Boston

35 Things to Do with Kids During April Vacation Week in Boston

Submitted by Kip Wilson Rechea on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 10:00am

April vacation is full of exciting possibilities for kids in Boston—no plane tickets required. Not only do you get to go outside to enjoy the start of spring weather and celebrate Patriots Day, Earth Day, and Easter, but there are also tons of fun activities planned between April 13th and 23rd just for kids. From cool science fairs to animal encounters to princess parties, there's something to keep every kiddo happy. Check out our full list of vacation fun below and have a fantastic week!

Boston-Area Spring Festivals and Fairs for Kids and Families

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 10:09am

As March winds down and the city blossoms into springtime, there are few better ways to celebrate than by getting outside at one of Boston’s fun, family-friendly festivals. With so many to choose from, it seems like the whole city is cheering the warmer, sunnier days with music, art, flowers, and food. And the best part? Many of these special events are free. Mark your calendars now and enjoy the anticipation of balmier, more festive days ahead!

Awesomely Fun Trampoline Parks for Kids Around Boston

Submitted by Therese Sison on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 10:00am

If rainy or winter weather has your kids bouncing off the walls, there are few more suitable escapes than an indoor trampoline park. We've rounded up this list of Boston-area trampoline parks where children of all ages (and parents, too!) can jump out some pent-up energy, and maybe even fit in an arcade game or laser tag, too. (Bonus: They also make an ideal spot for birthday parties!)

Boston's New England Aquarium: Guide to What's New and What to Do with Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 03/05/2019 - 4:00pm

My son loves animals of all kinds, so I knew we had to take him to the New England Aquarium as soon as he was old enough for the outing. Our trip did not disappoint! He was enthralled by the beautiful sea creatures and even got to experience some up close at the touch tanks. Here’s what I learned when we went to the Aquarium, including which exhibits are "must-sees," where the best kid-friendly dining options are, and how you can score discounts. With a new, 9,000-gallon Indo-Pacific coral reef display opening this spring, it's an especially exciting time to hit the Aquarium. Interested in more of our favorite kid-friendly Boston attractions? Check out our museum guide.

Maple Sugar Festivals and Farms for Boston Families

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 6:00pm

One of the sweetest things about living in New England is being able to experience maple sugaring firsthand. Bostonians don’t have to go very far to enjoy maple sugar festivals, take tours of farms, watch sap being boiled down in sugar houses, or learn to tap maple trees. Of course, the best part is tasting the final product – in syrup poured over pancakes, as candies, and even in hot dogs. Celebrate maple sugaring season with special events and visits to these local maple farms.

Nature's Superheroes: Must-See Exhibit for Animal-Crazed Kids in Boston

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 8:11pm

Surely you've heard (or seen the giant billboard on the Pike) about the newest Museum of Science exhibit, Nature's Superheroes: Life at the Limits. Or, if you have an animal-crazed nature nut like my seven-year-old son, you haven't stopped hearing about it since learning the traveling exhibit was Boston-bound in 2019. My son and I checked it out the day after it opened, and weren't disappointed: From a micro-animal that could survive temperatures on Pluto to lizards that squirt blood out of their eyes, the fascinating, strange, and downright gross creatures we learned about are excellent kid-conversation fodder. Here's a preview if you decide to make a February staycation outing or winter day trip out of it.

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.

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.

10 Places to Take Kids Ice Skating for Free in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 01/20/2019 - 8:00pm

We're huge fans of the many outdoor ice rinks that open every winter around Boston, but these popular (and touristy) spots can get pretty crowded and just a bit pricey. What’s a Boston mom or dad to do? Don't worry: Boston happens to have lots of public skating options that are totally free! Here’s what you need to know to have a fun, no-cost time as a family at these 10 free skating rinks around town.

11 Indoor Play Spaces for Boston Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 11:21am

It’s that time of year. The weather is increasingly dreary and predictably unpredictable. Playgrounds are icy even when the sun's out. And yet, if you have a child who is too young for full-day school or drop-off activities, you've gotta find a way to fill the days and burn off everyone's energy. While some indoor playgrounds cater to big kids, too, we are especially grateful for drop-in playspaces that have special zones designed for babies, toddlers, and young preschoolers. Here's the skinny on 9 of our favorite romper rooms.