In Three Days

You can easily expand the suggestions for the first 2 days to fill a third -- for instance, your Museum of Fine Arts admission is good for another visit within 10 days, and you haven't actually completed the Freedom Trail -- but you'll probably want to branch out. Today you head for Cambridge, Dorchester, or both. This itinerary may look a little skimpy, but it's packed with interesting destinations and activities. Start: Museum of Science (Green Line to Science Park) or Kennedy Library (Red Line to JFK/UMass, then free shuttle bus).

1. Museum of Science

2. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

Although they're very different, both of these museums are well worth a trip and a full morning. The Museum of Science, with its wealth of hands-on exhibits, is a great destination for families; adults and older kids who have studied American history can't get enough of the Kennedy Library. Both museums open at 9am. Both have cafeterias, but I recommend that you wait to have lunch until you reach Cambridge at midday.

3. Take a Break -- Eat Like a College Kid

My favorite Harvard Square lunch destinations are casual places where the sightseer's uniform of jeans or shorts and sneakers fits right in. Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, 1246 Mass. Ave. (tel. 617/354-6559), is my top choice anywhere for onion rings, not to mention great burgers. The Border Café, 32 Church St. (tel. 617/864-6100), serves terrific Tex-Mex specialties.

4. Harvard Square & Harvard University

I consider these two entities one big stop because the school couldn't exist without the neighborhood, and vice versa. Allow some time to wander around and enjoy the gentrified-boho atmosphere. Take a tour, which begins at the university's Information Center, or head out on your own. "The Square" is also a fun shopping destination.

5. Take a Break -- Ice Cream

Harvard Square is home to some of the best ice cream shops in this ice-cream-obsessed part of the world. I prefer Toscanini's, 1310 Mass. Ave. (tel. 617/354-9350), to Herrell's, 15 Dunster St. (tel. 617/497-2179), or ] Lizzy's, 29 Church St. (tel. 617/354-2911) -- except when I don't find an appealing flavor (specials change daily). Take your treat to Harvard Yard.

6. Harvard University Art Museums

7. Harvard Museum of Natural History & Peabody Museum

Let your interests be your guide for the rest of the afternoon. You can make it an all-science day or mix and match. If you opt for the art museums, be sure to visit the Fogg, with its gorgeous central courtyard. At the Museum of Natural History, the Glass Flowers are a justifiably world-famous display. All of the university museums close at 5pm.

When you've had enough, head back to the hotel.