The US state of Massachusetts is home to some of the country's most beautiful cities, and there is no better example of this then its capital.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US and is a thriving city renowned for its cultural facilities, world-class educational institutions and champion sports franchises.

The city also holds a prominent position in the forefront of American history, making it the cultural and historical hub of America's New England.

The city of Boston is overflowing with fun and exciting adventures to take part in and there is sure to be something here for groups of all ages.

Here are a few ideas to get you going:

1. Boston Children's Museum

If you have travelled to Boston on a family holiday, one of the first attractions you will be pleased to come across is the Boston Children's Museum. This amazing institution exists to help children understand and enjoy the world in which they live, through the encouragement of imagination, curiosity, questioning and realism. There is a great emphasis on hands-on engagement here and this is essentially what the kids enjoy the most.

The exhibits here focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness and the arts. These are intertwined into the five areas for children, which include Creative Kids, Curious Kids, Global Kids and Healthy Kids.

A visit here will enlighten the children and will even surprise the adults. This is a fantastic day out that will be a great start to your family holiday.

2. The Freedom Trail

As previously stated, the city of Boston is strong in American history and this is clearly evident as you trek along the Freedom Trail. This trail preserves Colonial Revolutionary Boston in a manner that makes you feel like you are actually living in these times.

The Freedom Trail will take you on a journey to 16 historical sites over the course of 2 to 3 hours, but there is so much to see that you could easily spend an entire day here. This trail will take you on an adventure of two and a half centuries of America's most significant past and will give you an opportunity to see the city as it truly is.

3. Swan Boats of Boston

For the chance to feel like you are in Venice, Italy, why not take a stroll down to the Swan Boats. This successful business has been operating for over 130 years and is a great way to sit back, relax and take in the beauty of the city.

The swans are part of the Boston experience and simply must be given a go. They grace the waters of the Boston Public Garden, which was the first Botanical Garden in the US. These boats are unique to any others in the world and they will delight those both young and young at heart.

When your journey is finished be sure to check out the gift shop for a keepsake of your adventure here.

4. Boston Duck Tour

Keeping in the spirit of traveling by bird, take a unique tour of Boston on the Duck Tour. Your adventure will begin by boarding your duck, which is a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle. This vehicle will allow you to cruise by all the landmarks that have made Boston the birthplace of freedom. This journey will allow you to experience the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, and the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston Common, and Copley Square and the Big Dig. This is all just in the first few minutes, with plenty more to come as you venture further.

The journey comes to a close as you "splashdown" into the Charles River for a fantastic view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. This is an experience that the whole family can enjoy and it is something so unique, you won't be able to find it anywhere else in the world.

5. New England Aquarium Whale Watch

With such a close proximity to the ocean, it's no wonder Boston offers so many world-class whaling adventures. The best of these is no doubt the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which is dedicated to ensuring your whale watching experience is one to remember forever. Board the Voyager III and this high speed catamaran will transport you to the Stellwagen Bark Marine Sanctuary, which is a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. This adventure will take around three to four hours so you can be sure you will see enough marine life to sink a ship (well, not literally of course).

From whale watching, to mechanised ducks and wooden swans, Boston is a city that takes the best things in life and converts them into fun and exciting adventures. A family holiday will be one that can be enjoyed time and time again and will keep you coming back for more.

Christine Barton