boston activities: questions

[laurenhat]

I'm thinking of going to the Boston Harbor Islands sometime this week. Has anyone been? Any recommendations about islands, sights, tours, or activities? I'd be interested in the tour of the historical fort (Ft. Warren) if it's interesting and not too cheesy. And I'd like to wander around some good (reasonably easy) hiking areas with nice views. Any thoughts?

Other things I want to do sometime, because I've still never been to most places in Boston:

• Visit the flayed bodies exhibit at the Museum of Science
  
• Finally get around to doing a Mapparium/Aquarium day
  
• Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History (glass flowers, cool disorganized exhibits)
  
• Go to the Arboretum and the Mt. Auburn Cemetery with a sketchbook (probably not on the same day)
  
• Check out the Gardner Museum
  
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Actually, this one feels more like something I should want to do than something I actively look forward to. But I'm pretty sure I'd have fun.)
  
• Do a walking tour of the McKim building at the Boston Public Library
  
• Spend time in the North End... recommendations?
  

Anything else I should add to my list?