Description
Whether you are young, or young at heart, escape to simpler times and pleasures in Boston this summer!
Start with a ride on Boston's legendary Swan Boats and then head over to the Greenway and enjoy the Carousel!
Swan Boat Rides
Pass for Four (4) Swan Boat Rides in Boston's Public Garden!
The Swan Boat story dates back to the 1870's when Robert Paget, whose descendants continue to operate the business, was granted a boat for hire license by the City of Boston.
In 1877, Robert and others introduced a new kind of boat to the waters of the lagoon. With the popularity of the bicycle expanding, he developed a catamaran, which housed a paddle wheel arrangement that was foot-propelled. To cover the captain, Robert suggested a swan.
The idea came to him from his familiarity with the opera Lohengrin. The opera is based on a medieval German story in which Lohengrin, a knight of the Grail crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan to defend the innocence of his heroine, Princess Elsa.
Rowing a small boat in the Public Garden lagoon was a favorite summer pastime for city residents during the day and evening. Robert Paget lived only one year after the first Swan Boats were launched. He died in 1878 at the age of 42 and his wife Julia, a young widow with four children, assumed full management of the new enterprise. From 1878 through the early 1900?s, Julia persevered to keep the family business alive. Because she was a woman, she was required for many years to gather signatures from local business owners in the Back Bay to provide testimony to her ability to run her business.
The fourth generation of the Paget family continues to preserve the tradition that has grown to become a symbol of City of Boston.
Greenway Carousel Rides
Ten (10) tickets to ride the Greenway Carousel at the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservency.
Take a spin on one of the native New England carousel creatures, located in the heart of downtown Boston.
This is the only carousel of its kind. The hand-carved characters are inspired by the air, sea and land animals of Boston Harbor, and by the imaginations of children. The Conservancy challenged students from around Boston to draw carousel characters they wanted to ride. Now you can fly on the wings of a Peregrine Falcon, sit astride the mythical Sea Serpent Gondola, or honor an endangered animal like the Green Sea Turtle.
In partnership with the Institute for Human Centered Design, this is the most ADA-compliant carousel in the region. Going well beyond wheelchair accessibility, the unique and important features make it possible for people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities to join in on the fun. Come for a spin!
Item Special Note
Swan Boat RIde
Valid through Labor Day 2024
Greenway Carousel Ride
Greenway Carousel ride tickets are valid through January 1, 2025.