3-Days in Boston with Teens who love History

Question

We (family of 4; two kids ages 17 and 12) are traveling to Boston from L.A. July 19 - July 22 before heading down to Wood Hole to drop my son off for a three week Oceanography course. It's been awhile since we've been in Boston. We have a college campus tour scheduled for MIT on Friday at 10 AM but are otherwise free. Would love your thoughts on where to stay (thinking Double Tree near Cambridge) and the "do not miss" activities we can pack into three days after MIT.

Couple of things on my radar...

Harvard/MIT

Harvard Square

Tour of the Freedom Trail

Paul Revere's House

JFK museum

Would love museum and restaurant recommedations. At least one seafood restaurant. Thanks!

Answer

Staying near Cambridge, such as at the DoubleTree by Hilton near MIT, is a convenient choice for your schedule. It places you close to both MIT and Harvard, and provides easy access to Boston via the Red Line subway. The location also gives your teens a chance to experience the vibrant college-town atmosphere of Cambridge.

Here’s a suggested itinerary and activities for your three days in Boston after your MIT visit:

Harvard & Harvard Square: After your MIT tour, walk or take a short ride to Harvard Square. Explore the campus, Harvard Yard, and the surrounding shops and cafes. A guided walking tour can provide historical context for the teens.
Freedom Trail: Dedicate a half-day to walking part of the Freedom Trail. Start at Boston Common and continue toward Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, and the North End. You can choose a full guided tour or a self-guided version depending on energy levels.
Paul Revere’s House & North End: After touring Paul Revere’s House, spend some time in the North End sampling pastries at famous bakeries like Mike’s Pastry. It’s both a historical and culinary experience.

Museums and educational stops to consider:

JFK Library and Museum: A must-see for history enthusiasts, providing an engaging overview of the JFK era with interactive exhibits.
Museum of Science: Great for teens with hands-on exhibits, especially if they enjoy STEM topics; easily accessible from Cambridge.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: Interactive history experience that’s engaging for teens and adults alike.

Seafood and dining options:

Neptune Oyster (North End): Excellent for fresh oysters and classic New England seafood dishes.
Legal Sea Foods: Multiple locations, known for consistent quality and kid-friendly options.
Union Oyster House: Historic venue near the Freedom Trail offering both traditional seafood and a sense of Boston history.

Additional recommendations:

Consider a harbor cruise or whale-watching tour if the teens enjoy being on the water; it’s both relaxing and educational.
Walk along the Charles River Esplanade for a scenic, low-key afternoon. Great for pictures, stretching your legs, and enjoying the skyline.
Use the T (subway) to get around efficiently between Cambridge and downtown Boston, saving walking time while still seeing the city.

With three days, this itinerary allows a mix of college campus experiences, iconic Boston history, interactive museums, and classic seafood dining without feeling rushed. Prioritize the Freedom Trail and JFK Museum for history, and let your teens choose a secondary museum or activity to personalize the experience.

3-Days in Boston with Teens who love History

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