North End/Waterfront
You'll trip over history as well as cobblestones in the Quincy Market area. First visit Faneuil Hall, where Samuel Adams spoke more than 200 years ago about uniting against the British, and where you can now sip a Sam Adams as the kids tuck into slices from the food court's Pizzeria Regina (yes, it's touristy, but kids love it). Bustle through the maze of booths and pushcart vendors in the old Haymarket; steps away is the North End, the Italian neighborhood that grew up around Paul Revere's modest wooden house. From there, it's a quick trip to the waterfront and Christopher Columbus Park, which borders the HarborWalk, a 37-mile waterside promenade that brings you to the Boston Children's Museum. Enjoy a rest while the kids attack the three-story climbing structure.
Restaurants
Mike's Pastry
Refuel on cannoli, sfogliatelle (lobster tail–shaped pastries with cream filling), and cappuccinos at this 40-year-old neighborhood fixture. 300 Hanover St., (617) 742-3050
The Barking Crab RestaurantThis waterfront shack serves super-fresh mussels and crabs with piles of steaming garlic bread. 88 Sleeper St., (617) 426-2722
Shops
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
If you're walking the Freedom Trail (a DIY tour of Revolutionary sites) with your kids, keep pint-size rebellion in check at this brick mall and open-air food court, built around four colonial-era buildings. (617) 523-1300
Activities
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
This park has a new playground, a sandbox, and a rose garden; tiny boating enthusiasts can watch tugboats and yachts dock in Boston Harbor. Atlantic Ave.;, (617) 635-4505
New England AquariumIts four-story, 250,000-gallon ocean tank houses sharks, sea turtles, and a rainbow of fish. Central Wharf, (617) 973-5200
Boston Children's MuseumThis green-designed museum coined the term "hands-on"; kids will love the Big Dig–inspired Construction Zone. 300 Congress St., (617) 426-8855
The Institute of Contemporary ArtThe 25-foot glass-and-metal gallery walls cantilever to the water's edge; sit in the café for great views of the harbor. Free for families on the last Saturday of each month. 100 Northern Ave., (617) 478-3100; closed Mondays
