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

Things That Go VROOM!

by Jill Notkin

Kids everywhere love anything that goes fast. My own daughter wishes her stroller had a built-in motor so she could cruise down the mean streets of Boston . But for now, she is happy enough to spend time visiting places where she can learn about such things. These places include: Larz Anderson Auto Museum - Located just steps from the skating rink in Larz Anderson Park , ... Read more >

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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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Room to Run - Good Harbor Beach

by Jill Notkin

There are a million places you can bring you children to spend a long summer day but no place has the appeal of Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester , Ma. Only about an hour from the city, Good Harbor Beach is arguably the most beautiful on the North Shore with a large expanse of water and clean, groomed sand. The beach is crawling with kids, so your little ones will find new friends ... 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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How to cultivate the tiniest green thumb

by Jill Notkin

If your child is anything like mine, than he or she likes to stop and smell the roses. Or tulips. Or sunflowers. So come Spring, we always take a trip to the Boston Public Garden . Located in the heart of Boston , the space was the first public botanical garden in the United States . It is 24 acres of beauty, sure to capture the eye of any child. Complete your excursion ... Read more >

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History Lessons: Boston

by Jill Notkin

I can't think of a better way to learn about Boston 's historical landmarks than by catching a famous Duck Tour . Board the tour's distinct duck (a renovated WWII amphibious landing vehicle) and begin the one-of-a-kind tour. Narrated by entertaining conDUCKtors, your family will journey through Boston 's history, beginning with the golden-domed State House and Bunker Hill , to the TD ... Read more >

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Prince(ss) for a day: Magical, Mystical Boston.

by Jill Notkin

My kids are special, but whose aren't? And every so often I like to treat them to an extraordinary day. Luckily, Boston has a ton of special events to suit every little prince and princess. Here are just a few ideas to stash away for a treat: You may not need a special excuse to go to The Kids Playground in Woburn , but your kids will think it's the best day ever! This open ... Read more >

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The Littlest Picasso

by Jill Notkin

Have a budding artist on your hands? Luckily, there are a ton of spots in Boston to help bring out that talent. The Kids Place for Fun is a drop-in craft studio located in Needham . Best for kids aged 3 and up, their menu of activities includes plaster, ceramics, tie-dye, mosaics and mining for gems. For more info, visit http://kidsplaceforfun.com/index.html . ... 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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Mozart, Moby or miles: A Guide to the preschool/toddler music scene

by Jill Notkin

There music scene for the toddler crowd in Boston is so extensive, it would be impossible to review them all. But depending on whether you're looking for a scheduled class or a drop-in group, there's definitely something to suit your little one's tastes. Music Together Probably one of the most well-known childhood music programs, Music Together has outlets across the US and ... Read more >

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Book nooks for tots: Best story times and reading rooms in Boston

by Jill Notkin

When the weather is cold or rainy and we're getting a little stir-crazy, we often seek out a good story-hour or bookstore. Some of our favorites are: Pottery Barn Kids Every Tuesday from 10:00 10:30 is story time at PBK. Kids of all ages are welcome, but I've noticed it's mostly toddlers between the ages of 2 and 4. Best of all, there's tons of fun stuff for kids to play with ... 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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Circus Shmirkus!

by Jill Notkin

The circus is coming! The circus is coming! Yup it's that time of year again and my family is gearing up to go to the circus in the fall. But first, we are going to learn all the tricks! Read on for places to hit to learn to fly. Simply Circus . How cool is this a circus school in Newton ! With classes for kids from 3 and up, this place is worth a second look. ... 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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Top 5 BEST Birthday Party Ideas

by Jill Notkin

Every weekend it's the same old story. Another birthday party! But soon it's your child's turn and you want to make it as special as can be. Here are some ways to do that. Venue . By all means, the best birthday parties for toddlers are at Creative Movement in Needham . Owned by Bright Horizons, the center is not huge, but offers two large playrooms with tons of equipment ... 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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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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Little Gourmets

by Jill Notkin

We love to cook in our house. And my children love to eat. Introducing the art of cooking is definitely a must for any budding chef, and here are some places to do that in Boston . Create A Cook . Located in Needham , this cooking school just for kids has classes for children aged 3 through 11 . The Petit Fours, or preschooler crowd, are introduced to cooking and baking ... Read more >

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The Alternative Growth Chart -- My baby is getting big!

by Jill Notkin

There are many ways to measure your child's growth. A doctor's scale, a meter stick and a mark on a special wall will all tell you how much little Joey or little Amy has grown. But the one unit of measurement we don't count on as parents is when our kids are suddenly too big for what they did last year and are adept at new activities. We recently encountered this phenomenon with ... 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 -- 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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Movies "Al Fresco"

by Jill Notkin

Summertime in the Northeast is special. We don't take the gorgeous weather for granted since we spend many months bundled up in snow gear. So come summer, we want to get out as much as possible. Why not watch movies outside too? Here are some outdoor movie venues: Mendon Twin Drive-In . Open 7 nights rain or shine, this drive-in has been in operation since 1954. But the ... Read more >

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5 Best Classes for Preschoolers

by Jill Notkin

I am a Mommy who believes that taking your child to a scheduled group at least one time a week serves several purposes. It is alone time with that child (especially if you have others), it creates a routine within your week and the repetition of activities built-in to these groups is good for memory and builds confidence. Below are a few of our favorites: Creative Movement ... Read more >

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Chill out! The Boston Public Library

by Jill Notkin

The library is a great way to cool off during the dog days of summer. Not only is it a free outing, it's safe to say that every town has a library where you can find activities to attend. Here are a few examples of children's events going on at a few of the Boston Public Library branches this summer. With locations in 27 Boston neighborhoods, there is no shortage of events within ... 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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All About ME!!!

by Jill Notkin

I know I've mentioned before that me-time and together-time is good for the soul (and sanity!). In my house, we get a babysitter once every week or two to get out and experience what Boston has to offer in summer. Here are some of our favorite things to do: Dinner al fresco. A Montreal , Canada native, I am used to hundreds of choices when it comes to outdoor dining. Not ... Read more >

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Getting to know my city: 5 great ways to introduce a preschooler to local history and landmarks

by Jill Notkin

Boston is known for its rich history. Everywhere you turn is a statue or a building that holds some historical meaning. And it's never too early to start teaching your preschooler about the must-sees of their city. Here are some ideas about how to have an enriching and exciting outing. 1. Boston Duck Tours . Possibly my family's favorite outing, boarding a duck is not ... Read more >

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A Roundup: Local Zoos

by Jill Notkin

I know I wrote about the animal kingdoms that call Mass. home in Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Discovering the wilderness of the urban jungle. But on a recent animal kick, my husband has insisted we refresh our opinions of the local zoos. So in the interest of editorializing, below is a summary of Southwick's Wild Animal Zoo vs. The Franklin Park Zoo re-visited. ... 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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Strawberry Fields Forever

by Jill Notkin

It's high strawberry season and I've got the fever! While 88% of the nation's strawberries are grown and harvested in California , Massachusetts has some great strawberry fields where your family can pick their own . Belkin Family Lookout Farm . Located just west of the city in Natick , the Belkin Farm is a great day trip for families. Strawberry season is underway and the ... 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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Essential Summer Music: A Guide to the Preschool Scene

by Jill Notkin

Boston, being the charismatic town that it is, has so much music associated with it. Especially during the summer! Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline can be heard at Red Sox games during the seventh inning stretch. No home field victory is official until The Standell's Dirty Water is played throughout the stands at Fenway followed by Tessie by the Dropkick Murphys. But there are ... Read more >

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Layover Lifesavers: Logan Airport Guide

by Jill Notkin

With this month's Savvy theme being Escapes, it seems reasonable to begin with a tour of Boston 's biggest central airport, Logan . Though traveling with small kids is not necessarily the most fun part of any trip, if you arm yourself with these tips, I sure hope it can be bearable. The most fun way to entertain your children while visiting Logan is to take a trip to the ... 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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Unmissable Signs of Summer -- The Farmers market

by Jill Notkin

There are so many things about summer in New England that I love, it would take writing a book to touch on each one. The nearby beaches, the plethora of spray parks, the festivals and fairs. But one sign that summer has truly arrived in New England is the opening of Boston 's Farmers Markets. Food is a big deal in my family. I LOVE to grocery shop and try new recipes (it ... Read more >

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A Vacation Tradition: Ogunquit, Maine.

by Jill Notkin

Having just returned from our summer vacation yesterday, I can tell you firsthand how important it is to get away with your family, even if just for a few days. Vacations are what memories are made of, but you don't have to board a flight or sit on a train to one! Boston is the perfect central location for so many great spots to hit. This is the story of my family's favorite. ... 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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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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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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Vive La France!

by Jill Notkin

The streets in France will be alive with celebration tomorrow, as Bastille Day is commemorated. Here in Boston , we'll be celebrating too, perhaps not on every street corner as in France , but our celebration will take place in French restaurants where Boston Francophiles will share their famous food with the rest of us. If you have the evening free, check out these spots for the French ... 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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Long Car Ride? 5 Great Ways To Put Your CD/DVD Player To Work.

by Jill Notkin

With gas prices high and steadily climbing, many families have canceled or opted for closer vacation destinations this summer. Around Boston are hundreds of nearby spots and I know my family is still getting in the car and going. Thing is, how do you get from point A to point B without the kids getting antsy in the backseat? Our solution? Stories! 1) Take Marlo Thomas on ... Read more >

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Is my Child Stuttering?

by Jill Notkin

Language development in toddlers and preschoolers is fascinating to observe. In just a few short years, kids develop an amazing understanding of the world around them, and a method to effectively communicate their needs and wants. Sometimes, these toddlers and preschoolers go through a period of dysfluency, also known as stuttering. Very often, this is a completely normal part of language ... 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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Capturing Vacation Memories Using Crafts

by Jill Notkin

Vacations are special, and I often say they are what memories are made of. So it is important to preserve these memories, and what better way to do this than to find fun crafts to do with your kids. We vacationed on the beach this summer. To break up the long, hot day, we spent part of out morning looking for seashells on the shore. All different shapes and sizes will do. After ... Read more >

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Top 5 Kid-Friendly Dining Spots

by Jill Notkin

We love to eat out. Before kids, we were regulars on the restaurant scene and are still self-proclaimed foodies. All this means is that when kids entered the picture, we had to find kid- AND foodie-friendly restaurants because this mama doesn't do Chuck-E-Cheese. Here's what we found: Legal Seafood . What could be more, well, Bostonian than Legal? This is a great family ... 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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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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Brain Freeze!

by Jill Notkin

In case you hadn't heard, Bostonians eat more ice cream per capita than any other city in America . Almost synonymous with summer, we seem to be making this journey to the store pretty often. After all, what better way to end (or begin) a mid-summer day than by topping it off with ice cream? A few of our faves are: My personal favorite is JP Licks . Locally owned, the ice ... Read more >

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China in Boston?

by Jill Notkin

What do China and Boston have in common? Nothing, you say? Well guess again! You might be surprised to learn that much of the wealth of New England's oldest families was built on the China trade, and this is still visible in many of Boston 's cultural resources. If you want to take your family on a tour of China , Boston-style, read on for a few tips. Chinatown . Many ... Read more >

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Top 5 Favorite Things at Famous Fenway Park (say it fast 5 times)

by Jill Notkin

I've written about Fenway Park before. It's a landmark in Boston , and it holds appeal for residents of the city, as well as visitors. Perhaps that's why tickets to a game are not easy to come by. But I've been there many times for games, events and just to eat in the surrounding area. So let me tell you, there's a lot to love about Fenway. But in the interest of time, below are ... 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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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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Up in the Sky!

by Jill Notkin

Ever looking for a really cool way to spend an afternoon or even an evening? Well, lucky for you, Boston is home to some great, well, 'sky stuff. What I mean is we have a bunch of options for sky-seeing. Read on Blue Hills Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres and is located minutes from downtown Boston . It is home to myriad recreational activities like fishing, hiking, ... Read more >

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A trip to the beach -- what to bring!

by Jill Notkin

Welcome to August in New England ! While the weather is still balmy and the days are still long, we can't help but be reminded that Fall is at our doorstep. While this fact might tease us all month long, let's spend the remainder of Summer doing the most Summery thing we can think of going to the beach! The beaches in and around Boston are plentiful and beautiful. So while ... 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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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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Savvy Picks for your Pirates

by Jill Notkin

Ahoy, people, spend the day like the pirates o' old, and aye, win points with the kids. Aye, thar's so much t' choose from Aye, you surely won't be bored, Arrr. The New England Pirate Museum . Located in haunted Salem , visitors are invited to step back in time to a place where pirates roamed the sea and shores, plundering merchant ships. Take a tour and board a full-length ... 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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Top 5 Swim Lessons For Children

by Jill Notkin

It's the first rule of parenting: Never take your eyes off your kids while they are in water. Did you know that a child can drown in as little as one inch of water and that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14? Teaching them to swim at a young age is as crucial a piece in water safety as any, and Boston is full of great, fun places to do ... Read more >

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Backyard Water Play

by Jill Notkin

It's a balmy 90 degrees outside but after a full weekend of outings, activities and running around, you just can't motivate to pack up and head out to the local watering hole . I've been in these shoes before and have come up with a few fun water play ideas for the backyard. Hands down the best money our family spent this summer was on this 60 spring pool . Designed with only ... Read more >

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Paren't Night Out

by Jill Notkin

If you haven't had a night out since the last Parent's Night Out post , it's time to plan one. What better time to do so than during Boston 's famed Restaurant Week! Since we missed the first week, reserve your table now for a kid-free delicious dining experience at any one of these restaurants , from August 17 th until the 22 nd . The idea behind it is that diners visit restaurants at a ... 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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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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See the Fish!

by Jill Notkin

My toddler loves looking at fish. In fact, she spots them in odd places before I do! 5 best places to see the fish: Le's Restaurant at the Atrium Mall . Formerly Pho Pasteur, this restaurant in the mommy-mecca otherwise known as the Atrium Mall, not only has great food and a really interesting children's menu (think chicken with Vietnamese noodles), it also has a ... Read more >

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Teaching Green to Preschoolers

by Jill Notkin

Christine Koh is a former music and brain scientist turned writer, editor, and designer. She is the founder and editor of Boston Mamas , the designer behind Posh Peacock , and writes on parenting and childcare topics for Care.com and the forthcoming Shoestring Magazine. Christine is a passionate advocate for green parenting; she lives in the Boston area with her fabulous husband ... 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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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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Kitchen Crafts

by Jill Notkin

It's a grey Monday but even though there's no sunshine, a day of rain doesn't have to be boring. Forget the mall, have a ton of fun without leaving the comfort of your kitchen! With a little imagination, and a tip or two, you and your preschoolers will be cooking and crafting away in no time! Peanut Butter Play - Dough 18 ounces peanut butter 6 Tbsp's honey Chocolate ... Read more >

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5 ways to cool off in your backyard

by Jill Notkin

It's been a hot summer and our family has made the rounds from pool, to spray park, to lake and ocean. While the local watering hole is a great option on a summery day, here are a few tips to keeping cool with nothing but a garden hose and a little imagination. Sponge Water Race: What you'll need buckets and sponges for each kid. Put the same amount of water in each of the ... Read more >

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Starlight, Starbright.

by Jill Notkin

Kids love to learn. My toddler talks about the sun, moon and stars incessantly so it's high time to take her on a star-gazing mission. If you want to take your kids on a star-studded outing, here are a few local ideas: Stargazing at the Gilliland Observatory . If your kids are starry-eyed, take them to the rooftop observatory at the Museum of Science on Friday nights, where ... Read more >

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A Perfect Pick for a Picnic

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