Boston

Pumpkin Festivals and Jack-O-Lantern Displays for New England Families

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 8:00pm

New England is brimming with fall festivals, but kids are particularly enamored with events celebrating the humble pumpkin: the symbol of autumn and Halloween. Whether you stick close to home or make a day or weekend trip out of it, going to a pumpkin festival or visiting a glowing jack-o'-lantern display is a fun, family-friendly way to get into the spirit of the season. Here's a sampling of pumpkin fun in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine over the next month. Get inspired for a trip to the pumpkin patch for a jack-o'-lantern display on your own front porch!

Special Needs Classes and Enrichment Programs for Boston Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 11:00am

Like all kids, children with intellectual or physical differences are born with a natural curiosity, and deserve programs that boost their brains, bodies, and social skills. The right environment is critical to a child's development, so we've sought out classes and programs that provide fun and nurturing opportunities for children with special needs, specifically. Along with these classes in sports, the arts, and more, you'll find more enrichment programs in our Boston Classes and Activities Guide.

20 Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers in the Boston Area

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 5:00pm

So many fall traditions in Boston and Massachusetts seem tailor-made for preschoolers: Who better to upend a freshly raked leaf pile or run around a pumpkin patch long enough to find that perfect Jack-O-Lantern? From events like the Topsfield Fair and Frog Pond Pumpkin Float to annual favorites like apple picking and corn mazes, we've rounded up twenty of the best ways to have some big fall adventures with little companions this fall. And if you have even tinier tykes, check out our fall fun guide—toddler edition!

25 Things We Can't Wait to Do in Boston with Kids This Fall

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Sun, 09/01/2019 - 8:05pm

Ah, fall … can there be a better season to get out and do things as a family in Boston? Whether you and your kids are partial to hiking, apple picking, corn maze exploring, festival hopping, or celebrating all things spooky and sweet on Halloween, there's something for kids of all ages and stages to enjoy during busy, beautiful, autumn in New England. To herald in the season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite, must-do activities in September, October, and November, but for even more ideas for getting out their with your family, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide.

Free Things to Do with Boston Kids in September

Submitted by Lucie T on Tue, 08/27/2019 - 9:00am

With all the money parents spend on back-to-school supplies, it should come as a relief to know there are a lot of fun and free family-friendly events in Boston this September. From street fairs and festivals to cruises and concerts, getting the most out of Boston with the kids won't cost you an arm and a leg. Here are our picks for free fun this September with the kiddos (and be sure to check our calendar for even more activities added daily).

Money-Saving Deals on Boston Area Kids Classes

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Tue, 08/20/2019 - 2:02pm

If you're on the hunt for fall kids activities, your wallet will thank you for this one! Some much-loved children's programs across the Boston area have offered to extend special offers to Mommy Poppins readers just in time for fall 2019 registration. Read on to find deals on STEAM courses, theater and dance classes, soccer lessons, and more for Boston kids.

Don't drag your feet, because these deals will literally disappear as they expire. If you don't see a deal listed below it means the offer is no longer available. If you're looking for even more kids classes, visit our Boston Classes Guide, or you can even search our Directory by location and age!

Free Public Art Around Boston that Will Blow Your Kids' Minds

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 9:30am

Boston has long been home to some of the best museums in the world, showcasing art from around the world. Recently, the city has acquired an extensive collection of free public art where families can get up close and personal with installations of all kinds. Some of these exhibits are permanent, while others are currently on view. Outdoors, outsized, and often interactive, these works of art are especially appealing to kids.

Here are some of our favorite artsy destinations for a family day trip, along with spots to eat or play nearby. For more artsy outdoor fun, open year-round, check out the deCordova Sculpture Museum in Lincoln. And be prepared: If your kids are anything like ours, the kitchen table will be covered in recycle bin scraps and glue for the next month or two.

8 Great Full Day or Extended Day Preschools in or Near Boston

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 08/11/2019 - 9:00am

Finding a preschool that fits your family is a huge undertaking: From Montessori programs to bilingual preschools, there are many nursery school and pre-K options in the Boston and greater Boston area. For many families, a key feature of a preschool is a full-day schedule. So we've rounded up some popular, parent-approved schools in the Boston area, from the city to Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, that have full-day programs or widely-used extended-day options. More time in a super school can mean peace of mind for busy parents, not to mention extra learning and social time for your budding student.

20 Things To Do In Charlestown with Boston Kids

Submitted by Kristin Quinn on Fri, 08/09/2019 - 6:37pm

Located on the banks of Boston Harbor, historic Charlestown has become an increasingly popular neighborhood for young families due to its proximity to the city and neighborhood feel. Made famous by several touristy landmarks like the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides, Charlestown offers plenty to do for kids in all seasons. It's hard to believe this 'hood is only one square mile!

You could spend a whole day exploring Charlestown, but if you want to branch out to the nearby neighborhoods, check out our picks for family-friendly activities in Boston's North End and Seaport/Fort Channel areas, too.

10 Science and STEM Classes for Boston Preschoolers

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 10:38am

There’s no shortage of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities for kids in the Boston area, from summer camps to robotics classes. While most of these programs are geared toward older kids and teens, children as young as 2 or 3 years old are at a perfect age to start learning the basics of the scientific method. We've rounded up a list of local programs that offer science or technology programs specifically for curious preschoolers.