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

After spending $5 million to completely renovate its 326 rooms, this Federal Reserve Building-turned-hotel maintains high standards of excellence with 2 elegant restaurants (Cafe Fleuri and the 4-star Julien), a health club, a heated indoor pool, and radios that greet guests with relaxing music as they enter their rooms. Though recently taken over by new management, not much has changed since this regal building was Le Meridien Boston. Regular rates begin at $295 and go up to $450, depending on amenities and the season; suites run $550-2000. Book Commencement at least 6 months in advance. Take advantage of the hotel's VIB Program for Very Important Babies and their families. The program ensures that families have the important necessities upon arrival, from pre-ordered baby food to unlimited Huggies to special soaps and shampoos just for babies to use of a stroller. Older siblings receive cereal boxes that are great for snacking and a book and city guide filled with puzzles, games, and coupons. The package starts at $315 per room, per night, and is valid Fri-Sun (based on availability).

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.

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

Beautifully manicured parks now welcome visitors to the Hub in this visionary urban enclave crafted within Boston's concrete jungle. After the Big Dig project moved once-elevated roadways underground, community and political leaders seized the newfound space and crafted what is called the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Designers set out to balance natural beauty and landscaped grace with the vitality of functional art. Parks are open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Highlights include a fountain in the Wharf District Parks near the Aquarium T Station and Milk Street with holes arranged in a series of eccentric circles that spew chlorinated water as well Chinatown Park with a skillfully crafted Zen garden. The Greenway spans from Chinatown Park to Dewey Square Parks to the Wharf District Parks to the North End Parks. Click HERE to take an online tour of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Why not honor your mother by making her a permanent part of Boston history? Organizers at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Mothers' Walk are offering 6" x 6" pavers as a way to honor your mom. The $500 gift allows you to immortalize your mother's name, an official certificate that cites her as an honoree as well as an invite to the Greenway inaugural event in the fall of 2008. Follow this link to purchase a paver. Follow The Greenway on Facebook.

Cosi's make-your-own sandwiches come in one, two, or three toppings, and although they are delicious, they don't come cheap. Kids will love the bread, which is baked in a wood-burning oven before your eyes. It's almost always warm and delicious. Toppings such as curry chicken, smoked salmon, and caramelized onion are in abundance, but standard fare is available, too. For dessert, try the ultimate "sandwich": marshmellows, Hershey bars, and graham crackers, served with a mini crackling fire and an iron pot for melting .

Cosi's make-your-own sandwiches come in one, two, or three toppings, and although they are delicious, they don't come cheap. Kids will love the bread, which is baked in a wood-burning oven before your eyes. It's almost always warm and delicious. Toppings such as curry chicken, smoked salmon, and caramelized onion are in abundance, but standard fare is available, too. For dessert, try the ultimate "sandwich": marshmellows, Hershey bars, and graham crackers, served with a mini crackling fire and an iron pot for melting.

Template:Sightseeing Above the State Street T and sandwiched between Downtown Crossing and Government Center, the Boston National Historical Park Visitor's Center is a requisite stop for the tourist who thinks that the Freedom Trail is an elaborate prank by a chalk-wielding youngster. Maps and brochures of National Park sites in Boston and the Massachusetts area are available here, as are free 90min tours of five of the historic stops along the Boston Freedom Trail. At least two tours daily Apr.-Nov.; times vary so check the website or call ahead. A free, 10min self-starting slide show introduces visitors to the trail. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

What do the microwave, telephone, small pox innoculation, and modern surgery all have in common? Take the Innovation Odyssey tour, and you'll find out that they were all invented right here in Boston and Cambridge! This two-hour tour includes visits to the Telephone Museum, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, and MIT. As you travel from site to site, the tour guide/actor brings the stories of brilliant scientists, financial wizards, and computer prodigies to life in a performance filled with humor, fun, and history. • Hours: Apr-Nov: 2nd Sat of each month, 2pm • Ages: 11 and up

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