Boston

The Frozen 2 Trailer Is Out and We Are So Here for It

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 02/14/2019 - 10:08am

Elsa and Anna are BACK! Disney just released a Frozen 2 trailer, the sequel to the Let It Go fever that swept up both parents and kids a few years ago.

When Frozen debuted back in 2013, I had an instantly obsessed 4-year-old Elsa wannabe. We knew, like so many other families with young kids, that this Disney musical franchise was going to be a mainstay in our home. Catchy songs and strong, independent princesses, what's not to love?

Fast-forward to 2019, and that obsessed 4-year-old's baby sister is now a kindergartner pining to see the Broadway iteration of Frozen.

All three of us were thrilled to watch the Frozen 2 teaser together. Take a peek to see what you think! My girls are already making me promise we'll see the flick this fall.

Presidents Day Weekend Fun for Boston Kids, Feb 16-18

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 8:45pm

Who's ready for a week of no school and lots of family fun? This Presidents Day weekend kicks off a week full of February vacation activities that will get kids even more psyched to be on break, including a LEGO fest with a maritime twist, Mickey and his gang on ice, and a Globetrotters show. Wrap up the Lunar New Year celebrations this holiday weekend with dancing and crafts at the McMullen, plus a festival and parade in Chinatown. National Engineers Week starts at the Boston Children's Museum this Presidents Day weekend with daily activities and exhibits centered around all things STEAM. Having fun AND learning? Sign us up!

Indoor Gardens Where Boston Kids and Families Can Escape Winter

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 8:00pm

Could your family use an escape from the New England chill? A warm, green space is closer than you may think. Several fabulous indoor gardens around Boston keep their greenhouse and atrium doors open throughout the winter. With controlled balmy temperatures—be sure to bring a bag for stashing ski jackets!—these sunlit spaces feature exotic plants and animals as well as plenty of space for children for roam, discover, and daydream.

Cheap Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families on a Budget

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 2:12pm

Is there a way to travel for cheap with kids during spring break? The short answer is... yes!

While some might automatically head to Orlando or even the Caribbean for spring break, airfare for a family of four can quickly add up to waaaay over budget. Families-in-the-know deploy a few tricks to plan a fun spring break vacation for the kids without blowing their mortgage payment, from scoring a secret deal to compromising a bit on the location.

There are plenty of family-friendly cities and destinations that cost a bit less but don’t scrimp on the family attractions, including top museums, eateries, beaches, and even amusement parks.

Read on for some of our editors’ favorite hacks in planning a cheap spring break and where they like to vacation as a family!

9 Drop-In Indoor Playgrounds Where Boston Kids Can Get Their Energy Out

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 11:08am

As temperatures hover around freezing and even trusty toys are getting tiresome, every parent is looking for fun winter activities that can help kids expend energy and get their sillies out indoors. Just in time for February school vacation, we’ve rounded up 10 indoor play spaces where little and big kids can slide, climb, dodge, play pretend, and make friends—just as they might on their favorite outdoor playgrounds. Most are a drive outside city limits, but all have lots enough space and options for high-energy fun to make a day trip feel well worth it.

Weekend Fun: Science, Marionettes, and Chocolate; Feb 9-10

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 8:43pm

New England's Superbowl win is behind us, but families can continue to celebrate Boston in other ways this weekend, like a sweet festival on the North Shore, a glowing tunnel of love, plus this annual Lunar New Year bash at the MFA (for free!). There are not one but two opportunities to catch the Tanglewood Marionettes performing a special Lunar New Year show too. For all budding scientists, there is a beloved science fest on Saturday and this super cool (and free!) STEM workshop.

Ice Castles NH: A Gorgeous Winter Playground Entirely Made of Ice

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:00am

From the moment we drove down the road and saw Ice Castles NH gleaming on the horizon, it was love at frost sight. The castles are a beautifully detailed work of art that is a frigid feast for all your senses and a perfect family winter weekend getaway.

Ice Castles is a completely immersive experience that is currently located in six cities throughout North America. Professional ice artists work tirelessly to hand-place hundreds of thousands of icicles into stunning formations. The end result is a labyrinth of twisting paths that open up into gorgeous ice canyons, grand archways, and a fun surprise or two.

25 Things To Do with Kids On Boston's South Shore in Winter

Submitted by Kristin Quinn on Tue, 02/05/2019 - 8:00pm

When I moved to the South Shore from downtown Boston, I was pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do with kids. I figured the list would dwindle significantly once the weather turned cold, but alas, it seemed to actually grow the more I investigated!

Here are my top 25 choices for things to do with kids in the South Shore during the winter, from indoor play spaces and classes for young children to our favorite family-friendly restaurants.

Cartoon Network Hotel to Open in Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 10:29am

Fans of Cartoon Network's Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, and other programs are getting a treat this summer. The TV network and Palace Entertainment are working together to open the Cartoon Network Hotel, a kid-friendly resort steeped in the channel's animated world, for summer 2019.

The nine-acre, 165-room property will be located in central Pennsylvania's Lancaster County along Route 30. It will neighbor Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, which is also owned by Palace Entertainment, so a family could easily enjoy both attractions in one trip. It is the Cartoon Network's first themed hotel.

Seems like there's one more reason to plan a Pennsylvania weekend getaway with the kids.

30 Ideas for a Fun February Vacation Week with Boston Kids

Submitted by Kip Wilson Rechea on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 5:00pm

If your plans for winter break include a staycation right here in Boston, you're in luck, because there are tons of cool things to do while the kids are off of school between February 18 and 22. Along with some very special exhibits, performances, and fun activities, we've discovered some drop-off programs for kids of parents who need childcare (or just a break). We're also happy to report that there are also oodles of events that are free (or nearly free) this February school break. True, none of these events involve lounging on the beach with a tropical drink; on the plus side, they're all easy to get to—and easy on the wallet. For more ideas for making the most of a chilly February vacation in Boston, check out our Winter Fun Guide.