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

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.

Two'fers - Where You Can Squeeze Two Events into One Day

July 21, 2009

We all like a little bang for our buck.  This goes for our precious time as well.  Once you emit the energy it takes to get a couple (or more) of kids out of the house, you want to make it worthwhile, right?  Here are a few ideas for squeezing more than one activity into one outing without running all over town to do so.

1. Spend the morning exploring the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, including a dizzying array of hundreds of animals, dinosaurs, whale skeletons, gemstones, minerals and meteorites. Later, hit the spray fountains and big boulders in front of the Harvard Science Center at the corner of Kirkland & Oxford Streets. If it's Tuesday in summer, throw in a visit to the Harvard Farmer's Market and call it a day well-spent.

2. The New England Aquarium is an under-the-sea adventure for all, especially the Great Ocean Tank. Once your wonder wears off, continue with the water theme and check out a Boston Harbor Cruise - there are many to choose from!

3. The Boston Duck Tours are a must-see for visitors and residents alike! Catch it before or after a spin around the Museum of Science, it leaves from just outside!

4. Take a spin on the waters of the Boston Public Garden in a Swan Boat. (That in itself is a two'fer!!) Then shake on over to the Frog Pond & Tadpole Playground for a little spray fountain fun and a swing on the monkey bars.

5. Is it a super hot day? The Boston Public Library in Copley Square is air-conditioned and offers hours of entertainment. Check out their calendar if you are looking for an organized event or just visit the stacks and read together. Once their energy levels hit high again, head outside and throw pennies into the fountain at Copley Square. Wrap it up by and buy a snack from nearby vendors or listen to the free entertainment during summer months.

5 Best Things About Growing Up in Boston

July 14, 2009

As much as I loved growing up in Montreal, Canada, I couldn't be happier that my kids have the opportunity to grow up in a city such as Boston.  It has the best of everything, and I have grown to love it here.  But the top 5 things about growing up here have to be:

1. The proximity to the beaches. Nothing feels more like a vacation day than a trip to the beach and we don't even have to go very far to have one! To find out what my favorite local beach is, visit here. Not sure what to bring on your beachy vacation day? Read me!

2. The proximity to ski resorts! Equally as important as the sea are the ski hills. A sport that every child should learn, we are so lucky to have many decent ski resorts close by. Check them out.

3. We have really quality museums. The Children's Museum, the Science Museum, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, even a Pirate Museum. There's never a shortage of learning in our city. And if that's not enough, we have a very cool aquarium, and an awesome observatory,

4. We have spray parks coming out the wazoo!! And they're so cool! The Artesani splash park features a number of zero depth fountains from the ground as well as a wading pool with all kinds of waterfall like things. The Soule Recreation Center park in Brookline has tons of spray for little kids and bigger ones while the splash fountain outside the Christian Science Center is always full of kids looking to splash around on a hot day. It does not get any better than this.

5. Finally, Boston is home to so many fun day trips, like Old Sturbridge Village, Davis' Farmland, The Discovery Museums, and Southwick's Wild Animal Zoo. With so many options, no child shall be bored!!

Boston Dog Parks

June 23, 2009

I admit that I'm a bit out of my league here since a) I don't own a dog, and b) I have not been to a dog run since my teens when I thought I'd attract the interest of some cute guy by accompanying him on a trip to a local dog run.  But I do know secondhand the intense commitment level most dog-owners have toward their pet and they want to show ‘em a good time.  So in honor of all you dog-lovers in search of a local dog run, here's looking at you:

1. Boston Common. Though most of the day dog-owners must keep their canines leashed, there are a few exceptions. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the Boston Common between the hours of 6:30-9:30am and 5-7pm. There are still areas where signage instructs leashes at all times, and since this is a busy place, keep an eye on your dog.

2. Peters Park Dog Run. A park dedicated for dogs, this is a 16,500-square-foot piece of land in the South End where dogs can run leash-free. The park is cleaned twice a week but users are expected to pick up after their pets. Open daily, 6am - 10pm.

3. Danehy Park. 50-acres of open space comprise this park in Cambridge.  Within the park is a designated off-leash area that is not fenced in so keep an eye on your dog.

4. Coolidge Playground.  A smaller park located in Brookline, this place is perfect for area dog-owners.  Dogs are permitted off-leash from dawn until 9am.   

5. Soule Recreation Center.  Ah, one of our top spots for summer, this fabulous playground and spray park also offers off-leash hours from dawn until 9am.   

Thinking about adding a new 4-legged creature to your family, there are rules and regulations set forth by the city of Boston.  Visit them here. 

Don't forget your pooper-scooper!! 

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!

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.

The Perfect addition to Our City: A Carousel

by Jill Notkin

November 12, 2008

I can't say enough about the Boston Common. The oldest city park in the United States, you can literally spend an entire day discovering the fun that exists on its 50 acres. Located in the heart of Boston, a trip to the Common is an outing you and your family won't soon forget. This isn't the first time I'm writing about this perfect park. I rated it among one of Boston's perfect  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

October 30, 2008

Come see "bubbleologist" Casey Carle in his one-man show as he combines comedy, science, music and a fascinating exploration of bubbles of unusual shapes, sizes and abilities. Among the many featured bubbles in Bubblemania are giant floating spheres, bouncing bubbles, balanced columns of bubble foam; cube bubbles and bubbles that burst into flame! Intended for kids 5 . Tickets are $10 for  Read more...

NYC, what is it about you?

by Jill Notkin

October 29, 2008

I would be seriously remiss to keep this information to myself. If your preschooler is as CRAZY about Thomas as mine, then you'll want to know that Thomas and Friends are going to be live at the Beacon Hill Theatre on April 17 - 19, 2009! Ok, so this theatre isn't actually in Boston per se, but every child should be exposed to New York City before the age of 6, don'cha think? This is a trip  Read more...

Get Out and Make Some New Friends!

by Jill Notkin

September 09, 2008

September is the most perfect time to make new friends. School, parks and playgrounds, playgroups and classes all offer great opportunities to hook up with some new friends. Here are a few places for finding new buddies and having fun: 1. Magic Beans . I know it's a store but it's a store with a wonderful play space and plenty of scheduled drop-in classes. In Brookline,  Read more...

You Say It's Your Birthday

by Jill Notkin

September 05, 2008

With two kids born 18 months apart, every 6 months we find ourselves planning another birthday party. It's easy to run out of ideas quickly and resort to inviting 15 adorable, but hyper, preschoolers to your house. Before you bite the birthday party bullet, see if any of these ideas appeal to your birthday boy or girl. The Boston Children's Museum is one of our favorite spots on any  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...

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...

Layover Lifesavers: Logan Airport Guide

by Jill Notkin

July 02, 2008

With this month's Savvy theme being Escapes, it seems reasonable to begin with a tour of Boston 's biggest central airport, Logan . Though traveling with small kids is not necessarily the most fun part of any trip, if you arm yourself with these tips, I sure hope it can be bearable. The most fun way to entertain your children while visiting Logan is to take a trip to the  Read more...