• Visitors will find a variety of things to do for children in Boston.painting image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
  
  The city of Boston is the largest city and the state capital of Massachusetts. Boston's nicknames include "Beantown," "the Athens of America" and "the Hub," because of its influence in political, cultural and intellectual matters, according to the Vacations Made Easy website. Tourists attractions include the Swan Boats and the Boston Ballet. The city has an array of fun things to do with children too.
  
  

New England Aquarium

• The New England Aquarium, founded in 1969, is home to more than 15,000 fish and aquatic mammals. The center of attraction in this aquarium is the 200,000-gallon ocean tank which is four stories tall and has a spiral staircase wrapped around it. The tank is a replica of a coral reef, and scuba divers feed the sharks in the tank twice a day. Some animals guests will see at the aquarium are a giant Pacific octopus, sand tiger shark, northern fur seal, African penguins, sea turtles and stingrays. Children will enjoy the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank where they can touch a sea star, hold a hermit crab and meet a lobster. The IMAX Theater is another popular attraction in the aquarium for children. The screen is 65 feet by 85 feet and is taller than a six-story building.
  
  New England Aquarium
  1 Central Wharf
  Boston, MA 02110
  617-973-5200
  neaq.org
  
  

Boston Children's Museum

• The Boston Children's Museum is a hands-on learning experience for children that has existed for more than 90 years. Exhibits include the Art Studio, Construction Zone, New Balance Climb and the Kid Stage. In the Art Studio, children can paint, color and make art. The Construction Zone has a real Bobcat (construction tractor) kids can ride on and use to dig, build and tear down blocks. The New Balance Climb is a three-story climbing structure where children can use their problem solving and motor skills.
  
  Boston Children's Museum
  308 Congress St.
  Boston, MA 02210
  617-426-6500
  bostonchildrensmuseum.org
  
  

Franklin Park Zoo

• The 72-acre Franklin Park Zoo was founded in 1913. The zoo features a zoo camp for children ages 6 to 13, family overnight sleepovers and a kids' corner. The family sleepover includes a behind-the-scenes tour, zookeeper presentations, a light evening snack and breakfast. Franklin Park zoo also has a gift shop, restaurants and concession stands.
  
  Franklin Park Zoo
  One Franklin Park Road
  Boston, MA 02121
  617-541-5466
  zoonewengland.org