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

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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Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Discovering the wilderness of the urban jungle.

by Jill Notkin

It's a pretty summer day and you have made no plans for your family's day. What to do? The beaches are crowded, shopping is a bore for the young ones, and you hit the park yesterday. Today is the perfect day to visit the animals! The Franklin Park Zoo - The 72-acre site located in Boston 's Franklin Park is home to hundreds of exotic animal species from around the ... 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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5 Father's Day Ideas

by Jill Notkin

In a city like Boston, there's no shortage of great things to do at any time. Father's day activities around town just add to that list. 1. Father's Day Story Time . Bring dad to this story time celebrating fathers in our families. Activities will include books, crafts and games. Saturday, June 14 from 11am to 12pm, Barnes and Noble, Chestnut Hill Mall. Free. 170 ... 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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Chill out! At the movies

by Jill Notkin

Summer is hot but there are plenty of ways to stay cool and still have a great time. Chill out! is a new summer series which will feature indoor activities to do when the heat is on. I just stumbled up Regal Cinema's annual summertime Free Family Film Festival . For nine weeks beginning June 24 th , the four participating theaters in Mass. will feature movies at 10AM each ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun

by Jill Notkin

Here we are again, another delicious Thursday, so close to the weekend. As my family gears up for our annual summer vacation in Maine , what will you do with yours? Season Opening Celebration of Frog Pond Spray Fountain . Beat the heat at opening day, the other opening day of course, as the famous Frog Pond reopens for summer activities at 11:00 am on Friday, June 27th. Opening ... Read more >

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A Family Vacation Guide to Boston: Day 1

by Jill Notkin

So you've settled on Boston as your family's summer escape. Congratulations! You and your family are about to embark on a thrilling journey through history, outdoor activities, restaurants, site-seeing and more. And for the next three days, Being Savvy Boston will be your tour guide. Buckle up, and let's go! Day 1: With so much culture and history ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun: July 11th - 13th

by Jill Notkin

Ben Rudnick and Friends . Take a little drive to Lexington and catch Ben Rudnick live in concert. Ben's music is catchy, fun and familiar to little ears. Check out samples of the tunes here . Since 2000, Ben and his band have taken their family-friendly show on the road to hit venues all over New England . Their next stop is Lexington Green, Lexington on Friday, July 11 th at ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun 7/25 & 7/26

by Jill Notkin

It seems impossible, but it's the final weekend in July and as sure as the calendar will change, the days will begin to get shorter as well, so let's take advantage! There are many great activities to do with your family this weekend, here are a few: Flicks on the Field presents Shrek . Sponsored by Parents Talk, bring your family, your lawn chairs and a picnic and watch the ... Read more >

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A Walk in the Park

by Jill Notkin

As a mom, I rate parks using the same metrics I used to reserve for fine dining or hotels, pre- kids. They are: proximity to home, cleanliness, fun factor, and newness. I do proclaim, the park at the Soule Recreation Center in Brookline is all that and a bag of chips (or glass of Merlot). My family hit the park at peak play time on Saturday afternoon, and still my kids didn't ... Read more >

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Boston's Watering Holes

by Jill Notkin

We're surrounded by water in Boston and it is my opinion that this is one of the finest features of our city. But what makes a watering hole fabulous for the little ones? Is it great toddler pools? A yummy snack bar? Or maybe it's the sheer proximity of the pool or beach to the city. Whatever your opinion, there's definitely enough to choose a favorite for everyone. First ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun

by Jill Notkin

It seems like as summer starts to wind down, events in Boston are ramping up. Read on for the what's what this weekend: Fisherman's Feast Italian Festival . Celebrating its 98 th year this summer, this event officially is a celebration of the devotion of immigrant Sicilian fishermen to the Madonna del Soccorso di Sciacca. Unofficially, it's a lively weekend in Boston 's ... Read more >

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A Carousel of a Time!

by Jill Notkin

Let's face it - there's not much to do in Boston on a Monday. If you have kids who are not back in school yet, you know how long a day can be if you don't have something fun lined up. It's my job to help every mama save her sanity so here's my idea for today, Monday, August 18 th , 2008. Carousel Rides! Outside of a fair or amusement park, we don't typically think of ... Read more >

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A Carousel of a Time!

by Jill Notkin

Let's face it - there's not much to do in Boston on a Monday. If you have kids who are not back in school yet, you know how long a day can be if you don't have something fun lined up. It's my job to help every mama save her sanity so here's my idea for today, Monday, August 18 th , 2008. Carousel Rides! Outside of a fair or amusement park, we don't typically think of ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

The final weeks of August are flying by, so you'd better get in all those outdoor activities before the snowsuits hit the stores! Here a few ideas to make this beautiful weekend a memorable one. Peach Festival at Smolak Farms . It's pick-your-own-peaches time again and Smolak Farm is celebrating! They will be open for the festival all weekend with a local artisans fair but come Sunday ... 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

Aaaah. Can you smell fall in the air? I can, and I must say, I love it. The crisp weather, the slight reddening of the bushes, the fun traditional autumn activities. The season lends itself to hundreds of great outings, and here are a few ideas for this weekend: Curious George Day . The Boston Public Library in Copley Square hosts Curious George on Saturday, September 13 th ! A ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

I love that the air is becoming, well, fall-like. Makes sense since this weekend marks the first official day of the new season. After a hot summer, it's refreshing to dress the kids in jeans and long sleeves and just as enjoyable to be outdoors! If you're looking to get out this weekend, here are a few fun finds: It's a giant block party and everyone's invited! Head to Chinatown ... Read more >

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Are you a Green Planet Family?

by Jill Notkin

If you are a regular reader, then you've seen my posts singing the praises of a fantastic toy store, Green Planet Kids, and the wonderful classes they offer there. As if you needed one more reason to stop by, Green Planet Kids is offering free lead screening for your children's toys this weekend. Just because this is the kind of establishment they are! In partnership with Thermo ... 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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Discovering Nature

by Jill Notkin

How curious is your little one? Extremely, I bet. This is the perfect time to begin teaching and exploring nature! And as the leaves start turning colors, there's plenty to discover, even in your own back yard. Feel like an outing? There are plenty of spots to check out if you want to discover nature, and they're just about everywhere you look! The Boston Common, the Arnold Arboretum ... 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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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

Yup - you guessed it! It's that time again. Time to make plans, schedules, agendas for the upcoming weekend. It's high leaf-peeping season, but if that's not enough enticement, here are a few ideas for the upcoming weekend: Head to City Hall Plaza in Boston for the 6 th annual Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival . In 2006, Bostonians carved enough pumpkins to break the Guinness World ... Read more >

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BEING A CREATIVE FAMILY - Written by Karen Koretsky Dillon

by Jill Notkin

Karen Koretsky Dillon is a mother of two, artist, writer and owner of the ArtisTRY studio in Arlington MA where she offers art instruction and enrichment classes to children of all ages. For more information, visit www.artistrystudio.homestead.com . ___________________________________ I think one of the most effective parenting skills we have is leading by example. If you want ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

It's the final weekend before Halloween and haunted happenings are in full swing. Head over to Harvard's Coop for a Halloween Carnival ! Play games, read stories, and join a costume contest! Kids can decorate a pumpkin and get their faces painted. October 25 th , 1 - 4pm. 18 Palmer Street, Cambridge. Trick or treat for charity at the Prudential Center's 14 th annual ... Read more >

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Election Day Fun!

by Jill Notkin

It's finally ( almost ) here - Election Day 2008! Instead of sitting around biting your nails until the polls close and the votes are tallied, there are many events going on to keep your spirits up (before they are either dashed or inflated)... Starbucks is offering a free tall cup of drip coffee to all voters on Tuesday. All you have to do is offer proof that you voted (like a ... Read more >

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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

Well the election is over, Halloween is nothing but a memory and it's back to business as usual, at least until Thanksgiving. Between then and now, my family plans to take in the last of the leaf-peeping, hit the Boston Common merry-go-round, and just take in Boston in Fall - one of this city's most beautiful seasons. Here's what's going on this weekend: Debbie and Friends - live in ... Read more >

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The Mayor's Holiday Special

by Jill Notkin

The economy is tough, simple as that. And with holidays approaching fast and furiously, I'm certain families are wondering how they will keep up their traditions in the manner to which they've become accustomed. Shopping, dining, parties and shows may have to take a back-seat to more pressing matters this year, such as bills, groceries, mortgages and ... Read more >

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Tradition! Tradition! Tradition!

by Jill Notkin

Once the turkey is eaten and the last of the pecan pie is gone, you're going to find yourself with three days left of the long weekend. Days which need to be filled with fun things to do, lest you and you children go insane, and develop a bad case of cabin fever. Well, this city is prepared with lots of fun stuff to do: Macy's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting . How much fun are ... Read more >

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MARTHA IS BACK!

by Jill Notkin

Looking for something GREAT to do today? Please join Martha for Juice & Cookies TODAY Green Planet Kids - Needham Drop in anytime between Noon and 3:00 pm. No Reservations Necessary! For those of you who missed the author event last week, Martha the dog* will be back tomorrow. Martha is the main character of Martha Speaks , a ... Read more >

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Boston's Best Local Holiday Traditions

by Jill Notkin

There's no excuse for boredom during the month of December. There are events left and right, as well as traditions to be made and repeated. Boston is full of annual events, such as: The Copley Square Tree Lighting is an annual event not to be missed. Kick off the holiday season with Mayor Menino and the Friends of Copley Square for this festive event complete with hot chocolate and ... 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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