Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Activities in Boston for Your Wedding Guests


It is common for guests to travel some distance by land or air to attend a wedding. If your wedding is taking place in the Boston area, there are many attractions that your guests may wish to visit before or after your ceremony. From historical landmarks to popular museums, Boston has something for all ages.

For Children
For your guests with children, there are a variety of museums that will entertain and amuse. The Boston Children’s Museum is perfect for children aged 0-10 and their families. It is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (9PM on Fridays). The Museum of Science is another great choice, with IMAX, a planetarium, 3-D Digital Cinema, and various exhibits. It is open daily from 9 AM-7 PM, with films and shows at various times. The New England Aquarium is also a tremendous attraction with more than 7,000 fish and aquatic mammals. It is open daily from 9 AM-5 PM (6 PM on weekends).

History

Boston is an epicenter for historical monuments, landmarks, and other attractions. Boston Common is the oldest park in the nation. Famous people throughout history have given speeches and concerts here. It has been declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark and features an ice-skating pond and Brewer Fountain, a 22-foot tall bronze fountain. The oldest building in downtown Boston, the Paul Revere House, served as the home of the legendary silversmith. The historical site is open from April 15 – October 31, 9:30 AM- 5:15 PM. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship that is still floating in the world. Guided tours of the famous vessel begin every half hour from 10 AM to 5:30 PM daily.

Arts, Parades, Feasts & Festivals

Although all events in this category are not available every day throughout the year, it is quite likely that one or more events are happening on the week of your wedding. The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism, & special Events presents many events, as does the Strand Theatre. For more information and a schedule of events during your wedding, visit the City of Boston website.

Nature

On a particularly temperate wedding weekend, the guest that is also a nature lover will appreciate the Arnold Arboretum on the campus of Harvard University. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features family activities, events, plant highlights, and 185 species of birds. An adventurous guest will appreciate the world famous Boston Duck Tours, which takes people on a journey over land and sea on a Duck Tours vehicle.

City
For magnificent views of downtown Boston, your guests can visit the Prudential Tower, which boasts a sky high view on the 50th floor. The tower is part of the Prudential Center which features 28 acres of hotels, restaurants, shops, plazas, and covered walkways. Downtown Crossing is a neighborhood full of restaurants, shopping, night-life, and culture in the heart of downtown Boston. The neighborhood also hosts a variety of special events for residents and visitors alike.