Chinatown

7 Mind-Blowing Ice Cream Treats to Try with Kids in Boston: Fluff Cones, Snowdaes, and More

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Sometimes you go to an ice cream parlor because it's the neighborhood fave; or maybe you heard it's one of the best in Boston. But on an empty summer's day, it's extra special to go to an ice cream store simply because it has one fantabulous, unique treat that will knock everyone's Crocs off. These are the seven treats we're drooling over this summer. 

Indoor Pools with Drop-In Family Swim Times in Boston

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When the kids are wired but outdoor swimming is out of the question—nearly 10 months of the year in these parts—a dip in an indoor pool can be just the thing to set the day right. Swim lessons are important for setting a foundation for pool safety, but simply splashing around in the off-season can also help transform doggy paddlers into capable swimmers more quickly, making summer a little safer—and less stressful—for all. The trick is, many indoor pools require pricey memberships, and not all welcome kids. We've rounded up some pools that offer drop-in swim times for families. A note: Before digging out the swimsuits and announcing the idea to the kids, be sure to call ahead, as schedules and rates can fluctuate.

10 Boston Winter Festivals You Won't Want to Miss

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The holiday season is so festive and fun that it’s easy to get some serious post-holiday blues. Add to that the fact that winter is just gearing up here in Boston, and you (and the kids) could be going stir crazy in no time. However, just because the holidays are over and the weather is frightful doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Here are 10 kid-friendly festivals that will have you beating the post-holiday blues in no time and keep the fun rolling all the way until spring!

20 Ways to Spend a Morning with Your Toddler in Boston

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Once you've gotten through breakfast and downed your second (or third) cup of coffee, have you ever looked at your toddler and thought, "what the heck am I going to do with you today?" Too young for many full-time schools or camps, too old to just tag along on errands all day, toddlers are suited for fun, interactive activities that don't require a long attention span and will tucker them out for their afternoon nap. Fortunately for parents and caregivers, there are a plenty of great local activities that will entertain your tot and get you both out of the house.

11 New Ice Cream Shops in or Near Boston

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There are few things more quintessentially summer than eating an ice cream cone or sipping a frappe on a hot day. And we can’t think of a better time to expand your treat horizons beyond your neighborhood shop than on National Ice Cream Day, a mid-July annual tradition. So we’re bringing you a rundown of some of Boston's most drive-worthy destination ice cream shops, from old-fashioned soft serve purveyors to trendy rolled ice cream makers.

Best Spray Parks and Water Fountains for Preschoolers in Boston

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Boston has a lot of cool fountains that can be great fun for families in summer. But I've learned the hard way that not every fountain is suited for preschoolers. 

A few years back, when one of my sons was 4, I took him and his brothers to the Christian Science Plaza fountain along Huntington Avenue. To me as a parent, it was a wise selection: awesome fountain, I didn't have to walk far from the parking spot, and bathrooms were nearby in the Prudential Center. But my 4-year-old kid was horrified by the fountain and how big it was. It took him a half hour to even wander up to the where the water shot out of the ground, and soon after he got soaked and was freezing. It was not the best choice for a young child. 

With that thinking in mind, here are some gentler, preschooler-friendly fountains and spray parks in Boston:

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