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

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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Weekend Fun -- June 21st & 22nd

by Jill Notkin

Ah, the smell of another sweet summery weekend. What's on the agenda for us city dwellers? Here are a few ideas to get you on a fun track for a perfect couple of days: Arts Fest Beverly . It's only about 35 minutes to the North and it promises to be fun for everyone from youngest to old. With 100 fabulous artists and craftspeople, a special exhibition of community art and student ... 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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Happy Birthday USA! Celebrate the 4th Boston-Style

by Jill Notkin

While the raucous days of celebrating the 4 th pre-kids may be long gone, it doesn't mean that all the fun has gone with it. Imagine experiencing the festivities through the eyes of a child everything so big, so colorful, so explosive! Boston has a huge variety of ways to spend the holiday, whether you have the day or the week to celebrate. Boston Harborfest . Beginning ... Read more >

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Spend Saturday at Fenway and Give Back

by Jill Notkin

With so much going on in the city this weekend, it'll be tough to decide how to spend your days. I just came across one great way to have a fun day and contribute to the community. Spend Saturday at the Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day at Fenway Park . The good people over at the Jimmy Fund have teamed up with the Boston Red Sox to bring The Ultimate Fan Experience . From 9am until ... 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 -- July 19th & 20th

by Jill Notkin

In the spirit of human error, I reported the Life Is Good Festival last week, so if you spent the day looking for the festival, as my family did, then here's what you learned: If you look long and hard enough, you actually can find parking around the Boston Common. The line-up for the Swan Boats is a bit long to stand in with a bunch of kids. A great day, if you mistakenly show ... Read more >

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Weekend Fun

by Jill Notkin

August, how ever did you find us so fast! Ok, so only 5 more weekends before September, let's use them well folks! A few ideas: Circus Smirkus is coming to Revere for two days of Big Top fun! The non-profit, award-winning international youth circus is bringing its troupers aged 10 to 18 from Vermont to entertain your family. Smirkus continues its tradition 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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Charity Begins (by Teaching it) at Home

by Jill Notkin

Seems like September is synonymous with fundraising events and 2008 is no different. There are flyers and ads everywhere for charity walks, runs, days and so on. It makes sense to want to teach our kids about supporting our community so what better way to teach than to actually do! Take part in one of these events or with a little research, find your own that suits your family! ... 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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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

Are the weeks flying by in your house too? It just seems like Friday creeps up faster than ever and I barely have time to recuperate from one weekend when I'm making plans for another! Hopefully you're enjoying what's left of the warm-ish weather. I must say, I love dressing in fall clothes and it seems like the kids are enjoying their new (adorable) duds too! Anyhow, a few weekend ideas ... 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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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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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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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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Holiday Shows Around Town

by Jill Notkin

So much to do, so little time. However, there's something festive about taking in a show with your family during holiday time, and with so many to choose from, everyone will be entertained! Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas . Visit the whimsical world of Whoville as the Grinch realizes there's more to Christmas than he bargained for. This record-breaking Broadway hit features ... 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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Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

Ok, by now most of us have braved the crowds at the mall, seen Santa dozen times, and baked enough to feed an army. Well, it's not over yet folks so suck it up and enjoy it. May as well, since this whole town is painted red! And green! This weekend - If you're anything like me, you'll at least be intrigued by the idea of visiting the Chocolate Buffet at the Langham Hotel . I ... Read more >

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For a complete "mall" experience, head to Natick.

by Jill Notkin

Believe it or not, the town of Natick is abuzz with activity. Ever since the "mall"became a "collection" (and the second largest shopping district in Ma. outside of Downtown Crossing) almost a year ago, shoppers are flocking to the area, not just to shop, but to take part in the dozens of events and activities going on there daily. If you still have some holiday shopping to do, the Natick ... Read more >

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Mickey and Minnie Hit Boston

by Jill Notkin

Yesterday I took my 2-and-a-half year old to the TD Banknorth Garden to catch Disney on Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey ! We had a really great time, and thankfully I learned from my past mistakes . The show was to start at 1pm, so kiddy and I started out around 12:15 in order to arrive early. I wasn't risking walking into a loud, dark arena with a young child ... Read more >

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Still No New Year's Plans?

by Jill Notkin

If you didn't find any event that tickled you in my last New Year's post , do not fear as there are plenty other activities that you and your family can participate in this year. Personally, I think my family will be heading over to Needham's New Year's celebrations , since it's close to home and many of the children's programs are taking place at my favorite family center, Creative ... 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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