Boston is a great family destination for a vacation during any time of the year. There is so much to do here for every member of the family. In fact, the abundance of activities and sights can often be overwhelming. Do take the time to plan your trip and resist the urge to cram too many sights and experiences into your getaway. You'll have so much from which to choose.
There are many resources available to help you plan your trip to the Boston/Cambridge area. Use them, as they can save you a great deal of time, money and aggravation. Here are some online services (click on the blue text to see web sites), organizations, books and other resources to help you plan your trip:
** Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau -- This organization would be happy to send you free maps, brochures and seasonal planners for the Boston area. Check their website for more details www.bostonusa.com Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call 1-888-SEE-BOSTON or (617) 536-4100.
** GoCityKids.com- This website's family guide to the Boston/Cambridge area is excellent. In addition to providing in-depth information on family-friendly lodging, restaurants and attractions, the site also provides up-to-date information on daily family-oriented events happening in the city and great tips for seeing the sites with kids. Check out the site's calendar for customized travel planning. For more information visit www.gocitykids.com. GoCityKids | Boston
**Citysearch - Citysearch's Boston site provides in-depth information on hotels, dining, entertainment and attractions in the greater Boston/Cambridge area. You'll find good restaurant reviews, and can often reserve a table in advance through this service. For more information visit http://boston.citysearch.com -- The city guide to Boston
** Hotel Booking Sites -- Sites such as www.hotels.com hotels.com, Travelocity (www.travelocity.com Travelocity.com) and Expedia (www.expedia.com Expedia Travel) often have specially negotiated rates at Boston area hotels. Another similar site specific to the Boston area is Citywide Reservation Service ( www.cityres.com Discount Hotel Rates) which offers discounts of up to 60% on regular room rates in Boston and Cape Cod. In addition, due to pre-existing contracts, some of these sites may have available rooms during times when conventions or other events have the city practically sold out. Check these sites first, but make sure to visit the individual hotels' websites to see if better rates are offered there. Sometimes hotels have family-oriented or weekend packages that will provide a better deal.
** Travel Guides and Other Publications -- A good travel guide, such as Fodor's or Frommer's, or great research on the web is strongly recommended for this trip. Candyce Stapen's Great Family Vacations - Northeast also has good chapters on Boston and nearby Cape Cod. Another good family-oriented guide is "Kids Love Boston" by the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Boston Parents Paper is also published monthly and lists special events for families.
