Boston Pedicab
I just got back from a lovely overnight in Boston with my 9-year-old son Max. It was the first time I’ve chosen to travel with just one child. Wow, what a nice experience to have the ease and connection created by taking just one of my four children. The quick getaway, dare I say “staycation,” was a great way to get quality time without spending a lot of money. Since we frequently visit Boston, we skipped the normal tourist stuff and discovered some new activities. You’ll notice that most of these activities are free!
1. Rose Kennedy Greenway: A beautiful by-product of the Big Dig is this walkway right in the heart of downtown Boston. Only it’s second summer since completion, the plants have matured and people have started to gather to enjoy this urban park. With sculptures, water fountains, gardens and a summer time carousel, this provides family entertainment and a safe walkway connecting the harbor with the Financial District, the North End and Fanueil Hall.
2. Boston Harbor Walk: Another benefit of the Big Dig is the money that poured into developing the area around Boston Harbor. The Harbor Walk is now just coming to fruition, allowing the waterfront to be more accessible and certainly more appealing. This walkway connects the Aquarium area to the Institute of Contemporary Art. During the summer there is live music and movies that play in front of the Boston Harbor Hotel.
3. Pedicab: My son and I were a little sick and didn’t have our usually amount of energy.Instead of giving up on touring we took a Pedicab — Boston’s version of a rickshaw. A nice college student, who was able to talk hockey with my son, while pedaling us through the North End. We even got to hop out at a fabulous market, Salumeria while he waited. In addition to the general rides they offer, Pedicabs also offer city tours.
Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings
4. Boston Commons (an animal adventure!): We had our own experience with Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings. Growing up in Boston, my kids have always heard the story Make Way for the Ducklings. This visit, my son walked down towards the water and out pops mother duck and her ducklings. It was so cute and the highlight of his trip. Next we found a little squirrel enjoying a Boston favorite – Ice Cream (Cold Stones, no less). Hay, even squirrels need a treat!
The Boston Common squirrel needed a treat too
5. Charles Street: This charming street is chalked full of great shops and old Boston charm. We always love Pixie Stix, a “tween” boutique, The Red Wagon for kids clothes, Black Ink for fun games and knic knacs, Beacon Hill Chocolates for gourmet chocolates and beautiful gift boxes, De’Luca’s Market for cheese and picnic supplies.
Given that it’s summer and my kids need to keep up their writing, I thought I would ask my son to write about our trip. I’ll save you from the details, but the concluding sentence read, “Although all those things were fun, my most favorite thing was just being able to hang out with my mom.” Awwww.
Check out more Photo Friday posts on Delicious Baby.
Relevant Links:
Boston with kids – Summer activities
Boston with kids – top attractions
Ciao Bambino recommended Boston family hotels
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We will be in Boston in Summer of 2010 – bookmarking this list – thanks 🙂
I love that you found new and exciting things to do in your own home town. What special time for you and Max!
How great that you found some cool things to do with your son in Boston without breaking the bank!
We’re big fans of quick overnight trips…it’s just a nice way to break your routine and even a one-night trip can be an adventure.
I love Make Way for Ducklings! Did you see the statues of the ducklings?
WHAT fun! that pedicab ride seems super fun. and the animals – i remember that aspect of boston, too!
I agree it’s fun to spend time with just one child rather than in a frazzle just trying to please everyone.
I like the sound of that Pedicab – they seem to spring up everywhere and we took one in Berlin. I realised that they’re great with children as they save the weary legs and you see a lot in a short space of time.
http://www.heatheronhertravels.com/a-postcard-from-berlin/
My brother is actually visiting me right now from boston and he just loves to live there!!! Everytime we talk about it, he begs me to go and stay with him and names off all the stuff you just said:)
Looks like you captured the perfect family outing on film! I really enjoyed reading about your adventures. I agree that one on one time with one child can really be extraordinary. Blogged about it this week in fact 🙂
Good for you being able to take time like that with one child – I find it hard enough with only two, I can’t imagine what it’s like with four! (OK, with 6 siblings, yes I can – all too easily – and it’s not pretty!)
Anyway, thanks for the photos and for sharing the information about your trip 🙂
Cheese and Chocolate!!! And ducklings plus your son loved just being with you. A perfect trip.
Awww.. The writing from your son made it all worth everything. 🙂 So nice!
What a lovely looking trip. I’m a little bit jealous 😉
Four kids, wow! I think spending time away with each of them individually is a great idea, not just for you but for them as well.