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

Wild Weekends

August 13, 2009

It's getting to be *almost* that time again.  Back to school supplies are lining the store shelves and reviewe sites are going crazy with nap packs, school bags and lunch boxes!  But Mother-Nature remains as confused as ever, so onward and upward with summer (we're headed to Good Harbor Beach!).  Here's what's going on this weekend in our neck of the woods.

West End Children's Festival.  This is a festival planned by neighborhood children, for children. Enjoy games, prizes, workshops, arts & crafts, pony rides, puppet shows, face painting, food, ice cream, carnival games, stage performances, and MORE!!!  This is Boston's ONLY 100% FREE festival, attracting almost two thousand guests last year.  The goal is to raise money for children's programming in The West End and makes it possible to offer all those FREE children's workshops.  Saturday, August 15^th, 12pm - 4pm.  Thoreau Path, Boston. Rain date is August 16^th.

Sunday Parkland Games.  Engage in fun and games each Sunday on the large grassy area upriver from the Weeks Bridge.  The Charles River Conservancy and the Department of Conservation and Recreation are encouraging families to take part in free games each week, including badminton, bocce, and croquet, paddle ball, jump ropes, and potato sack races.  Sundays in August.  Riverbend Park, by the Weeks Footbridge in Cambridge.

Greenway Treasure Hunt: Chinatown Park.  Every third Saturday of the month, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy invites families, adventurists, book-lovers, history-buffs, and anyone interested in getting to know the Greenway to join them for free treasure hunts on the Greenway and the chance to meet best-selling illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. The treasure hunts celebrate the newest book in the award-winning Judy Moody and Stink series that Peter H. Reynolds creates with author Megan McDonald: Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. Each treasure hunt will focus on one of the four Greenway parks, the neighborhood surrounding the park, and its unique characteristics.  Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway (meet in the Chinatown Park at the New Gate by Essex Street), Boston.

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 30, 2009

Baby, it's HOT outside.  Good thing there are so many *cool* events going on this weekend!!  (Get it, cool?  Hot?  J)

It's Shakespeare on the Common time, folks!!  Now in its 14^th year, this year's production is The Comedy of Errors which will undoubtedly be performed expertly by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.  Completely free, the performances will draw over 75,000 people and runs for 4 weeks at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common.  July 31^st - August 16^st, Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, Sundays @ 7pm.  Matinees: Sun. Aug 9^th at 1pm, Wed. Aug 12^th at 12:30pm.

The Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival continues. Take in a flick fit for the fam on the Prudential Center's South Garden - this weekend's feature is Hotel For Dogs.  Fun begins at 6pm and films start at sundown.  Saturday, August 1^st.

A Fête for Fairies.  Meet underneath the shady trees where you will sit and sip fairy tea. Listen to treasured tales of far-away lands and create a tiny fairy for at-home play.  Come early and visit The Enchanted Forest in the Family Discovery Gallery.  At the Wenham Museum, Sunday, August 2, 1:30pm.  Pre-registration: $12 members, $14 non-members.

Family Ecology Cruise Aboard The Yankee Clipper.  Join Teacher-Naturalist Lisa Hutchings and the crew of the Yankee Clipper for an exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River ecosystem.  They'll conduct hands-on science as you collect water samples, live specimens, and plankton. You'll also look for wading birds, seals, and waterfowl on every trip.  Pre-registration required. The Mass Audubon Society: $20 Adult members, $27 Adult non-members, $16 Children members, $19 Children non-members. To register, call 978-462-9998.  Sunday, August 2^nd, 8:45am - 10:45am, Merrimack River, Newburyport.

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^th from 11:30am.   Salem Common, Salem, Ma.

Wild Weekends

July 16, 2009

Cool event alert!  I've been made aware that the Puppet Showplace Theatre is presenting a series of puppet movie favorites on the big screen at their place on Saturday nights!  Shows start at 6:30pm, and are FREE... (with a suggested donation of $4).  The schedule is:

July 18 - Labyrinth
Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) has to rescue her baby brother from the mean Goblin King (David Bowie) in one of Jim Henson's most fantastical movie creations. (101 min, PG)

July 25 - Coraline
In this stop-animation gem, a young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate, better version of her life. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her alternate parents try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home. (100 min, PG)

Puppet Showplace Theatre is at 32 Station Street, Brookline.  I couldn't find any info about this on their website, so for more info call them at 617.731.6400.

Art Beat Festival.  At the height of summer, artists and festival goers converge on Davis Square, transforming it into one of the areas largest and most innovative arts festivals. This year's ArtBeat theme is Somerville... of the future.  For a full schedule of goings-on and locations, click here.  Friday, July 17^th & Saturday, July 18^th.

The New England Sand Sculpting Festival.  Now in its 6th year, the New England Sand Sculpting Festival to benefit the Revere Beach Partnership will feature master sand sculptors from all over the country, competing for over $15,000 in prizes.  Come for the art, stay for the music, food, and craft vendors (through Sunday).  Competition winners announced at 8 p.m. Saturday.  Competition open Thursday, July 16^th through Sunday July 19^th, festival continues through Sunday.    

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.

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  

A Fish, an Angel, a Miracle - The March of Dimes

by Jay and Melanie Harper

April 13, 2009

It's safe to say that until a few years ago, we didn't know much about the March of Dimes.  Then suddenly we became all too aware of their mission and this is the story about why I'm here today.

In February 2003, my wife, Melanie, became pregnant for the first time.  We named our little one "Guppy" when we learned from one of our books that at that stage he/she looked like a fish, and at 10 weeks we couldn't wait to hear Guppy's heartbeat for the first time.  Unfortunately, we never would.  Melanie miscarried, Guppy was gone.

After the initial shock and pain, we became determined to do whatever it took to bring life into this world.  Finally, after a year of surgeries and recovery, followed by another frustrating year of negative pregnancy tests, Melanie was pregnant again!  At 20 weeks, we learned we were having a healthy boy...with hiccups.  These sounded like bubbles, and thus he was "Bubbles" until we decided on a name.   Melanie's OB said we were in the home stretch and could put our worries aside.  We did, but only for two weeks.  Melanie called me at work, and ten minutes later I started the longest cab ride of my life from Boston to Beverly Hospital.

There was a good chance we would lose the pregnancy, and given that we were only at week 22, the chances of Bubbles surviving was practically zero.  Practically zero.  How did we go from "the home stretch" to a practically zero chance our son would survive, seemingly overnight?  We would not give up on Bubbles and we planned to make it to 24 weeks and be transferred to Boston's Beth Israel Hospital with its Level III NICU.  We approached the long road ahead with a positive attitude, and a one-day-at-a-time mindset.  That night we said a prayer that would become a nightly ritual:  "Thank you God for today, and Lord, please let us have another good day tomorrow."  There wouldn't be many tomorrows.

On the eve of Bubbles reaching the 24 week mark Melanie went into preterm labor and they transferred us to the BI.  We made it to Boston, but not the way we hoped.  We had prepared ourselves for this moment and knew what to do: if he's fighting we fight with him, if he's quiet, we let him sleep peacefully.

Our son came into the world quietly at 5:05am August 6, 2005 and we named him Keona, a Hawaiian boys name meaning "God's gift."  The doctors turned to us and we knew: Hello meant goodbye.  Keona's delivery team was incredibly compassionate and wept openly with us.  They cleaned him up, swaddled him and we held our first-born son.  He was perfect in every way except for being too little. 

As fate would have it on April 15^th, 2006, the three year anniversary of the loss of Guppy, Melanie gave me the incredible news that she was pregnant once again.  Keona came into the world as quiet as a lamb.  On December 9, 2006, our second son Ian was born, full-term, crying at the top of his lungs.  It was the most beautiful sound we had ever heard.  Ian looked just like his big brother...only a little bigger. 

Today, Ian is a loving, happy and healthy 2 year old with a tremendous curiosity and a vocabulary and intellect that seem to be growing by leaps and bounds every day.  Melanie and I are the proud and happy parents of two little angels; one in Heaven, one on Earth.

Because of Keona, we learned about the mission of the March of Dimes and we also learned about how little is known about prematurity.  As a scientist I'm frustrated when all my questions about what caused this to happen to Keona are answered with "We simply don't know."  As such we became interested in the March of Dimes to help fund research that would provide answers to unanswered questions, and more importantly, to help prevent other couples from going through the tragedy we faced.  No parent should ever suffer the loss of a child, and the birth of a child should always be a time for celebration, not a time for sorrow.

Each year we donate to the March of Dimes in place of the Christmas presents that we'll never buy Keona.  Last spring, Melanie saw an ad for the March for Babies and we decided that it was time to do more to honor his memory.  We set up Team Keona and told many of our friends and colleagues our tale for the first time and about this great event in which most were walking as a "thank you" for helping their children born prematurely to survive and thrive, and others like us were walking in memory of those who were simply born too soon.  The outpouring of generosity was astounding.  Our goal of $1000 was literally smashed within hours after sending out the first donation requests.  Eventually we raised over $6000 (including a $2000 contribution from my employer Genzyme) for this incredible charity.

The March was a blast!  Our most precious memory from this event occurred as we were walking along the row of signs celebrating survivors and memorializing those who lost their battle.  As we got to Keona's sign, Ian walked up to it, embraced it and gave his big brother a hug.  As Ian grows up, he will learn how the loss of his big brother and research sponsored by the March of Dimes helped bring him into the world.  We have received two wonderful gifts in Keona and Ian, and these walks are the least we can do to give back and help ensure that other babies will be given a healthy start.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Flying with Kids

by Jill Notkin

January 30, 2009

I came across a link to an interesting article in the Orlando Sentinel a while ago while perusing the Twitter pages. Written by @momsatwork , the article discussed a recent survey on airfarewatchdog.com in which they asked fliers this question: Do you think it would be a good idea for airlines to have "family sections"? According to the writer of the piece, the feedback was that people  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

November 20, 2008

Funny story (if you have young kids) - last weekend we had a new baby party on the schedule at 10am on Sunday. So, at 8am, we got up and started getting ready to get out of the house by 9:30 in order to be in Southie for 10. You know, 2 adults, 2 kids under 3, these things take careful orchestrating! But we did it. At 10am prompt, we rap on our friends' door only to find them in the pj's,  Read more...

The Mayor's Holiday Special

by Jill Notkin

November 17, 2008

The economy is tough, simple as that. And with holidays approaching fast and furiously, I'm certain families are wondering how they will keep up their traditions in the manner to which they've become accustomed. Shopping, dining, parties and shows may have to take a back-seat to more pressing matters this year, such as bills, groceries, mortgages and  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

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...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

September 12, 2008

Aaaah. Can you smell fall in the air? I can, and I must say, I love it. The crisp weather, the slight reddening of the bushes, the fun traditional autumn activities. The season lends itself to hundreds of great outings, and here are a few ideas for this weekend: Curious George Day . The Boston Public Library in Copley Square hosts Curious George on Saturday, September 13 th ! A  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...

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...

Strawberry Fields Forever

by Jill Notkin

June 27, 2008

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

5 Father's Day Ideas

by Jill Notkin

June 10, 2008

In a city like Boston, there's no shortage of great things to do at any time. Father's day activities around town just add to that list. 1. Father's Day Story Time . Bring dad to this story time celebrating fathers in our families. Activities will include books, crafts and games. Saturday, June 14 from 11am to 12pm, Barnes and Noble, Chestnut Hill Mall. Free. 170  Read more...

How to make the Museum of Science a place your child loves.

by Jill Notkin

June 02, 2008

Boston's Museum of Science is a definite must-see for children and adults of any age. What makes this place so special is that they feature many different exhibits and there's always something appropriate for your child. My family recently visited the museum and The Discovery Center in particular. Designed for children from birth up to age eight, this area offers a bunch of fun, hands-on  Read more...

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

by Jill Notkin

May 22, 2008

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