While museums play an important role in educating students, it’s all too easy to experience “museum fatigue.” That’s part of what makes Boston such a great destination for class trips. After sitting through a long day of travel, all you want to do is stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. So instead of running from museum to museum, why not enjoy some time under the sun?
Benefits of Staying Outdoors
There are plenty of benefits to exploring the outdoors while on a class trip, but our top three benefits for students are:
Boston is the perfect place to plan some outdoor activities because it has a treasure trove of year-round sightseeing and attractions that don’t require a roof.
U.S.S. Constitution
No trip to Boston is complete without visiting the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the world. The Constitution was one of the US Navy’s six original frigates. Built-in Boston and launched in 1797, she and her sister's ships were meant to protect American merchant ships from pirates and foreign navies.
While the USS Constitution played an important role in the Quasi-War with the French and against the Barbary Pirates, it was in the War of 1812 that she earned her place in history. After defeating a number of British frigates, including the HMS Guerriere, the HMS Java, and the HMS Cyane, it became apparent that the British cannonballs were bouncing off of the 21-inch thick oak sides of the Constitution. Upon realizing this, an American sailor shouted “Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!” and she entered into legend. “Old Ironsides,” as she was now nicknamed, became such a thorn to the British that they were ordered not to engage her in one-on-one combat.
Since her decommissioning in 1881, the USS Constitution has served as a museum ship in the Boston seaport. It now occupies a unique spot in the Navy’s roles, as she has been recommissioned as an active warship, and is staffed by 75 Navy sailors, while still serving as an educational vessel.
Your students will be able to board the ship, talk with the men and women who care for her, and experience a part of American military history. There’s also a privately run museum nearby that can shed some more light on the natural history of America’s most famous vessel.
Bunker Hill
Once you’ve finished at the USS Constitution, why not take a short walk through Charlestown up the way to the Bunker Hill Monument? The 221-foot tall granite obelisk was built between 1825 and 1843 to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. The cornerstone was put in place by the Marquis de Lafayette himself! Here they will learn how 1500 Patriots held off a superior British force, only retreating from the field once the ammunition had run out. They can join the debate as to who first shouted “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” and they can read the British commander’s final remarks on the battle: “A few more such victories would have shortly put an end to British dominion in America.”
As an added bonus, you can send your students up the 294 stairs to get the best views of Boston and hopefully tire them out. On your way down the hill, you can finally have the most important discussion of all: Why is the Bunker Hill Monument actually on Breed’s Hill?
Boston Harbor
As long as you’re in Boston, don’t forget to spend some time at the Harbor. Boston Harbor is a great place to explore. No trip is complete without a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships. The Harbor National and State Parks are home to five national historical landmarks - two military forts, the Boston Light lighthouse, and Deer Park. With over 40 miles of walks along the Harbor, anywhere you go presents amazing views of the city.
The Harbor is also an excellent place to get your class out on the water. There’s no limit to the number of Harbor cruises you can take. And of course, the Duck Boats are one of the most popular attractions in the city and start adjacent to the New England Aquarium. But to really do it right, you need to take a boat ride and explore one of the many Boston Harbor Islands. A few options are to rent kayaks, go whale watching, or make the trip to Fort Independence on Castle Island. Particularly popular is Spectacle Island, a small 114-acre island with 5 miles of walking trails, a visitor center with exhibits on the local wildlife, and even a life-guarded swimming beach. For an extra long ride and an entirely different feel, travel to Cape Cod and get some chowder in P-Town!
Harvard University
If you’re willing to cross the Charles River Esplanade, you and your students can head to Cambridge to spend some time at Harvard University. Founded in 1636, Harvard can proudly boast of being “the oldest institution of higher learning in the nation.”
Your students will be inspired as they travel the grounds of the most famous school in America. While taking a virtual tour of the University is possible, your best bet to truly inspire your students may be to take them on an in-person, guided historical walking tour around the campus. You’ll see the famous Harvard Yard, learn about Mission Hill, visit the Memorial Church, and the Widener Library, and even say hello to John Harvard himself. And don’t forget a stop at the bookstore for souvenirs!
Or, if your students are more scientifically minded, you can travel a mile down the road and get a guided tour of MIT. Don’t forget to ask your guide about all of the pranks MIT students have played on Harvard over the years.
Copley Square
Not all of Boston’s history is by the water. A visit to Copley Square in Back Bay is an excellent way to increase your understanding of life in Boston.
First and foremost is Trinity Church. Immediately catching the eye, this church actually helped create an entire style of architecture, known as Richardsonian Romanesque. Built on the fill of what became Back Bay, the weight of the church rests on 4500 wooden piles driven 30 feet underground.
Just across the square is the Boston Public Library, one of the largest public libraries in the US, and perhaps the most beautiful. A perfect example of Beaux Arts style, the interior is adorned with beautiful murals. It was built to hold over 2 million books!
Copley Square is also the location of the post-finish line celebrations for the Boston Marathon. Your students can walk a few hundred feet to see the finish line of the famous race, and also the memorials to the victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park might be the most iconic ballpark in America. Since 1912 it’s been home to the Boston Red Sox and their legions of fans. Only seating 37,000 spectators, it’s considered to be one of the most intimate sporting venues in the country. It’s also one of the most unusual. Sticking with tradition, the seats are still made of wood, and the scoreboard is still operated by hand. And of course, there’s the Green Monster. At 37 feet tall, it has caused pain and heartache to batters for over 100 years.
Catching a game with your class can be a fun outing while you’re in the city. They also have immensely popular guided walking tours of the stadium. On one of these tours, you might find yourselves in the press box, the dugout, or even atop the Green Monster itself. You’ll also learn about how the stadium has transformed that area of Boston over the past century.
Freedom Trail
What is the number one outdoor attraction in all of Boston? That’s easy. It’s the Freedom Trail of course! At 2.5 miles, the Freedom Trail meanders through downtown Boston and is perhaps the greatest historical trail in the country. Marked by red bricks or a painted line, it takes you past 16 historically significant sites, and a few interesting but less significant places as well.
The trail begins in Boston Common (adjacent to the Boston Public Garden and famous swan boats), one of the oldest public parks in America and the center of cultural life for generations of Bostonians. You’ll pass by the Massachusetts State House where your students might hear about the “Sacred Cod” and its importance to the city. Nearby is the memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts made famous in the movie Glory. You’ll walk past the graves of people like Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Your students will definitely learn the difference between a cemetery and a burying ground. The trail will take you past the site of the Boston Massacre, and past the Old State House which is where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public. As you stroll past Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, don’t forget to look for the golden grasshopper!
Eventually, the Freedom Trail will take you into the Old North end culturally Italian section of Boston. Imagine what your students will experience as they stand in front of Paul Revere’s house. Follow it up by walking past the Old North Church, where the lanterns were hung to warn of the impending British arrival. Then, after crossing over the Charles River, it will take you to the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.
The Freedom Trail is a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and discover the role that Boston played in the American Revolution. In addition to the historical sites, the Trail will offer your students a chance to see some of Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods and cultural attractions. And for an added touch, you can take a guided tour led by a historical figure!
Overall, the Freedom Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Boston.
Historical Sites (honorable mention)
Our list would not be complete without mentioning a few more cool outdoor places to visit in Boston. The emerald necklace comprises half of the City of Boston's park acreage and from Boston Common/Beacon Hill neighborhood to Franklin Park Zoo it is approximately seven miles by foot or bicycle through the parks.
For food and entertainment memories, search for food trucks and live music most summer nights in Boston!
At GL Travel, we love creating memorable experiences for students and teachers. Our Boston class trip incorporates some of these great outdoor activities and more! Contact us today to get started planning your big trip.