Massachusetts: Boston CityPass Family Vacation Ideas -Triceratops, Sea Stars and Fenway Park. Find a triceratops; cradle a sea star; wink at a curious clown fish; follow the footsteps of Paul Revere. It’s all fun and easy to do with your own CityPass. Enjoy and urban adventure that echoes with patriotism, daring feats, astonishing discoveries, wonders of the natural world, and tantalizing views. CityPass includes a special invitation for superb treatment and famous food at Union Oyster House, America's oldest restaurant.

What’s included? Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory at Prudential Center, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Harvard Museum of Natural History, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. 

Glass flowers trilobites and a triceratops. The perfect family museum adventure needs a dinosaur and at the Harvard Museum of Natural History you and your kids will come face to face with one of the first Triceratops ever discovered worth the trip alone. More surprises include a 1,642 pound amethyst geode and the chance to wander through a "garden" of glass flowers. The museum easily combines fun and learning for all ages. Bonus points: Admission to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology included with your HMNH ticket - explore the archaeology and cultures of six continents, 21 million specimens, 4.5 billion years. Yikes! Not the be missed: The Dodos, Trilobites & Meteorites exhibit explores the treasures of nature and science housed at the Harvard Museum – collections which document over two centuries of scientific exploration of our amazing planet. And more timely don't miss Nests & Eggs, thru March 2008.  Just for families: The museum offers a series of one-day workshops on different dates throughout the year (Saturday Scholars program) designed to provide kids and families age-group-specific introductions to the natural world. Another great family experience for those with middle-school age children is the Sunday Afternoon Family Program; each week the theme changes, offering exploration of different facets of natural science.

Movies, photos and a trip to Ireland. At the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, step back into the re-created world of the early 1960s and experience first-hand the life and legacy of John and Jacqueline Kennedy through 25 exhibits, three theaters and 20 video presentations. Designed by I.M. Pei, the national memorial offers panoramic views of Boston's skyline and Harbor Islands. Bonus points: The museum’s website offers a great virtual tour of the facilities, a great way to familiarize yourself with the exhibits and their location before your visit. Just for families: Family programs for the general public throughout the year feature the permanent collection and the special exhibits of the Kennedy Library and range from theatrical and musical performances to family guides for temporary exhibits.

Paintings, mummies and crayons in hand. Enjoy art with attitude. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and see masterpieces from around the world and across the ages. At every turn, you'll find breathtaking works of art, from masters of American painting to icons of Impressionism, from exquisite Asian scrolls to ancient Egyptian mummies. Bonus points: The museum offers free guided tours that explore many different collections seven days a week. Not to be missed: Family Place inside MFA Boston offers exploration of the MRA with fun and informative art activities for children ages four and older as well as for the rest of the family. Just for families: Seasonally MFA Boston hosts art workshops for families with preschoolers, children and teens – check out their online schedule for details.

Jellies, sea stars and a tide pool. Step inside the New England Aquarium and experience more than 70 exhibits, featuring animals from around the world. Stand in awe of the four-story, 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank, and home to everything from sea turtles to sharks to tropical fish. Cradle a sea star, horseshoe crab or sea urchin at the Edge of the Sea Tidepool. Bonus points: Experience an unforgettable IMAX® 3D film* on Boston's largest screen. Not to be missed: The Amazing Jellies special exhibit spans 5,000-square feet of the Aquarium’s West Wing Gallery and includes thousand of species specimens as well as exotic habitats like the Palauan Lagoon. Just for families: The aquarium’s “Trainer for an Afternoon” program is a great way to discover what it’s like to work marine mammals – each program is different, but the experience is always memorable.

Stars, butterflies, and amazing amounts of electricity. This is science made fun for everyone. The Museum of Science contains more than 550 interactive exhibits including  live animal shows, science demonstrations, ever-changing exhibits, the breathtaking Theater of Electricity. Bonus points: Other features (requiring separate admission) include a brand new 3-D Theater and a Butterfly Garden, the Mugar Omni Theater-New England's only 180 degree IMAX ® dome screen and the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Not to be missed: Everyday the museum offers a number of live demonstrations, most of which are free with regular admissions. Topics include: Alternative Energy, Caffeine Gene, and Chuck Darwin – Science Investigator. Just for families: From September through May, weekend workshops and courses for children and families provide learning opportunities for science, engineering and technology.

Rise above it all. The Skywalk Observatory is not only Boston’s but also New England's tallest and only observatory. In addition to views of the city, land and sea they also have an antenna audio tour, theatre and gift shop. Interactive audiovisual exhibits showcase the sights and sounds of the city and chronicle 350 years of Boston's fascinating culture and history. Bonus points:  A new exhibit features Ted Williams and displays bats, jerseys and memorabilia from the Red Sox legend, all showcased in an authentic locker. Appropriately, the exhibition is located on the west side of the Skywalk, overlooking Fenway Park. Not to be missed: Visit the theater as it premiers Wings over Boston, a spectacular aerial video tour of the city.

Boston City Pass Booklet 2007. Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory at Prudential Center, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Harvard Museum of Natural History, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. Call toll-free 1-888-330-5008 or CityPass Boston

Details

New England Aquarium. Central Wharf off Atlantic Avenue near Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 1(617) 973-5200 or www.neaq.org

Harvard Museum of Natural History. 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge. (Just past Harvard Yard.) 1(617) 495-3045 or www.hmnh.harvard.edu

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. Columbia Point, off I-93, minutes south of Downtown Boston. 1(866) JFK-1960 or www.jfklibrary.org 

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 465 Huntington Avenue, Avenue of the Arts. 1(617) 267-9300 or www.mfa.org

Museum of Science. Science Park on the Charles River. (617) 723-2500  or www.mos.org

Skywalk Observatory. Prudential Center at 800 Boylston Street. 1(617) 859-0648 or www.prudentialcenter.com/play/skywalk.html

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General text and /images/ezine provided by CiyPass.com. Bonus points for families researched by Travel Communications staff. Copyright 3/2007.