Welcome to the very first episode of Adventures with Kids! In this debut episode, we’re diving into a fun-filled, memory-making trip to Boston. I talk about where we stayed, how we got around the city without a car, and some of the places that made the trip especially fun for all of us like neighborhood playgrounds, bookstores, kid and foodie-parent-friendly restaurants, and even a surprise kitten rescue.
Along the way, I touch on how we kept costs down, how to stay flexible during travel days, and what helped the trip feel fun rather than stressful. I hope this episode gives you a few ideas, and the confidence, to plan your own family adventure, wherever you’re headed next.
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Episode Resources & Links
Hotels
- Courtyard Boston Brookline – Located in Coolidge Corner with easy access to the Green Line and a great base for family travel
- The Arcadian Hotel Brookline – Another option nearby that can accommodate families of 5 and includes breakfast
Restaurants
- JP Licks – Local favorite for ice cream
- Tatte Bakery & Café – Israeli/French-inspired breakfast and pastries, now with multiple locations across the East Coast
- Cafe Landwer – Israeli café with kid-friendly options and hearty breakfasts
- Maguro Sushi – Sushi and Thai food with something for everyone
- Wagamama – Faneuil Hall – Laid-back Japanese restaurant with long shared tables and great noodles
- Trident Booksellers & Cafe - Perfect combination: cafe & bookstore on Newbury Street
- Mike’s Pastry – Famous for cannoli and rainbow cookies in the North End
- Modern Pastry – Another popular North End spot for classic Italian pastries
- Pavement Coffeehouse – Coffee & expertly-made bagels, perfect for a travel-day breakfast
To Explore
- Boston Public Garden – Home of the Swan Boats and "Make Way for Ducklings" statue; great picnic spot
- Fenway Park – Home of the Red Sox; stop by for a photo or take a tour
- Newbury Street – Brownstones, boutiques, bookstores, and great people-watching
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Historic site with shops, restaurants, street performers, and a lively atmosphere
- Brookline Booksmith - A favorite independent bookstore in Coolidge Corner
- Freedom Trail – A 2.5-mile walking route through Boston's most historic sites. Great for older kids and history lovers
- Boston Duck Tours – Amphibious tours that blend history with fun as you explore Boston by land and water
- Boston Pops / Boston Symphony Orchestra – Check the schedule for family-friendly and seasonal concerts with Boston’s beloved orchestra
- The T (MBTA) – Boston’s subway system; affordable and convenient for family travel
Museums
- Boston Children’s Museum – Hands-on exhibits including the Japanese House and climbing structure
- Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library – Walk-through stained glass globe and whispering gallery
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Art collection with unique history
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – Extensive collections and a great destination for older kids
- Harvard's many museums - A variety of topics spanning art, natural history, and ancient human history
- USS Constitution & Museum – Visit “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, and explore hands-on maritime exhibits
Playgrounds
- Clarendon Street Playground – Recently renovated compact playground with equipment for all ages off of Newbury Street
- Martin’s Park – Creative and inclusive playground near the Children’s Museum
- City Hall Plaza / Government Center Playground – Features inventive water play, slides built into hills, and unique climbing structures
- Cambridge Universal Playground - Wonderland designed to be accessible for all. Take the bus from Harvard Square or walk
Gear
- Packable Picnic Blanket - This folds up small enough to fit in any small daypack and allows us to have a spontaneous picnic
- Favorite Double Stroller - This tri-fold stroller perfectly balances durability (hello, cobblestone streets!) and size. It fits through doorways, isn't crazy heavy, and folds down to a manageable size. It also has a high weight limit of 45 lb per seat so even older kids can rest their feet.
- Marriot Bonvoy Boundless Card - This is the card we opened to get free hotel nights. Promos change over time so see which card best fits your travel plans.
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