Boston

Outdoor Kids' Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Babies

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 11:06am

Throw an amazing kids' birthday party right in your own backyard or local park with these outdoor party ideas.

Take all the fun (and the mess) of party games for kids outside and add a little summertime twist for inspired themes, such as camping, sprinklers, outdoor movies, and lawn games. We put together a list of seven sizzling kids' birthday party themes for outdoor parties below, including activity suggestions, decoration ideas, and some memorable munchies that will make your kid's party the event of the summer season.

What to Do on the Charles River with Boston Kids: Sailing, Kayaking, Duck Tours, and More

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 07/21/2019 - 8:50pm

Winding through 23 towns, Boston's beloved Charles River is a great place to visit with kids, whether they're keen to cruise on the water or just play alongside it. We've rounded up our favorite family activities on the Charles, including hopping a Duck Boat, renting a canoe, picnicking on the Esplanade, and cheering on rowers at the Head of the Charles. No matter how you choose to spend your waterfront day, kids are sure to come away from their adventures with renewed appreciation for our hometown river.

Disney Cruise to Alaska? 12 Things To Know Before You Go

Submitted by Li Starr on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 1:48pm

A Disney Cruise is a memorable experience for any kid (or, really, any grown-up) whether the ship stops in the Bahamas, Europe, Jamaica, or some other exotic port—like Alaska. My family recently cruised Alaska Disney style, and if you're considering this particular Disney Cruise, I have a few tips that should make your vacation even more magical.

Where to Pick Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Corn, and More With Kids Near Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 3:00pm

High temps mean it's high time for Boston-area kids to pick late-summer produce, like peaches, pears, raspberries, plums, cherries, corn, and more—even currants! Children who enjoyed hunting for strawberr ies and blueberr ies on local farms in June and early July will have a blast plucking (and sampling) stone fruits and more at these 22 nearby farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

For another fun u-pick experience that will lead to a beautiful centerpiece of sunflowers, snapdragons, and more for your summer table, consider a visit with kids to these flower farms around Boston. Or, pick your favorite flavor at these local farms with homemade ice cream. And be sure to bookmark our post on places to pick apples with Boston kids—some varieties are ripe starting late August. Happy harvesting!

Weekend Fun: Space, Science, and a River Fest

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 07/17/2019 - 8:53pm

“That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” It's hard to believe that it's been fifty years since Neil Armstrong uttered those words as he walked on the moon, and Boston is ready to commemorate this monumental achievement. Lunar celebrations are taking place at the Museum of Science and JFK Library, as well as in Cambridge and Worcester.

Over the moon? How about some science under the sun instead? Also not-to-be-missed: A super cool river fest, a visit with some new zoo babies, and perhaps the coolest Boston theater performance this year (as far as many local 'tweens are concerned): Percy Jackson's The Lightning Thief.

7 Smart Summer Screen Time and Tech Tips for Families

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 2:30pm

Summertime often means screen time, amirite? School's out, the days are long, and even moms and dads are feeling a little more laid back. With the relaxed phone, tablet, and TV rules, a media overdose starts to become inevitable without some thoughtful boundaries.

So, how do you make tech work for your family over the summer instead of against it? With a little help from our sponsor, Verizon, we've put together 7 smart tech tips to help your crew make the most of screen time for kids without going over the top.

Bonus tip: Get an extra $200 off a premium device when you sign up to Fios* — not to mention crazy fast internet speeds, custom TV plans for kids and teens, and reliable cell service to keep everyone safe and connected.

Boston-Area Farms With Ice Cream and Fun Kids' Activities for Boston Families

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 8:32pm

Summertime is in full swing, which means the quest for the best ice cream is on! While Boston boasts many amazing shops churning out gourmet ice cream, some of the best scoops are found at old-fashioned, New England family farms. While some farms are best for picking berries, peaches, and other summer produce, others are known for their creamy dairy treats. From hayrides to petting zoos to mini golf, these farms all of have seasonal ice cream options and fun activities to help your kiddies burn off their sugar highs afterward.

Nantucket with Kids: 35 Fun Things to Do as a Family

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sat, 07/13/2019 - 2:20pm

What's so special about Nantucket? This charming Massachusetts island 30 miles off of Cape Cod is more than just a prepster paradise: It's just about as family-friendly as can be. In fact, there are so many things for kids to do in Nantucket, the trick is packing it all into a single family vacation. Perhaps that's why we always come back! Luckily, with just 48 square miles to cover, it is possible to fit in a number of Nantucket highlights, including a surf lesson, aquarium trip, critter cruise, and lobster dinner.

So catch the Nantucket ferry over to the island (or fly in), and try these kid-friendly activities. We're sure you'll have a family getaway that's one for the photo books.

Free Water Fun for Boston Kids: Spraygrounds, Splash Pads, and Wading Pools

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

You know it's summertime in Boston when kids are running through fountains and splashing in shallow pools of water on the Greenway and Boston Common. There's plenty of water fun to be had in neighborhoods all around the city, and we've rounded up some of our favorite spraygrounds, splash pads, and kiddie pools in the area. Most locations are open on weekends after Memorial Day, and then daily from the end of June through Labor Day. Bonus: they're all free!

A Special Offer on Summer Family Vacations at Smugglers' Notch Resort in Vermont

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 07/11/2019 - 10:20am

You may think of this top Vermont ski resort as a winter vacation spot, but with 8 pools, 4 water slides, and 2 natural reservoirs, Smugglers' Notch Resort makes a terrific summer family vacation destination. And, right now, Mommy Poppins readers can save $350 on a Summer Family Vacation Package. We made a trip to the resort ourselves so we could give you the inside scoop on this family-friendly find and get more details on this great deal.