Follow Boston’s 2.5-mile Freedom Trail Adventure, a living treasure map of 16 historic sites. Discover America’s journey to freedom, one red brick at a time!
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Freedom Trail: A Family Adventure in Boston
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Freedom Trail
- The Freedom Trail is like a time machine that takes you back to the birth of America, connecting 16 historical sites across beautiful Boston!
- WOW! The red line marking the trail is made up of both paint and special red bricks – if you laid all these bricks end to end, they would stretch longer than 20 football fields!
- HOLY COW! The oldest site on the Freedom Trail is Boston Common (1634), which is older than your great-great-great-great-great grandparents!
- SUPER COOL! Paul Revere had 16 children – imagine having enough siblings to make your own baseball team… and still have extras for substitutes!
- FIRE! The USS Constitution got its nickname “Old Ironsides” because enemy cannonballs bounced off its super-strong wooden sides like rubber balls!
- AMAZING! The Bunker Hill Monument took so long to build (17 years) that they had to stop construction several times because they ran out of money – just like when your piggy bank needs refilling!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Freedom Trail
Boston Common Get Ready for the Boston Common : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? America’s oldest public park where colonial soldiers once trained, and today’s families can play and explore!
INTERESTING FACT! The park used to be home to grazing cows until 1830, and children would help herd them every day.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “I Spy” with the different statues in the park, especially the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could travel back in time to when this was a cow pasture, what would you name your favorite cow?
DISCUSS: Children your age would help their parents take care of cows right here where you’re standing!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: In colonial times, families shared the responsibility of watching over 40-50 cows that grazed here. Children would often bring their cows here before school and pick them up afterward. The cows wore special bells so they could be found easily, creating a musical symphony across the park.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What games do you think colonial children played in this park?
DISCUSS: Colonial children played games like rolling hoops, tag, and a game called “scotch-hopper” (which we now call hopscotch).
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Colonial children didn’t have tablets or video games, but they had lots of fun playing outdoor games. They would play with marbles, fly kites, and roll wooden hoops with sticks. Some games we still play today, like hide-and-seek and leap-frog, were favorites back then too!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues and count how many baby ducks are following Mrs. Mallard.
HINT: Look near the corner of Beacon and Charles Street.
OBJECTIVE: Spot three different types of trees in the park.
HINT: Look for the giant elm trees – they’re some of the oldest in the park!
Paul Revere House Get Ready for the Paul Revere House : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step inside the actual home where Paul Revere lived and planned his famous midnight ride!
INTERESTING FACT! This is downtown Boston’s oldest building, built in 1680.
COOL ACTIVITY! Count the diamond-shaped window panes and compare them to windows in modern houses.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How is this house different from where you live?
DISCUSS: The house didn’t have electricity or running water – children had to carry buckets of water from a well for drinking and washing!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Paul Revere’s house was lit by candles and warmed by fireplaces. Children would help make candles from beeswax and gather wood for the fire. The kitchen was the warmest room in the house, where the family would cook, eat, and spend most of their time together.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were Paul Revere riding through the night, what would you bring with you?
DISCUSS: Paul Revere carried a special message written on paper so tiny he could swallow it if he got caught!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Paul Revere was like a colonial superhero who had to be very sneaky. He wore special clothes that wouldn’t make noise, carried a lantern covered with a cloth to hide its light, and knew secret paths through the city. He even had special passwords to share with other patriots!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the oldest part of the house.
HINT: Look for the darkest wooden beams on the outside.
OBJECTIVE: Count how many fireplaces are in the house.
HINT: Each room needed its own fireplace to stay warm!
USS Constitution Get Ready for the USS Constitution : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat – nicknamed “Old Ironsides”!
INTERESTING FACT! The ship earned its nickname because cannonballs seemed to bounce off its strong wooden sides.
COOL ACTIVITY! Practice sailor talk by saying “Aye aye, Captain!” and learn to salute like a real Navy sailor.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they called ships ‘she’ or ‘her’?
DISCUSS: Sailors believed ships were like mothers, protecting them while they were at sea, just like a mom protects her children.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Ships like the USS Constitution were home to hundreds of sailors who lived together like a big family. They had special jobs, ate together, and even had pets on board! The ship had cats to catch mice, and sometimes even dogs that would guard the ship. The wooden walls of the ship are actually made of three layers, like a giant sandwich, making it super strong.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were a sailor, what would be your favorite job on the ship?
DISCUSS: Some sailors as young as 12 years old worked as “powder monkeys,” carrying gunpowder to the cannons during battles!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sailors had many different jobs: some climbed the tall masts to adjust the sails, others cooked meals in the galley (ship’s kitchen), and some were musicians who played drums and whistles to give orders. The ship even had its own doctor who would help sick or injured sailors.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and count the number of cannons on the gun deck.
HINT: Look for the big black cannons pointing out the sides of the ship.
OBJECTIVE: Spot the ship’s bell and guess what it was used for.
HINT: The bell helped sailors know what time it was during their watch.
Bunker Hill Monument Get Ready for the Bunker Hill Monument : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Climb the tallest monument from the American Revolution and see amazing views of Boston!
INTERESTING FACT! The monument has 294 steps – that’s like climbing a 27-story building.
COOL ACTIVITY! Count steps as you climb (or count the landings if all the steps are too many!)
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think they built such a tall monument without modern machines?
DISCUSS: They used horses and a special railway to lift the heavy granite blocks up to build the monument.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Building this monument was like making the world’s biggest LEGO tower, but with massive blocks of granite! Each stone block was carefully cut and moved into place using simple machines like pulleys and levers. It took over 17 years to complete, which is probably longer than you’ve been alive!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What would you use this tall monument for if you lived in colonial times?
DISCUSS: Ships used the monument like a giant lighthouse to help them find their way into Boston Harbor.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The monument stands on a hill where a very important battle took place. Colonial soldiers used this high ground to watch for British ships in the harbor. Today, it helps airplanes know where they are, just like it helped ships long ago. From the top, you can see up to 20 miles away on a clear day!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count the number of windows as you climb up.
HINT: Look for small openings that let in light as you go up the stairs.
OBJECTIVE: Find the statue of Colonel William Prescott near the monument.
HINT: He’s the brave leader who told his soldiers, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Freedom Trail
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Freedom Trail:
New England Aquarium: Get up close with playful penguins, touch gentle tide pool creatures, and watch graceful sea turtles swim overhead in the giant ocean tank!
Boston Children’s Museum: Three floors of hands-on fun where you can climb through a giant maze, build with real tools, and even create giant bubbles around yourself!
Boston Public Garden: Right next to Boston Common, ride the famous Swan Boats and visit the real-life setting of “Make Way for Ducklings” – complete with adorable bronze duck statues you can sit on!
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- From Colony to Country with the Freedom Trail – A colorful picture book that follows two young children discovering the trail’s secrets.
- L is for Liberty by Wendy Cheyette Lewison – Perfect for younger children to learn about Revolutionary War concepts.
- The Freedom Trail: An Interactive History Adventure by Steven Anthony Otfinoski – Let kids choose their own path through history!
- Watch “Liberty’s Kids” episodes (available on YouTube) that feature Boston’s historical sites.
- Print out a simple Freedom Trail map and let your child practice being the “family navigator”
- Visit the Freedom Trail Foundation’s website (www.thefreedomtrail.org) for printable scavenger hunt sheets and activity guides.
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Freedom Trail
- The Freedom Trail was created in 1951 when locals realized they needed a way to help visitors find Boston’s historic sites!
- WOW! The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world – she’s never been defeated in battle!
- HOLY COW! The golden grasshopper weathervane on top of Faneuil Hall contains historic documents in its belly!
- SUPER COOLl! The Old State House’s lion and unicorn are original to the building and were restored after being torn down during the Revolution!
- UNBELIEVABLE! The Great Fire of 1872 destroyed much of Boston, but most Freedom Trail sites survived!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Freedom Trail
Paul Revere House Get Ready for the Paul Revere House : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step into the actual home where Paul Revere lived during his famous midnight ride! It’s the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, built in 1680.
INTERESTING FACT! Paul Revere had 16 children (8 with each of his two wives) and some of them lived in this very house. The house still has 90% of its original structure despite being nearly 350 years old!
COOL ACTIVITY! Try to spot the original features of the house, like the medieval-style windows and the huge fireplace where the Revere family cooked their meals.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you had to warn your neighbors about danger without using phones or computers, how would you do it?
DISCUSS: Paul Revere used a complex system of lantern signals from the Old North Church – “One if by land, two if by sea” – to alert colonists about British troop movements.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The midnight ride wasn’t just about one person – it was actually a sophisticated early warning system. Revere and other riders used specific routes, safe houses, and backup plans. They even had special knocks on doors and passwords! Think of it as the Colonial version of a group text message, but with horses and lanterns instead of phones.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What do you think was the most valuable thing Paul Revere owned in this house?
DISCUSS: While Revere was famous for his silversmithing, his most valuable possession was actually his network of connections and friends who helped spread important messages throughout Boston.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Revere wasn’t just a silversmith – he was also a copper worker, bell maker, and even a dentist! He used his various jobs to gather intelligence about British movements, as his customers included both Patriots and British sympathizers. His shop was like a Revolutionary War-era social media hub where news and gossip spread throughout Boston.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the original beam in the house that still shows burn marks from the Great Fire of Boston in 1676.
HINT: Look up at the ceiling in the main room – the darkened beam tells a story of survival!
OBJECTIVE: Locate Paul Revere’s silver shop display and count how many different types of silver items he made.
HINT: Check the ground floor exhibition area, where examples of his work are displayed.
Boston Common Get Ready for the Boston Common : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? America’s oldest public park (1634) is like stepping into a living time capsule where colonists once trained their militia, and where you can still see how Bostonians have gathered for nearly 400 years!
INTERESTING FACT! The Common was once used as a grazing field for cows until 1830! Each family was allowed to keep one cow, and a “cow counter” made sure nobody cheated.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a timeline scavenger hunt! Walk through the Common and find evidence of different time periods – from Revolutionary War monuments to Victorian-era fountains to modern play areas.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If this park could talk, what stories do you think it would tell from the past 400 years?
DISCUSS: During the Revolutionary War, over 1,000 British soldiers camped right here in the Common, turning it into a military camp complete with cannons and tents.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Common has been the site of countless historic events – from Colonial militia training to Civil Rights speeches. It was here that Martin Luther King Jr. led a civil rights march in 1965, and where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass with 400,000 people in 1979. The park has witnessed protests, celebrations, and gatherings that shaped American history.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the colonists chose to make this space public instead of building houses here?
DISCUSS: The Common was America’s first public space where all citizens, regardless of social status, could gather – making it a symbol of democracy even before America became independent.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Public spaces like the Common were revolutionary for their time. In England, most parks and gathering spaces belonged to the wealthy. By creating a shared space, Boston’s early settlers were already showing signs of wanting a more equal society. Today, the Common still serves its original purpose – a place where everyone can enjoy fresh air, recreation, and community gatherings.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the plaque marking the “Great Elm” – a massive tree that stood here for over 200 years.
HINT: Look near the Frog Pond area; this tree was once used for public hangings!
OBJECTIVE: Locate all three tablets that tell the story of the Common’s role in the Revolution.
HINT: Start at the visitor’s center and work your way around the park’s perimeter.
Old North Church Get Ready for the Old North Church : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is where the famous “One if by land, two if by sea” signal lanterns were hung that launched Paul Revere’s midnight ride!
INTERESTING FACT! The church’s bells were created in England in 1744 and are the oldest operating bells in North America. They still ring today using the same techniques from colonial times!
COOL ACTIVITY! Count the steps up to the steeple (don’t worry, you won’t have to climb them all!) and imagine being Robert Newman, who had to sneak up there in the dark to hang the lanterns.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the colonists kept their plans secret from the British when the church was open to everyone?
DISCUSS: The church’s sexton (caretaker) used a special code of foot taps and whispers during services to pass messages between patriots.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Old North Church was like a spy headquarters! Patriots used clever tricks to communicate – they would pretend to pray while whispering news, hide messages in hymnbooks, and use the bell-ringing schedule to send coded messages. The British never suspected that this peaceful church was actually a center of revolutionary activity.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they chose the church’s steeple for the signal lanterns instead of another building?
DISCUSS: At 191 feet tall, the church steeple was the highest point in colonial Boston, and its location near the harbor made it perfect for sending signals across the water.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The church’s architecture was specifically designed to be seen from far away. The white steeple acted like a colonial lighthouse, guiding both ships and revolutionaries. The design was so effective that even today, it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Boston’s skyline.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the original window through which the lantern signals were visible to Paul Revere.
HINT: Look for the window facing the Charleston shore.
OBJECTIVE: Locate and count the number of “box pews” – the original family seating areas from colonial times.
HINT: These wooden enclosures look like little rooms within the church.
USS Constitution Get Ready for the USS Constitution : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step aboard “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat! This isn’t just a museum – it’s an active US Navy ship with real sailors in period uniforms.
INTERESTING FACT! The ship earned its nickname “Old Ironsides” because enemy cannonballs seemed to bounce off its hull during the War of 1812. The secret? Its hull is made of three layers of oak, each layer up to 7 inches thick!
COOL ACTIVITY! Join the “All Hands on Deck” program where kids can learn to tie sailor’s knots, practice ship commands, and discover what life was like for a young sailor in the 1800s.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think sailors communicated between ships before radio and phones existed?
DISCUSS: Sailors used a complex system of colored flags called signal flags, where each flag represented a different letter or number. They could send entire messages across miles of ocean!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Communication at sea was like a giant game of charades mixed with secret codes. Besides flags, ships used bell patterns, cannon shots, and lanterns at night. Each ship had a drummer and fifer who would play specific tunes to signal different activities – from wake-up calls to battle stations. Even today, the Navy uses some of these traditional signals alongside modern technology.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think this ship has survived for over 200 years while other ships from its time haven’t?
DISCUSS: The Constitution gets a special treatment every 20 years called a “restoration,” where damaged wood is replaced with the same type of oak used in 1797.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The ship is like a living time machine that’s constantly being renewed. The Navy follows the “grandfather’s axe” principle – even though parts are replaced over time, it’s still considered the original ship because each repair uses historical methods and materials. The Constitution has sailed more than 800,000 nautical miles and survived battles, storms, and even nearly being scrapped!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the ship’s original helm (steering wheel) and count how many handles it has.
HINT: Look on the top deck – it’s bigger than you might expect!
OBJECTIVE: Locate the “captain’s cabin” and spot three differences between how the captain lived compared to regular sailors.
HINT: Pay attention to the furniture, windows, and ceiling height.
Bunker Hill Monument Get Ready for the Bunker Hill Monument : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 221-foot granite obelisk marks the site of the Revolution’s first major battle and offers amazing views of Boston (if you’re up for climbing 294 steps!).
INTERESTING FACT! The battle actually took place on Breed’s Hill, not Bunker Hill! The colonists made a mistake in the dark and built their fortifications on the wrong hill.
COOL ACTIVITY! Count the steps as you climb (there are 294), and at each 50-step mark, stop and imagine what the battle looked like from that height.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were a colonial soldier, would you rather defend from the top of this hill or attack from the bottom? Why?
DISCUSS: The British won this battle but lost almost half their officers and twice as many soldiers as the Americans, leading to the famous order “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The battle was like a game of capture the flag, but with incredibly high stakes. The colonists were outnumbered and had limited ammunition, so they had to make every shot count. Despite losing the battle, the colonists proved they could stand up to the world’s strongest army. This battle changed how the British viewed the American Revolution – they realized this wouldn’t be an easy fight.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they built a monument this tall, and why an obelisk shape?
DISCUSS: The monument took 17 years to build (1825-1842), and the granite blocks were transported by a specially built railway – America’s first railway!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The obelisk shape was chosen because it was an ancient symbol of strength and stability. The monument’s height was designed to make it visible from both land and sea, serving as a reminder of American courage and determination. It was also one of America’s first public monuments, built with donations from ordinary citizens who wanted to honor the battle’s heroes.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the statue of Colonel William Prescott and discover what famous command he gave during the battle.
HINT: Look for the bronze statue near the monument’s base.
OBJECTIVE: Locate all four information panels at the base and find out how many British ships were in the harbor during the battle.
HINT: The panels include detailed maps of the battle positions.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Freedom Trail
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Freedom Trail:
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: Experience an immersive recreation of the famous tea party with interactive exhibits and authentic replica ships
New England Aquarium: Home to a giant ocean tank and penguin colony, just a short walk from the Trail
Museum of Science: Fantastic hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that bring science to life
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
- Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne
- What Was the Boston Tea Party? by Kathleen Krull
- Download the Freedom Trail mobile app for interactive maps and audio tours
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Freedom Trail
- The Freedom Trail connects 16 nationally significant historic sites through downtown Boston, telling the story of American independence.
- HOLY COW! The USS Constitution has never lost a battle in 33 engagements!
- WOW! The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 near the Freedom Trail killed 21 people when a molasses tank burst, sending a 15-foot wave of molasses through the streets at 35 mph!
- SUPER COOL! The Old State House’s lion and unicorn were originally painted brown but are now covered in gold leaf – they were shot down during the Revolution and restored in 1882!
- AMAZING! During the colonial period, Boston Common was used as a training field for the militia, and British soldiers later camped there before the Battle of Lexington and Concord!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Freedom Trail
Paul Revere House Get Ready for the Paul Revere House : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This remarkably preserved 17th-century home is downtown Boston’s oldest building and provides an authentic glimpse into colonial life and Revolutionary War history.
INTERESTING FACT! Despite its fame, Paul Revere only owned this house for 30 years of his 83-year life, and the building actually served as a cigar factory and tenement house after his family sold it.
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the period-accurate artifacts to create a social media story comparing daily life in colonial times to modern life. What would Paul Revere’s Instagram look like?
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think Paul Revere’s midnight ride would have been different with today’s technology?
DISCUSS: Paul Revere’s famous ride wasn’t a solo mission – there were actually about 40 other riders spreading the word that night!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The story of Paul Revere’s ride has become somewhat mythologized over time. While he was indeed crucial to the warning system, he was actually captured during his ride and never completed it. The warning “The British are coming!” would have made little sense since most colonists still considered themselves British. Instead, riders used phrases like “The Regulars are coming out.” The network of riders demonstrated one of the first organized colonial communication systems, similar to modern emergency broadcast networks.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What parallels can you draw between the colonial resistance movement and modern protest movements?
DISCUSS: The Sons of Liberty used a 120-year-old elm tree (Liberty Tree) as their meeting spot, and it became such a powerful symbol that the British cut it down.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The American Revolution was largely organized through taverns, secret meetings, and pamphlets – the social media of their time. Like modern movements, they used symbols, slogans, and public demonstrations to build support. The Boston Tea Party was essentially a form of political theater, much like modern protest actions. The revolutionaries were masters of propaganda and used newspapers and broadsheets much like today’s activists use social media platforms.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the window where Paul Revere’s wife was watching as he was rowed across the Charles River to begin his famous ride.
HINT: Look for the small window on the second floor facing the back of the house.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the house’s various uses throughout history.
HINT: Look for architectural changes and different building materials that show how the house was modified over time.
Old North Church Get Ready for the Old North Church : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is where the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal lanterns were hung, marking the beginning of Paul Revere’s ride.
INTERESTING FACT! The church’s bells were cast in England and are the oldest functioning church bells in North America.
COOL ACTIVITY! Calculate the different possible routes the British could have taken and why the two-lantern warning system was so crucial for the colonial defense.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the revolutionaries chose a church for their signal system?
DISCUSS: The church steeple was the tallest structure in colonial Boston at 191 feet, making it perfect for signals, but it also meant the sexton who hung the lanterns risked death for treason.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Churches were central to colonial life, both spiritually and politically. They served as community centers and meeting places, making them ideal for covert operations. The British were less likely to suspect religious buildings of harboring revolutionary activities. Additionally, church bells were used as an early warning system for everything from fires to invasions, making them natural communication hubs.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How would you design a secret communication system today that couldn’t be hacked or intercepted?
DISCUSS: The colonists used complex cipher systems and invisible ink made from gallic acid to send secret messages.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The revolutionaries developed sophisticated codes and signals that went far beyond the lantern system. They used everything from drum beats to flag positions to communicate. Modern encryption used in apps like Signal and WhatsApp follows similar principles of securing communication from interception. The colonists’ methods were so effective that some of their codes weren’t broken until the 1900s.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the trap door that leads to the crypt and count how many bodies are buried there.
HINT: Look for the plaque near the entrance that gives information about the crypt.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the original window through which the lanterns were visible to Paul Revere.
HINT: The window faces the harbor and is marked with a special plaque.
Granary Burying Ground Get Ready for the Granary Burying Ground : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This historic cemetery contains the graves of revolutionary heroes including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere, along with victims of the Boston Massacre.
INTERESTING FACT! Despite having only about 2,300 grave markers, there are actually over 5,000 people buried here. Many graves contain multiple people, and some markers have been lost over time.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a digital timeline connecting the death dates on various headstones to major historical events happening in Boston and around the world at those times.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think early American gravestones often featured such morbid imagery like skulls and crossbones?
DISCUSS: The skull and crossbones (death’s head) imagery wasn’t meant to be frightening – it was actually a Puritan symbol representing the mortality of all humans and the democracy of death.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gravestone art evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes toward death and religion. Early Puritan stones featured stark death’s heads, which later evolved into winged cherubs (representing the soul’s ascension) and finally into willow trees and urns (representing mourning and remembrance). This artistic evolution mirrors the broader social and religious changes in colonial America, from strict Puritanism to more liberal religious views.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do modern memorial practices differ from colonial ones, and what does this tell us about our society?
DISCUSS: Colonial-era graves often faced east to west, with the head pointing west, so the deceased could “rise facing the sun” on Judgment Day.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern memorials have evolved from simple markers to include digital elements like QR codes linking to online memorials. While colonial graves emphasized religious themes and mortality, contemporary memorials often focus on celebrating life and preserving memories. The shift reflects changing views about death, religion, and remembrance in American society.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the grave marker that shows evidence of bullet damage from British soldiers using it for target practice.
HINT: Look near Benjamin Franklin’s parents’ marker.
OBJECTIVE: Find three different styles of gravestone art representing different periods.
HINT: Compare stones from the early 1700s, mid-1700s, and late 1700s to see the evolution.
Boston Common Get Ready for the Boston Common : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? America’s oldest public park served as a British military camp during the occupation and was where Colonial militia gathered before the Revolution.
INTERESTING FACT! The Common was once used for public hangings and as a grazing pasture for cattle until 1830.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a then-and-now photo essay comparing historical images of the Common with current views, analyzing how urban development has changed the space while preserving its historical significance.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How has the concept of public space evolved from colonial times to today?
DISCUSS: Boston Common was purchased by citizens in 1634 for 30 pounds and was legally protected as public land, making it America’s first public park.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Common represented early democratic ideals where all citizens, regardless of status, had access to shared space. It hosted everything from military drills to protests, celebrations to executions. Today’s public spaces continue this tradition of democratic gathering places, though their uses have evolved. The Common’s history of protest and assembly set a precedent for the First Amendment right to peaceful assembly.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What role do you think public spaces like Boston Common played in spreading revolutionary ideas?
DISCUSS: The Liberty Tree, a gathering spot for revolutionaries, stood near what is now the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets until British soldiers cut it down in 1775.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Public spaces were crucial for revolutionary organizing, much like social media platforms today. They allowed for the spread of ideas through speeches, demonstrations, and informal gatherings. The British recognized this power, which is why they often tried to control these spaces during the occupation. Modern movements still rely on physical gathering spaces despite digital organizing tools.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the plaque marking the Great Elm site, which was used for hangings and later became a symbol of liberty.
HINT: Look near the Parkman Bandstand area.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the Common’s military history in its landscape.
HINT: Notice the flat areas that were once used for drilling and the monuments to various wars.
USS Constitution Get Ready for the USS Constitution : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? The world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat, “Old Ironsides” offers a powerful connection to early American naval history and engineering innovation.
INTERESTING FACT! The ship earned its nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off its oak hull, which was actually built using a revolutionary three-layer wood construction technique.
COOL ACTIVITY! Analyze the ship’s design and engineering principles, comparing them to modern naval vessels. Calculate the amount of wood and copper needed for construction and discuss how these materials influenced early American trade and diplomacy.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How did naval technology and strategy influence America’s ability to establish itself as an independent nation?
DISCUSS: The Constitution’s design was so advanced that it could sail faster backward than most merchant ships could sail forward, allowing it to outmaneuver larger British vessels.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Constitution represents America’s first major investment in military technology. The ship’s construction involved innovative engineering solutions like using copper bolts and sheets to protect against shipworms, diagonal cross-bracing for hull strength, and a unique sail plan that maximized speed. These innovations parallel modern military technological advances. The ship’s success against the British Navy helped establish American naval credibility and protected vital trade routes, much like how modern naval presence ensures free maritime commerce.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What parallels can you draw between cyber warfare today and naval warfare in the early 1800s?
DISCUSS: The Constitution’s crew developed secret tactical signals and codes that the British couldn’t crack, similar to modern cybersecurity measures.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Naval warfare in the 1800s, like today’s cyber conflicts, often involved asymmetric warfare where a smaller force had to outsmart a larger one. The Constitution’s crew used deception, speed, and superior intelligence gathering to defeat stronger opponents. This mirrors modern cyber warfare tactics where smaller nations or groups can challenge larger powers through technological expertise rather than pure force.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and identify three different types of cannons on board and determine their strategic purposes.
HINT: Look for the carronades on the spar deck and long guns on the gun deck.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of how sailors lived aboard the ship and compare it to modern naval living conditions.
HINT: Examine the crew’s quarters and mess areas, noting space allocation and storage solutions.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Freedom Trail
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Freedom Trail:
Harvard University Campus: Just across the Charles River, explore America’s oldest university and walk through Harvard Yard where revolutionary ideas continue to shape our world.
Museum of Fine Arts: One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, featuring an outstanding collection of American Revolutionary era art and artifacts.
Fenway Park: The oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, offering tours that connect America’s pastime to the city’s rich history.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Revolutionary Boston, Lexington, and Concord: The Shots Heard ‘Round the World!” by Joseph L. Andrews Jr. – Provides excellent context for the sites you’ll visit.
- “Paul Revere’s Ride” by David Hackett Fischer – Offers a detailed analysis of the events leading up to the Revolution.
- “Young Patriots: The Remarkable Story of Two Men, Their Impossible Plan and the Revolution That Created the Constitution” by Charles Cerami – Perfect for teens interested in the political intrigue of the period.
- Download the Freedom Trail Foundation’s official app for interactive maps and audio guides.
- Watch “John Adams” HBO miniseries for excellent historical context and visualization of key locations you’ll visit.
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine walking in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes along a magical red line that winds through the streets of Boston! The Freedom Trail is like a real-life treasure map, marked by a painted red line or brick path that connects 16 historical sites across 2.5 miles of Boston. Did you know that this special path tells the story of how America became free, with each stop holding secrets and stories from over 250 years ago?
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