Boston Memorial Day Weekend

My family will be visiting Boston this Memorial Day weekend. My four children range in age from 8 to adult. We will be going whale watching and to Plymouth Plantation. Does anyone have an opinion on whether we should take a whale watching excursion from Plymouth or with the New England Aquarium? Also, if we go with the New England Aquarium, does anyone familiar with the area know if there are any nearby coffee shops by the aquarium where we could grab a quick breakfast as we need to be by the boat no later than 9:30AM? Also, any suggestion for sights or attractions, especially for our youngest? Also, we are looking for good family restaurants that won%26#39;t break the bank. Thanks.

Boston Memorial Day Weekend

All the whales watches end up going to the same area, but I always feel that you%26#39;re likely to learn more about whales going with the Aquarium. There are no coffee shops right by the aquarium, but there is, of course, a Dunkin Donuts on the other side of the Aquarium parking garage. There is Panera Bread a short distance to the left and across Atlantic Avenue.Quincy Market is only a 5 minute walk from there and there are always vendors selling breakfast items. Or Anthony%26#39;s a North End local breakfast place, is about a 10 minute walk the other way on Atlantic Avenue.

Your 8 year old (and you) will like Old Ironsides and you can take a ferry there right next to the Aquarium. The Science Museum. The Aquarium itself. A tour of Fenway Park.

AlanM

Boston Memorial Day Weekend

Bundle up for the whale watch, whichever one you take. Even if it%26#39;s nice out on the shore, bring windbreakers/sweatshirts just in case.

If you%26#39;re really in a rush, there%26#39;s a Dunkin Donuts around the corner from the Aquarium, but there are more elaborate (and better) food choices across the street in Faneuil Hall.

The kids will love the Children%26#39;s Museum.

My cousin was recently in town and we did the tourist thing with her and we all ate at the Purple Shamrock, on the other side of Faneuil Hall and it was pretty affordable and family friendly. Most of us got 9- hamburgers...decent atmosphere, etc. We took up a booth for a long time talking and they didn%26#39;t rush us. I was grateful. She and her family also enjoyed the Faneuil Hall foodcourt (which I don%26#39;t like because it%26#39;s so noisy). It%26#39;s relatively cheap and offers a lot of variety.

Hi,

There%26#39;s a couple events worth definitely taking the kids to this Labor Day weekend. They are both alot of fun for the adults too. The first one is the 15th. annual WBOS Earthfest. This is a FREE event being held at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. It%26#39;s an all weekend type event but most go on Saturday for the music. Past performers include James Blunt, KT Tunstall, Guster, etc. They haven%26#39;t yet released this years main attractions but there%26#39;s also plenty of up and coming performers. There is also a kids stage set up with groups like Girls Authority and many many others. In addition to the musical acts, there are tons of food vendors, exhibits focosing on the Earth, face painting, etc. The second event is the Memorial Day weekend street performers festival at Fanueil Hall. I haven%26#39;t been to this event but I%26#39;ve seen PLENTY of street performers at Fanueil and most of them are just amazing. I would assume there will be quite a few of them there from around the country.

Not sure how much the kids will enjoy this but the Museum of Fine Arts has an open house Memorial Day weekend. Free admission with different activities planned.

Also, don%26#39;t forget about Memorial Day itself on Monday. Boston%26#39;s is held at Veterans Memorial Park on the Fenway beginning around 11am. If your in Plymouth, they have a parade followed by services. It kicks off from Shirley Square around 9am.

At the Museum of Fine Arts the Egyptian mummies exhibit is always popular with kids. But I think that a visit to the USS Constitution, Aquarium would be more fun for kids. The ferry ride to the Constitution from the Aquarium is a great suggestion.

Thank you all so much. We are looking forward to seeing Boston. It has been many years since we have visited. One more question, any nice family restaurants you would recommend for dinner????

Oops, I meant Memorial Day weekend for the Earthfest.

You have a great 5 story children museum not to far from the water front...the Aquarium.

Yes, there are places right across the street that serves quick breakfast in the morning and of course there is always Star Bucks and Dunkin Donuts...the place is called Quincy Market...it basically has 50 restaurant concession stands.

The USS Constitustion Museum is free and they have a floor dedicated to children, the ship is free as is the USS Cassen Young.

If you like sea food...the No Name is a great place to eat and it is cheap! There are some great food and cheap food in the North End...little italy.

You have the Swan Boats and a few others as I have one little girl.

Best luck to you!

By they way...I am a tour guide so please feel free to ask anytime!

chap balm