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

Rainy Day Activity - Cupcakes!

August 03, 2009

With all the rain we've been having, I've been forced to relinquish some of my control-freak tendencies and allow my toddlers to have a little fun in the kitchen.  Today we made cupcakes and the recipe was simple, fun, and quick (and easy to clean-up).  My only advice - don't let your kids near the baking powder... ;)

Vanilla Cupcakes with Sprinkles

 2 cups flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Colored sprinkles

Preheat oven to 375°F.  Line 12 large or 24 mini muffin pans with paper liners or grease pans and sprinkle lightly with flour.

Combine flour, salt and baking powder together.

Cream butter. Add sugar, beat until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs, one at a time, stir in vanilla.  Add 2-4 tablespoons milk, if needed, to bring batter to correct consistency.

Put in prepared pans, bake about 20 minutes.  Let kids decorate with sprinkles!  Makes 12 large or 24 mini cupcakes.

Perfect for a Picnic

June 09, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

We all scream for Ice Cream!

May 19, 2009

In case you hadn't heard, Bostonians eat more ice cream per capita than any other city in America.  Almost synonymous with summer, we seem to be making this journey to the store pretty often.  After all, what better way to end (or begin) a mid-summer day than by topping it off with ice cream?  A few faves are:

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

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

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

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

Best of Beantown - Food Edition

April 28, 2009

Who says Savvy Source can't offer up a ‘Best of' series?  The difference between our series and other popular lists you may have seen, is that this ‘Best of' is 100% family-friendly.  So see below for the start of what promises to be a comprehensive, if not somewhat subjective, list of the best places to eat with your kids, by type.

1. Italian - Bertucci's. A true Boston-born eatery, this chain restaurant is a great family gathering spot. Serving up pastas and other Italian dishes that are quite good, the real prize is in their delicious, brick-oven pizzas and the freshly baked rolls that are freely passed out after ordering. Their kids menu has plenty of choices and includes a bottomless drink and ice cream for $5.25. Bertucci's seems to be located, well, basically everywhere.

2. New England Seafood - Legal Sea Foods. This is a great family restaurant because a) they're everywhere (17 locations in Ma.) when your kids are hungry and b) they have wonderful children's selections that are both yummy and healthy. Forget greasy burgers, Legal serves up the world's best chowder (just ask my 3-year-old), great fresh cod fish sticks, and even small lobsters for the more adventurous eater. Got a finicky kid? The chicken fingers are outstanding (for real!), cheese pizza and mac ‘n cheese will hit the spot too. Kids get crayons and an activity mat to take the edge off while waiting for food. The service is fast, pleasant and you'll enjoy it too! Insiders tip: Legal offers a gluten-free menu! Visit here for locations.

3. Sushi - Fugakyu. If you love sushi (like I do), then you'll need to make your favorite haunt a kid-friendly spot that also serves up food for little fingers. Fugakyu not only has yummy sushi for mom & dad, but their HUGE menu will have something for any kid. My child loves the miso soup (or, Japanese matzo ball soup as we call it), rice, and chicken Katsu (aka deep fried chicken cutlets). If you have an adventurer, order some veggie sushi and see how they love it. If all else fails, kids will get a kick out of the beautiful koi pond at the entry and the pretend sushi making rounds on the sushi bar is a novel site. 1280 Beacon Street, Brookline.

4. Japanese Steak House - Fuji. Looking for dinner and a show, family-style? Check out Fuji in Needham. It's Tepanyaki at its best and it's FULL of families. In fact, you may end up sharing a table with one! Chefs prepare food at your table providing both fun entertainment and delicious food. Their children's menu includes a full dinner including soup, white rice and a choice of chicken, shrimp or steak for $10.95. Regular meals include LOTS of food and are affordable as well. 1430 Highland Ave., Needham.

5. Brunch - '50s Diner. Don't live in Dedham? Make the trip anyways! This place will take you back in time; it really is a diner complete with 50's memorabilia on the walls but minus the fake sparkly pink vinyl booths and jukebox on every table. It's laid-back but quick, inexpensive but delicious. The diner serves breakfast and lunch, don't be put off by the quick moving line. The plates are HUGE, 3 egg omelets are perfectly cooked as are the home fries. The lunch fare is great and the choices are endless there's even healthful salads to choose from (a favorite is the spinach salad). Kids will love the pancakes and waffles, and overflowing milk-shakes. The children's menu offers smaller versions of the huge plates. Insiders tip: This place is CASH only! 900 Providence Hwy (in back toward Costco), Dedham.

A Local Sweet Tooth

April 07, 2009

It seems as if everywhere I look, cupcake shops are popping up in and around Boston.  It's fine with me, since I have an awful sweet tooth and can enjoy a good cupcake as much as any child.  That said, while I haven't tried them all (business owners: feel free to send samples for a full review!), these are 5 that interest me.

1. Party Favors. This place is like a mecca for all things sweet. We've celebrated many a birthday with their cakes and cupcakes. Not only are they beautiful, they're totally delicious with that crunchy kind of frosting everyone loves. You can choose from regular-sized treats, or the jumbo size. Party Favors also has everything (literally) you could need for your party. 1356 Beacon Street, Brookline.

2. Sugar Bakery. I love Sugar Bakery. It's cute, warm and inviting and everything there is delicious, including their cupcakes. I also love the pizza at the attached The Real Deal. 1884 Centre Street, West Roxbury.

3. Rosie's Bakery. Located on what seems like every street corner, Rosie's is an institution when it comes to sweets. Their cupcakes feature whipped cream frosting (not my personal fave) but the kids like it and they do look beautiful. For locations, visit http://www.rosiesbakery.com/.

4. Sweet. I poked my head in this Back Bay establishment a few weeks ago after having been quoted $90 or so for a Dora cake for my daughter's b-day. Though I haven't tried one of their neat-looking treats, I will definitely make my way over there soon to taste-test their goodies. 49 Mass Ave., Boston.

5. The Cupcake Boutique. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Boston, The Cupcake Boutique is worth the drive to Andover. I tried their treats last summer at an event and I will say I would buy these in a second. Very pretty, very tasty, and the owner, Sharon, is very nice. 13 Elm Street, Andover.

Top 6 Kid-Friendly Dining Spots

March 03, 2009

 Have I mentioned how much we love to eat?  This includes eating out.  BK (before kids), we ate out all the time and cutting this out of our lives would be like losing a best friend (no, I did not major in drama).  All this means is that when kids entered the picture, we had to find kid- AND foodie-friendly restaurants because this mama doesn't do Chuck-E-Cheese. 

Here's what we found:

1. Legal Seafood.  What could be more, well, Bostonian than Legal?  This is a great family restaurant because a) they're everywhere (17 locations in Ma.) when your kids are hungry and b) they have wonderful children's selections that are both yummy and healthy.  Forget greasy burgers, Legal serves up the world's best chowder (just ask my 2 year old), great fresh cod fish sticks, and even small lobsters for the more adventurous eater.  Got a finicky kid?  The chicken fingers are outstanding (for real!), cheese pizza and mac ‘n cheese will hit the spot too.  Kids get crayons and an activity mat to take the edge off while waiting for food.  The service is fast, pleasant and you'll enjoy it too!  Insiders tip: Legal offers a gluten-free menu!  Visit here for locations. 
2. Giacomo's.  Arguably the best Italian in the city, Giacomo's has 2 locations - prepare to stand in line in the North End, or make reservations in the South End (we just arrive before 5:30pm).  While there is no kids-menu per se, there's nothing about this loud, fairly-priced establishment that isn't kid-friendly.  Order your child's favorite pasta dish and prepare for them to oooh and aaah, it's just that good.  With no dessert or coffee offered, it's an in and out experience, so you can have them home in no time.  Insiders tip:  This place is CASH only!   355 Hanover Street, North End, 617-523-9026.  431 Columbus Ave, South End, 617-536-5723.
3. Bugaboo Creek.  We're not huge fans of chain restaurants but there are exceptions.  Bugaboo Creek is one of them.  We stopped in on a dark, dreary Sunday evening with a car full of hungry kids and it didn't disappoint
   (and with 12 locations in Ma., you'll likely run into one).  The place is big and modeled after a rustic mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies complete with talking and moving stuffed animals mounted on the walls.  You'd think talking Buffalo and Moose heads would deter us from ordering meat but they did no such thing.  Awesome burgers, delicious roast beef and all things pub-y like spinach dip, nachos and blooming onion are on the menu.  A good offering for kids on their own menu also, though there's plenty to share from the main items.  Even if they're not hungry, they'll love the entertainment!  Through August, kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4pm.  Insiders tip:  the talking animals could be scary for some little ones!  Visit here for locations.
4. '50s Diner.  Don't live in Dedham?  Make the trip anyways!  This place will take you back in time; it really is a "diner" complete with 50's memorabilia on the walls but minus the fake sparkly pink vinyl booths and jukebox on every table.  It's laid-back but quick, inexpensive but delicious.  The diner serves breakfast and lunch, don't be put off by the quick moving line.  The plates are HUGE, 3 egg omelets are perfectly cooked as are the home fries.  The lunch fare is great and the choices are endless - there's even healthful salads to choose from (a favorite is the spinach salad).  Kids will love the pancakes and waffles, and overflowing milk-shakes.  The children's menu offers smaller versions of the huge plates.  Insiders tip:  This place is CASH only!  900 Providence Hwy (in back toward Costco), Dedham.
5. Johnny's Luncheonette.  An institution for the folks of Newton Center,  Johnny's is also a diner-type joint, with an enormous menu featuring everything from all-day breakfast, to "penicillin" with matzoh balls (YUM), amazing sweet potato fries and heaping sandwiches.  Love French toast?  Try it at Johnny's - sooo good and the kids will love it too.  Expect a line on weekends, but it typically moves quickly and kids can be distracted with the giant gumball machine and surrounding stores.  Insiders tip:  Portions are large but so are the prices.  30 Langley Rd, Newton Center.
6. Rainforest Café.  Another chain restaurant but this place is F-U-N.  Ok, so maybe not the finest in culinary talent, this place has so much appeal, you won't even care.  Moving monkeys, realistic elephants, beautiful waterfalls and jumping fish.  Order something simple and enjoy the atmosphere.  Because that's really why you came.  75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. 

Valentine's Day Sweets

by Jill Notkin

February 09, 2009

In honor of Valentine's Day, I think it's necessary to focus this post on one very important element of this holiday. No, not love (though that's nice too). Not little scrawled out love notes (not that I don't love giving and receiving them), but the one thing upon which the foundation of this age-old tradition is built: CHOCOLATE. Boston is full of it, if you know where to look. And this  Read more...

Lazy Sunday

by Jill Notkin

February 04, 2009

It seems we're not the only ones who look for things to do on Sundays. Since Savvy Editors have been receiving please from anxious parents searching for ways to spend this lazy day, I thought I'd check it out too. Here's what I found: The Kids Place 4 Fun is Needham's finest drop-in art studio, where kids can paint ceramics, create mosaics, or even tie-dye their own tees. They can  Read more...

Brownie Buttons with Candy Cane Icing

by Jill Notkin

December 29, 2008

I ate too much this past week. Really, every meal was like a celebration of some sort and as I write this, my belly aches and I am actually looking forward to an hour at the gym. But still, I can't hold out on you the yummiest treat I had ALL week (and which I plan to make for our New Year's celebration. Just one last hurrah...). Make this one with your kids - it couldn't be easier!  Read more...

Stop & Shop Helps Make Holidays Great

by Jill Notkin

December 10, 2008

If there's one activity that I love to do, it's grocery shopping. I guess it's my love for cooking combined with the fact that it's a fun outing for my toddler, since she adores naming (and tasting!) the foods and helping me to empty the cart for the cashier. So it was my pleasure to attend a luncheon held by Stop & Shop yesterday, during which they laid out some very interesting plans  Read more...

Snacks and treats and everything sweet!

by Jill Notkin

December 03, 2008

We love to eat in our house.By default, we also love to cook!This holiday season, we're going to spend time in the kitchen making all kinds of treats.Here are some delicious and really easy treats to make - and enjoy - with your little elves.J Hello Dolly Biscuits (aka 7-Layer Bars) 1 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs (these are fun to make yourself!Toss a bunch of graham crackers in a bag and let  Read more...

Halloween Treats

by Jill Notkin

October 08, 2008

The moment October rolls around, I get that craving. That need for something sweet and salty, maybe a little creamy and rich. That just about covers every sweet I can think of, but it does my waistline and my kids' appetites no good to start indulging that sweet tooth so far in advance of Trick or Treating. But if you're looking for a sweet treat to kick that craving and an activity that'll  Read more...

Rainy Weekend Fun

by Jill Notkin

September 29, 2008

Somehow, it never fails that our best family time happens when we have nothing planned. I dont know about you, but it's tough to plan when the weather promises nothing but rain. However, despite the rain, or rather in spite of the rain, we managed to have a great time this weekend, doing nothing special but having special times. Here's what we did: After a bit of a sleep-in on  Read more...

Let's Play Chef!

by Jill Notkin

September 26, 2008

I love to cook and I often get my children involved in the kitchen, even if it's just to lick the spoon or shake the sprinkles. So you can imagine my interest when, while researching for a recent post entitled Little Gourmets , I came across Katie Norton, owner of Let's Play Chef !, a company that teaches cooking to children and adults, in their own home. Katie informed me know  Read more...

It Takes TWO!

by Jill Notkin

September 23, 2008

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

Snack Time!

by Jill Notkin

September 18, 2008

Snack time used to mean milk and cookies, but not anymore! Kids these days are so sophisticated, they make snack time an activity unto itself! Here are a few fun ideas for our little foodies-in-training: In our house, our children have a choice of two beverages: milk or water. It is my opinion that juice offers nothing but empty calories and a belly too full to eat healthy foods.  Read more...

A Perfect Pick for a Picnic

by Jill Notkin

August 29, 2008

Few activities are more enjoyable than a perfect landscape, the high noon sun, and a packed lunch. A picnic is one of the quintessential summer outings that, planned properly, can rank high on the list of most memorable days. Here are a few ideas for making your picnic perfect. Maudsley State Park in Newburyport . Bordering on the Merrimack River , this park features  Read more...

Kitchen Crafts

by Jill Notkin

August 25, 2008

It's a grey Monday but even though there's no sunshine, a day of rain doesn't have to be boring. Forget the mall, have a ton of fun without leaving the comfort of your kitchen! With a little imagination, and a tip or two, you and your preschoolers will be cooking and crafting away in no time! Peanut Butter Play - Dough 18 ounces peanut butter 6 Tbsp's honey Chocolate  Read more...

Brain Freeze!

by Jill Notkin

July 25, 2008

In case you hadn't heard, Bostonians eat more ice cream per capita than any other city in America . Almost synonymous with summer, we seem to be making this journey to the store pretty often. After all, what better way to end (or begin) a mid-summer day than by topping it off with ice cream? A few of our faves are: My personal favorite is JP Licks . Locally owned, the ice  Read more...

Top 5 Kid-Friendly Dining Spots

by Jill Notkin

July 22, 2008

We love to eat out.   Before kids, we were regulars on the restaurant scene and are still self-proclaimed foodies.   All this means is that when kids entered the picture, we had to find kid- AND foodie-friendly restaurants because this mama doesn't do Chuck-E-Cheese.     Here's what we found: Legal Seafood .   What could be more, well, Bostonian than Legal?   This is a great  Read more...

Unmissable Signs of Summer -- The Farmers market

by Jill Notkin

July 04, 2008

There are so many things about summer in New England that I love, it would take writing a book to touch on each one. The nearby beaches, the plethora of spray parks, the festivals and fairs. But one sign that summer has truly arrived in New England is the opening of Boston 's Farmers Markets. Food is a big deal in my family. I LOVE to grocery shop and try new recipes (it  Read more...

Favorite Things of 2008

by Jill Notkin

January 02, 2008

Best Toy : Caring Corner's Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse is getting many miles of use in our living room. The kids never tire of playing with the figurines and making up storylines. Mrs. Goodbee's encouraging words are a constant reminder for good manners and proper behavior. For more on Mrs. Goodbee, click here . Best Trip : Hands down, Ogunquit, Maine . Just over an hour from home,  Read more...