Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Boston, MA

How to make the Museum of Science a place your child loves.

by Jill Notkin

Boston's Museum of Science is a definite must-see for children and adults of any age. What makes this place so special is that they feature many different exhibits and there's always something appropriate for your child. My family recently visited the museum and The Discovery Center in particular. Designed for children from birth up to age eight, this area offers a bunch of fun, hands-on ... Read more >

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Things you must do with your child before they grow up - Boston

by Jill Notkin

Boston is known for its rich culture, and kids culture is no exception. Here are a few examples of do-not-miss destinations with your kids before they (sniff) get too big for this stuff: Boston Children's Museum. There is nothing like the look on your child's face when they enter that bubble room or the excitement of singing with Arthur. The water room holds a certain ... Read more >

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Top 5 Things to do on a Rainy Day - Boston

by Jill Notkin

It's a typical scenario. You wake up in the morning on your day off from work looking forward to spending time with the kids. You stretch, grab your coffee, and look out the window. Expecting to see the sun peeking around the corner, preparing to warm the day for mindless outdoor fun, you find a grey and dismal sky. RAIN! But don't worry! While you didn't count on rain, what ... Read more >

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5 best day trips within an hour of Boston

by Jill Notkin

While there's PUH-LENTY to do within the city of Boston and its suburbs, there are a bunch of fun possibilities just a little ways away as well! Get ready to add these destinations to your list of places to go. Old Sturbridge Village Take a step into the past at the largest history museum in the northeast. Journey back in time in rural New England and learn about the ... Read more >

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Free Museum Admission!

by Jill Notkin

I remember hearing about this promotion for Bank of America customers a while ago and now seems like a great time to take advantage of it! The Museums On Us program offers free admission at 70 museums nationwide on the first weekend of every month. This offer applies to all Bank of America card holders (of any card). Since Boston definitely has days in summer that are too hot for ... Read more >

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A Family Vacation Guide to Boston: Day 2

by Jill Notkin

Now that you've gotten a feel for what Boston has to offer, on to Day two of your trip. By now you know that this city is bursting with energy, not to mention great things to do. On day two, I urge you to visit Cambridge , and its famed Harvard Square . Just a hop, skip and a jump over the Charles River (take public transportation known as the T an adventure unto itself!), ... Read more >

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A Family Vacation Guide to Boston: Day 3

by Jill Notkin

It's your final day in Boston and you want to go out with a bang. You've found your way around the city via guided tours, visited the Harvard Museum of Natural Science , a few spray parks and walked around Harvard Square . Today you might want to choose one or two more museums that are a little lesser known than the famous Children's Museum or Museum of Science . Both are excellent ... Read more >

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Oh, Those Summer Nights.

by Jill Notkin

Summer Nights at the Museum. Have you been waiting for the perfect time to visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History? Well, skip the bedtime routine because on Thursdays, July 17 and 31st, the museum will open its doors with half- price admission for a summer night of after-hours gallery exploration, along with a special nature documentary screening and discussion with a ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun

by Jill Notkin

It's Friday and while the weatherman isn't forecasting the perfect mix, we have to be prepared for anything. Here are a few great ideas to consider when planning for this weekend. Wild Nights Concert with Bill Staines . The New England Wild Flower Society announces the premiere of their WILD NIGHTS concert series with the legendary folk artist Bill Staines, at the Woodland stage at ... Read more >

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The Littlest Mermaid

by Jill Notkin

It's every little girl's fantasy to swim under the sea with their fishtail while their long hair flows from their human head. Mermaids might be fictional creatures, but with the help of this guide, you can help bring your little mermaid's fantasy to life. The Little Mermaid at the Thomas Crane Public Library . Even if it's her umpteenth time seeing this classic Disney movie, ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

It's the final August weekend!! While it's hard to believe, September does come with its own set of fun traditions such as apple picking, back-to-school events and hay rides. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's treat our families to one last hurrah. Here's what's happening this long Labor Day weekend in and around Boston : It's the season finale for Free Friday Flicks at ... Read more >

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You Say It's Your Birthday

by Jill Notkin

With two kids born 18 months apart, every 6 months we find ourselves planning another birthday party. It's easy to run out of ideas quickly and resort to inviting 15 adorable, but hyper, preschoolers to your house. Before you bite the birthday party bullet, see if any of these ideas appeal to your birthday boy or girl. The Boston Children's Museum is one of our favorite spots on any ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

How awesome is October? Between the apple orchards being in full pickin' mode, Halloween events ramping up, and the famous Topsfield Fair hitting town (or, hitting Topsfield ), there's just so much to do. Here are a few ideas to make this weekend a great one for your family. Free Family Night at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire starts this Friday, October 3rd! From 5:30 to 8pm, ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

Looking for some fun stuff to do this long weekend? I believe there are still tickets left for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the TD Banknorth Garden. Shows run through Monday, October 13 th so if you're looking for a fun activity, the circus is where it's at. Save 20% with the coupon code "MCC" when you buy tickets at http://www.ringling.com/ . How cool is ... Read more >

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Imagination Inspiration

by Jill Notkin

October is all about imagination. Coming up with the perfect Halloween costume, learning about the history of the traditions surrounding the fun day requires imagination too! Sharpen their skills by bringing them to places where imagination is a requirement, and fun is too. The Museum of Science is the perfect place to ignite their minds, and the opening of the Mythic Creatures ... Read more >

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NYC, what is it about you?

by Jill Notkin

I would be seriously remiss to keep this information to myself. If your preschooler is as CRAZY about Thomas as mine, then you'll want to know that Thomas and Friends are going to be live at the Beacon Hill Theatre on April 17 - 19, 2009! Ok, so this theatre isn't actually in Boston per se, but every child should be exposed to New York City before the age of 6, don'cha think? This is a trip ... Read more >

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A Thanksgiving Weekend Lineup

by Jill Notkin

I know it sounds cheesy, but I happen to be one of those people who wakes up every most mornings and gives thanks for what I have in my life. I have a truly fantastic husband, two healthy and hilarious kids, and a situation that canā??t be beat. My life is truly panning out to be a dream, and Iā??m thankful and grateful. Happy Thanksgiving! Visit the zoo FREE the day ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

Last weekend we visited the Boston Common, chose produce at the best store in town, Russo's, and hit the Upper Crust for lunch. This weekend we'll attend a birthday party and potentially hit the Children's Museum, since it's been a while since we've been there. Here are a few ideas for your family to do: Tune up your singing voice for a weekly Sing-Along at Stellabella Toys in Inman ... Read more >

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The Children's Museum of NH

by Jill Notkin

Now that the weather is getting colder, I think we're all wondering how we're going to pass the looong days of Winter. Sledding, skiing and snow ball fights are all wonderful ideas, but some days you just can't brave the cold. When the city seems a little bit drab, jump in the car and head north to the Children's Museum of NH . Located in Dover about 65 miles from Boston, it seems ... Read more >

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A Thanksgiving Weekend Lineup

by Jill Notkin

I know it sounds cheesy, but I happen to be one of those people who wakes up every most mornings and gives thanks for what I have in my life. I have a truly fantastic husband, two healthy and hilarious kids, and a situation that canā??t be beat. My life is truly panning out to be a dream, and Iā??m thankful and grateful. Happy Thanksgiving! Visit the zoo FREE the day ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

So far we have no plans for the upcoming weekend. Not that we don't have plenty to do with the holidays coming up and all the fun stuff going on around town. Faneuil Hall is hosting the 4 th Annual Candy Land Tournament sponsored by Hasbro, this weekend. Head to the famous shopping spot and play Candy Land, win prizes, sample local treats, and listen to a local choir. Kids can play ... Read more >

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The Gift of Giving

by Jill Notkin

Ok. So it's 9 days before Christmas and you're so over beating the rush at the mall. How about giving a gift that keeps on giving all year round? Here are a few ideas for gifts that you can't touch or feel, but will provide a lot of fun: The Children's Museum offer memberships for children 10 and under. For one year, your child will have free admission to the museum, as well as free ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

I'm cold. And it's likely that I'll stay this way for a few more months. So I may as well make the best of it and find fun, indoor stuff to do until the sun once again shines on us and warms our selves. Check out the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline for hip music by Bed Rudnick and Friends. With a combination of musical styles from country to bluegrass, everybody will love these ... Read more >

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