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

Wild Weekends

May 14, 2009

 The weather report for the weekend doesn't look amazing (Saturday 64 with intermittent clouds, Sunday mostly cloudy and 63) but WHO CARES?  Get out there and have fun anyhow!

Clown Town in Andover.  In the area?  Bring your family to the decade's old annual Clown Town in the Park for a fun-filled day of carnival rides, games, face painting, candy, balloons, and snacks.  Proceeds collected by the Andona Society and are used to help Andover youth learn, grow and achieve.  Friday, May 15^th from 6 - 10pm, and Saturday, May 16^th from 9:30am to 4:30pm.  In The Park, Andover (corner of Bartlet and Chestnut Streets).  For a full schedule of events, www.andonasociety.org/.     

Newton's Memorial Parade.  What better way to celebrate those who served our country with a parade? Coming 1-week early this year, the annual event will begin at 2 pm on Washington Street across from Our Lady's church and ends at Coletti/Magni Park at Bridge and Watertown streets and features the famous Aleppo Shriners, its clowns who are dedicated to delighting kids of all ages, as well a several other marching units.  Sunday, May 17^th.  

Nahant Beach Gathering of Kite Fliers.  Dig out your old kite and come down to Nahant Beach for a fun-filled family afternoon.   The Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation North Region invite you to the Nahant Beach Gathering of Kite Fliers.  Sunday, May 17^th, 3 - 6pm.  The Nahant Beach Reservation "1/2-way" bathhouse, Nahant.

The Carousel is back!!  After a test-run last fall which my family enjoyed, the Boston Common Frog Pond Foundation and Boston Parks and Recreation Department have decided to give it another whirl (J) from April 30^th through the end of June.  Rides are $3 for kids, no charge for accompanying adults.  Check it out on the Frog Pond in the Boston Common.

Bringing Fenway Park to Life

April 14, 2009

With opening day just days behind us and the promise of another exciting season ahead of us, it seems reasonable to write about Fenway Park.  The perfect place to bring your children, there are many facets of the historic landmark you can focus on in your introduction.    It holds appeal for residents of the city, as well as visitors and 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. 

1. The atmosphere.  Even young kids will catch the excitement that permeates throughout Fenway on a warm summer evening.  It really doesn't matter who the Red Sox are playing (bring it on, Yankees!), any child will be intrigued by the seating (The Grandstand section still houses old wooden seats!), and the old hand-operated old-fashioned scoreboard.
2. The concessions.  Admittedly not Fenway's strongest feature, it still stands to reason that every trip to the ballpark must include at least a Fenway frank.  But if you don't want to risk it (Fenway Park concessions fail health inspections... 6/12/08), grab a chowder from Legal Seafoods at Gate D (homeplate).
3. Fenway Park Tours.  How cool is it that your family can take a tour of the nation's oldest Major League ball park!  You can probably spend an entire day touring the park, which is haunted by old greats like Cy Young, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, to name only a few.  The home of the Boston red Sox is so steeped in history, the hour-long tour just isn't enough.
4. Its other uses.  I posted about a charity event that took place a Fenway several weeks ago.  That was just one cool event that utilized Fenway as its awesome venue.  Jimmy Buffet has performed here, along with the Rolling Stones and Dave Matthews Band.  Neil Diamond is scheduled to play at Fenway on August 23, 2008.
5. Its History.  Historically, this park has seen more action than most other Boston venues.  It was the site of a famous campaign speech made by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1940 Presidential race.  It was the location for many major films like Field of Dreams, Good Will Hunting, and most recently, Fever Pitch. 

And now for the best thing about visiting Fenway with kids -  it's never too soon to be a Red Sox fan!

Places to Learn a Pint-Sized History Lesson

March 17, 2009

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 only fun, but it's a great tour through Boston and its history. Beginning with the golden-domed State House and Bunker Hill, to the TD Banknorth Garden and Quincy Market, your kids will be entertained not only by the sights, but by the hilarious conDUCKtors. Continue to the Boston Common and Copley Square. Drive through the (everlasting) Big Dig and Government Center. Tours are 80 minutes long and go from March until November (all "ducks" are heated).

2. Hood Milk Bottle. If you've ever visited the Boston's Children's Museum, then chances are you've caught sight of the giant 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. This is sure to get a reaction from every milk and ice-cream loving kid! 300 Congress St., Boston.

3. Fenway Park Tours. This is Boston after all! Built in 1912, your family can probably spend an entire day touring the park, which is haunted by old greats like Cy Young, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams to name a few. The home of the Boston red Sox is so steeped in history, the hour-long tour just isn't enough. When you're done, find lunch in one of Fenway's many restaurants or grab a hot-dog from a vendor.

4. John F. Kennedy's Birthplace. Located in Brookline, Ma., the childhood home to JFK and his family is a little known but super interesting landmark. An unassuming house on a small tree-lined street, visitors can take a guided walk back in time through the rooms once inhabited by the Kennedy's and learn about the clothing, habits and lifestyle of the family circa 1914 - 1920. The house, restored to its original state to the recollection of Rose Kennedy, can be toured for free by a ranger-led tour or by a self-guided audio tours. There are interesting facts about the former president as a child that are interesting to your children to learn about. 30 Beals Street, Brookline, Ma.

5. Make Way for Ducklings Statue. A result of the acclaimed Boston-based children's book by Robert McCloskey in 1941, the bronze statue is a terrific attraction for all children. Bring your book, read to your children and make a game of it!

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.

Presidents' Day

by Jill Notkin

February 16, 2009

It's Presidents' Day today and while for some, this just means a day off from school and work, for others, it is actually a day to think about our former leaders. Initially intended to celebrate George Washington's birthday (February 22 nd ), it has since been expanded to include a celebration of the birth of Lincoln as well (February 12 th ). It is also used to honor the country's  Read more...

Inauguration Day Celebrations, Boston-Style

by Jill Notkin

January 19, 2009

I received an email from my daughter's preschool teacher asking me to have her dressed in red, white and blue on Tuesday, Inauguration Day. This inauguration has become the main focus of this, and other, nations (at least until Wednesday morning). So why not include our little ones in the fun? When I asked on Twitter if anyone was doing anything special with their kids to  Read more...

History of Halloween - Salem Style

by Jill Notkin

October 13, 2008

Every October, our family ventures to Salem, Ma., site of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, to get in the spirit of Halloween. I mean, this place embodies 'spook' so it stands to reason that it would be the perfect place to teach, and show, the history of age old tradition. Though Halloween has its true origins in the Celtic festival which celebrates the end of the harvest season and involves  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...

A Carousel of a Time!

by Jill Notkin

August 18, 2008

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...

A Carousel of a Time!

by Jill Notkin

August 18, 2008

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...

Savvy Picks for your Pirates

by Jill Notkin

August 07, 2008

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...

Lighthouses of New England

by Jill Notkin

August 06, 2008

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...

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

by Jill Notkin

July 29, 2008

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...

China in Boston?

by Jill Notkin

July 28, 2008

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...

A Boatload of Fun

by Jill Notkin

July 23, 2008

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...

Vive La France!

by Jill Notkin

July 14, 2008

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...

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

by Jill Notkin

June 24, 2008

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...

Weekend Fun -- June 14th & 15th

by Jill Notkin

June 12, 2008

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...

History Lessons: Boston

by Jill Notkin

May 23, 2008

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...