Top 10 | Hip places to bring your family during commencement

Hey, seniors! Are you looking for a way to convince your parents that Tufts’ outrageous tuition was worth it? Is Boston Burger Company just not cutting it for your preteen sister anymore? Are you upset that Grandma scoffs at the Museum of Bad Art in the basement of the Somerville Theater? Well, the Daily Arts Department has decided to compile a list of bizarre, exciting and, ultimately, super hip places to bring your families and loved ones during this exhilarating time. Take this opportunity to prove to your relatives that the suburbs of Boston are just as exciting as the city itself.


10.) Taza Chocolate Factory Tour: We know your mom is obsessed with all things fair trade, even if she doesn't quite understand what that means. Located just a short drive away from campus in Somerville, the Taza Chocolate Factory offers tours nearly every day of the week. Full of samples, charismatic employees and heavy machinery, the Taza Chocolate Factory tour is only $5 and is odd enough to be one of the highlights of your week. (Check out Taza's website at www.tazachocolate.com/Tours to make reservations.)

9.) Brattle Theater: Always screening independent and foreign movies, the Brattle Theater in Harvard Square is a great place to enjoy some challenging and exciting cinema. Known for its unique film series and retrospectives, the Brattle Theater will impress even the most pretentious film snob — we're looking at you, cousin in a Stanley Kubrick T-shirt.


8.) The Shops at Porter: Hidden in plain sight in Porter Square's shopping mall is a Korean and Japanese food court that boasts delicious, authentic Asian cuisine. What's more, the food is quick and cheap — a perfect lunch break for families with adventurous palates.


7.) High Energy Vintage: Tucked away in Teele Square, High Energy Vintage boasts an eclectic mix of clothing, shoes, CDs, cassettes and vintage video games. Perfect for a chagrined younger brother or wistful mother, High Energy Vintage is low-key homerun for relatives who have an affinity for outdated fashion and technology.


6.) True Grounds: Located in Ball Square right across the street from Sound Bites (the Mecca of brunch), True Grounds has an extensive coffee, tea, wrap and sandwich menu that features fresh, organic ingredients. For your crunchy, tree-hugging friends, True Grounds is the perfect choice for an early Sunday coffee.


5.) Guitar Stop: Just a few blocks from the Porter Square T station, Guitar Stop is a little music store with an impressive array of instruments, sheet music and musical accessories. With helpful employees and a chill atmosphere, Guitar Stop promises a fun experience for all music lovers.

4.) Porter Square Books: Another gem in Porter Square is Porter Square Books. With a nice variety of titles and a quaint caf? just inside its doors, Porter Square Books offers a relaxing environment for the eager and overwhelmed tourist.


3.) Nathan Tufts Park: Just off of Powderhouse Square, Nathan Tufts Park is a pleasing patch of green amidst Somerville's streets. With a historical relic and peaceful, shady places to sit, the park is great for a little sentimental reflection with friends and family.


2.) Comicazi: For fans of action figures, cartoons, classic comics, collectibles and cool T-shirts, Comicazi is a great place to stop when you find yourself in Davis Square. Just past The UPS Store on Highland Avenue, Comicazi is chock full of interesting characters and passionate nerds — the community is spectacularly inclusive and fun.


1.) Museum of Science, Boston: Okay, so we know this isn't necessarily close, but the Museum of Science is just off of the Green Line and hosts some great community events that are often cheap or free of charge. If you’re staying in the area for the week, we at the Daily strongly recommend you check out their free Friday night stargazing on the roof of the museum.