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Boston's Best Stuff For Young Kids (5-8 Years Old)

Elementary aged kids soak up experiences like sponges, storing them away in their memory. They're too old to think riding in the stroller is the best way to travel, yet too young to want to act all-grown-up. Here are some fun Boston activities just right for this age group, which Mom and Dad are sure to enjoy too.

Boston By Little Feet

Faneuil Hall
South Market Street
Boston, MA
(617) 367-2345
http://www.bostonbyfoot.org/tours/Boston_By_Little_Feet

A guided walking tour of the Freedom Train geared toward 6-12 year olds. Meet at the Sam Adams statue, and then walk through our Revolutionary history, explained in simple terms. Guides make sure to point out some silly things along the way, like the copper grasshopper atop Faneuil Hall. This tour is held three times a week, May through October and costs $8/person.

Duck Boat
(credit: AP)

Duck Boats

Museum of Science
Prudential Center
New England Aquarium
617-267-DUCK
http://www.bostonducktours.com/

Hop aboard a duck at any of Boston Duck Tours three locations. Kids will think the WWII amphibious vehicles are the coolest ride around; they won't even realize how much they are learning about Boston landmarks along the way. The moment of "Splashdown" into the Charles River is always a hit, and something the kids are sure to talk about at school on Monday. Tickets are around $20 for kids and $30 for adults, depending where you start your tour.

Arboretum of Harvard University
(credit: arboretum.harvard.edu)

Arnold Arboretum

125 Arborway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3500
(617) 524-1718
http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/

Kids can work off some energy while being exposed to the beauty of nature, right in the heart of the city. The winding paths in the luscious green Arboretum are perfect for scooters, rollerblades or kids' bikes. Try to stop them every once in a while to read the plaques at the base of the greenery. They just might learn something.

Child drawing
(credit: AP)

Brookline Arts Center

86 Monmouth St
Brookline, MA 02446-5607
(617) 566-5715
http://brooklineartscenter.com

Drop off art classes for kids as young as five. This is real art; not finger-painting at the easel. Your child can learn about drawing, painting, pottery and more in small class settings. Their two hour sessions run 9 weeks, at a cost of about $20-$30 per class.

Boston Children's Theatre
(credit: bostonchildrenstheatre.org)

Boston Children's Theater

186 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 424-6634
http://www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org/home.php

Children tend to be more engaged in the arts when they can relate to the performers. So take them to a play geared towards kids, with kid actors. Tickets to their shows are under $25. Boston Children's Theater also offers acting workshops and summer programs.

Museum of Science, dinosaur bones
(credit: Museum of Science)

Museum of Science

1 Science Park
Boston, MA 02114-1099
(617) 723-2500
http://mos.org

Kids love that these exhibits are hands-on, with plenty of buttons to push. They can learn what makes thunder and lightning, what makes an ocean wave wave, and watch eggs hatch into chicks. The virtual aquarium is another favorite, where kids create their own fish and see how long it will survive before being eaten by a predator. Kids get in for $19, parents $22. Your local library may have discount passes.

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