• Kids can get close to marine life at the New England Aquarium.aquarium fish 2 image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Boston is a city rich in history, culture and the arts. It's also a great destination for families, as it has many attractions that are kid-friendly. Three Boston landmarks that are consistently popular with children are the New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Boston Children's Museum. These three cultural attractions in downtown Boston's vibrant waterfront district provide great scenery as well as a fun experience for children.
  
  

New England Aquarium

• Children can--and most likely will--spend hours at the New England Aquarium. The aquarium offers exhibits and displays where kids can learn about marine life. The Giant Ocean Tank, Penguin Exhibit and New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, new home of the northern fur seals, are just a few close-ups of marine life that kids will find fascinating. Through interactive educational programs including the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank, kids can pet creatures such as sea stars and hold hermit crabs. Before you leave, catch an educational nature movie in 3D at the Simons IMAX Theatre.
  
  New England Aquarium
  1 Central Wharf
  Boston, MA 02110
  617-973-5200
  neaq.org
  
  

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

• The entire family will find fun at Faneuil Hall Marketplace (also known as Quincy Market), one of Boston's largest historic and cultural attractions. Unlock history for the kids as you tell them about how Faneuil Hall was built in 1742 as a gathering place for merchants, fishermen and vendors to sell their wares. Speakers have been drawn to the market since it was built; here, colonists first protested the Sugar Act in 1764 and established the doctrine of "no taxation without representation." George Washington toasted the nation here on its first birthday. Other famous historical figures, including President Bill Clinton, civil rights activist Susan B. Anthony, and Senator Ted Kennedy, have also publicly spoke at the hall. Show kids the history of the hall on the second floor of the Rotunda, which features a photographic exhibit depicting the h\all's rich history.
  
  While you're there, let the street performers who line the cobblestones of Faneuil Hall entertain the kids. Cap off your visit with shopping and dining; the market has 49 shops, 14 restaurants and 35 food stalls (located in the Colonnade).
  
  Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  3 Faneuil Hall Market Pl.
  Boston, MA 02109
  617-723-9109
  faneuilhallmarketplace.com
  
  

Boston Children's Museum

• The Boston Children's Museum showcases a rotating display of exhibits geared toward kids. Although the exhibits change, they always follow the themes of culture, science, arts, environmental awareness and health and fitness. The museum was founded in 1913 by a group of educators. Today, kids there can experience hands-on learning through interactive exhibits, and families can bond. Because of the nature of the exhibits, children younger than 10 will get the most out of the museum.
  
  Boston Children's Museum
  Children's Wharf at 308 Congress St.
  Boston, MA 02210
  617-426-6500
  bostonchildrensmuseum.org