I am sure when you come from NYC to Boston you will come up 90 or 95 and it will bring you right into the heart of the city. There is obviously a lot of history up here, but it tends to be spread out haha. The typical tourist spots have to include going to Fanuel Hall, and you can walk the liberty trail from there if you wanted (not sure bout teens and weather like we have now though!) Otherwise from Fanuel Hall you can walk to the North End for great Italian food, or walk to the harbor for the Aquarium/Imax.
I am not going to try and give directions, but I am sure you will come in from 90 or 95/93 and the best place to get off would be Government Center, it throws you right where you want to be.
And to take a peak at the best college in Boston, just go up Commonwealth to Chestnut Hill and Boston College will greet you haha!
Good Luck! If you want more detail feel free to shoot me a PM
Tim