Greater Boston

6 Summer Birthday Party Spots for Boston Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 05/06/2018 - 8:31pm

Summer is nearly upon us and that means it’s time to plan birthday parties for kids born when school is out. I have a summer baby, so I’ve thought a lot about where to have a party when the weather is nice and everyone’s on vacation. We've shared ideas for outdoor options where you can plan a free, spontaneous celebration, but we discovered several more venues—some indoors, some out—that specialize in summery kids' parties. Here are six of our favorite warm-weather birthday bash spots around Boston.

Boston Kids' Swim Lessons Where Parents Don't Need to Get in the Pool

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 04/23/2018 - 12:58pm

There are plenty of places that offer parent-child swim lessons for babies and toddlers in Boston, but that format doesn't work for all families. In some cases, parents aren't keen on the idea of getting in the pool themselves; in others, kids respond better to instructors when parents aren't around. Fewer places offer lessons for under-3-year-olds without a caregiver in the pool to participate, but many that do are highly rated by parents. Here are a few places to choose from if you'd prefer to stay dry while your little one takes the plunge.

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.

9 Family-Friendly Spots to Watch the Boston Marathon with Kids

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 8:47am

It's finally mid-April again, and Boston’s time to shine. Marathon Monday brings out the best of Boston, as half a million people come together to cheer on competitors from around the world. With 26 miles to choose from, it’s hard to know the best places to go to get the best view, while staying away from rowdy crowds. Here are a few spots along the marathon route where you can get a great view, while staying close to transportation and places to eat. If watching fife and drum brigades, battles, and other historical enactments is more your family's speed, check out these other Patriots' Day activity ideas.

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.

Boston-Area Spring Festivals You Don't Want to Miss

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 03/11/2018 - 9:11pm

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!

Maple Sugar Festivals and Farms for Boston Families

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 02/23/2018 - 3:00pm

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 form poured over pancakes, as candies, and even in hot dogs. Celebrate maple sugaring season with special events and visits to these local maple farms.