Health & safety
Contents
Dangers & annoyances
As with most big US cities, there are rundown sections of Boston in which crime is a problem. These are primarily in Roxbury, Mattapan and Dorchester (where tourist attractions are limited). Parts of the South End border Roxbury, as does Jamaica Plain. In the South End, avoid areas southeast of Washington St and southwest of Massachusetts Ave after dark. In Jamaica Plain, stay on the west side of Hyde Park Ave and Columbus Ave at night. You may find a few vestiges of 'skankiness' along Washington and Essex Sts in Chinatown, where one or two X-rated shops hang on by the thread of a G-string.
Avoid parks such as Franklin Park and the Back Bay Fens after dark. The same goes for streets and subway stations that are otherwise empty of people.
While you're there
Eating with kids
Everyone gets cranky when they are hungry, especially children. To keep your kids happy on the road, try not to disrupt their eating schedule; don't force unfamiliar foods on them; and try to give them some room to move. You might also plan to picnic outdoors so the little ones don't have to sit still. Consider staying at a hotel with a kitchenette, especially if you have spawned picky eaters.
Children
When in Boston with children, don't forget to think outside the box; many adult-oriented museums and historic sites have special programs geared toward kids. A handy reference book is Kidding Around Boston, by Helen Byers.
Keep in mind that many services exist to make it easier to travel with children. Most sites and activities offer discounted rates for children, while the youngest tots often enjoy free admission. Many hotels also invite kids to stay free in the same room as their paying parents; car rentals offer child-safety seats; restaurants offer half-portions and kids' menus. Families are a prime target market for the tourist industry in Boston, so most hotels, restaurants and tour services will do their best to accommodate the needs of you and your children.
We're not sure if America's first public park is home to its first playground, but rest assured, the Boston Common (Park St) has a huge playscape with swings, jungle gyms and all the rest. Other parks with playgrounds include:
Back Bay Fens (Museum)
Cambridge Common (Harvard)
Charles River Esplanade (Hynes/ICA)
Charlesbank Park (Science Park)
Magazine Beach (Central)
Child care
If you're leaving them behind, a few agencies offer temporary babysitting services. Most upscale hotels also offer babysitting services or referrals.
Boston Best Babysitter(617-268-7148; www.bbbabysitters.com; per hour$10-15, plus $35 registration fee)
In Search of Nanny, Inc(978-921-1735; www.insearchofnanny.com; per hour $11-18, plus $40 referral fee, four-hour minimum)
Nanny Poppins(617-227-5437; www.nannypoppins.com; per hour $10-18, plus $30-50 placement fee)
Emergency
Ambulance/police/fire 911
Bay Cove Substance Abuse Treatment Center (617-371-3000; www.baycove.org)
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (617-492-7273; www.barcc.org)
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.sprc.org)
Medical services
In case of a medical emergency, the failsafe response is to go to the emergency room at any local hospital, where staff are required to treat everyone that shows up. Unfortunately, if your life is not threatened, ER waits can be excruciatingly long and the cost is exorbitant. Therefore, the ER should be reserved for true emergencies.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH; 617-726-2000; Charles/MGH) Arguably the city's biggest and best. It can often refer you to smaller clinics and crisis hotlines.
MGH International Patient Center (617-726-2787; 55 Fruit St, Blake 180; Charles/MGH) Provides assistance with interpreting services, housing arrangements and financial arrangements.
Pharmacies
CVS Cambridge (617-354-4420; 1446 Massachusetts Ave; 24hr; Harvard); Government Center (617-523-3653; 2 Center Plaza; 6am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Sat & Sun; Government Center); Back Bay (617-236-4007; 240 Newbury St; 7am-midnight daily; Hynes/ICA)
Skenderian Apothecary (617-354-5600; 1613 Cambridge St; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat; Harvard) For a more personal touch, visit this old-time family-run pharmacy.
Women travelers
Contemporary women in Boston take comfort in knowing that generations of women have won respect and equality for females in business, arts, science, politics, education, religion and community service. Nonetheless, women travelers everywhere do face challenges particular to their gender. Avoiding vulnerable situations and conducting yourself in a common-sense manner will allow you to avoid most problems. Be aware that drinking, using drugs and going out alone increases your vulnerability. If you don't want company, most men will respect a firm but polite 'no, thank you.'
If you are assaulted, call the police (911) or the rape crisishotline (617-492-7273). Other resources:
National Organization for Women (NOW; 617-232-4764; www.bostonnow.org ; 214 Harvard Ave, Brighton)
Planned Parenthood (617-616-1600, hotline 617-616-1616 hotline; www.plannedparenthood.org ; 1055 Commonwealth Ave)
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