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 ways to enjoy the Boston Common

by Jill Notkin

Any true Bostonian knows that the Common is more than just a large open space. It is home to so many activities for adults and children alike. Here are some ways my family likes to enjoy the Common: The Frog Pond. Cool off in the wading & spray pool in the summer and enjoy ice skating during the winter months, a visit to the Frog Pond is a rite of passage for any child. ... Read more >

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Top 5 things to do when the fog clears and the sun shines

by Jill Notkin

There is nothing like summer in Boston . Adults and kids alike are thrilled to strip away the snow gear and get out the swimsuits, shorts and t-shirts. Here are some fun activities to do when the sun is shining. Crane Beach . Voted Best Beach of Boston' for several years running, Crane Beach in Ipswich is a child's dream come true. With white sand to play with for miles, ... 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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We HEART Suburbs too!

by Jill Notkin

While the city of Boston has an aura of excitement about it, there's plenty to be said for the suburbs as well. There are so many fun and family-friendly events to be had just a short drive away. We just had to share! Suburbia fun for this week includes: Flower Fairy Garden Party at Wenham Museum . Little people of Mass. unite for this Flower Fairy Garden ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun -- June 14th & 15th

by Jill Notkin

If you're like me, you like to start planning for the weekend early. Here are some activities happening in the area for this Saturday and Sunday: 29 th Annual Cambridge River Festival . Having checked out this event last summer, I can tell you firsthand this is a FUN outing! Set-up along the banks of the Charles River , the free celebration features all kinds of musical, ... Read more >

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Amuse Yourself -- Amusement Parks

by Jill Notkin

School's out and summer is in. Looking forward to that family vacation? Of course you are. But you have lots of other days to plan for so the kids don't go batty. Why not treat them to a visit to one of Boston 's nearby amusement parks? Below are three of our lesser known, preschooler-friendly fun parks. Salem Willows Park . Now it must be said that Salem Willows is not ... Read more >

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A Boatload of Fun

by Jill Notkin

Boston is a wet city. That is, it's tough to get from point a to point b without running into some kind of water, whether it be the Charles River or the Atlantic ocean . Luckily, there are a bunch of ways to enjoy the water without actually getting into it. Boat rides and cruises are a fun and dry way to spend the day. Try one of these ideas: The Liberty Fleet. Take a ... Read more >

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Lighthouses of New England

by Jill Notkin

Have you ever noticed how so often, when you're visiting a coastal town, you catch site of a lighthouse? They're everywhere in New England but if you answered no, you're not alone. Since lighthouses are something typically taken for granted, it's the perfect reason to point them out. Not only that, why not plan a day trip and visit some of our interesting lighthouses? Start the ... 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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Gone Fishin'

by Jill Notkin

Anything to do with water is a way of life for us Bostonians, including fishing. There are so many activities revolving around fish, from whale watching, to boating and well, plain old fishing! Taking little ones fishing can be daunting, so here are a few basic tips: Focus praise on participation rather than catching. Fish for pan fish or catfish - success is more ... 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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September Traditions

by Jill Notkin

Welcome to September! While this month definitely marks the end of those long, hot dog days of summer, it also means more fun memory-making events for your family. With back-to-school, it's certainly busy, but never too busy to fit in fun and educational outings! Start the month off right by attending the Red Sox and Apple Pie Concert featuring the Boston Landmarks Orchestra at ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

This was a big week for many of us. Back-to-school was a major theme, and now we all need to blow off some steam and have some fun. Fall is the perfect time to hit the town for events and activities, preferably of the outdoor variety. Here's what's up for this weekend: Head North for Peabody's 16 th annual Kid's Day , taking place at Leather City Common. The day promises activities ... 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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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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