Boston with a 3-year-old?

[Anonymous]

We'll be staying in Acton, and have 2 free days. One day we'll be in Acton, going to the Discovery museum, and just hanging out.
Wondering if we should head into the city the second day, or spend it south of Boston, visiting a friend near Plymouth, going to a beach, etc.
If we stay near Acton for day 2, any recommendations of what to do? Any nice little towns to spend time in? (playgrounds, parks, etc.)
Any swimming areas near there? (I have heard Walden Pond is sort of gross.)
If we go into Boston, what would be good for a 3-year-old?
I'm thinking maybe Boston Common, Public Garden (swan boats), Fanueil Hall? Thanks for ideas.
Thinking maybe we should come up with 2 plans, one for good weather and one for a rainy day.

[Anonymous]

If the weather's nice, go to the beach -- though be prepared for traffic, especially if it's a weekend. If it's rainy, go into Boston/Cambridge and do the aquarium or the Museum of Science. Rain or shine, the Public Garden is worth a visit for any fans of "Make Way for Ducklings". My children loved that book and got a kick out of the Swan Boats and the statue of mother duck with her ducklings waddling along behind her. Another fun thing to do in fair weather: rent a bike with a bike seat and go for a ride on the path along the river -- great people watching.

[Anonymous]

O(f course I meant to say "great people-watching", not that there are wonderful spectators observing your ride!

[Anonymous]

Wingaershek Beach in Gloucester. Best kid's beach ever. It'll probably take you an hour to get there from Acton. Parking is about $25 but worth every penny. You can then go to the Clam shack in Ipswich or somewhere in Essex to eat1

[Anonymous]

Crane Beach in Essex is better than Wingaersheek. Then go to Woodman's (fried clams and lobster) for lunch.

Whatever you do, don't stay in Acton. It is a mind numbingly boring suburb.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the weather's nice, go to the beach -- though be prepared for traffic, especially if it's a weekend. If it's rainy, go into Boston/Cambridge and do the aquarium or the Museum of Science. Rain or shine, the Public Garden is worth a visit for any fans of "Make Way for Ducklings". My children loved that book and got a kick out of the Swan Boats and the statue of mother duck with her ducklings waddling along behind her. Another fun thing to do in fair weather: rent a bike with a bike seat and go for a ride on the path along the river -- great people watching.

And the Frog Pond has a big spray fountain so bring a bathing suit for your little one. There's a big playground too.

[Anonymous]

Crane's is amazing. The city is amazing. Proximity to everything is amazing. People are amazing. We want to retire there, but probably can't afford to The traffic there (unlike some places) is totally worth it, OP. And it really is not nearly as bad as some areas. D.C. comes to mind. Jealous, OP!

[Anonymous]

If you go into Boston, there is a nice children's museum, near water and probably walking distance from South Station...Riding the T might be a adventure in itself for a 3-year old. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Agree with Childrens' Museum suggestion. For most 3 year olds that would be hands down winner over Science Museum. If it rains, that is a no brainer to go there. If it's a gorgeous beach day and your kid enjoys the beach, then beach.

Baltimore Aquarium is better than Boston's, so would not recommend that if you just have 1 day.

Water Taxis leave from pier near Aquarium (and not so far from childrens' museum) and you can take a pretty cheap boat ride into the harbor that way if your child likes to look at boats.

If your child is familiar with the Make Way for Duckling story (or go buy it) then Swan Boats and duckling statues also fun.

It would be a long day but you could tack harbor boat ride and/or Swan Boats on same day as Childrens' Museum.