5 Stops: Boston, Massachusetts

Student groups visiting Boston will easily learn why the city is nicknamed the Cradle of Liberty. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it makes the perfect classroom. 

“When middle and high school students visit Boston, they are discovering a city where the historical landmarks stand beside cutting-edge attractions, and renowned performance theaters brush shoulders with amazing restaurants,” said Audrey Bedoucha, president of Boston Attractions Group. “Students are steps away from the country’s best universities and will gain exciting experiential opportunities through history, entertainment and wildlife.”

While exploring the city, students learn of its many firsts. Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States and Public Garden was the country’s first public botanical garden. It also is home to the first subway system, the first Thanksgiving and the first public beach. 

The city offers plentiful possibilities for students. Whether the group seeks to tour colleges, perform in front of a crowd or interact with history, Boston is waiting to welcome students. 

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Boston Attractions Group
abedoucha@zoonewengland.org
bostonattractionsgroup.com

Boston Duck Tours

A great way to begin a student visit to Boston is with Boston Duck Tours. The fully-narrated, historic tour takes place in a WWII-style amphibious vehicle that travels on land and water. The tour cruises by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. Just when students think they’ve seen it all, the duck vehicle drives right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace 

Located in the historic heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace welcomes students to walk through history and experience the city’s central meeting place. Students can walk along the aged cobblestones to enjoy performances by world-renowned street performers, smell and taste wonderfully diverse ethnic foods in the Quincy Market Food Colonnade — the largest international food hall in New England —  and shop for goods from all over the world at over 100 shops and specialty pushcarts.

Freedom Trail

Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail is a 2½-mile, red-lined walking trail on city sidewalks leading to 16 nationally significant official Freedom Trail historic sites. Established in 1951, the trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Freedom Trail tours are led by Freedom Trail Players, a troupe of 18th-century costumed guides. 

Harvard and MIT tours 

Founded by Harvard alumni, Trademark Tours is the leading private provider of tour and event services at Harvard and MIT. All tours and programs are led by current Harvard and MIT students. Harvard tour stops include the Old Yard, the John Harvard Statue, Widener Library and Harvard Square. MIT tours cover Kendall Square, the Green Building, the Great Dome and Harvard Bridge. Both tours share information about the colleges’ history and culture, as well as famous alumni. 

Franklin Park Zoo

Students discover incredible animal species from all over the world at Franklin Park Zoo. Located within historic Franklin Park, the zoo plays a role in connecting people to the natural world while providing engaging, memorable experiences. Visitors of all ages learn about fascinating species including western lowland gorillas, tigers, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos and red pandas. Educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours are available.