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Revolutionary Fun in Boston
Get Brainy in Boston, Massachusetts
By Maria T. Olia
Buy the paperback version of the Caldecott-winning picture book Make Way For Ducklings at the Swan Boat ticket booth, find a bench and read to your own brood the story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their ducklings making a home in the Public Garden. Marvel at how relatively unchanged much of Boston is since McCloskey's 1930 renderings. Check out the bronze sculptures of Mrs. Mallard, Jack, Kack and Mack near the Beacon and Charles Streets entrance to the park.
Pop into the Ritz-Carlton across the street from the Public Garden at 15 Arlington St. for afternoon tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Attire is "casually elegant" in the Lounge – no jeans or shorts, collared shirts for men. There's even a special kid's tea with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (no crusts!).
For your own extraordinary progeny, a stroll among the ivy-covered brick buildings of Harvard Yard in Cambridge may inspire academic greatness – or not. Preteens and teens may think touching the shiny left toe of John Harvard is corny. But hanging out in Harvard Square still defines urban cool. In the evening as the shops close, street entertainers – musicians, magicians and mimes – take over.
Where to EatFor a global food experience try Fire and Ice located at 205 Berkely St. in Boston and 50 Church St. in Cambridge. Choose raw food ingredients from among various market "stations" – every kind of vegetable, noodle and meat (chicken, turkey, sirloin, tofu or various seafood), and then pick among 10 different sauces like teriyaki or fajita. Bring your bowl to the giant open grill and watch the chef cook it up. Fresh tortillas and rice are delivered to your table. There's also a hamburger bar and a salad station.