Things To Do In Boston With Tweens

Anyone who's already had the honor of visiting Boston, knows that the city has a lot to offer its visitors of every age demographic. While tweens (for the sake of this article, we classify anyone between the ages of 11 and 12 to be a tween) are a hard bunch to impress, Boston does its best to provide cheap and often free activities for these skeptical tourists. Below are just a few of our favorite things to do in Boston with tweens.

Check out Castle Island Park with your outdoorsy tween. Located on Route 3, this free attraction includes a beach, historical site and park, all at one convenient spot. Enjoy a scenic two-mile walk around the bay, collect shells at the beach, and be a lookout for planes and ships casually making their way in and out of Boston. Evening tours of Fort Independence, built as a sea defense for the city in the 1600s, are also available.

Take your music-loving tween to the awe-inspiring Museum of Science to check out their amazing laser shows. Flashing lights and loud music are the big factors in winning over your child's attention, but adults will get a kick out of this attraction too. Featured bands include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, U2 and Queen. Pretty groovy, huh? The museum is located at One Science Park. For more information, call 617-723-2500.

Go on an historical journey through Freedom Trail. Depending on how interested your tween is in America's past, you may or may not be able to get through the entire 2.5 mile trek. Try starting at a site that will most likely pique the interest of your son or daughter, like the USS Constitution, for example. See where their interest lays, and make sure to stop by Quincy Market for a special baked good before heading to your next destination.

Show your tween one of the best views of Boston that money can't buy! Independence Wharf features a free observation deck providing stunning panoramic views of Bean Town. While the Prudential Skywalk Observatory in the 50th floor of Prudential Center is where many tourists go to sight-see, Independence Wharf won't cost you a dime, is less crowded, and well worth your time.

Catch a free theatrical performance during the summer months. A great idea for your young thespian, Boston offers free Shakespeare on the Common productions. Make sure to bring along a blanket, and pack a picnic for this well-attended family-friendly event in Boston Common. Performances run for several weeks during the summer, typically in the evening.