over 3000 models and the tiny details are accurate and quite amazing. You won't believe your eyes, and in winter, they are always in bloom!"

"Quacking Good I'm usually a more 'off the beaten path' traveler, but when friends with kids came to town for a visit, I decided it was high time to make a reservation with Boston Duck Tours. Board the amphibious, WWII-style landing vehicle, and you might be greeted by Colonel Duck Tape for a tour of all Boston's major sites. It's a great way to get an overview of the city from a unique perspective, on both land and sea. You might even laugh at some of the corny jokes!"

"Pizza Favorite in the North End Brick oven classics come out of the kitchen in this North End mainstay. The traditional beehive shaped, wood burning oven makes great thin crusted pizza with all the traditional toppings. Mushroom and artichoke just happens to be my favorite. Fresh ingredients, good sized portions and Mom and Pop atmosphere keep this busy place on a short list of Italian family favorites. They also have gluten free pasta by request."

"Keeping it New England Local The recently opened Boston Public Market is the only year round indoor market in the country to feature exclusively New England vendors. The bounty of 35 businesses representing farms, makers and food producers offers a cross section of all things local to eat from around Boston. Farm fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy and flowers along with an assortment of speciality and prepared foods. There are even a few beautiful craft artisans in the mix. A great place for families and foodies alike, there is even a selection of locally produced wines, beers and alcohol. Catch the warm glow from the hive at Boston Honey. Interactive classes will take place for all ages in the Market's demonstration Kitchen. Connect with the people who feed New England in this great community space."

"Fun for the Littlest Architect Legoland® Discovery Center is located just outside Boston in Somerville’s Assembly Row. Your visit begins with a brief tour and then the fun starts. Activities will keep kids busy for hours. Children can build a race car and then test and time it on the track, Merlin’s Apprentice will have your little ones casting magic spells and pedaling towards the skies. Kids can let loose at the Play Zone where climbing structures, slides and a jungle gym insure all that excess energy is used. There’s even a Builder’s Academy to bring out the mini architect and learn construction secrets of the trade. Many of the weekends have themed events and for the young at heart in all of us there is an Adult Night once a month, which is a fun way to start the evening before dining at one of the nearby eateries. In addition to the many outside restaurants in Assembly Row, there is a café on site with snacks or more substantial meals. Tickets can be booked on line and socks must be worn in the play zones"