Carly Follett:  The Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoo located right in the heart of downtown Boston. Take a behind the scenes tour, monkey around on the playground or help feed the giraffes a healthy snack!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Explore thousands of specimens drawn from Harvard’s vast research collections including dinosaurs, meteorites, gemstones and animals from around the globe. Be sure to check out the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 1600 pound amethyst geode and the world famous Glass Flowers exhibit.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  A guided tour of Fenway provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The MFA is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world with nearly 500,000 works of art. For a fun family activity, try the Art Connections Cards. Search for objects and images to learn interesting facts and get ideas for art-making activities!

Kelly R.:  A dazzling three-story stained glass globe showing the world as it was in 1935, experienced from the inside looking out. It's accessed as part of a tour in the "How Do You See The World?" experience at the Christian Science Plaza, and kids are free. This is a cool hidden gem to check out when you're looking for things to do with kids in the area!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Ride a WWII style amphibious landing vehicle on a tour through historic spots in Boston while your guide shares lots of little-known facts and interesting insights. Next, splashdown right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Located inside Boston's Public Garden, a ride on the Swan Boats is one of the most iconic things to do in Boston with kids. Propelled by old-fashioned pedal power, take a seat and enjoy a peaceful 15-minute cruise around the lagoon. Families familiar with the book "Make Way for Ducklings" will recognize the boats from the book and you can even visit the duck family immortalized in bronze inside the Public Garden!

Erynn:  Boston's Public Garden was the first botanical garden in America and is still an ideal spot to take a family stroll and soak in nature. Unusual plants, water features, and Swan Boats offer plenty of outdoor enjoyment. Whimsical bridges cross the small river, a duck pond attracts feathery friends, and nature lovers will appreciate tree labels that denote each variety.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  One the most peaceful areas in the city, the Charles River Esplanade is a 3 mile stretch along the banks of the Charles River. There are walking & biking paths, a couple of fun playgrounds, open space for play and picnics, and events and concerts at the Hatch Shell Oval.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  A host of science-based exhibits thrill families, including a garden walk & insect zoo, indoor lightning demonstrations and a play-based park exhibit where kids can learn about the science of motion. Dinosaur lovers won't want to miss the nearly-complete triceratops skeleton and full-size T-rex model. Kids love shows in the 4-D theater, planetarium and IMAX dome.

Amanda Banta:  The red line of the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that connects historical sites critical to Boston's role in the American Revolution. Spots on the trail include Paul Revere's house, the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common. Take a paid guided tour or walk the trail at your own pace.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Faneuil Hall Marketplace is actually four historic places in one location - Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, all set around a cobblestone promenade where jugglers, magicians and musicians entertain the passers-by. For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of Boston's residents and remains a central meeting place today for its unique array of shops, restaurants and outdoor entertainment.

Amanda Banta:  Families can learn the history of the Boston Tea Party at this unique museum experience. Attend a colonial town meeting, learn about the colonists' lives and board a full-scale replica 18th century ship to dump the tea overboard.

Tamara Klein Bowman:   With an emphasis on the power of play, and interactive exhibits - like dinosaurs - this is our kids' dream destination for a half day or day trip. From bubbles to the KidStage, to the Construction Zone and Art Studio, it's as exciting for the parents as it is for the kids. The New Balance Foundation Climb with its curves and height is a great way for kids to conquer their fears, gain confidence or just burn off some energy. My kids always want to go back to the amazing museum in Boston that has so many fun things to do.

Amanda Banta:  Families can explore the historical warship affectionately known at Old Ironsides in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Crew members of the USS Constitution will be on hand to present the ship's history. While at the Navy Yard, families also can check out the USS Constitution Museum, which operates separately from the ship.

Erynn:  The Greenway is the ultimate outdoor Boston family attraction, with nature experiences, art installations, horticulture, and carousel rides! Take a meandering walk through the greenery, visit a splash pad or natural canal installation, or take the kids for a carousel ride (year round!).

Amanda Banta:  There is much more to Paul Revere than his midnight ride to Lexington during the American Revolution and families can explore more behind the life and legacy of Boston's famous silversmith. Revere's house in the North End is a stop on the Freedom Trail, and is downtown Boston's oldest building.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  34 islands and peninsulas (some accessible by ferry) where families can explore tide pools, walk through a Civil War fort, climb a lighthouse, hike lush trails, camp, fish, picnic or swim - all a short distance from downtown Boston.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The Boston Harbor Islands offer varying terrain and magnificent scenery for hikers and walkers of all fitness levels. Peddocks Island offers great bird-watching, scenic vistas and tree-lined paths. Spectacle Island is home to the highest point in Boston Harbor, the North Drumlin. Once at the top, relax in the gazebo and don't miss the perfect photo opportunity with 360-degree views of the harbor. Worlds End in Hingham offers some of the best hikes for all abilities with a trail system that offers loops from 1-5 miles.

Carly Follett:  Animal exhibits at Boston's New England Aquarium feature thousands of aquatic creatures, including the kid-favorite penguin colony and a shark & ray touch tank. You can't miss the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, home to Caribbean coral reef creatures like sea turtles, eels and colorful fish.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   This special Charlestown playground features inclusive play equipment across rubber ground. There are roller slides, a seesaw, climbing structures, swings and a merry-go-round with room for wheelchairs, giving kids of all abilities the opportunity for play.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This land-bound island on Boston Harbor is a great place to walk and enjoy the views of the harbor and the airplanes landing and taking off at Logan. A paved loop walkway makes it a great choice for strollers, bikes or scooters and you can bring a picnic lunch or make a visit to Sullivan's for delicious lobster rolls, fried food, hot dogs and ice cream. Castle Island is also home to Fort Independence, a granite fort that provided defense for Boston during colonial and revolutionary times.