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Adventures Out
Take a Walk!
For a different point of view and a low-cost adventure, plan a family walk in an urban area. You won’t have to battle the traffic, you’ll have time to talk with your kids, and there are so many things to see once you’re out and about. Plus, it’s always fun to stop for a special cookie or ice cream along the way.
Boston
Boston has the self-guided Irish Heritage Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, and the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail. But by far the most popular and most famous walk in Boston is the Freedom Trail, marked by a 2.5-mile red-painted line that stretches from Boston Common to Bunker Hill Monument in neighboring Charlestown. It weaves past 16 official sites, including Paul Revere’s House and the U.S.S. Constitution ("Old Ironsides"). Admission fees are collected at some of the sites.
Walk part or all of the Freedom Trail yourselves, or – since the trail is within Boston National Historic Park – join a free 90-minute walking tour led by a National Park Service (NPS) ranger. The tour begins at the NPS Visitor Center at 15 State St., next to the Old State House. Before the tour, pick up the Junior Ranger Handbook so that your children can complete the activities inside and get the booklet stamped at each trail location in order to receive a Junior Ranger badge.
Boston by Foot offers a one-hour Boston by Little Feet tour of the Freedom Trail designed especially for ages 6 to 12. Tour guides point out landmarks such as Shem’s grasshopper, the Democratic donkey, the royal lion and unicorn, and Benjamin Franklin flying a kite.
Concord and Lexington
Follow the local history of the American Revolution with a trip to Minute Man National Historical Park. Walk part or all of the 5.5-mile Battle Road Trail, which goes from Meriam Corner in Concord to Fiske Hill in neighboring Lexington. NPS rangers offer guided walks, talks, and multimedia presentations. Besides military skirmishes, Concord and Lexington have rich cultural, literary, and natural places to explore. Contact Concord Guides Walking Tours to create a tour tailored to the interests and ages of your group.
Plymouth
Join a costumed Pilgrim guide for a Colonial Lantern Tour of Plymouth. On this 90-minute evening stroll, you’ll learn about the Native Americans and Pilgrims, with stops at the statues and monuments in the historic district. You’ll discover how Plymouth Rock became a national monument, where the site of the original Pilgrim village was, and how the Pilgrims survived in America’s oldest permanent colony.
Salem
Find your own way along the three mile, red-painted Salem Heritage Trail, which connects a number of historic sites along the city’s waterfront. Pick up a map and begin at the Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty St., in the center of town. Or, meet up with the Histrionic Academy’s tour guides to learn about the city’s founding in 1626, the notorious witch trials of 1692, and Salem’s golden age of sail. During the 90-minute tour, you’ll see 17th century houses, Salem’s first church, Old Burying Point, the Salem Witch Memorial, the Paul Revere bell, the Old Custom House, and historic Derby Wharf. The tour is less than a mile long.
More Walks
Besides the tours listed above, check out these companies who offer walking tours for a wide range of ages and interests.
Lessons on Liberty: Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tours
North End Cultural Heritage Walking Tour, Boston
Historic Charlestown Town Tours
Unofficial Tours: the Ultimate Harvard Experience
(BPP, 5/09)
Before your next night on the town, visit Restaurant.com
for big savings at local eateries.
Bypass theater ticket lines. Buy movie tickets in advance at Fandango.com. Read reviews and find showtimes for any movie in the U.S.
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