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

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Fun for the Littlest Ones

Wild Weekends

August 06, 2009

I'm taking my daughters to New York City this weekend for a visit with their auntie and have every intention of enjoying the city, Savvy-style. But for all of you homebodies who are destined for local greatness, here are some hot happenings coming your way this weekend:

Futures at Fenway. Take them out to the ballgame, take them out to meet the future in baseball as this double-header features local minor league teams. The Portland Sea Dogs will battle the Bowie Bay Sox in game one, followed by the Triple-A Pawtucket Sox versus the Norfolk Tides. With ticket prices from just $5 to $30, everybody can come out to enjoy "America's Most Beloved Ballpark." Even concessions will be discounted (get your Fenway Frank!!) There will be children's activities throughout the day so come on out! Saturday, August 8^th, Fenway Park, Boston. First game starts at 12:05pm, for more info, click here.

Dorchester Beach Festival. This FREE event, meant to bring awareness to the wellness of the Savin Hill and Malibu shoreline, will feature games, contests, interactive presentations and activities for children and adults alike. Beach-side activities will include sailing, canoeing, kite-flying, volleyball, a scavenger hunt and more! For a full schedule of events, click here. Saturday, August 8^th, 11am - 4pm. Savin Hill and Malibu Beaches, Dorchester. Click here for directions.

Poolside Concert at Framingham JCC. Children's entertainer Gaston Bogomolni will perform a poolside concert for families with children ages 1-6 at the JCC Clearbrook Outdoor Pool in Framingham. Gaston's energy and passion for music will keep both children and parents engaged, captivated and smiling. Plan to stay, swim and grab lunch at the Clearbrook Café or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the concert. Open to everyone. Cost is $20 per family. To register, contact 508-879-3300 or metrowest@jccgb.org. Sunday, August 9^th at 10:30am. 120 Parker Road, Framingham.

Wild Weekends

July 23, 2009

I'm leaving my family for the weekend so I can go party it up learn about what's new and improved in the world of blogging at the BlogHer conference in Chicago. But they sure do have what to choose from in terms of events happening in Boston... Best part? IT's ALL FREE!!

Kids' Summer Concert Series. Head to fun Faneuil Hall for music, magic and more! Don't miss exclusive sneak-peek performances by the hottest acts from Canobie Lake Park. Featuring: MystiQue: the spellbinding Las Vegas-style magic show; The Imagination Generation: Puppets, singing and dancing; Soul Man: "Blues Brothers" tribute featuring the classics of the Sixties; and LYriX Country Remix: Canobie's boy band featuring country hits. Concerts start at 11am, West End in between Historic Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Market Building

Manchester Arts Festival. Downtown Manchester will be dotted with peaked artisan tents, musicians and free children's activities this weekend, organized by the Cape Ann Museum. Featuring over 80 artisans as well as well as street musicians and bands playing harbor-side, spend the day enjoying unique, handmade art while the kids paint, play and drip melted ice cream through their fingers. Then spend the evening with your family on the sand while Mother Nature splashes her nightly colors over the water. Saturday, July 25^th, 9am - 5pm. Downtown Manchester, Ma.

Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival. This weekend kicks off this free family film festival put on by Magic 106.7. For the next six Saturdays, take in a flick fit for the fam on the Prudential Center's South Garden. Fun begins at 6pm and films start at sundown. The schedule is:

Madagascar - 7/25
Hotel For Dogs - 8/1
Curious George - 8/8
Wall-E - 8/15
The Little Mermaid - 8/22
Cars - 8/29

Salem CultureFest 2009. Hit up picturesque Salem (yes, I know it's not October!) for the 4^th annual CultureFest and expose your family to music from all over the world. The kids will love pony rides, the moon bounce, balloon making, face painting, and more! Saturday, July 25^th & Sunday, July 26^thfrom 11:30am. Salem Common, Salem, Ma.

PBS KIDS offers tips for a Fun and Safe Summer

July 20, 2009

In honor of National Summer Learning Day (July 9^th), we are sharing some Savvy tips from the experts at PBS KIDS for keeping the coming months safe and fun! Whether you have big vacation plans or are planning to stay at home, PBSParents.org has great suggestions to keep family vacations, or "stay-cations", exciting. From activities like car games to backyard camping, children and parents will never be bored!

Also, for children who enjoy spending hours at the playground, teach them how to act responsibly with some guidelines by our PBS KIDS experts to ensure their safety. Start with these general guidelines:

Never push or roughhouse while at the playground.
Use swing sets, slides, and all other areas of the playground properly.
Always BE CAREFUL when jumping off of equipment.
Leave personal belongings away from the equipment, so no one gets hurt.
Don't use playground equipment if it is wet or has heated up from the summer sun.
Don't wear clothes with drawstrings or other strings at the playground.

Here are some cool tips from the experts at PBS KIDSon how to help ensure that your kids have a fun, safe and active hot-weather season...no matter what your budget is:

Driving to Grandma's house? Or have an exciting getaway in store? Here are some great FREE ideas courtesy of PBSParents.org to keep kids of all ages engaged during family trips!

Have a sing-a-long! Sing your favorite tunes from Sesame Street along with other songs...
Take turns playing games with your child. Find something inside or outside the car and have your children guess what you see by giving hints. Explore the world like Sid the Science Kid!
Invite your child to be an "alphabet detective" by finding all the letters around them. Players might find an "a" in a road sign and a "b" on a license plate and more - take a page from the Super WHY gang and have fun with the alphabet.
Use "car time" to talk to your child about everyday activities and events, whether it's how leaves change color in the fall or what makes a great friend. Maya and Miguel know that happiness is the greatest when it's shared!

Plan an awesome "stay-cation" and keep your kids happy with a few of these summer fun suggestions!

For preschoolers, slip on your sneakers, pack water bottles and hit the trail! Make the adventure even more fun with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt in search of things you might find along the way.
For school-age kids, set up a tent in your own backyard, roll out the sleeping bags and melt marshmallows in the microwave to make s'mores. No need to send kids to sleep away camp to get a taste of the great outdoors.
For everyone, make some popcorn, snuggle up and tune in together to PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO!

What to Pack for a Day at the Beach

July 13, 2009

We recently returned from our annual vacation in Ogunquit, Me. Though the weather didn't fully cooperate with our plans, we were lucky enough to steal a couple of days to head to the beach. Luckily, we are beach-pro's so we wasted no time getting organized and were able to hit the sand by 10am. Here's what we brought and what you might consider bringing to the beach to enjoy a nice, long day in the sun.

Blankets, towels and a Neat Sheet to sit on (we love this). You'll go through TONS of them throughout the day. They get wet and dirty so bring lots.
A good set-up. We always bring a small tent for changing, napping, and getting out of the sun. We use this UV tent from RIO. On top of that we also set up a large umbrella, always secured in the sand with an anchor.
A beach bag with: swim diapers, an extra bathing suit for each child, snacks and water (unless you bring a cooler), sand toys, small toys and books for quiet play, sunscreen x 2 (you'll want one at arm's reach to re-apply as necessary), band-aids (for any unforeseen accidents), and whatever else you think you might need. Some beaches in Massachusetts are buggy at certain times of the season, so be sure to pack bug spray. (Note: while beautiful and relaxing, Crane Beach is notable for bugs in August and Plum Island is famous for its pesky Greenheads!)
Pack a diaper bag. Yup, you heard me. On top of all the other stuff you'll be lugging with you, your diaper bag has all your essentials which can be easily forgotten in the craziness of beach packing. Pack it with diapers, wipes, an extra set of clothes for each kid, and whatever else it typically contains. Trust me, you'll dig into it at least once.
A wagon or stroller that rolls in the sand. We have the Phil & Ted's and it's GREAT in the sand.

HAVE FUN!

The Perfect Staycation

June 22, 2009

Summer is typically the perfect time for a family vacation. But many families just can't afford the luxury of travelling this year and are opting instead for the new vacation - the staycation. All you need is your family, a little time off, and transportation for the perfect vacation without ever leaving home.

Some ideas for your staycation include:

Take a walk on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. One of Boston's newer urban spaces, the Kennedy Greenway consists of 4 parks extending about 1 mile through downtown Boston and encompassing beautiful gardens, plazas, and promenades. Start your walk at either Chinatown Park or at the North End Parks and enjoy the unique journey. Tip: visit on Tuesday or Thursday and enjoy the Farmer's Market at Dewey Square Plaza.
Pitch a tent in the backyard and go camping! Once the stories and s'mores come out, no one will remember that you haven't traveled far for fun!
Hit a bunch of local spray parks and buy lunch from a street vendor! Some of my family's faves include the Artesani Playground and Pool (1255 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton), the spray park at the Soule Recreation Center in Brookline, and the Hynes Playground splash park (VFW Parkway at Russel Road). This summer, we're planning to hit Davis' Farmland & Water Spray Park, boasting New England's largest, zero-depth water spray ground.
Take a drive to one of New England's beautiful beaches and pretend you've gone on vacation - at least for the day! Beautiful Good Harbor Beach is under an hour from Boston and Ogunquit Beach is less than 90 minutes. Go for the beach, stay for the quaint towns!

Stay tuned for more staycation ideas this summer!

Wild Weekends and a Shout-Out to Mother Nature

June 18, 2009

Dear Mother Nature,

Hope you are doing well. While I'm typically a big fan of yours, I'm a lover of ALL seasons, lately I'm not enjoying your work. You see Mom (mind if I call you Mom?), my kids are desperate to don their bathing suits, their shorts and t-shirts, but the continuous rain is impeding their fun! I realize rain is good for the grass and trees, but couldn't we make it a bit more even, like say, way LESS gloom and way MORE sun?

Anything you could do to help is well appreciated.

Best,

Being Savvy Boston

It's Father's Day Weekend so let the good times roll! So much going on in Boston and since I asked nicely, I'm certain Mother Nature will turn around all this rain for sunnier skies. ;)

Boston Life is Good Festival & Good Walk for Kids. The festival is a free, outdoor celebration featuring great live music and a colorful mix of good-time games and activities for all ages. From seed spitting and Double Dutch to soccer kicks, tug-o'-wars and football flings, the Life is good Festival on the Boston Common is an invitation to free family fun and healthy play.

Before the fun starts, register for the Good Walk for Kids. The walk itself is a 3-mile family-friendly route that can't be beat. You'll start at Boston Common, walk along the new Rose Kennedy Greenway to see it all in bloom, stroll along the Harbor Walk with beautiful ocean views, and return to the Common. Included are some surprises and fun along the way to keep your stride steady and your smile wide. Your registration fee and any money you raise will go toward Project Joy, enabling its healing work with our most vulnerable children. For more info on Project Joy, visit http://www.pjkids.org/. To register, or for more info, visit here. Saturday, June 20^th, 11am - 5pm.

Chinatown Main Street Festival. Open to the public, this cultural celebration offers food, cultural vendors and stage performances. If you haven't exposed your kids to the vibrant life in Chinatown, this is the perfect opportunity! Sunday, June 21^st, 10AM - 5PM.

Free Community Day at the MFA. Just in time for Father's Day, the MFA opens its doors - FREE - to visitors. Actually, in an effort to make the museum more accessible to the community, they are offering free admission once a month. So take Dad and leave your wallet at home! Sunday, June 21^st, 10am - 4:45pm.

PMC Newton-Needham Kids Ride. "The mission of the PMC Newton-Needham Kids Ride is to include young cyclists in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) mission of raising money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The program engages youth in philanthropy and teaches them the value of working for the benefit of others. The ride also promotes athletic fitness and physical activity among youth." There will be free give-a-ways, music with a DJ provided by Siagel Productions, post ride party, silent auction, raffles and refreshments. All registered riders will receive a PMC T-shirt and water bottle. Sunday, June 21^st, 8am - 12pm. Wells Office Park, Newton.

Father's Day Brunch at the Museum of Science. Enjoy an exquisite Father's Day Brunch at the Museum of Science with breathtaking views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. Created by Wolfgang Puck Catering, the buffet-style brunch includes a wide array of delicious foods including peaches and bourbon French toast, braised short ribs, and white chocolate cannoli. Brunch is served in the Museum's Skyline Room overlooking the Charles River. Tickets include admission to the Museum's Exhibit Halls. Member discounts are available, as well as discount parking. Reservations recommended; please call 617-723-2500 or click here. Fee: Adults: $49; Members: $44; Children 3 - 11: $19.

Best Places to Make a Wish - Fountains!

June 16, 2009

You know what's cool about Boston? There are so many places where kids can go and have fun outside. There are parks and playgrounds, great landmarks, and many museums. But one special thing about our city is the amount of pretty fountains we have - 24 big and small. And many are not just for tossing pennies in, but they're great for wading and splashing!

1. Brewer Fountain on the Boston Common. The first piece of public art on the Common was the Brewer Fountain, donated by Gardner Brewer in 1868. The fountain is a bronze replica of a French original that won a gold medal at the 1855 Paris World's Fair. The figures represent mythological figures associated with water: Neptune, Amphitrite, Asis, and Galatea. At some point the fountain was relocated to its current location within view of the State House. But don't visit for the water, even in historical photos of the fountain there is rarely any water flowing.

2. Fountain at Copley Square. Not a spot for a dip, this fountain, located in the heart of Boston's Copley Square, is a pretty site for toe-dipping. You can also throw pennies and make a wish! But the water here is not always on since it does not circulate water. Buy a snack from nearby vendors or listen to the free entertainment during summer months.

3. Splash Fountain at the Christian Science Center. The splash fountain located outside the Christian Science Center (175 Huntington Avenue) is always full of kids looking to splash around. Complete with a reflecting pool in the middle, no child should miss a chance to splish-splash the days away!

4. Boston Public Library Courtyard. Arguably our city's most beautiful fountain are the waters that flow in the courtyard of thelibrary. The courtyard and fountain were modeled after the palace courtyard at Cancelleria Palace in Rome and the bronze cast fountain statue, entitled "Bacchante and Infant Faun" was made by Frederick MacMonnies.

5. Fountains on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. If you're looking to cool off on a hot day, this is the place to do it. Located in the Greenway's North End Parks newest addition to our city's fountains, this wet wonder is built to look like a canal with jets of water that spray up on intervals. Fun and beautiful!

Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Oh My!

June 15, 2009

Ok, I admit it. I'm a sucker for anything outdoors that involves crafts, rides, fried dough and face-painting. In short, I am a festival-junkie. And like most of you, we are always searching for fun ways to pass the beautiful (or not so beautiful - what is this anyway?) days. So below is a brief guide to some fun stuff going on in a neighborhood near you.

Boston Life is Good Festival & Good Walk for Kids. The festival is a free, outdoor celebration featuring great live music and a colorful mix of good-time games and activities for all ages. From seed spitting and Double Dutch to soccer kicks, tug-o'-wars and football flings, the Life is good Festival on the Boston Common is an invitation to free family fun and healthy play.

Boston's 4th of July Event. Boston is famous for its 4^th of July spectacle, and this year will be no different. Hosted for the 3^rd time by CBS's Craig Ferguson, this year's special guest is Neil Diamond who will perform with the Boston Pops during the fireworks display. Come early and grab a spot somewhere along the banks of the Charles.

New England Sand Sculpting Festival. Held annually at Revere Beach, the New England Sand Sculpting Festival is a nationally covered event that brings together the best artists on the beach to work with a new medium -- sand! The Festival offers plenty to do even if you aren't sculpting. July 15^th through July 19^th.

ArtBeat Festival. During the heat of summer, artists and festival goers converge on Davis Square, transforming it into one of the area's largest and most innovative arts festivals. ArtBeat includes music, performance art, craft vendors, dance, theater, food, and a whole more. This year's theme - Somerville...Of the Future. Friday, July 17^th & Saturday, July 18^th, 12pm.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. Recreating and renewing the vibrant jazz scene that began at the Salem Willows in the 1920s, the festival builds on this rich jazz history - adding soul, blues and funk to the mix - by offering a series of annual free concerts to the public, concluding with a festival each year at the Salem Willows. The festival will spotlight the wealth of talented musicians on Boston's North Shore, and has already attracted thousands of music fans and media coverage during its first few years of operation. For a full schedule of performers, visit the main website. Saturday, August 15^th & Sunday, August 16^th.

Wild Weekends

June 11, 2009

There is so much great stuff going on this weekend! I'm thinking that we're going to hit up Lookout Farm for strawberry picking on Sunday. They also have an awesome play area, rides, children's entertainment, a moon bounce, and a BBQ that just won't quit. So it's really an entire half-day's affair. Your family will love it, guaranteed.

Other events happening this weekend include:

30^th Annual Cambridge River Festival. Kick off summer at the one-day event along the banks of the Charles River. With hundreds of musical artists performing on multiple stages, great food, public art installations and dozens of family-oriented activities, you can't go wrong. Saturday, June 13^th, noon - 6pm. Memorial Drive between JFK Street and Western Ave.

Sail on Spectacle. Celebrate Boston's nautical heritage with free sailboat rides (weather permitting) with Courageous Sailing and knot tying activities while you wait. Partake in the biggest game of Shipwrecked (Ever) at 2:30pm, and a peek at a couple of the prettiest antique boats that participate in the Antique and Classic Boat Festival in Salem later this summer. Saturday, June 13^th, noon - 4pm. Spectacle Island, Boston.

SAVE THE DATE! This is too good to miss so mark your calendars!

Perfect for a Picnic

June 09, 2009

Few activities are more enjoyable than a perfect landscape, the high noon sun, and a packed lunch. A picnic is one of the quintessential summer outings that, planned properly, can rank high on the list of most memorable days. Here are a few ideas for making your picnic perfect.

1. Maudsley State Park in Newburyport. Bordering on the Merrimack River, this park features 19th century gardens and plantings, breathtaking meadows, and incredible ornamental trees. Follow the trails to the river, sit on the rocks and dangle your feet in the water. Enjoy lunch in the meadow while the river rushes by. What more could you ask for? Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport.

2. Coolidge Reservation in Manchester-by-the-Sea. The former site of the Coolidge mansion, the Ocean Lawn at the tip of Coolidge Point is an idyllic spot for picnics and games. Open only on Saturdays, the Ocean Lawn is an incredible open space above the ocean where visitors can sometimes catch a glimpse of seals or just view the beautiful Atlantic. On other days, you can visit the northern portion closest to the parking lot, which features hilly woodlands and a pond for a dip. Insiders tip: There is very limited parking. You cannot park on Rte 27 itself. There is a 1/2 mile trail through woods and across private property to get there and make sure to use bug spray this year! Also, there are no public restrooms. Summer Street (Rte 127), Manchester-by-the-Sea.

3. The Boston Common. If you're looking for a more local destination, the 50 acres that comprise the Boston Common will provide you with more than enough grass to choose from. Fun for people-watching, Frisbee or a cooling off in the Frog Pond, the Common is ideal for lunch al fresco. Forgot to pack a picnic basket? Stop into any of the little grocery stores lining Charles Street or grab a pizza at nearby Upper Crust and indulge in good food and a relaxing afternoon just a few minutes from home. Looking for an education angle for choosing this spot? The Common was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Bound by Tremont, Beacon, Charles and Boylston Streets.

4. Crystal Lake. Sure this beautiful spot in Newton is known for its public beach and swimming area. But the entire circumference of the lake is not reserved just for residents. If you follow Lake Road, you'll come to an area of embankment perfect for a picnic. After a morning at the playground, pull up a piece of grass and enjoy lunch at this peaceful place. Lake Road, Newton.

5. Larz Anderson Park. I love this place, it's truly beautiful. You can spend an entire afternoon at Larz Anderson. Start with your picnic and use some of their vast grassy areas for ultimate kite-flying. Then, check out the Auto Museum and step back in time to 1888 in this carriage house modeled after a French chateau. 15 Newton Street, Brookline.

Wild Weekends

June 04, 2009

Aaaah, springtime in New England. Know what that means? Concerts! Festivals! Charity events! Fairs! Here's what will be going on in our fair city this weekend.

The See New England Festival. For the first time ever, the See New England Festival hits Boston. Find out about everything New England, from lobsters in Maine to the beaches of Cape Cod, the See New England will feature exhibitors from local attractions, destinations, restaurants, theme parks, cruise lines, & more. Featuring family-friendly musical performances, this unique event will enable families to see all that New England has to offer in a fun, interactive setting perfect for the entire family. And it's free! Saturday, June 6^th, 10am - 5pm. City Hall Plaza, Boston.

The DCR Summer Recreation Fair. Kick off summer with park festivities and explore possibilities for outdoor recreation. Try out adaptive bikes and hiking equipment. Kids can have their face painted, listen to a DJ, visit with friends and look around. Go on a treasure hunt for letterboxes and geo-caches. Sign up for a wide array of summer opportunities, such as kayaking, sailing and hiking in the Boston area and beyond. Cool off in the spray pool. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments provided. Pre-register by calling 617-626-1294. Saturday, June 6^th, 10am - 3pm. DCR's Artesani Park,
Brighton.

It's Free Fishing Weekend in Ma! Take a friend or family member fishing for free - you won't need a fishing license to fish any water-body statewide for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.

Traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth moon on the lunar calendar, late May to mid- June on the solar calendar, the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival of Boston is the largest Asian American celebration in New England. For one day, celebrate the sport, history and culture of Chinese Dragon Boat Racing, indulge in Asian cuisine (and not so Asian cuisine - read: Dunkin Donuts and Kettle Korn have been past vendors) and Chinese arts and crafts activities. See Dragon Dancing and other cultural entertainment such as Japanese Taiko drumming, martial arts, and Hula and Tahitian dancing. The event attracts more than 20,000 people! Sunday, June 7^th, 12-5pm. Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge. 13:23:40

Wild Weekends

May 28, 2009

This weekend, combine education with fun at the 16^th annual EarthFest. From family-friendly musical acts to face painting and food sampling, this event, sponsored by Radio 92.9, is the perfect destination for a pretty spring day. Beginning at 10am, little ones can visit The Kids Planet, an interactive area featuring musical acts and entertainment as well as environmental activities and educational displays. Throughout the day, families can wander through the Whole Foods Mercado. Inside, kids can play with grocery-themed toys like squishy fruits and vegetables and wooden blocks shaped like grocery staples. They will also learn about healthy eating with coloring sheets and an interactive display about the food pyramid. The Whole Foods bakery will even be baking up fresh chocolate chip cookies throughout the day for everyone to enjoy. Sound good? Saturday, May 30^th from 10am for Kids Planet, and 12 - 5pm for all other activities. At the Hatch Shell.

On the last Saturday of the month, the ICA opens its doors to families for free for their wonderful Playdates. This month, kids can design the building of their dreams, and see a city come to life as the ICA and the Boston Society of Architects create a model city on the stage of the ICA's theater. Have fun and learn about architecture and design from the ground up. Activity takes a minimum of 2 hours and is recommended for children aged 6 or older with adults. Reserve your space here. Saturday, May 30^th, 10am - 4pm.

Audition for CoCo Key's next TV commercial. Bring your drama queens and kings to an open audition for the indoor water park, but be sure to practice the jingle because the judges are going to want to hear it! The first 100 people to audition will receive a free day pass to the park, others will get a buy-on-get-one deal. Auditions are Sunday, May 31^st, from 2-7pm at Coco Key Water Resort at the Sheraton, 50 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers.

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: Memorial Day Edition

May 21, 2009

A long weekend - woohoo! But while some might celebrate an extra day home with the kiddos, others might be wondering what to do to keep them entertained. Never fear, here are some Savvy ideas for spending your Memorial Day weekend.

Street Performer Festival at Faneuil Hall. Did you know that Faneuil Hall is one of the most visited food halls in the world? While there's a treat for everyone inside, the real piece de resistance at Quincy Market is the free outdoor entertainment. On any given day (especially weekends) there are a barrage of acts, from music to comedy and juggling, to magic and balloon twisting. This weekend visit for the Street Performer Festival and enjoy free entertainment for 3 days straight - from magic, to juggling to acrobats, to clowns and mimes and musicians, you and your kids will have a great time. Saturday, May 23^rd to Monday, May 25^th, 11am - 10pm. For directions, click here.

Newburyport Spring Fest. Ring in spring at Newburyport's annual festival! A two-day event, the festival features music, art, fine crafts, food from Newburyport's best restaurants and a Kid's Korner with entertainment for children and families. Sunday, May 24^th & Monday, May 25^th, 10am - 5pm. For a calendar of events, click here.

Celebrate Arthur's 8^th Birthday! The Boston Children's Museum presents a celebration in honor of the famous aardvark's birthday. Sing Happy Birthday, wear Arthur ear crowns, and join the party. Saturday, May 23^rd to Monday, May 25^th, 2:30 & 3:30pm.

We all scream for Ice Cream!

May 19, 2009

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 faves are:

My personal favorite is JP Licks. Locally owned, the ice cream is delectable without being overly rich, the low-fat frozen yogurt hits the spot, and the sundaes, served in a mini plastic red sox, really do rock. They rotate flavors each month so there's always something new to try. Best flavors - Ice cream: Mint Oreo and Cake Batter Oreo (TONS of oreo!). Frozen yogurt: try the Oatmeal Cookie. YUM. Insiders Tip: they serve lactose free ice cream! 7 locations!!

Cabot's. I've never actually been (it's on our list for a weekend outing!) but it's sworn to me that this place has the best ice cream in Newton. An old-fashioned ice cream parlor and restaurant, Cabot's scoops only homemade stuff. With creations called "Brownie Banana-Go-Round" and "The Dentist Disaster," there's little more one could ask for from an ice cream shop. Insiders Tip: these guys make picture cakes from your favorite pictures! 743 Washington St., Newtonville.

Bedford Farms is on every list of favorite ice cream shops. Serving "homemade style gourmet ice cream" and other frozen treats, this farm began selling ice cream in the 1940s! With over 60 flavors to choose from including Lo-Fat Coffee Heath Bar and no-sugar added yogurt, there's something for even the pickiest customer (is anyone that picky when it comes to ice cream?) There are two locations: the Bedford store is strictly window service while the Concord store has some seating. 18 North Road, Bedford and 68 Thoreau Street, Concord.

Just across the river is Christina's Homemade Ice Cream. Mentioned in every best ice-cream debate, this place offers 40+ regular flavors plus many seasonal flavors like Cinnamon Rice Pudding, Fresh Mint Chocolate Flake, and Kaifer Lime Leaf. There regular features are no less unique - Adzuki Bean, Ginger Molasses and Milk Chocolate Giandiuja to name a few. The line-up can extend out the door even in winter. Scoopers are helpful in helping discern the strange flavors. 1255 Cambridge St., Cambridge.

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.

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

February 24, 2009

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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good Harbor Beach. Arguably the most beautiful on the North Shore, the place is crawling with kids.
Water Country. New England's largest water park is definitely the spot to hit this summer.
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.
Imax Theatre at Jordan's. Forget about buying furniture, head to Jordan's for an awesome experience in IMAX.
Visit the Totplex. Located in Canton, this new indoor playspace looks perfect for active kids!
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.
Harvard Museum of Natural History. The museum features exhibits on all kinds of life - plants, animals, and humankind.
The Curious George Goes to Wordsworth. What kid doesn't love an entire book store named after their favorite monkey?
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.
Southwick's Wild Animal Zoo. This zoo features the largest collection of endangered species like the white rhino and African elephants.
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.
Old Sturbridge Village. Take a step into the past at the largest history museum in the northeast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salem during October. No place is spookier than Halloween in Salem. Definitely a must-see!
Apple Picking at the Belkin Family Farm. Absolutely one of our favorite annual events.
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.
Boston Duck Tours. Board a "duck" and take a great tour through Boston and its history.
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.
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.
The Harvard Book Store. Visit the Coop on Tuesdays at 11am for story time and Saturdays at 11am for story and craft hour.
The USS Constitution Museum. The mmuseum houses the largest collection of USS Constitution-related objects assembled in one location and so much more.
Macy's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This is definitely one annual event that could easily become a tradition
Skiing at one of New England's Family Friendly Ski Resorts.
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.
The Salem Pirate Faire. A fall tradition for thousands of would-be pirates in New England.
A trip to Newbury Street's Sugar Heaven - YUMMY!
Salem Willow's Carousel. This famous Flying-horse Carousel offers a thrilling ride to visitors of Salem Willows Park. For free!
The spray park at the Soule Recreation Center in Brookline.
Boston by Little Feet, a walking tour of Boston's historic Freedom Trail designed for children 6 -12.
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.
A meal at Legal Sea Food. The delicious kid-friendly menu and coloring book with crayons is a stress-free and yummy venture.
Regal Cinema's annual summertime Free Family Film Festival.
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.
The Liberty Fleet. Take a step back in history and board this 125 schooner, modeled after the wind-driven sailboats of the mid-1800s.
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.
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.
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.
The splash fountain outside the Christian Science Center is always full of kids looking to splash around on a hot day.

Elmo Makes Music

by Jill Notkin

February 03, 2009

A couple of weeks ago we drove about 45 minutes to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium to see Sesame Street Live's Elmo Makes Music . Seriously folks, this is one of those memories I can't put a price on - it was that much fun. With kids almost three and 15 months, I'm not sure who had the better time. The story is cute - Sesame Street has a new music teacher, Jenny, but her instruments Read more...

Indoor Play on a Midwinter's Day

by Jill Notkin

January 20, 2009

If you're like me, the days spent indoors with kids are LOOOONG. So we are forever seeking out fun, indoor spots to spend the morning or afternoon. With a 15-month-old and an almost 3-year-old, it has to be somewhat easy, not too far from home, and worth the effort. Here are some of our favorite spots, along with a few we're looking forward to trying. We tend to spend a lot of time at Read more...

MARTHA IS BACK!

by Jill Notkin

November 30, 2008

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...

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...

BEING A CREATIVE FAMILY - Written by Karen Koretsky Dillon

by Jill Notkin

October 17, 2008

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

October 16, 2008

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...

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...

It Takes TWO!

by Jill Notkin

September 23, 2008

Let's face it. There are just some activities that are best enjoyed with a pal. Since we've been making so many new friends at school, we have plenty of buddies to choose from for a day of fun in the city. But what to do? Here are the top 5 fun things to do with a pal in and around town. 1. Take in a Flick! Wait for a rainy day and check out Sesame Street's Abby in 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...

A Walk in the Park

by Jill Notkin

July 30, 2008

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...

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...