The Swan Boats at the Boston Public Gardens
Posted by: Maureen O'KeefePosted on: Friday, June 29, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Categories: Arts and Entertainment, Lifestyle, Neighborhood News, Lifestyle, Arts and Entertainment, Neighborhood News, Arts and Entertainment, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Neighborhood News, Lifestyle, Roslindale
The latest O’Keefe family inexpensive outing was (oops, I was about to say my all time favorite, then remembered I already said that about Castle Island !) one of my very favorites–Boston’s own storied Swan Boats. The truth of it is, I truly love many of 
the things you can do in Boston -especially the ones for $$short money. I’ll take you all on many of these excursions throughout the summer. So, please, sit back and enjoy the FREE ride!
This past Friday my entire family (myself, sons: Paul (12) & Sean (10), my mom (Marion Connolly), niece Mairead (4), nephews: Tommy (7), and Patrick (5) went to The Swan Boats in downtown Boston. We packed a lunch and took the ‘T’, which was in itself an adventure since the kids are used to being driven everywhere. We got off the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing, walked across the Boston Common where we bumped into Ben Franklin giving tours of the Freedom Trail, passed by the Frog Pond and into The Public Gardens. We stopped by the famous statues of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ based on the book by Robert McCloskey. The little ones all took turns sitting on statues finally making their way to the Mother Duck. Before we boarded the boats we had an absolute blast feeding the ducks…but sadly learned it is not allowed…and for good reasons…overpopulation and non-migration, among others.
The Swan Boat ride was extremely enjoyable. It was paddled by nice young man. Ducks followed along our merry water-way. We saw swans nesting and a large turtle sunning itself on a small island. My mom watched from the bridge to take pictures…thanks Mom! I do have to admit though that my 12 year old felt he was a little too mature for this outing…they grow up so fast!
After that we got ice cream and ate them by the little park in front of The Copley Library. I have been to The Swan Boats countless times in my life and the charm is always 
as fresh as it was the first time.
Talk to everyone soon. And here’s a hint about the next outing: Fire, Water, Peace.
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My duck riding days are long since past, however it’s nice to see the kids enjoying themselves. How much did it cost for the whole outing???
Fab photos, thanks Marion!, It used to be the boys from Boston College that did the paddling…hhhmmm…I might have to go over soon!!
Nice pictures Maureen, you have convinced me to put this on my summer list of “must do’s.” It is such a beautiful park and only a short distance away, taking the train is part of the journey!!! Thanks for reminding me when the kids ask, “what are we going to do today?”
Great blog Maureen and kudos to your mom with the digital camera! The children are adorable and look like they are enjoying themselves! Nice to read about such a great Boston tradition and see families still appreciating the swanboats and the ducks!
Hello Maureen, I awoke this morning with such a hankering for Boston and here it is late at night and I thought I’d search willy-nilly for “O’Keefe Boston” and there was your blog all about your family trip to the Common. Anyway, such fond rememberances of visiting our Grandparents and family in Dorchester (Fields Corner), Milton, S. Braintree and the Cape when we were young. Just the other day I came across a card with a picture of the ducklings.
I don’t even know why I chose to search my family name as there are only a few of us, the name should be Keeffe. Thanks for bringing me a smile. Take care.