Museum of Science
More than 170 years old, the Museum of Science (617-723-2500) features 400+ interactive exhibits, an Omni theater, planetarium and laser show, dinosaur exhibits, a virtual fish tank, plus plenty of science, health and hands-on experiments. Located on the O'Brien Highway (Route 28) near the Science Park subway stop in Science Park, 1 mile north of the Boston Common.
The film "Hurricane on the Bayou," which is now showing at the museum, includes footage shot in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina, documenting one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history. The film shows New Orleans as a vibrant place full of life, love, music and history, yet it explains that the delta's coastal wetlands are eroding into the ocean at the speed of one acre every 30 minutes, leaving the area more and more vulnerable to major hurricanes. The fee is $3 with museum exhibit halls admission.

"CSI: The Experience" is a temporary exhibit based on the CBS television show CSI that allows you to take on the role of a crime scene investigator by walking into a mock crime scene and learning about how evidence is collected. Then visit the laboratory to examine the evidence. You'll compare bullet casings to those in a database and learn how to match a victim's DNA with a sample taken at the crime scene. And in the end, you'll run through the case and come up with a theory about what happened at the scene of the crime.

Historic Pub Crawl Tour
The Revolution included speeches at Faneuil Hall and a meeting of the Sons of Liberty, but don't forget the plans that were concocted inside Boston's taverns. Follow an 18th-century costumed guide as he takes a stroll through four of Boston's pubs: Bell in Hand, Green Dragon, The Point and Union Oyster House. You'll sample a variety of Sam Adams beer styles, including lagers, ales and Hefeweizens. The tour includes some light fare, such as oysters, baked beans and beef stew. And you'll take home a Sam Adams historic pub crawl souvenir glass. Tours depart Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. from the Bostix booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace (3 Faneuil Hall Marketplace). The pub crawl is $39 per person. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling 617-357-8300. All participants must be 21 or older and show valid identification.

Boston Tea Party Re-enactment
You'll feel as if you're joining John Hancock and his Privateers as they raid British warships in the Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party Re-enactment Sail. Climb aboard the Tall Ship Liberty Clipper, which was named for John Hancock's ship, and help set the sails, then dig in for the fight. You can decide to be either a Colonialist Privateer or a British Jack Tar. Cannons will be shot and chests of tea will be thrown overboard. Tea party sails run from $23 to $35 per person. Call 617-742-0333 to make reservations for the weekends during the summer.

Whale Watching
Take a four- to five-hour cruise aboard a Mass Bay Lines (617-542-8000) boat to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a shallow submarine platform formed by receding glaciers about 18,000 years ago. Located about 25 miles east of Boston, the sanctuary is a protected area where whales feed. You are likely to see humpback and minke whales, white-sided dolphins, tuna and northern lobster. Marine biologists are on board to provide information about the wildlife.
The boats provide multiple decks for viewing and there are light snacks and drinks available. Whale sightings are guaranteed -- meaning if you don't see one, you will get a free ticket to take another cruise. The cruises depart from both Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf from April through October. Tickets are $33 for adults and $26 for children under 12 and seniors.

Harvard Museum of Natural History
The public museum of three of Harvard University's natural history institutions, the Harvard Museum of Natural History (26 Oxford St.; 617-495-3045) offers high-minded exhibits on science and nature. The museum is currently hosting an exhibit that provides an insider's look at the scientific study of climate. You will be transported back in time, investigate ice cores and deep ocean sediments and uncover clues that help scientists understand current climate change. Or check out the exhibit that looks at the evolutionary success of arthropods (insects, centipedes, crabs and the like).

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for students and senior citizens, $6 for kids 3-18 and free to kids under 3. Admission is free to Massachusetts residents Sunday until noon and Wednesday 3-5 p.m. during the school year.

Cambridge
Located across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is made up of "squares" -- Harvard Square, Central Square, Porter Square, etc. -- and each neighborhood is a collection of restaurants, shops, bookstores and music clubs. Harvard Square in particular is a must-see, home to Harvard University, a grand campus that was founded in 1636 and is the oldest university in the U.S. Throughout Harvard Square, street musicians perform on the sidewalks and in the parks, and there are live performances in many of the clubs. Follow the brick sidewalks to an eclectic mix of book and music stores, performing arts theaters and museums. Recommended: Border Café and Curious George Goes to Wordsworth.