Cambridge
Though it's separated from Boston only by the Charles River, this university town has its own distinct vibe. Old-fashioned, tweed-coat liberalism is alive and well on the kiosk-filled corners; the sidewalks spill over with jugglers, dancers, and singers giving impromptu performances; and the coffeehouses make professors and kids with piercings feel equally at home. Start at Harvard Square, the buzzing urban space that borders the school's famous yard; then pop in and out of the shops along Brattle Street. Make sure to point out the still-operating Brattle Theater—and show your kids what movie theaters looked like before the days of the multiplex. Afterward, walk down Massachusetts Avenue to the MIT Museum, beloved by locals for its smart, hands-on exhibits, which include holograms, kinetic light sculptures, and large Lego structures.
Restaurants
Hi-Rise Bread Company
A tribute to all things seasonal and homemade: Go for freshly made fruit preserves and scones, organic greens and egg sandwiches, and the in-house "Oreos"—dark chocolate slabs with cream filling. 208 Concord Ave,; (617) 492-3003
Mr. Bartley's Burger CottageFamous for thick, juicy burgers; tall glasses of lemonade; and raspberry-lime rickeys, this 47-year-old institution teems with professors, local teens, and families. 1246 Massachusetts Ave., (617) 354-6559; closed Sundays
Shops
Barefoot Books
A sunny independent bookstore that hosts story times on Friday and Saturday mornings. 1771 Massachusetts Ave., (617) 349-1610
Henry Bear's ParkAt this hands-on toy store, kids can dress in gladiator costumes and doctor's scrubs while parents shop for Brio trains and hard-to-find Lincoln Log sets. 361 Huron Ave., (617) 547-8424
Cross StoreChrome-plated pens from the 161-year-old company, as well as buttery leather totes and upmarket school supplies. 0 Brattle St., (617) 868-7020
Activities
Memorial Drive
This grassy riverside promenade is perfect for tag, petting golden retrievers, and watching the crew teams race by. Kids will dig the large fountain and flower garden in JFK Park.
Harvard Museum of Natural HistoryFeel like Darwin at this old-school zoological and botanical museum, home to the fascinating Ware collection of glass flowers, an insect room, and dinosaur exhibits. On Saturday and Sunday mornings kids can enjoy nature story time. 26 Oxford St., (617) 495-3045
Next Page: Boston Guide: North End/Waterfront
