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King's Chapel and Burying Ground The oldest burying place in downtown Boston, this is the final resting place for John Winthrop and Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower. First Public School Site and Ben Franklin Statue A statue of Benjamin Franklin overlooks the former site of the nation's first public school, established by Puritan settlers in 1635. Former Site of Old Corner Bookstore Famous books such as The Scarlet Letter and Walden were published here. Old South Meeting House This is the famous meeting place where colonists convened to challenge British rule. Benjamin Franklin was baptized here. Old State House In 1776, citizens gathered here to listen to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the building's balcony. Boston Massacre Site A circle of cobblestones mark the site where tensions between the colonists and British soldiers escalated into violence on March 5, 1770. Faneuil Hall This building has served as a marketplace and meeting hall since 1742. Paul Revere House This was the home of Paul Revere and built around 1680, is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Boston. Freedom Trail Foundation's Walk Into History tells the tales of 18th Century Boston through costumed guides. Free, daily tours are led by National Park Service Rangers from April through November and its free smartphone app is available at http://www. nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/app.htm. Approximately mid-trail, grab lunch and browse the shops at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. New England Clam Chowder ("Chowdah" as the locals call it), lobster rolls, and other tasty treats can be enjoyed outdoors or on the second floor overlooking the promenade. Although the walking distance and an overview of all sites are manageable within a single day, if you plan to see each site in detail, it's best to plan for two or three days, especially with young kids. The Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere House and Old State House have nominal admission fees but most sites are free. It's important to note some buildings such as the Massachusetts State House are open only Monday through Friday and some sites are closed on major holidays. The Freedom Trail is a fun and engaging way to experience our nation's earliest history. For a complete list and description of all sixteen sites, visit: www.FredParent.net What is your favorite family destination? Email me: seeyatravel@verizon.net Old North Church At 191 feet tall, this Episcopal Church boasts the tallest steeple in Boston. The bells within the steeple were the first ever brought to America. Built in 1723 and Boston's oldest church building, many of the interior features are original. Copp's Hill Burying Ground Boston's second oldest burying ground, thousands of artisans, craftspeople and merchants are buried here. USS Constitution and Charlestown Navy Yard The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. The Charlestown Navy Yard was the landing place of the British Army prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill Monument This is the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution in 1775. Visitors can climb to the top of this 221 feet structure but there are no elevators. HELPFUL LINKS Official City of Boston Website http://www.cityofboston.gov/ freedomtrail/default.asp The Freedom Trail Foundation http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ Boston Common Tourist Center http://calendar.boston.com/boston_ ma/venues/show/19638-bostoncommon-visitors-information-center Family Friendly Hotels in Boston http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotelsg60745-zff4-Boston_ www.FredParent.NET 25