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

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^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

July 09, 2009

MAKE IT STOP!!!  The rain, that is.  So while I can't guarantee great weather, I can guarantee that any one of these fun weekend events will brighten up your day. 

The Temptations perform on the Hatch Shell - Part of Oldies 103.3's free summer concert series, the Temptations are sure to entertain everyone, young and old!  Though they are not the original members of the group formed in 1960, you may know some of their hits which include "My Girl", "You're My Everything", "I Wish It Would Rain", "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", "I Can't Get Next to You", "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone".  The concert goes on rain or shine.  Saturday, July 11^th, 7pm.  The Hatch Shell, Boston.

Riverfront Music Festival at Newburyport - This 2-day event begins on Saturday with the free Riverfront Concert beginning at 2pm in Waterfront Park.  Make sure to come early and watch the Laser Sailboat Races in the Merrimack River beginning at 12:30. There will also be fabulous food booths in Market Square, and of course lots of great shopping and dining.  The music continues on Sunday with Four Piece Suit in Market Square from 1 - 4 pm.  Saturday, July 11^th, Waterfront Park, Newburyport.  For more info, visit the website.

Chinatown Main Street Festival - Rescheduled because of the rain, 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, July 12th, 10AM - 5PM.

Harry and the Potters.  A rock concert for all ages! Brothers Paul and Joe DeGeorge started this band in 2002. Since then, they've wowed fans in 49 states. Sunday, July 12^th, 3-5pm. 52 Gore Street, Waltham.  $10 per person.

Black Sea Salsa.  Part of Newton's Sunday Evening Heritage Festival Series, enjoy this 15-piece band playing an original blend of Armenian music and Afro-Cuban Jazz. Plan to dance! Free. Sunday, July 12^th 6:15 - 7:45pm.  Newton Centre Green, Centre Street, Newton.

Free Summer Stuff

May 26, 2009

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

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

Wild Weekends

April 16, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

Wild Weekends

April 02, 2009

I received an email from a friend/reader this week thanking me for posting about last weekend's Woolapalooza at Drumlin Farm.  I was psyched that readers are taking my advice and hitting the spots I think are worthy.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on my recommendations too.  Email me or simply leave a comment below. 

That said, on to this weekend:

Sprinkle a little culture into the weekend and check out the Family Concert Series by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  Music creates atmosphere, emotions and thoughts. Some music even tells stories or paints pictures. The wonderful thing about music, is that each individual experiences something unique when listening to it. Join the B SO as we 'listen' and explore these ideas. This year's theme is 'Musical Landscapes.' Family Concerts are designed for children ages 5 and up and their families.  Saturday, April 4^th, 10:15am and 12pm.  Tickets are $18 and can be purchased here.     

Circus Smirkus.  A fundraiser to raise money for the non-profit, award-winning, international youth circus, it's also a great way to see the acrobats, high wire act, trapeze and clowns!  Though the 3pm  show is sold-out, you can still get tickets for the 6pm, just click here for deets.  Taking place at the Nicholas Athletic Center, Upper School, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, 80 Gerry's Landing Road, Cambridge.    

Have you heard of this guy?  Well, crawl out from under your rock since Rick Goldin has been entertaining children since 1980 (before some of you moms were even BORN!)!  One of the most popular children's entertainers in New England, Goldin is a delight for preschoolers and will be at the Wenham Museum this weekend.  Join Rick and his puppet friends for a fun-filled "Funny Shoe Songs" family concert to coincide with the museum's new "Soul of the Shoe" exhibit.  Sunday, April 5^th, 1pm (a 2:30pm show may be added).  Tickets $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door, $2.00 discount for museum members.

Wild Weekends

March 26, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

Dan Zanes Giveaway

March 09, 2009

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

And the rest is history.

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

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

Wild Weekends

February 26, 2009

It's still so cold outside, but at least the snow is melting away.  Sort of makes me want to get those kids outdoors for some fresh air.  But if you're still in hibernation mode, here are some *warmer* indoor activities to consider:

What do you get when you combine Dr. Seuss with Amadeus?  How about Green Eggs and Hamadeus, a fun performance by Rob Kapilow, composer and conductor.  The music, the story, and the energy will all thrill your kids.  Shows at 12pm and 2pm on Saturday, February 28th at the BU Tsai Performance Center.  For tickets, visit here.

Get down at the Wenham Museum's Baby Boogie Oogie event.  Little feet get the groovy beat of Mom and Dad's favorite songs from the 80s with DJ Lanie Mac in a baby-size disco. Check out the many styles of dancing shoes in The Soul of the Shoe exhibition.  Sunday, March 1^st, 3-5pm.  At the door: Members $12, Non Members $14.  132 Main Street, Wenham.

Be a star for a day and head to the Regent Theatre to attend a video shoot for Ben Rudnick and Friends new song, A Frog Named Sam.  Enjoy the concert and possibly end up in the video!  The entire show will be filmed and you will be asked to sign a waiver stating that you and your family can be filmed.  But hey, it's free!  Sunday, March 1^st, 3pm.  7 Medford Street, Arlington.

Get into Spring early and go Sugaring Off at the Ipswitch River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield.  One of my favorite childhood activities, every child should learn how the warmer days awaken the sap in the maples, causing them to leak syrup.  Take a tour, observe the process, and most importantly, indulge in the sweet syrup.  Saturdays and Sunday s from February 28^th to March 15^th.  For more info, click here. 

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.

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...

MLK Day

by Jill Notkin

January 16, 2009

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

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

January 15, 2009

Baby, it's cold outside! What's on your (long) weekend schedule? It's Critter Day at the Children ' s Museum ! Meet creatures that are rare and that you've probably never heard of before! This live animal programming is on-going every 3 rd Saturday through March 21 st , and promises to teach kids about creatures from all over. This week's them is Jungle Encounters. Free with  Read more...

Off to the Show

by Jill Notkin

January 09, 2009

Boston is a mecca of culture. With fantastic museums, restaurants and theatre, who says you have to drive 3 hours to New York City for some fun? And your kids need not be left out either - here are a few shows that are hitting our local stages in the next few months: Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy is the next in the series of Disney shows that has hit Beantown. Perfect  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

January 08, 2009

I'm cold. And it's likely that I'll stay this way for a few more months. So I may as well make the best of it and find fun, indoor stuff to do until the sun once again shines on us and warms our selves. Check out the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline for hip music by Bed Rudnick and Friends. With a combination of musical styles from country to bluegrass, everybody will love these  Read more...

Still No New Year's Plans?

by Jill Notkin

December 31, 2008

If you didn't find any event that tickled you in my last New Year's post , do not fear as there are plenty other activities that you and your family can participate in this year. Personally, I think my family will be heading over to Needham's New Year's celebrations , since it's close to home and many of the children's programs are taking place at my favorite family center, Creative  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

December 11, 2008

So far we have no plans for the upcoming weekend. Not that we don't have plenty to do with the holidays coming up and all the fun stuff going on around town. Faneuil Hall is hosting the 4 th Annual Candy Land Tournament sponsored by Hasbro, this weekend. Head to the famous shopping spot and play Candy Land, win prizes, sample local treats, and listen to a local choir. Kids can play  Read more...

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...

Oh, Those Summer Nights.

by Jill Notkin

July 16, 2008

Summer Nights at the Museum. Have you been waiting for the perfect time to visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History? Well, skip the bedtime routine because on Thursdays, July 17 and 31st, the museum will open its doors with half- price admission for a summer night of after-hours gallery exploration, along with a special nature documentary screening and discussion with a  Read more...

Weekend Fun: July 11th - 13th

by Jill Notkin

July 11, 2008

Ben Rudnick and Friends . Take a little drive to Lexington and catch Ben Rudnick live in concert. Ben's music is catchy, fun and familiar to little ears. Check out samples of the tunes here . Since 2000, Ben and his band have taken their family-friendly show on the road to hit venues all over New England . Their next stop is Lexington Green, Lexington on Friday, July 11 th at  Read more...

Essential Summer Music: A Guide to the Preschool Scene

by Jill Notkin

July 01, 2008

Boston, being the charismatic town that it is, has so much music associated with it. Especially during the summer! Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline can be heard at Red Sox games during the seventh inning stretch. No home field victory is official until The Standell's Dirty Water is played throughout the stands at Fenway followed by Tessie by the Dropkick Murphys. But there are  Read more...

Happy Birthday USA! Celebrate the 4th Boston-Style

by Jill Notkin

June 30, 2008

While the raucous days of celebrating the 4 th pre-kids may be long gone, it doesn't mean that all the fun has gone with it. Imagine experiencing the festivities through the eyes of a child everything so big, so colorful, so explosive! Boston has a huge variety of ways to spend the holiday, whether you have the day or the week to celebrate. Boston Harborfest . Beginning  Read more...

Parents Night Out

by Jill Notkin

June 13, 2008

As much as we love our children, we all need a night out every so often. We need adult conversation, we need good food, we need SANITY! Here are a few ideas for a Parents Night Out for this weekend. The 6th Annual Boston International Film Festival . The festival which runs from June 6 th until June 14 th , features over 100 short and feature films from 30 countries. The  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...