Boston

Top 10 North Carolina Beaches for Families

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sat, 06/23/2018 - 11:00am

North Carolina is home to top notch colleges, bustling cities, fun towns tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Most of these beaches are a far cry from the bustling carnival-like atmosphere of the boardwalk towns in the Jersey Shore, and others take a bit more effort to get to than you might expect, but they’re definitely worth it. Wild horses, cute seaside towns, and a dose of southern charm make North Carolina a great beach destination for you and your family.

Keep reading for our top picks for family-friendly beaches in North Carolina.

20 Spots to Pick Peaches, Sweet Corn, Cherries, and More With Boston Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 06/22/2018 - 3:00pm

Massachusetts may not have a long growing season, but local farms make the most of the few months they have each year to produce bountiful fruits and vegetables. There are a lot of places to strawberry, blueberry, or apple picking near Boston, but don't forget about other summer produce, like peaches, pears, plums, cherries, corn and more—even currants! Here are 20 nearby farms where kids can pick (and sample) lots of different types of luscious dessert and meal fixings, straight from the fields.

Caribbean Coast: Flamingos, Macaws, and Bush Dogs Debut at New Stone Zoo Exhibit

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Thu, 06/21/2018 - 9:00am

Situated on 26 acres in the quiet northern 'burbs, Stone Zoo is beloved by many as the smaller, simpler counterpart to the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. But recently, Stone Zoo has been busy setting itself apart—with a modern new entrance, and now, an innovative exhibit celebrating the exotic, colorful creatures that live as our neighbors to the south. Caribbean Coast will be a permanent fixture in Stoneham, and, as my kids and I recently discovered, a big reason to make the trip.

Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: BBQs, Kites, and Beach Bag Crafts, June 23-24

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 9:47pm

Some kids are still in school, but since it feels like summer, let's start enjoying it! First on the agenda, head over to Artbeat to make this summertime staple before island hopping and kite flying. There's also a music festival taking over the South End, a (free!) family fun day and BBQ, and loads of kid-friendly activities and food trucks amid the statues at the deCordova.

4th of July Fireworks in and Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 06/17/2018 - 8:18pm

If you’re looking for a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a classic choice. Heading over to the Esplanade in the morning to stake out a spot, enjoying a picnic and the outdoors all afternoon, then in the evening hearing the 1812 overture as fireworks explode in the sky is a Boston tradition families have been enjoying for decades.

But if the sounds and crowds on the Esplanade seem a bit overwhelming, there are plenty of other great options. Lots of towns around Boston put on their own 4th of July displays that are just right for families with young children. Read on for some wonderful local celebrations with fireworks from June 30th through July 4th, and check out other Independence Day activities (an Ice Cream Cruise!) on our events calendar.

Cabo with Kids! All Inclusive Decadence at Mexico's Grand Velas Resort Los Cabos

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 1:24pm

Sometimes as parents we're happy to plan the family vacation around theme parks and cartoon characters; other times we want to be pampered like a real princess, not a Disney princess. A vacation that provides grown-up decadence and luxury with fun and entertainment for kids (including time supervised by someone else)—that is the ultimate family getaway. And that is what we found in Los Cabos at Grand Velas' new seaside resort.

10 Touristy Things Even Boston Kids Love to Do

Submitted by Lucie T on Fri, 06/15/2018 - 4:25pm

When out-of-towners visit Boston, they have many boxes to check off their must-see list. But children are notoriously reluctant tourists, and may not have the stamina to do every stop on the Freedom Trail or spend hours inside a museum. Here's our carefully curated list of specific, unique-to-Boston activities that even local kids love to do again and again.

Destination Dino: Dinosaurs Arrive at the Franklin Park Zoo

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 9:00am

My kids are always excited for a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo; I mean, who isn't awed by lions, gorillas, or those gorgeous, roaming peacocks? But when we learned that some new animals were taking up temporary residence in Franklin Park this summer—life-sized, moving, roaring dinosaurs, no less—our curiosity was piqued even more than usual. So, on a quiet Wednesday afternoon in June, my 6-year-old played hooky from kindergarten and we went into Boston to take in Destination Dino, on display at the Franklin Park Zoo through September 3. Here's what we saw—and what to know before you go.

Father's Day Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: Kayaking, Brunch, and Red Sox, June 16-17

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 8:37pm

This weekend it's time to celebrate the awesome father figures in our lives and it seems like there are events to satisfy all different dad types. For the outdoorsmen, there is kayaking, and a brunch and trail hike, For the sports-obsessed, the Red Sox Showcase is back at Faneuil Hall; an open kick-around is celebrating the start of the FIFA World Cup; and the Lawn on D is hosting an event of champions. For the art-appreciators and music afficianados, head south to an all-weekend arts fest, or groove to the Grateful Dead (kid style!).

'American Girl Live' Brings Beloved Characters to the Theater

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 1:49pm

For American Girl fans, dressing up the perennially-popular dolls and visiting the store or cafe may be the ultimate treat. But things are about to get even more exciting as the iconic characters take to the stage for the first time in American Girl Live, an all-new musical for kids featuring original songs and wholesome, heartfelt fun.

Although the show won't start touring North America until January 2019, tickets are already on sale for certain shows, including those visiting Mommy Poppins cities and states, including theaters in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Boston, and Connecticut. (Sounds like tickets to a performance could be the perfect gift this holiday season, Mom and Dad.)