Boston

10 Great Places to Hike with Kids Around Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/13/2018 - 8:00pm

I’ve always loved hiking, so I was eager to get back to it not long after having my first baby. Last fall, we joined the Babes in the Woods' weekly guided hikes for baby-wearing caregivers at the Middlesex Fells, one of my favorite local hiking spots. And this spring, I'd love to explore even more local trails. Whether your kids are in a carrier or old enough to hike alongside you, there are plenty of fun and scenic trails throughout the Boston area to enjoy. Here are 10 nearby spots to take in the great outdoors on foot.

Got a Dino Lover? Catch the Life-Sized Dinosaurs Coming to Franklin Park Zoo!

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 1:15pm

Catch 'em before they disappear again! For the first time since 2012, an animatronic dinosaur exhibit will be on loan to the Franklin Park Zoo. Destination Dino will feature more than a dozen moving, roaring, life-sized dinos, on display from May 26 through December 3. It's like Dino Dan or Dana come to life...right here in Boston.

Patriots' Day Weekend Events for Families in Boston, Lexington, and Concord

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Fri, 04/06/2018 - 12:44pm

Patriots' Day commemorates the April anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first clashes of the American Revolutionary War. It is a Massachusetts state holiday, officially observed on the third Monday in April, and is celebrated with parades and ceremonies from Boston to Roxbury, and all along the Battle Road.

We’ve rounded up some of the key reenactments, parades, and special events leading up to and on Patriots' Day, as well as special events at local museums, historical houses and Minute Man National Park. Note: most of the events listed are free but also very popular, so plan to arrive early and expect crowds. (If you're interested in more happenings or places to eat while in Concord, check out our 20-plus things to do in Concord post.)

April GoList: Best Things To Do with Kids in Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 03/30/2018 - 6:00pm

April is bursting with possibilities, beginning with April Fools' Day fun and Passover celebrations. April vacation week brings the endearing story of Charlotte and Wilbur to Boston, scientific explorations to Cambridge, and magical worlds to Providence.

This month, we show our Boston pride during Red Sox Opening Day, Boston Marathon, and Patriots' Day celebrations. Plus, a Volunteer Expo and Earth Day fests around town give us lots of opportunities to teach our kids about kindness and citizenship.

It's time to say goodbye to winter and try something new this month with our top picks for family fun!

10 Enrichment Classes for Boston Babies

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 03/26/2018 - 8:02pm

As a new mom, I really looked forward to doing classes in subjects like music and art with my son. At first I thought we’d have to wait until he was older to do any sort of formal enrichment activity, but I soon learned that there are a ton of options available for even the littlest babies. These classes are a great way to bond and are perfect for providing much-needed stimulation for babies that are past the newborn stage. So here’s a roundup of 10 classes that are designed especially for Boston babies.

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

Submitted by Kip Wilson Rechea on Sun, 03/25/2018 - 8:00pm

April vacation week is full of exciting possibilities for kids in Boston—no plane tickets required. Besides getting out to enjoy the start of spring weather, families have their pick of cool activities between April 16th and 22rd, including tons of ways to celebrate Patriots' Day, Earth Day and Easter. The Cambridge Science Festival (pictured at top) is most definitely a top pick in my household, but it's only one of many events going on, so have a peek at the additional gems below to enjoy with the kids. Here's to a fantastic week for everyone!

Top Boston Area STEM Camps to Make Summer a Blast

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Sun, 03/18/2018 - 10:00am

If a summer filled with flying drones, engineering robots, launching rockets, and modding Minecraft sounds a dream come true for your kiddo, then the Boston Area camp scene certainly won't disappoint! With loads of STEM and STEAM programs available at nearby universities, parks, libraries, and more, there are plenty of options for you and your curious kid to choose from. Plus, with the growing importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math studies, you can feel extra good about signing your child up for these hands-on, highly-interactive, enriching summer programs.

25 Things to do in the North End with Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 03/16/2018 - 12:14pm

Boston has changed a lot in the last few decades, but one area of the city remains largely the same: the North End. Often called Boston’s Little Italy, its narrow streets are brimming with old world charm, historic sites, and delicious food. Whether you live in Boston or are just visiting, the neighborhood is a must-visit stop with kids.

9 Summer Art Camps for Boston Kids

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Mon, 03/12/2018 - 9:00pm

Sure, kids dabble in paint and clay once a week or so throughout the school year. But if you have a child who really loves to create, a week-long (or longer) summer art camp might be just the thing to ignite a passion. These nine visual art camps, happening throughout the summer around Boston, span ages and art mediums, so you're sure to find one that gets your creative kid excited. And be sure to check out our complete camp guide for other art-based programs, including theater camps and more.

14 Science and Tech Summer Camps for Boston Kids who Love STEM

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Mon, 02/26/2018 - 11:00am

Surrounded as we are by so many tech start-ups, a world-class science museum, and some of the top college computer-science departments in the country, it's no surprise that many of our kids are fascinated by all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Luckily, a growing number of tech-minded summer camps are cropping up all over the region to meet demand, and the options for local kids range from a program for wannabe inventors to a science immersion program just for girls. We’ve rounded up a dozen great school vacation programs where kids can tinker, make, build, code, invent, and experiment. Read on to find one that’s a good fit for your sci-tech lover, and sign up soon—early-bird specials are widely available this month, and some of these camps fill up fast. For more great brain-building programs over school break, check out our complete summer camp guide.