Boston Marathon with Kids

Hello -

My husband will be running in the Boston Marathon this coming April and I will be joining him (to watch, of course!) along with our two boys (7 and 9). Hubby and I did this trip alone this past year and had a great time. Does anyone have recommendation for good spots to watch the race with two young boys? I would like to see him at two locations if possible, but am fully aware of the difficulty. Also, are there any other recommended hot spots to visit with the kids while there? Thanks so much!

Boston Marathon with Kids

I just asked my hubby this question who ran with his sister 2 years ago. He recommended the Heartbreak Hill area about 6 miles from the finish line near Newton- runners can use some encouragement here! A second place would be closer to the finish line. He said to stay away from the Boston College area-too crowded and the Patriot%26#39;s Day Sox game traffic makes it even worse.

Here%26#39;s a few recommendations for activities with kids-I have a 16 year old, but we have been back to Boston during her growing up years several times to see relatives-

It%26#39;s Patriot%26#39;s Day weekend. There%26#39;s a re-enactment of Paul Revere%26#39;s ride that begins in the North End by his home and the Old North Church, preceded by a parade. The ride ends in Lexington. You can follow it, but I believe it may be during the marathon on Monday. There are other activities at Concord and Lexington, on Sat and Sun such as battle reenactments, fife and drum bands, etc. Check out www.nps.gov/mima/special.html for an example of 2005 activities

In Boston itself, kids seem to really enjoy the buskers that perform in front of Quincy Market and the huge food court there; the Museum of Science; the New England Aquarium; and walking the Freedom Trail past old graveyards, and of course there%26#39;s USS Constitution at the end that would be fun for boys.

Lastly, the Swan Boats in the Boston Common will have just opened up for the season- I think both boys and girls (and adults) of all ages ages enjoy this, even if they%26#39;re not ';girley men';

Hope your dh has a great race!

Boston Marathon with Kids

2 small corrections- Swan Boats are in the Public Garden across the street from the Common; USS Constitution is towards the end of the Freedom Trail, in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Bunker Hill Monument is at the very end.

Also, the original Pizzeria Regina dating back to the 1920%26#39;s, in the North End would be a fun place to take kids to eat. Not to mention good carbo loading and/or replenishment at all the Italian places in the North End.

I watched the Boston Marathon this year close to the finish line. Great spots to watch near the Prudential Centre, lots of nice walls for the kids to sit on if they%26#39;re tired and right next to stalls selling food and drink.

My favorite vantage point has always been towards the end of the course along Boylston St - after 3 or so in the afternoon. Once the top finishers have broken the tape, much of the mob dissipates quickly. You can easily find spots right along the curb. The weekend warriors who are digging deep into their last reserves of energy to cross the finish line in under 6 hours or just get there - period - can use the encouragement a lot more than the thoroughbreds and studettes who breeze their way through the whole thing.

The crowds are always smaller in Ashland and South Natick, too, since they%26#39;re sparsely populated suburban areas toward the beginning of the race. You might want to stake a claim in one of those towns until the guy you%26#39;re there to see passes, then hit the highway for the Back Bay.

While your marathoner cools down at Copley, walk east a few blocks to the Public Garden with the kids. There they can ride the ';swan boats,'; and cross the park toward the corner at Charles and Beacon to see the ';Make Way for Ducklings'; statues. This could be done in less than an hour.

If you%26#39;re arriving ahead of the race by a day or more, two great spots for kids are the Children%26#39;s Museum and the Museum of Science.

Hi,

First off let me ask if you have a place to stay yet. I have an ideal place to stay Marathon Week and its perfect for a family of 4. I have a Time Share suite Downtown at the Marriot Customs House next to Fanueil Hall, the Aquariam etc. We usually use a week for April school vacation. The Kids loved it. You can walk anywhere and there is so much to do. Trolley Tours, Duck Boat Tours, Museum of science.

Please let me know if you would be interested in renting for the Marathon Week. Hotels will be tough to come by. I can send you Pictures of the Rooms etc.

Can Clamneck let me give me a bit more info about renting out the suite during marathon week. My girlfriend and I are going to be doing the race in 2006 and we are looking for a place. Can you mail me @ mydogbenny@shaw.ca - thanks

Can Clamneck let me give me a bit more info about renting out the suite during marathon week. My girlfriend and I are going to be doing the race in 2006 and we are looking for a place. Can you mail me @ mydogbenny@shaw.ca - thanks

If you didnt pick your hotel we recomend the Omni Parker House as all the great sites everyone is speaking about at within 1-4 blocks of the hotel

They even have a lounge for runners after the race where you can join in on.

The hotel is kid friendly and offer free cookies and milk upon arrival for familes

New england Aqurium is 3 blocks ,North End is 3 blocks and lots or restaurants and the kids will like Quincy Marketplace

The hotel is also on the Freedom Trail which doesnt get better than that location accross from Boston Common