Though in need of renovations, the New England Aquarium is still a fun place to take the little bro. Stroll up and around the 3-story central tank, which holds about 700 fish and 200,000 gallons of water. Favorites such as the penguin play pool, staff tank-dives, and human-animal “interviews” will keep all ages entertained for hours on end. Popular whale watch cruises run mid-Apr.-Oct. ($29, college students and seniors $26, children 12-18 $23; reservations strongly recommended). On view until April 2006, the “Amazing Jellies” exhibit offers an exotic selection of over a thousand jellyfish. Best viewing is in the morning and late afternoon, when the crowd tends to be thinner. Admission $16, students and seniors $14, ages 3-11 $9, under 3 free. IMAX tickets $9. All tickets available for purchase online. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Reef is an outdoor waterfront bar and restaurant located at New England Aquarium Plaza on Central Wharf.

The main fountain on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is fantastic. It is near the Aquarium and easily accessible from State Street (use the State Street stop and walk all the way down State till you hit Causeway and Atlantic). The trees there are too young to provide much shade, but the fountain is really pretty and fun. If you've got a sleeper in the stroller, you can also have a nice walk home along the Greenway.

Conveniently located next to the New England Aquarium, the Boston Marriott Long Wharf offers families more reasonable rates than the neighboring Boston Harbor Hotel. The Marriott Long Wharf does not offer family packages, but the amnenities included with your stay are appealing. Guests have use of the Health Club and Indoor Pool. Kids who'd like to take a sightseeing break can tune into the Disney channel and Nickelodeon. When thinking about possible accomodations, consider the hotel's proximity to Faneuil Hall and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Boston Harbor Cruises, and Christopher Columbus Park. How 'bout that for location! If the location doesn't sway you, the service may. Bellhops have been known to delight children with impromptu magic tricks in the lobby. Public restroom: Go up the escalator, take a right go as far as you can without going into the restaurant, take another right and there you are.

This Financial District toy shop carries legos, and extra points for the Hello Kitty items. An all around great toy store for the family.

Situated in Faneuil Hall, this toy mecca is a fun place to escape for kids (or adults) of all ages.

Sprinkle's features 20+ flavors of ice cream and a dozen or so different flavors of fudge, plus assorted other sweets. Be warned, there usually is a line, but it moves fast and the ice cream is worth the wait. Not too expensive, a perfect place to drop in and get a cone with the kids (or without!) when you are in Quincy Market. Note: this used to be called Steve's Ice Cream.

The 230 rooms in this chic waterfront hotel are “decorated to reflect Historic Boston,” though the prices seem to reflect inflation levels from the future. The hotel boasts a 60 ft. pool, sauna, jacuzzi, day spa, health club, a seasonal outdoor café (The Intrigue Café), an award winning restaurant The Meritage, and a business center—everything you need to get away in complete luxury. Doubles range from $250-$600+, while suites start at $600 and can run up to $1600 (higher rates during Commencement). Rooms include high speed internet access, and to ensure you're getting your money's worth, a complimentary shoe shine. Reserve at least 1 month in advance for May-Oct.; no later than Jan. for Commencement. Parking available (Su-Th $34 valet, $30 self; F-Sa $25/$20). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon available through Marathon Tours and Travel. For information on their Summer Events visit the schedule on Boston Harbor Hotel Summer in the City Leventhal Map Collection: The Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor map collection in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel is just a sample of one of the world’s most comprehensive collection of maps of the Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. The collection shows exploration, development, and changes along the Boston waterfront and New England coast from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century. The rest of the Leventhal collection is on display at the main branch of the Boston Public Library at Copley Square. Public restroom: Upstairs near the dining room.

While the origin of Durgin-Park goes back to Revolutionary days, the era of fame for its chowders, Indian puddings, apple pan dowdy, johnny cake, and New England boiled dinners started some 130 years ago when John Durgin, in partnership with Eldridge Park, a livery man, and John G. Chandler, a dry goods merchant, took over. There's something homey even though it is in the middle of 1000 tourists. The food is 100% New England comfort food.

Cafe Fleuri, one of the Langham's restaurants, offers a children's menu during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cafe also offers a pregnancy menu for expecting moms, with items such as a Preggy Pizza, a safe Caesar Salad, and a healthy yogurt sorbet banana split. The hotel also features a Saturday Chocolate Bar and Sunday Jazz Brunch.