My family (ie wife and 9 yr old daughter) and I will be transiting through BOS on the way to/from Aruba later next month. Going to Aruba, we will be staying overnight in BOS. Coming back from Aruba, we will be staying 2 nights and one full day in BOS. We have never visited BOS before. I am therefore, interested in YOW kid's question #1 as well.

The answers are largely there in this and the other linked threads.

The outstanding questions I have include:

1) if I go to BOS by plane (and we may drive there - I have not decided one way or another on that option), is there any value in renting a car, if we just want to see the sights.

2) how far is the airport from downtown - I am wondering whether to stay in a downtown or airport hotel.