Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in boston, MA

Free Summer Stuff

May 26, 2009

Let's face it - the way things are these days, the best things in life have to be free.  And our majestic city is not above offering some of the finer things, you guessed it, for free.

• 1. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell. A summertime tradition for New England families, Free Friday Flicks features classic & popular, family-oriented movies every Friday night throughout the summer at the MDC Hatch Shell on the Esplanade for FREE! Put on by WBZ, movies are shown rain or shine at sundown (approximately 8:30pm). There is often some local entertainment before the movie, appropriate for all ages. Arrive early to grab your spot on the lawn. For added fun, visit the WBZ Tent for free giveaways, food samples and fun interactive games. To find out what's playing, call the WBZ Free Friday Flicks Hotline 617-787-7200. Tip: use public transport as parking is limited and fills up FAST! Starts Friday, June 19^th.
• 2. Museums on Us. This amazing program offers free admission at 74 museums, zoos and science centers nationwide the first full weekend of every month. The offer applies to all Bank of America card holders (of any card). Since Boston definitely has days in summer that are too hot for outdoor play, this freebie may just come in handy! Participating museums in Ma. are: Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Danforth Museum of Art and the newly added Ecotarium.
• 3. Free Fridays. Brand-new and provided by the Highland Street Foundation, Free Fridays allows select cultural institutions to open their doors to the public free of charge on certain Fridays during the summer. Entry to the Museum of Science will be free on July 3. A week later, people can visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. Plimouth Plantation is free on Aug. 7.
• 4. Hatch Shell Concert Series. Summer isn't summer without free concerts at our beloved hatch shell. Come early and set up your blanket or chairs and catch an open-air concert. Use public transportation as parking is limited. For a complete schedule, visit here.
• 5. Fairs, Festivals and Fun Things. Boston summer is chock full of fun festivals and fairs and you can find out what's going on right here on Savvy Source! Stay tuned as the fairgrounds get prepped for the best Boston has to offer. Some exciting events coming up are Radio 92.9 EarthFest (May 30^th), the See New England Festival (June 6^th), 27th Annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl (June 9^th), and the 30th Cambridge River Festival (June 13^th).

Wild Weekends

April 16, 2009

It's *almost* here.  It's so close I can taste it, I can feel it, I can smell it.  Yup, Spring.  And as the tree buds begin to come to life, so does the city.  Here's what's up for this weekend in our beautiful town:

The opening of the Swan Boats.  A Boston tradition, the Swan Boats are open for the season this weekend!  Freshly painted and ready to go, no summer is complete without a 15-minute tour of the Boston Garden Lagoon.  Saturday, April 18^th, 10am - 4pm.  For hours and fares, click here.  Boston Common near the Public Garden.

It's Ben Rudnick and Friends!  With the recent release of their new CD, A frog Named Sam, they are showcasing plenty of new tunes at this release party.  With countless awards to their credit, including FOUR Parent's Choice awards, their adventurous high-energy blend of happy, upbeat, acoustic music is guaranteed to make you sing, make you dance and make you happy!  Saturday, April 18^th, 10:30am.  Tickets are $8 kids & seniors, $10 adults.  Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington.  

Dan Zanes.  If you haven't heard of Dan Zanes, you're either hiding under a rock, or you don't have kids.  Not just another smiley-faced, silly-songster who will go the mile to entertain children, Zanes is the real thing, with a Grammy under his belt to prove it.  And you can take in his excellent show this weekend (we are!).  Shows Saturday, April 18^th & Sunday, April 19^th at the Somerville Theatre.  For tickets and showtimes, click here.    

Big Apple Circus.  If you haven't taken your kids to the circus yet, here's your chance to get them under the big top!  Now in its 31^st season, the Big Apple Circus combines fabulous music with the wonder of the circus, and all the fun traditions that go along with it (ie, POPCORN!!).  Now through May 10^th.  For tickets, click here.  City Hall Plaza, Boston.  Insider's Tip: for our first experience at the circus, click here.

Wild Weekends

March 26, 2009

Another weekend here and it looks like Mother Nature is still holding out on us.  But Spring is definitely in the air, so why not get out and enjoy it?

Woolapalooza at Drumlin Farm.  Time to shear the sheep!  Festival highlights include Drumlin Farm's new spring babies, sheep shearing and sheepherding demonstrations, hands-on activities for all ages, and all natural, locally grown and harvested Drumlin Farm food.  Local fiber artisans will offer demonstrations and sell their handmade products.  $10 for adult nonmembers, $8 for children nonmembers; children under 3 are free.  Saturday, March 28^th, 10am - 4pm.  South Great Road, Lincoln.     

Vanessa Trien and The Jumping Monkeys.  Have a fabulous foot-stomping time with local Brookline musician, Vanessa Trien, and her Jumping Monkeys band.  A fundraiser for Cambridge's Newtowne Pre-School and her first she since the birth of her baby, this show is sure to please!  Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, children under 2 are free. Saturday, March 28^th, 10:30am.  First Congregational Church, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge.

Harlem Globetrotters.  For 82 tremendous years, the Harlem Globetrotters have thrilled audiences around the world.  Today, a new generation of stars carries on this storied tradition with timeless basketball exhibitions.  For tickets, click here.  Sunday, March 29^th, 1pm.  TD Banknorth Garden.

Wayne Potash & the Music Fun Band Concert.  Please join hundreds of other families in celebrating 85 years of nurturing and educating young children at Cambridge Nursery School's annual fundraising event. In addition to Wayne's music, they will have a wide variety of food and baked goods to choose from, face painting, balloon animals and other children's activities.  Great for children of all ages!  Sunday, March 29^th, 11:30am - 2:30pm.  $7 per person; $20 per family, children under 2 are free.  Baldwin School Cafetorium, 28 Sacramento Street, Cambridge.

Dan Zanes Giveaway

March 09, 2009

If you haven't heard of Dan Zanes, you're either hiding under a rock, or you don't have kids.  This Grammy Award-winning  front-man of the children's music group, Dan Zanes and Friends,  started his music career as the singer for the local band, The Del Fuegos in the 80s.  After having a baby with his wife in 1994, the Zanes' moved to New York, where he began making music that would appeal to the family crowd, rather than just adults. 

And the rest is history.

But Dan Zanes is not just another smiley-faced, silly-songster who will go the mile to entertain children.  This guy is the real thing.  During the course of his career, he's worked with industry staples like Sheryl Crow and Lou Reed.  Inspired by the birth of his daughter, Zanes went ahead to create music that both she and he would enjoy listening to together.  He was an instant hit on the playground and national success quickly followed.  And the best part is that he's coming to a theatre near us.

For two shows only, Dan Zanes and Friends will hit the stage at the Somerville Theatre.  And TWO lucky Savvy Source readers will be the recipient of a 4-pack of tickets (to either 2pm show)!  On top of that, TEN readers will win a copy of the CD Nueva York! , their 2008 all-Spanish album that is sure to please the entire family (NO SPANISH REQUIRED!!).  To win, simply email me with "Zanes" in the subject, visit the Dan Zanes tour schedule, scroll down to April 18^th/19^th, and let us know which two show times would work for your family.  If you win, 4 tickets to one of those shows will be yours, along with a CD.  All winners will be chosen at random on Friday, March 13^th.    

99 Things you must do with your child before they grow up.

February 24, 2009

1. Boston Children's Museum.  There is nothing like the look on your child's face when they enter that bubble room.  What kid isn't turned on by the site of enormous bubbles? 
2. Frog Pond and Tadpole Playground.  Located in the Boston Common, the Frog Pond is an institution for kids in Boston.  Take a dip in it on a hot summer day or skate on it in the winter.  A few steps away is the playground which features a play structure, a water spray fountain and bronze frog statues.
3. New England Aquarium.  I'll never forget the first time my toddler visited this aquarium.  She stood for long minutes at a time on the decks located all around the Great Ocean Tank.  Watch your child take it all in as the jellyfish, sharks, barracudas, sea turtles and others swim by.
4. Fenway Park Tour.  Baseball is synonymous with Boston and even the youngest children know this.  No child will ever forget his/her first tour of the Green Monster.  Tours leave hourly from the souvenir store.
5. Walden Pond.  A small 102-foot deep pond perfect for wading and swimming, the area also has hiking trails with pond-side nooks for private family picnicking and swimming. 
6. Artesani Playground and Pool.  This watering hole features a number of zero depth fountains from the ground as well as a wading pool with all kinds of waterfall like things.
7. Crystal Lake.  Hidden away in Newton Center, the 33 acre natural lake is the absolute perfect place to pass a hot afternoon.  Parents can chat with friends (everyone is a familiar face here) or relax on the cramped, but cute beach.
8. Good Harbor Beach.  Arguably the most beautiful on the North Shore, the place is crawling with kids.
9. Water Country. New England's largest water park is definitely the spot to hit this summer.  
10. The Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science. Nestled in a warmed conservatory (wear a t-shirt!), visitors are invited to walk among the winged creatures for a close-up look into their habitat. 
11. Imax Theatre at Jordan's.  Forget about buying furniture, head to Jordan's for an awesome experience in IMAX. 
12. Visit the Totplex.  Located in Canton, this new indoor playspace looks perfect for active kids!
13. 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 they will learn about whatever objects can be observed in the current night sky.  
14. Harvard Museum of Natural History.  The museum features exhibits on all kinds of life - plants, animals, and humankind.
15. The Curious George Goes to Wordsworth.  What kid doesn't love an entire book store named after their favorite monkey?
16. 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 world.
17. Southwick's Wild Animal Zoo.  This zoo features the largest collection of endangered species like the white rhino and African elephants.
18. Lookout Farm's Petting Zoo.  There are many different things to do at this farm depending on the season, but from April through October, you can count on the petting zoo as a main attraction.
19. Old Sturbridge Village.  Take a step into the past at the largest history museum in the northeast.
20. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.  Turns out Dr. Seuss was born in Springfield, Ma. and the town celebrated this by erecting five bronze sculptures of the man surrounded by his most beloved characters.  
21. Davis' Farmland & Water Spray Park.  Known primarily for its animals, kids can pet, cuddle and feed at what is known as North America's largest sanctuary of endangered farm animals.  Also featuring the Imagine-Acres playground and the Adventure Play & Spray, New England's largest, zero-depth water spray ground.   
22. The Discovery Museums.  Comprised of The Children's Discovery Museum and the Science Discovery Museum, this is the perfect destination for kids.  Everywhere you look, there's an invitation to touch, see, feel, and engage with your child in new ways.     
23. King Richard's Faire.  An annual event each fall, the Faire is a recreation of a 16^th century English marketplace where performers entertain, vendors hawk their unique hand-made wares and the Royal Chefs prepare and sell foods authentic to Renaissance times.  Exotic animals and costumed characters complete the experience.
24. First Sunday at The Danforth Museum.  On the first Sunday of each month, families are invited to visit the museum then create art together in the Museum School.  Perfect for kids 5 - 10.
25. Nature Storytime at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.  Enjoy stories and poems designed to engage the next generation of explorers with themes related to the museum's galleries. For children 6 and under.
26. Salem during October.  No place is spookier than Halloween in Salem.  Definitely a must-see!
27.  Apple Picking at the Belkin Family Farm.  Absolutely one of our favorite annual events.
28.  Enjoy a Fenway Frank at the famous park.  Sure, you can do this later in life, but nothing compares to the look on a child's face during his/her first trip to Fenway.
29. Boston Duck Tours.  Board a "duck" and take a great tour through Boston and its history.
30. Visit the Hood Milk Bottle.  Situated just at the entrance to the museum just across the Fort Point Channel, the wooden structure is 78 years old and was built by Hood Dairy.  Today, the bottle is home to an ice cream stand and snack bar.
31. Make Way for Ducklings Statue.  A result of the acclaimed Boston-based children's book by Robert McCloskey in 1941, the bronze statue in the Boston common is a terrific attraction for all children. 
32. The Harvard Book Store.  Visit the Coop on Tuesdays at 11am for story time and Saturdays at 11am for story and craft hour.
33. The USS Constitution Museum.  The mmuseum houses the largest collection of USS Constitution-related objects assembled in one location and so much more.
34. Macy's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.  This is definitely one annual event that could easily become a tradition
35. Skiing at one of New England's Family Friendly Ski Resorts.
36. The New England Pirate Museum.  Take a tour and board a full-length pirate ship and explore an 80 foot cave, see artifacts from sunken ships and pirate's treasures.
37. The Salem Pirate Faire.  A fall tradition for thousands of would-be pirates in New England.
38. A trip to Newbury Street's Sugar Heaven - YUMMY!
39. Salem Willow's Carousel.  This famous Flying-horse Carousel offers a thrilling ride to visitors of Salem Willows Park.  For free!
40. The spray park at the Soule Recreation Center in Brookline. 
41. Boston by Little Feet, a walking tour of Boston's historic Freedom Trail designed for children 6 -12.
42. A trip to Quincy Market in Summer.  On any given day (especially weekends) there are a barrage of acts, from music to comedy and juggling, to magic and balloon twisting. 
43. A meal at Legal Sea Food.  The delicious kid-friendly menu and coloring book with crayons is a stress-free and yummy venture.
44. Regal Cinema's annual summertime Free Family Film Festival. 
45. A trip to New York City.  Visit the Central Park Zoo, the Children's Museum, the huge Toys R Us, or just roam the streets.
46. The Liberty Fleet.  Take a step back in history and board this 125 schooner, modeled after the wind-driven sailboats of the mid-1800s. 
47. Ride on ride the Salem Ferry.  A high-speed catamaran, the ride is 45-minutes and offers guests a beautiful view of the New England coastline.  Disembark in Salem and spend a great day.
48. Visit the Stoneman Playground on the Esplanade for Sundays in the Park each week from early September through early October.  Kids can participate in the Kids Fishing Club, model sailboat racing, pony rides, animal adventures, music and magic.
49. Lunch (or dinner) at the Rainforest Café in the Burlington Mall.  Almost as good as the real thing, your kids will LOVE the realistic looking and moving animals.  The décor will impress you, too.
50. The splash fountain outside the Christian Science Center is always full of kids looking to splash around on a hot day.

MLK Day

by Jill Notkin

January 16, 2009

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man with a dream, and we'll celebrate him on Monday in many different ways.   If you have the day off, why not check out one of the family-friendly events around town meant to commemorate this special day? The Boston Children's Museum will honor Dr. King with a performance by the Children's Inspirational Freedom Choir.   They will also offer a host of  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

January 08, 2009

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

December 11, 2008

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

November 06, 2008

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...

Creative Movement Offers Fun for Kids & Moms!

by Jill Notkin

November 05, 2008

One of the best classes I ever took my preschooler to was Baby Dance at Creative Movement (CMAC). Located in Needham, this wonderful center offers child enrichment classes which include gymnastics, art, music, ballet, sports and of course, dance. The classes are full of different activities and amazing music (you can request a CD with the music from your child's class - it'll instantly be  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

October 30, 2008

Come see "bubbleologist" Casey Carle in his one-man show as he combines comedy, science, music and a fascinating exploration of bubbles of unusual shapes, sizes and abilities. Among the many featured bubbles in Bubblemania are giant floating spheres, bouncing bubbles, balanced columns of bubble foam; cube bubbles and bubbles that burst into flame! Intended for kids 5 . Tickets are $10 for  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

September 25, 2008

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

September 19, 2008

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...

Get Out and Make Some New Friends!

by Jill Notkin

September 09, 2008

September is the most perfect time to make new friends. School, parks and playgrounds, playgroups and classes all offer great opportunities to hook up with some new friends. Here are a few places for finding new buddies and having fun: 1. Magic Beans . I know it's a store but it's a store with a wonderful play space and plenty of scheduled drop-in classes. In Brookline,  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

September 04, 2008

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...

September Traditions

by Jill Notkin

September 01, 2008

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

August 28, 2008

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

August 21, 2008

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 are 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  Read more...

Weekend Fun 7/25 & 7/26

by Jill Notkin

July 24, 2008

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...

Oh, Those Summer Nights.

by Jill Notkin

July 16, 2008

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...

Weekend Fun: July 11th - 13th

by Jill Notkin

July 11, 2008

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...

Essential Summer Music: A Guide to the Preschool Scene

by Jill Notkin

July 01, 2008

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...

Weekend Fun -- June 21st & 22nd

by Jill Notkin

June 19, 2008

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...

Mozart, Moby or miles: A Guide to the preschool/toddler music scene

by Jill Notkin

May 30, 2008

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...

Favorite Things of 2008

by Jill Notkin

January 02, 2008

Best Toy : Caring Corner's Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse is getting many miles of use in our living room. The kids never tire of playing with the figurines and making up storylines. Mrs. Goodbee's encouraging words are a constant reminder for good manners and proper behavior. For more on Mrs. Goodbee, click here . Best Trip : Hands down, Ogunquit, Maine . Just over an hour from home,  Read more...