Another Off The Summer Bucket List - Boston Harbor Islands

I first moved to Boston 15 years ago this month. Can ya believe it? I can't. Seems like both a hot minute and a lifetime ago. When I first arrived, the whole city and area was new to me and I explored it ravenously, taking in all the new museums and sites. And wouldn't you know it, all these years later there are still many things yet to explore.

One of those things we put on our summer to do list, or summer bucket list as it was coined. That was making a little trip out to the Boston Harbor Islands. I didn't even know these gems existed until a friend's wedding 6 years ago. The groom was a sailor so the tables at the reception were each named after one of the harbor islands. And then it only took me another 2 family members and 6 years to make the pilgrimage there.

As there are several islands and ferry schedules to follow, I did all the research and planning for the trip. By Friday night, a general plan was in motion and ferry tickets had been purchased. It was a bit of a rush to make it to downtown Saturday morning, but we made the ferry departure by the skin of our teeth. Then it was time to relax. 

On Board With Great Views of the City

Me and My Boys

Our First View of the Islands

There was a great guide on board that narrated our view and gave some great history of Boston (as related to the sites we were seeing) and of the development\history of the islands. Definitely gave more of a touristy vibe to the 45 minute boat ride.

We were starting the day at Georges Island, home of historic Fort Warren. I figured there would pretty much be nothing more exciting for the boys then exploring a fort.

Cade was not into the paparazzi. He kept waving his hand and saying "no, no, no" at Dad and the camera.

Our first stop was the restroom and a small museum right by the dock. The kids were into it and it was a good start. We grabbed a map of the fort and got going. It was a pretty cool place to wander around.

View of the Inside

Lookout Tower Towards Boston

Looking Out From Inside the Walls

This big room was our favorite. Barrel ceilings, cool windows to look out and dark passages that led to secret rooms.

Some kids we saw there apparently knew what was up and had brought flashlights. Definitely a good plan. If we hadn't had the flashlight on our iPhones, we would have been in pitch black in some areas. The boys would have really dug the flashlights so just an FYI if you ever make the trip.

The islands are a carry in\carry out park. We had come prepared with a small cooler for lunches (but there was a snack bar there for any extras).

A view of Boston is in the background but it's near impossible to see in this shot.

Tree Huggers

I had thought we might catch another smaller, quick ferry to one more island but the boys' seemed to have enough adventure for the day so we went ahead and got into the ferry line back. While we waited in the line, we dropped by the booth that the New England Aquarium had set up with some sea life. The boys enjoyed watching and touching the different kinds of crabs available there. Then we loaded back onto the boat.

While the ride out to the island had been pretty mellow and laid back, the boys were much more animated on the return back. They pointed and were amazed at just about everything they saw. Of special interest were the laundry detergent bottles we saw marking lobster traps.

It was really a nice day...well, long morning really. And many islands left to explore. Next time we have visitors in town, this is definitely going to be a recommendation...and we might just have to tag along with you!