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

Wild Weekends - July 4th Edition (a little early but you don't want to miss anything!)

June 30, 2009

Our city is famous for its amazing celebrations, and this year is no exception.  Want to know what's in store for you?  Read on and choose your party wisely!

Fourth of July on the Esplanade.  Now in its 36^th year, Boston's 4th of July spectacle has been attended by thousands of people from places far and near.  The event consists of awesome fireworks which are accompanied by a live performance of the Boston Pops.  Neil Diamond, this year's special guest, will be performing with the Pops.  Tip:  Arrive early (the Oval opens at 9am) to find a good place to sit.  Pack a lunch, water, sunscreen, blankets, and things to keep the kids occupied.  Best to take public transportation as parking will be scarce.  The Charles River Esplanade, Boston.

Pssst!  If you're really into the Pops, Boston is known for its preview concert on July 3^rd!  Sort of like a run-through, what you'll get is a less-crowded version of the spectacle.

Another cool place to watch the show (if you're not into long days on lawn chairs) is the dockside seating at the Community Boating Boathouse on the Esplanade.  Limited tickets are sold for the event, but they include admission, a cookout, and premium seating.  Tickets are $65/adult and $25/kid.  This event is sold-out but remaining tickets are being sold in an auction for charity here.

Boston Harborfest.  Nothing says "4^th" quite like the annual Harborfest.  Running from June 30^th until July 5^th, the event features different daily activities meant to showcase our city's rich colonial and maritime heritage.  Check out one of the guided tours, musical performances, history lessons, or cruises.  Don't miss Children's Day on Wednesday, July 1^st - come for music, jugglers, a treasure hunt and so much more.  Friday is a giant party on the plaza and Sunday is the famed Chowderfest.  For a full schedule of events, visit http://www.bostonharborfest.com/.

Best Places in Boston to take in the 4th of July Spectacle

June 29, 2009

So ideally you have a friend with an apartment on the top floor of a high-rise overlooking the Esplanade.  But chances are you don't.  So if you're looking for some of the top spots to bring the kids to watch the spectacle unfold, here they are:

#1.  The Oval on the Esplanade.

This is the official 4^th of July experience.  Expect crowds, chaos, excitement and craziness.  This is the real deal.  Insider's tip: Arrive VERY early for a spot on the grass.  The Oval opens at 9am.

#2.  The Longfellow Bridge.

Second only to the Esplanade, the Longfellow Bridge offers a great view of the show and the boats that come and go all day and night.  Half the fun is watching the folks on their boats!  Again, arrive EARLY!!

#3.  The Harvard Bridge (AKA the MIT Bridge or the Mass Ave. Bridge)

It's said that this bridge is slightly less crowded than the Longfellow.  But with a blanket, a cooler filled with drinks and snacks and your family, you won't even notice where you are.  Especially once the festivities begin.

Keep in mind: The fireworks do not begin until the end of the concert!! 

Concert at 8:30pm,  fireworks at 10:30pm.

HAPPY 4^th!!

Happy Birthday USA! Celebrate the 4th Boston-Style

by Jill Notkin

June 30, 2008

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...