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

It's Presidents' Day today and while for some, this just means a day off from school and work, for others, it is actually a day to think about our former leaders.  Initially intended to celebrate George Washington's birthday (February 22^nd), it has since been expanded to include a celebration of the birth of Lincoln as well (February 12^th).  It is also used to honor the country's veterans, much like Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

Try explaining this to a kid.  It is my experience that kids respond to teaching best when they have something tangible to learn from.  A book, a toy, even just a memento can help.  So to explain to a preschooler about Presidents might be a stretch.  But a couple of places in Boston might help.

Did you know that John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born and bred in Brookline, Ma. and the house where he was born and lived with his family for 3 years still stands on Beals Street.  A visit to this house with your kids is almost like visiting a real-life doll house, since its rooms have been restored by Rose Kennedy to the way it was while the family lived there.  There are even some original objects, like JFK's bassinet!  While this is a great place to visit, know that it's open only seasonally, typically from Spring until Fall.  For more info, visit http://www.nps.gov/jofi.

Another perfect spot to teach them about our nation's presidential history, is at the John F. Presidential Library & Museum.  Intended to portray "the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service, and illustrates the nature of the office of the President."  It's full of multi-media exhibits and life-sized 3-D portraits of the era including memorabilia from the campaign trail, a recreation of the Oval Office while he was in office, and is narrated in the voice of the President himself.  It's been so long since I've been, I think it's time to take a trip to Columbia Point for a visit.  Columbia Point, Boston (near UMass).