North End

25 Ways to Spend a Morning with Your Toddler in Boston

Submitted by Elizabeth Fisher on Fri, 04/05/2019 - 3:00pm

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 get you both out of the house; and many attractions are 100% free for toddlers.

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.

Best Pizza and Ice Cream Near Family Attractions in Boston

Submitted by Rachel Becker on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 7:00pm

Introducing children to a great hiking trail, museum, or landmark is always fun; that is until someone suddenly—and it's always suddenly—gets hungry. We've found that the best strategy for a smooth outing en famille is to pair an activity with a quick meal and easy dessert. Avoid frantic last-minute smartphone searches and map out these pizza and ice cream parlors, which are conveniently close to some of our favorite day-trip sites and also just happen to serve up some of the best slices and scoops in the area.

12 Playgrounds with Tot Lots Designed Especially for Boston Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 5:02pm

One of the things I’ve been looking forward to doing with my little boy is taking him to a playground. A stable sitter, he’s just about ready for a bucket swing...just in time for spring! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built specifically with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

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.

Sweet Surprise: All New "Tunnel of Love" to Light Up Boston this Winter

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Mon, 02/05/2018 - 11:35am

One of Boston's most iconic winter landmarks is set to get a sweet makeover this weekend—just in time for Valentine's Day! As if we weren't already smitten with the blue-lit trellis that adds a magical glow to the North End waterfront, the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP), led by curator Robyn Reed, have been busy transforming it into a "Tunnel of Love" that will be open to the public starting Feburary 10 and through the rest of the month. Families with kids of all ages are invited to come to the park for the tunnel's official unveiling between 4pm to 9pm this Saturday to stroll through the revamped trellis, post for selfies with specially designed "cupid wings," and enjoy a few sweet surprises.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Banned Books, Fun Physics, and Giant Pumpkins; Sept 25- 29

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 09/24/2017 - 6:00pm

What would we do without our libraries? For one thing, we wouldn't necessarily know about all the interesting, commemorative months and weeks being celebrated around the country. This week kicks off with a nod to Hispanic Heritage Month with an event to open preschoolers' eyes (and ears) to Spanish music, when Berklee dynamo Naty Hernandez leads a singalong on Boylston. A day later, older kids can take a stand against censorship with a clever craft project for Banned Books Week in the North End.

You wouldn't know it by the balmy temps outside, but some outdoor programs are ending for the season, and a public arts' program on the Greenway closes with a showing of a Tim Burton classic. Physics takes the spotlight with a new program in the south 'burbs, while up north, the Topsfield Fair gets going with our favorite fall spectacle of all: gargantuan pumpkins.

For more interesting activities this week in Boston and beyond, check out our Events Calendar.

10 Reasons It's Great to be a North End Mom

Submitted by Elizabeth Fisher on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 10:49am

This is the third post in our series about why it's great to be a mom in different towns around the Hub. Got pride in your 'hood? Let us know at boston@mommypoppins.com, and your town could be featured in a future post.

Whether they're stopping by for history, culture, or the food, most tourists put the North End on their list of places to visit in Boston. But you don't have to wander far from the hustle of Hanover Street to realize there is a lot more to the neighborhood than pasta and cannoli. The North End is a mix of residents whose families who have lived in the borough for generations, professionals of all ages who like the proximity to the financial district and downtown, and young families. On the surface, the small apartments, high rents, and limited parking options might not seem like the ideal place to raise kids, but ask just about mom and she'll tell you she wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I've lived in the neighborhood for four years and fell in love with it long before I welcomed my first child in January. But now that I'm a mom, I love the neighborhood even more. Here are a few reasons why...

14 Boston-Area Gyms with Childcare

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 04/10/2017 - 10:48am

Between family and career, it can be really tough for busy parents to fit in a workout. But we all know exercise is an important part of staying healthy and it can be fun to boot. With that in mind, we rounded up 14 local gyms that offer on-site childcare.

The Best Places for a Family-Friendly Breakfast or Brunch in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 01/27/2017 - 9:54am

Dining out with kids isn’t always a fun proposition, but breakfast or brunch can be a great time to go to a restaurant with the whole family. Kids tend to be less cranky earlier in the day, and morning menu offerings suit even picky palates. That’s fine with us, because we love breakfast—french toast! omelets! coffee!—best of all.