Winter Day in Boston

Boston is a great city for families every season, but in winter it’s sometimes hard finding things to do that will take up an entire day.  There needs to be a good mix of indoor activities along with some outdoor play.  Here is an itinerary for a great winter day in Boston:

FIND A PLACE TO PARK:

If you are coming into Boston by car, the first thing you’ll want to do is find a parking garage. Since our first stop is the New England Aquarium I would park in the Boston Harbor Garage, located right next door.  Although it is the closest place to park, there are cheaper options.  You can look on the aquarium website for a list of other parking garages.

FIRST STOP… NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM:

This beautiful aquarium, although a bit expensive, is a hit for kids and adults.  Everyone will enjoy the large variety of adorable penguins, sea turtles, jellyfish, lions and more.  Make sure to use the touch tank to get some up-close action. 

Before you leave, you may want to see an IMAX movie.  They have great 3D shows that make you feel like you are submersed in the deep sea.  Shows right now include: Galapagos 3D, Humpback Whales 3D, and Secret Ocean 3D.

Aquarium Admission: Adults $26.95, Children (3-11) $19.95, Seniors $24.96

IMAX Admission: Adults $9.95, Kids (3-11) $7.95.  They also have combo tickets that includes the aquarium.

Winter Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday & Sunday 9-6.

Located at: 1 Central Wharf, Boston

To read my full review of the New England Aquarium click HERE!

TIME FOR LUNCH…UNION OYSTER HOUSE:

A short walk will lead you to the Union Oyster House, which is America’s oldest restaurant.  The building itself is a piece of history since it dates back to Pre-Revolutionary days.  It is located on the Freedom Trail and has been serving food since 1826.  The brick building has such charm that you will quickly settle in on a cold winter day.  The one thing you must try here is the Oyster House clam chowder.  There is nothing better than this New England treat.  Of course you’ll also have to try their oysters. (Big surprise!) Their cold seafood sampler includes shucked oysters, cherrystones, and shrimp. 

Located at: 41 Union Street, Boston

NEXT STOP…GET ON THE ICE:

Although there are several places in Boston to ice skate outdoors, I find that some of them get crowded.  We like to skate under the rotunda at the Boston Harbor Hotel.  From this rink you can get an amazing water view as well as a city view.  Since it is covered, it is perfect for rainy or snowy days. 

Admission: Adults $10, Kids $5        Skate rental: Adults $10, Kids $8

Hours: Monday-Thursday 3-8, Friday 3-9, Saturday 10-9, Sunday 10-8

Located at: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston

NEXT STOP…HOT CHOCOLATE AND SHOPPING:

Walk over to beautiful Faneuil Hall Marketplace and warm up with a nice hot chocolate.  (It may also be time for a cocktail for the grownups).  After you have warmed up, walk around Faneuil and look into all the cute shops and kiosks.  You can find something here for everyone.  On weekends you may see some great performers.  Make sure you tip them because they work hard.

IF IT HAS ALREADY GOTTEN DARK THEN YOU NEED TO STOP HERE…

Walk on over to Christopher Columbus Park.  During winter they decorate the arbors with beautiful lights.  My girls love running under them and I love them because it is a beautiful photo opp.  Suddenly you will notice the lights of the city above you and the fresh winter air.  Take a moment to let it all set in before heading over to the waterfront for dinner.

LAST STOP… DINNER…CHART HOUSE:

Walk back over to the Long Wharf for this charming restaurant.  Again, the building is beautiful and historic since it is Long Wharf’s oldest structure.  The view of the harbor is lovely and the service is wonderful.  At times it can take a while for your food to come, so you may want to bring some quiet activities for the kids to pass the time.  For an appetizer, their Wicked Tuna is amazing.  For a main course you can choose from a selection of fresh fish (such as Mahi, swordfish, salmon, and bass) and pair it with the topping of your choice.  Toppings are delicious choices such as Cabell (lobster, crab, lemon shallot butter), Baja (shrimp, avocado, corn salsa), and Veracruz (vegetables, olives, and capers).

HEAD HOME:

Walk across the wharf to your car with your happy exhausted kids and head home.  There is a good chance they will be asleep before you get out of the parking garage.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO BOSTON IN WINTER? 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO THERE?