Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Boston, MA

Funny story (if you have young kids) - last weekend we had a new baby party on the schedule at 10am on Sunday.  So, at 8am, we got up and started getting ready to get out of the house by 9:30 in order to be in Southie for 10.  You know, 2 adults, 2 kids under 3, these things take careful orchestrating!  But we did it.  At 10am prompt, we rap on our friends' door only to find them in the pj's, chilling on the couch after a long night with a newborn.  Yup - you guessed it!  Party is actually this weekend!  So it will begin again...

But if you are looking for something to add to your schedule this weekend:

The Frog Pond ice rink is open for business!  For the 11^th year, Bostonians and visitors will have the chance to glide over the manicured, refrigerated surface where they typically splash in summer.  When you're done, get lunch at one of the yummy restaurants on Newbury Street or Charles Street, or just walk around the Boston Common!  For hours and rates, click here. 

A don't miss event: The Faneuil Hall Marketplace 24^th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place Saturday, November 22^nd!  Starting at 11:30am, enjoy live entertainment by Ernie and the Automatics, pop/R&B group, Jada, and others.  Mayor Menino will be lighting the 70-foot tree at 5:30pm.  And as a special treat, there will be a surprise guest!  Come see who!

Insider's tip: Hungry after a day walking around Quincy Market?  Hit Faneuil Hall or delicious Houston's, located just on the corner of State Street.

The author of Martha Speaks, the new animated series of PBS, will be at Green Planet Kids on Saturday!  Join her for a reading and sing-along at 11am or 1pm, with your kids aged 4-8.  By reservation only!!  Call to book your space - 617-332-7841.  22 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands.

Please join the families and friends of the Corner Co-op Nursery School for their Fall Fundraiser.  A festive offering of the traditional, and not-so-traditional craft fare featuring crafts of all kinds, international foods and delicious home-baked goods and family-friendly fun including face painting, art activities and entertainment.  Saturday, November 22, 10:30am - 3:30pm. All Saints Parish, 1773 Beacon Street, Brookline.

Head to Belmont World Film for the 6^th Annual Family Festival, this Saturday.  At 10:30am, catch the Animated Best Loved Children's Books for children 2-7 (program I), which continues for children 4-9 at 12:30pm (program II).  For a full schedule, click here.  376 Trapelo Road, Belmont.