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Boston's Best Stuff For Tweens (9-12 Years Old)

Your tween only wants to take part in activities that are "cool." You still want their experiences to be worthwhile, keep them out of trouble, and not cost a fortune. Something off this list should fit the bill.
Sharks 3D
(credit: GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

IMAX 3D

New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110-3309
(617) 973-5200
http://neaq.org
We're not talking about the latest PG-13 Hollywood flick. We're talking sea creatures or space ships on a gigantic, 3D dome screen. That is the thrill that is an IMAX 3D movie at the Aquarium. Their educational films are just under an hour long, and have awe-inspiring visuals. Kids get a special movie experience, and parents win with a little learning and prices lower than a regular movie. Kids $8, parents $10.

Downtown Crossing
(credit: AP)

Downtown Crossing

http://www.downtowncrossing.org
Shop like a grown up, but at discount prices in Downtown Crossing. Your tween can bring their own money and stretch their dollar while looking for their favorite fashions. Be sure to hit H&M for trendy clothes, So Good or Claire's for accessories, and DSW for the latest shoe and boot styles.

Fenway Park
(credit AP Photo)

Fenway Park Tour

Yawkey Way
Boston, MA
(617) 226-6666
http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
You can get inside Fenway Park without the cost of a Red Sox ticket. A tour guide versed in all things Fenway and Red Sox will lead you on a 50-minute walking tour of Boston's historic ballpark. Tours run 9-4 p.m. on the hour. Game days they end 3 and-a-half hours before game time. Kids $10, adults $12.

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra
(credit: Michael Lutch/Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra)

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra

Various Venues
Boston, MA
(617) 353-3348
http://www.bysoweb.org/index.cfm
How about infusing some classical music into your tween's repertoire? At a BYSO concert they can watch peers their own age, who are already accomplished musicians. Tickets range from $10 to $30, depending on the performance and venue.

Boston Sailing
(credit: AP Photo)

Community Boating

21 David G. Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 523-1038
http://www.community-boating.org

Kids can take sailing, windsurfing or kayaking lessons on the Esplanade starting at age 10. Thousands of kids take part every summer. The minimum payment is a$1 registration fee, though Community Boating requests donations of up to $100 per child.

Indoor Climbing
(credit: AP)

Indoor Rock Climbing

MetroRock
69 Norman Street
Everett, MA
(617) 387-7625
http://www.metrorock.com
There are a couple ways for kids to take part at MetoRock Indoor Climbing. An after-school programs caters skills to specific ages. Their 12-week program costs $350 and includes a membership so they can get some extra practice. They also offer semi-private lessons for kids while parents do their own climbing. The lessons cost $25/first hour and $20/additional hours.

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