Surprising East Coast city named best for families to take Spring Break... but don't expect to get a tan
If you're looking for a family-friendly getaway this Spring Break - and want to beat the heat - look no further than Boston, which was crowned the top family getaway in the world in a study by Icelandair.
Boasting a whopping 220 budget- and family-friendly activities and a high safety score, a typical trip to Beantown will cost a family of four a little more than $2,400, the Boston Globe reported.
While Boston, which beat out No. 2 New York and No. 3 Amsterdam for the top spot, is notorious for its frigid winters, its historical sites and attractions are what keep this city on the map.
Like most major US cities, you could easily fill a week's stay (or longer) but there are some sights that stand out among the rest.
Boston's storied past comes alive along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile journey through 16 historic sites, including churches, museums, parks and even a legendary ship.
The USS Constitution, the world's oldest warship still afloat, welcomes visitors to explore its decks, with active Navy sailors on hand to answer questions.
Families can explore the legendary trail at their own pace, whether completing the full route or taking it in sections.
Key highlights include the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution. Free to walk, the trail also offers guided tours with costumed historians.
In a departure from typical expectations, a study by Icelandair has declared Boston the top family getaway
The North End is a the oldest neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Approximately one-third of Boston North End's residents are Italian or Italian Americans
Alternatively, the North End Pizza Tour combines history with delicious slices from Boston's oldest pizzerias.
Fun fact: The North End is the oldest neighborhood in Boston, and the area continues to be considered the city's 'Little Italy.'
For those with a sweet tooth, the Underground Donut Tour is a tasty way to explore the city's markets and bakeries.
Quincy Market offers the perfect refueling stop along your walk, with street performers and a variety of fresh juices and snacks from food stalls.
Older kids and teens will enjoy the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, where they'll hear eerie stories while visiting the graves of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams.
For a more relaxed way to see the city, the Boston Trolley Tour offers a hop-on-hop-off experience with guided narration.
Boston is home to exceptional interactive museums. The Boston Children's Museum encourages creativity through games, obstacle courses, and cultural exhibits.
The Museum of Science boasts more than 550 exhibits, including a life-size T-Rex and a generator that produces indoor lightning.
Take a ride on a Boston Duck Tour, where an amphibious vehicle drives through the city before splashing into the Charles River.
For a more relaxed way to see the city, the Boston Trolley Tour offers a hop-on-hop-off experience with guided narration
Pictured: The George Washington Statue in the Boston Public Garden
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases dinosaur skeletons and exotic creatures, making it a great stop for budding scientists.
Art lovers will find family-friendly exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which provides fun activities for children and an intriguing look at a famous unsolved art heist.
For a unique sightseeing experience, take a ride on a Boston Duck Tour, where an amphibious vehicle drives through the city before splashing into the Charles River. Kids may even get a chance to steer the boat.
If a traditional walking tour doesn't excite your kids, try a scavenger hunt that turns history into an interactive mystery-solving adventure.
The New England Aquarium is another must-visit, home to thousands of marine creatures, including African penguins, sea turtles and sharks.
Boston offers numerous green spaces where kids can run and play. Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, features a splash pool in summer and ice skating in winter.
The city proudly claims America's first public botanical garden: the Boston Public Garden. Opened in 1837, this Victorian-era gem boasts more than 80 plant species.
Quincy Market offers the perfect refueling stop along your walk, with street performers and a variety of fresh juices and snacks from food stalls
For an immersive history experience, the Boston Tea Party Museum lets families reenact the events of 1773, complete with costumes and a chance to throw tea into the harbor
Beyond its beautiful flora, families will love spotting the iconic 'Make Way For Ducklings' statues, the grand George Washington statue and the intriguing Ether Monument. Swan boat rides are even offered in the lagoon.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway has whimsical fountains, a carousel and food trucks, while the Charles River Esplanade boasts three playgrounds and scenic biking trails. Menino Park is an inclusive play space designed for all abilities.
Sports fans can tour Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox and the oldest active Major League Baseball stadium.
A Boston Harbor boat tour offers another way to soak in the city's waterfront views and historical landmarks.
For an immersive history experience, the Boston Tea Party Museum lets families reenact the events of 1773, complete with costumes and a chance to throw tea into the harbor.
Holograms and live actors bring the revolution to life, making it one of the most engaging historical tours in the city.
The Boston Public Library, one of the largest in the U.S., is a stunning architectural gem with murals, grand staircases, and a charming courtyard.
Young visitors can hunt for fossil shells in the marble walls or explore the first-ever children's library room.
With its rich history, hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly attractions, Boston offers experiences for every member of the family.
Whether exploring historic sites, indulging in delicious treats, or setting sail on a harbor cruise, there's something for every age and interest in this top-ranked family destination.
