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Everyone loves Faneuil Hall Marketplace with all of the options for good eats (ready for a lobster roll and clam chowder?), street performers and all varieties of souvenirs. There is a lot of history here too -- Revolutionary-era meetings and protests took place here and in later years, abolitionists, suffragettes and labor unionists debated at Faneuil Hall. Stop in at the visitor center of the Boston National Historical Park; explore the Freedom Trail and the Black Heritage Trail with the free app.The Black Heritage Trail -- it's just about a mile and a half -- explores the history of the free black community, which lived here through the 19th century, the Underground Railroad, abolition movement and early struggles for civil rights.

Naval history buffs may also want to visit the undefeated sailing frigate USS Constitution and the 20th-century destroyer USS Cassin Young at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

You may also want to visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on the waterfront with stellar views of Boston's skyline. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute is next door. Would-be politicians will be interested in the chance to get behind the scenes in the interactive Senate Staff Office Exhibit where they can take on various roles.

Remember, you want to visit some Boston sites for fun, to diffuse stress, not to add to it. Don't over plan. Allow your child to choose what he wants to see and do. Maybe your musician would like to attend a concert at the Berklee College of Music or the New England Conservatory; photographers would be interested to know the Museum of Fine Arts was one of the first in the country to collect photographs. Your young scientist will love The Museum of Science where Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life has just opened and will run until January, offering more than 100 specimens curated especially for this exhibition. Browse all of the shops in Harvard Square or upscale Newbury Street. Rent bikes along the Charles River or head out in kayaks.

Invite your young foodie to join you on a food tour -- there are many to choose from, including in Boston's historic North End, which is known for its Italian restaurants and shops, as well as Paul Revere's House.

Sports fans will have their pick of college events, as well as pro baseball, hockey, football and basketball, depending on the season.

Having fun yet? Don't forget to swing by and offer Carly Copley a pet!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

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