Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Boston, MA

My toddler loves looking at fish.  In fact, she spots them in odd places before I do!

5 best places to see the fish:

1. Le's Restaurant at the Atrium Mall.  Formerly Pho Pasteur, this restaurant in the mommy-mecca otherwise known as the Atrium Mall, not only has great food and a really interesting children's menu (think chicken with Vietnamese noodles), it also has a large fish tank.  Filled to the brim with colorful and exotic looking fish, enjoy your meal in peace while your restless child spends time observing the marine life.  300 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill.
2. Boston Tropical Fish & Reptiles.  In a city where you need to search to find pet stores, this fish store is the place to hit not just to see the fish, but to take them home too.  They have fish that are slightly more exclusive than the variety regularly found at other stores, with both fresh and salt water fish and supplies.  243 Monsignor Obrien Hwy, Cambridge.
3. Fish Pond at Fugakyu.  If you can get past the irony of housing a fish pond inside a sushi restaurant, then you're going to love the fish at Fugakyu.  Arguably the best sushi in town, Fugakyu makes that wait for a table seem tolerable with the entertaining and beautiful fish.  There always seems to be some splashing going on in there those fish are feisty!  1280 Beacon Street, Brookline.
4. Ducklings at the Boston Common.  Ok, so maybe not technically reptiles, but these ducklings cause quite the commotion every time we bring our toddler to see them!  While you're there, you may actually catch a glimpse of some fish swimming in the man-made lagoon (otherwise make up for it with a fun ride on the Swan Boats!) 
5.  The New England Aquarium.  Clearly the most obvious place to see the fish in Boston, the aquarium definitely works its charm on every visit.  I'll never forget the first time my toddler visited this aquarium.  She stood for long minutes at a time on the decks located all around the Great Ocean Tank.  Watch your child take it all in as the jellyfish, sharks, barracudas, sea turtles and others swim by.  1 Central Wharf, Boston.