 Overview
Massachusetts is a fascinating and compact tourism destination with enough family-friendly attractions that will make the kids overlook the fact that they are in one of the most historic and scenic states of the United States. For those familiar with the state, Massachusetts conjures up images of unspoiled coastline, romantic New England architecture and the fiery Indian summer where rich autumn leaves colour the landscape. Families will love exploring the witch trial museums of Salem, spotting whales off the Nantucket coast and standing on the spot where Pilgrims first came ashore.
Where is it and how do I get there?
Massachusetts is in the north-east corner of the United States. The capital city, Boston is just three hours drive or train ride from New York City. Some of the better known areas of Massachusetts include Boston, Plymouth, Salem, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Mohawk Trail and the Berkshires. The state is part of the region known as New England which also includes Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
When to go/Weather
Massachusetts has four distinct seasons and each has something to offer visitors. Autumn brings beautiful fall foliage while spring means blooming buds and flowering trees. Summer can be steamy which makes Massachusetts’ many beaches ideal and Winter gets cold though the snow falls in centimetres rather than metres.
The saying ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute’ describes Massachusetts to a tee as when the air coming down from the Great Lakes and Canada collides with the more moderate Gulf Stream it causes frequent weather changes.
|
Season |
Average Min °C |
Average Max °C |
|
Spring (April - May) |
5 ° |
22 ° |
|
Summer (June – August) |
22 ° |
30 ° |
|
Autumn (September – November) |
7 ° |
24 ° |
|
Winter (December – March) |
- 9 ° |
7 ° |
Where to stay
Massachusetts has accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets from quaint bed and breakfasts, modern hotels, majestic old houses or camping grounds. For more information on child friendly properties click on the ‘Lodging’ link at www.usamass.com.
Food and Drink
As one would expect from the United States, there is a great range of food options in Massachusetts. However, the state is known for its seafood so be sure to try the lobster or clam chowder at least once during your visit.
Getting around for families
 Logan International Airport
Logan International Airport is Massachusetts’ largest airport, located five kilometres from Downtown Boston it is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. A free shuttle bus marked ‘MASSPORT’ stops at each terminal, the ‘T’ station will take you to all downtown points or the Massport Water Shuttle offers a seven-minute boat ride from the airport to Rowes Wharf.
At the airport keep kids occupied at the Children’s Museum store where the educational play area teaches children about aviation.
Click here for further information.
Walking
Boston is a city that is made for walking so get out your comfortable shoes and hit the streets. There are many walking trails through heritage districts and nature zones and history buffs will revel in the fact that they are walking the same cobblestone streets as the revolutionary leaders.
Driving
There are some great driving routes in Massachusetts and for most trips out of Boston you will need a car as commuter trains only go to some outlying areas. However, it is best to delay picking up a rental car until you are ready to leave Boston as driving in the city can be stressful for those unfamiliar with the streets.
Driving distances from Boston:
|
To Massachusetts cities |
Km |
|
Salem |
26 |
|
Plymouth |
59 |
|
Hyannis |
123 |
|
Falmouth (Woods Hole) |
115 |
|
New Bedford |
87 |
|
Lowell |
40 |
|
Worcester |
63 |
|
Springfield |
140 |
|
Stockbridge |
220 |
T
Boston’s subway ‘T’ is one of the oldest in the country and is one of the best ways to get around Boston-Cambridge area. The T serves most areas of the city and several lines run to outlying suburbs. Click here for more information, routes and prices.
Ferries
Catching the ferry can seem like more of an excursion than a transport option. Ferries operate seasonally and go to several points around Boston Harbour and to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Amtrak
Amtrack, America’s national railway system, stops at several Boston locations. The train ride from New York City to Massachusetts takes three hours. Further information is available at www.amtrak.com
What to wear
Midweight clothing will be suitable for most of the year in Massachusetts however you will need lighter clothing in summer and a warm jacket in winter. Remember to bring comfortable shoes – one of the best ways to get around Boston is on foot and there are some beautiful walks in the other regions. Most dining in the state is fairly casual although some restaurants may have dress restrictions.
Child Care
Most upscale Boston hotels offer babysitting services or referral.
 FAST FACTS
Did you know?
· Basketball was invented in Springfield in 1891
· Massachusetts has the oldest written Constitution in use by any government in the world.
· Boston Common was the first public park in America.
· The first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated in Plymouth in 1621.
· Theodore Giesel, better known to millions of children as Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.
· Many movies and television shows have been filmed Massachusetts including Mona Lisa Smile, Legally Blonde, Jaws, Good Will Hunting and Hocus Pocus.
Time
Massachusetts is 14 hours behind Australia although this can vary depending on daylight savings.
Currency
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the USA. This is because base salaries in the U.S. are very low, and hospitality workers rely heavily on their tips to make a living. Even more importantly, the government taxes hospitability workers on a predicted level of tips for the year. It is important that Australians respect the culture of tipping when in the USA.
Most restaurants automatically add a 15 percent gratuity for large groups. If the gratuity is not included, the recommended gratuity is 15-20 percent of your meal or bar bill.
The following guide outlines normal tipping levels:
· A token tip for food or drink where you serve yourself.
· Hotel personnel – $1 to $1.50 per bag taken to your room. (You can opt to carry your own bags.)
· Maids – $1 to $2 tip per day is generally left in the room for your room maid.
· Taxicab drivers – around 15 percent of the bill
· Tour guides receive $1 to $2 per person for tours with a lot of people, 10 per cent for more individualised tours.
Electricity
The U.S. operates on 110 volts. Electrical outlets accept two-pin plugs.
Tap water
It is safe to drink the tap water in Massachusetts.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Places of interest and things to see and do
 Free Options
· Boston Common/Boston Public Garden
Visit America’s first park, glide across the lagoon in a swan boat and make way for the ducklings in these verdant parks.
· Freedom Trail – Boston
No visit to Boston is complete without following the red brick or red painted line past 16 of Boston’s most historic sites. Download a scavenger hunt for your children from the website before setting out.
www.thefreedomtrail.org
· Harvard Square – Cambridge
Stroll past the stately brick buildings of Harvard University before a casual lunch or dinner in lively Harvard Square.
www.harvardsquare.com
· Beaches – Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard
Massachusetts is home to some of the United State’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches.
Options with an Entrance Fee
· Boston Harbour Tours
Take a tour through the oldest light house in the country or visit one of the 30 islands in Boston Harbour.
www.bostonislands.org
· Museum of Science – Boston
This popular museum has more opportunities to combine fun and learning than anywhere in the city.
www.mos.org
· New England Aquarium – Boston
www.neaq.org
· The Witch House of Salem
The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692.
http://www.salemweb.com/witchhouse/
· Mayflower II – Plymouth
A replica of the small ship in which Pilgrims made the journey to the United States - children and adults alike will wonder how 102 people could havd lived together on this tiny vessel for 66 days.
http://www.plimoth.org/visit/what/mayflower2.asp
· Dr Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden – Springfield
See bronze sculptures of some of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters including the Cat in the Hat.
www.catinthehat.org
TOP TEN things to do |
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1. Visit a harbourside restaurant and order clam chowder. |
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2. Buy a Boston Red Sox’s cap and cheer on the baseball team like a real local. |
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3. Hire a bike and spend a leisurely day getting familiar with Nantucket’s many bike trails. |
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4. Introduce your children to the romance and tragedy of the Kennedy family at the JFK Memorial Museum in Hyannis Cape Cod. |
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5. Drive The Mohawk Trail (Route 2) from Boston to the Berkshires, make sure you have time to stop at the country inns and gift shops nestled amongst the rolling Berkshire Hills. |
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6. Take a Boston Duck Tour in one of the authentic World War II amphibious landing vehicles. |
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7. Visit a cranberry farm during cranberry harvest season and marvel at what looks like a lake of rich red floating cranberries. |
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8. Join the ‘leaf peepers’ taking photos of the magnificent autumn foliage. |
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9. Have the camera ready as you spot 15-metre whales just 40 kilometres of the Massachusetts coast on a whale watching cruise. |
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10. Experience life as the early Americans did at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, a recreation of an 18th century village complete with costumed staff with early dialects. |
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