Boston Public Garden & Swan Boats

The Boston Public Garden is the most beautiful park in the city and one of the most charming urban parks in America. Established in 1837, it's the country's first public botanical garden, and it looks the part — formal flower beds, a graceful suspension bridge, weeping willows draped over a lagoon, and the bronze ducklings from Robert McCloskey's beloved 1941 children's book.

The Make Way for Ducklings statues are the must-do for families with young kids. Located near the Charles Street entrance, the eight bronze ducklings follow Mrs. Mallard in a procession across the pathway. Kids who know the book (read it before you go) light up when they see the statues. Kids who don't know the book still enjoy climbing on bronze ducks. Either way, you're getting the photo.

The swan boats have been operating on the garden lagoon since 1877, making them one of the oldest continuously operated amusement rides in the country. Each boat is pedal-powered by a driver seated behind a large swan figure, and carries about 20 passengers on a 12-minute loop around the lagoon. The pace is gentle, the views are lovely, and young kids find the experience magical.

At $4. 50/adult and $3/child, it's remarkably affordable.

The Public Garden sits directly adjacent to Boston Common (separated by Charles Street), and most families visit both in a single outing. The Common is better for active play (playground, Frog Pond), while the Garden is better for beauty and gentle exploration. Together they offer 2-3 hours of free-to-cheap family activity in the heart of the city.