Hotels

Downtown

A block away from Boston Common, it is super-chic and just as friendly toward pets as toward children. From $250 a night, 90 Tremont St., (617) 772-5800

Cambridge

Stay within walking distance of everything in Cambridge, and take advantage of the free bicycle and canoe rentals. From $209 a night, 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., (617) 868-8000

North End and Waterfront

Set on the harbor rather than right downtown, it has fantastic extras for families, and kids will love watching the boats come and go. From $430 a night, 70 Rowes Wharf, (617) 439-7000

More Restaurants

Back Bay and South End

Boston's most famous chefs have collaborated to create a gourmet yet accessible menu, including sandwiches with names like the Elephant Walking on Eggs (veggies with goat cheese and eggs) and the Regal Regis (marinated flank steak and Portobello mushrooms on Parmesan-crusted French bread), as well as salads and appetizers. 361 Boylston St., (617) 247-4777

While it might be worth hiring a babysitter for dinner at L'Espalier, the kids might like the proper Fantasy Tea every Saturday afternoon. 30 Gloucester St., (617) 262-3023

Kid-friendly anytime, in a laid-back Provencal way, the restaurant has an extensive cheese collection, fig bread, sausage terrines, and strawberry-cream-cheese chocolate tortes. And for the grown-ups, there are the services of super sommelier Erik Johnson, the "Cork Dork." 255 State St., (617) 720-1300

Owner Evan Deluty named the restaurant for his daughter, and one has to guess that she loves fried artichokes, homemade gnocchi, and prosciutto pizza. The new pre-theater dinner is also perfect for families. 1525 Washington St., (617) 247-7747

Cambridge

Steve Herrell mixed his toppings in with his homemade ice cream decades before Cold Stone started singing for tips. Try the burnt-sugar-and-butter, the Earl Grey, or the pink grapefruit sorbet. 15 Dunster St., (617) 497-2179

Their philosophy is that parents should eat well, too—so when sisters Cary and Sarah Wheaton opened Full Moon, they made sure there were homemade tortilla chips, delicious sea scallops, and Moroccan chicken stew, along with kid-friendly quesadillas and hot dogs, which are always served with a vegetable and a fruit. 344 Huron Ave., (617) 354-6699

North End and Waterfront

Two doors down from Paul Revere's house on the Freedom Trail, this neighborhood favorite, created from owner Maurizio Badolato's lottery winnings, is the place to go for veal chops with wild mushrooms and black truffles and orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage. 190 North St., (617) 523-4480

Set in Little Italy, this place has lines that stretch around the corner (but move quickly) for Giacomo's fried calamari and create-your-own dishes from fresh ingredients written on the chalkboard. 355 Hanover St., (617) 523-9026

Services

Car Service

The eco-car service drives all hybrid vehicles—and with three different sizes of car seat available, you can feel free to leave yours at home. (888) 756-8876

Stroller Rental

Based in Boston, Babysaway will deliver strollers (single, double, or jogging), car seats, and bulky toys to your hotel room anywhere in New England. Its reasonable prices make the decision to leave these things at home a no-brainer.