2-Day Boston Educational Trip

Freedom Trail 

You can follow the red brick line of the Freedom Trail and see all 16 historic sites that belong to it. Start at the Boston Common and see attractions like the Granary Burying Ground, the Massachusetts State House, and King's Chapel. Each stop has its own historical plaque of information but if you desire more history, guide books, brochures, and audio tours are available for purchase and/or download. Make sure you stop at the Faneuil Hall and Marketplace for lunch. Tour the historic landmark, stop in at the Cheers pub and restaurant - fashioned after the famous show, watch street performers, and get a little shopping in before you finish up touring. You also won't want to miss out on Paul Revere's House or the Old North Church where two lanterns were hung to indicate the British were coming by sea.

Swan Boat Ride

While visiting Boston your group needs to make a stop at a local cultural icon, the Swan Boats! This family-owned business has been in operation since 1877, started by Robert Paget. The company owns a fleet of pontoon pleasure boats that operate within a lagoon in Boston's Public Garden, a relaxing ride through a picturesque oasis. The rides last about 12-15 minutes and allow you to simply enjoy the sites, perhaps catching a glimpse of the pond's resident swans, Romeo and Juliet. The boats each hold 12 pontoons, 30 feet long and 800 pounds each. The boats are pedal operated and hold about 25 passengers each on their benches. The tours operate the 2nd weekend of April through the 3rd weekend in September.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Originally built in the early 18th century, Faneuil Hall enters history as a marketplace and meeting hall where famous individuals like Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others gave iconic speeches. Though the building has undergone several instances of renovations due to weather and general architectural wear and tear, Faneuil Hall remains an authentic representation of colonial American architecture. Today you will find favorite stores like Ann Taylor, Coach, LeSportsac, Victoria’s Secret, and Nine West among others plus new and exciting boutiques unique to Boston. Take a tour, watch the entertaining and talented street performers that light up the street, explore the many art galleries, and more.

Quincy Market

Welcome to Quincy Market, a historic part of Boston and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. This market was first opened to the public in 1826, named for the then-mayor of Boston, Josiah Quincy. The market's role has changed quite a bit over the years, going from fresh produce retail market to wholesale market, and now to 'festival marketplace.' Quincy Market is a great place to hang out and enjoy delicious foods, with over 18 restaurants and 35 colonnade eateries within the area. Try the city's most iconic foods while here, such as clam chowder, Bostonian baked beans, Boston cream pie, lobster rolls, and basically any other fresh seafood.

New England Aquarium

Not only is this aquarium a leading tourist attraction but it also is a wonderful educational opportunity and a fun, interesting getaway destination. Groups are welcome to explore the aquarium or watch a marine-themed movie at the IMAX or even take part in the Whale Watch program and take a boat ride out to the sanctuary to see live wild whales. Exhibits such as the Amazon Rainforest, Seadragons, and Penguinology are a staple when visiting the New England Aquarium. Watch the fur seals do tricks and the California sea lions obey expert commands in the open-air New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center and get close enough to the water to feel the splash!

Boston Tea Party Ship

Start at the museum and see everything from original artifacts from 1773 to holographic displays! This multi-sensory, fully interactive museum strives to reconnect modern-day visitors to the history and significant days leading up to the Revolution. After the museum, stop by the Meeting House and get fired up alongside colonial actors recreating the historical events before you go out to Griffin's Wharf and dump tea alongside patriots. Finish out the experience at the Griffin's Wharf theater to see amazing, mind-blowing 3D holographic video projections or see the award-winning film "Let it Begin Here" at the Minuteman Theatre.

Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston Harbor Cruises allows for several different options of school and student cruises, wildlife and eco-cruises, thrill rides and adventures, and even educational and historic cruises. Try the 40-minute thrill ride aboard the jet Codzilla boat, or, for a slower change of pace take the Boston Harbor Islands cruise, filled with local legend and history, not to mention so much amazing natural beauty. If neither of these suits your interests, and perhaps you just need a quick ride to beat the traffic, you can use this companies ferries to get to and from Boston, Salem, Hingham, Hull, and Lynn. Did we even mention all of the great food options aboard these 3 fine boats (Majesty, Rendezvous, Majestic)? Try an authentic New England Clambake, Captains hors d'oeuvres, or a Tradewinds Buffet while aboard, all really excellent dining options.

JFK Library and Museum 

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston continues to illuminate the life and history of our nation's 35th president. Standing as a remarkable tribute to President Kennedy, the library and museum complex illuminates his past as well as the history of politics in America, the office of president, and the legacy of JFK. Seven permanent exhibits and a number of temporary exhibitions fill out this beautiful modern building on topics including JFK's Campaign Trail, the Space Race, First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and also his family among others. Some artifacts you might see home movies shot by White House photographers showing the life and personalities of the Kennedy family, original furnishings from Kennedy's Oval Office, as well as the First Lady's iconic clothes.