1. Faneuil Hall is part of the Boston National Historic Park. Rangers in the visitor center offer free tours and information for visitors about the historical marketplace on the first floor and the Great Hall on the second floor, some even in period costume. All ages are welcome, but visitors ages five and up will probably get the most out of a stop here.

2. There's something for everyone at the Quincy Market food court or surrounding sit-down restaurants. Some of my favorite eateries here are Boston Chowdah Company and Wagamama, which is also one of the spots featured in our picks for al fresco dining around Boston. The food court's indoor seating area often fills up, but there's also plenty of outdoor seating.

3. Out-of-towners enjoy shopping at the stores and carts around the market, so why not join them? Our favorite is the Make Way or Ducklings Store, with its trail of duck tracks and great selection of books and educational toys.

4. Stop by for some of the free activities for kids at the Lounge, including Kids' Art and Kids' Fitness sessions. Kids and grown-ups alike can hit the well-stocked art cart, as well as ping-pong, pool, and chess tables.

5. Catch some of the kids' entertainment in the summer months from Malik the Magic Guy to Rosalita's Puppets. Street performers you might find on any given day include jugglers, musicians, dancers and balloon artists.

6. Besides patriotic statues, like the impressive one of Samuel Adams, be sure to check out some of the others peppered around the area, including one of Larry Bird's humongous sneakers!

7. There are plenty of opportunities to read around the marketplace with several shelves of books and magazines for on-site reading at the Lounge, as well as weekly storytimes at the outdoor reading room and at the Make Way for Ducklings store.

8. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream at Quincy's Place or splurge on a fancy sundae at Ghiradelli.

9. The Blink! light show over the December holidays is a must-see lighting event choreographed to the music of the Boston Pops.

10. Finally, Faneuil Hall is only one of the stops on the Freedom Trail, so if your little history buffs are hungry for more, expand your day with a do-it-yourself tour or check out the fantastic Boston by Little Feet tours, which meet by the Samuel Adams statue.