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.

Considered to be in the Waterfront neighborhood on Atlantic Avenue, between Commercial Wharf and Long Wharf near Boston's Faneuil Hall and the North End neighborhood. The grassy park features flower-beds, a play lot, statue of Christopher Columbus, a fountain, and the Rose F. Kennedy Memorial Rose Garden, featuring numerous hybrid roses, including the John Kennedy rose. A wisteria covered trellis provides shade during the summer and is lighted in the winter with blue lights. A very romantic walk both summer and winter. Dogs: Frequented by North End and Waterfront dog owners, this waterfront park is characterized by open grassy lawns. Dogs must be on a leash. On hot summer days, the public can self-activate, and duck into, the spray from the fountain built for that purpose. Perfect for both adults and children to cool off on a hot day. Another fountain is constant and a wonderful area for self-reflection. The kid-friendly playground is centered around a large climbing structure. There are ladders, slides, and spots to hide from your buddies and a huge sand-box area. The play area is fenced and parents can relax and watch the action from the relative calm of the benches within the grounds. There are no swings, so you might find that kids over six or seven feel this area of the park is a little dull. It's definitely geared toward the younger set, which makes them feel safer. There are numerous drinking water fountains available. Waterfront and North End parents comment this playground area of the park can become really crowded. Because of its great location, it's a big field trip destination. If you don't want your kids to get "lost in the crowd," consider going early in the morning or later in the afternoon. HOLIDAY DISPLAY: A holiday light display is installed on the Trellis.

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

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.

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).

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 .

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.

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.

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