North Suburbs

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.

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.

5 Free New Spraygrounds and Splash Pads to Visit with Boston Kids this Summer

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Tue, 07/23/2019 - 10:00am

During our short, humid summers, Boston kids are always on the hunt for ways to cool off in the summertime. While free swimming pools are a great affordable option, spraygrounds are sublime for toddlers, preschoolers, or big kids looking for a quick way to cool off. Even if you've scouted out the these popular splash parks and splash pads, you might not know about these new spots in the Boston area. So throw on your suits, slather on the sunscreen, and head to one of these five fun (and free!) spraygrounds.

18 Places to Take Parent-Child Swim Classes in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 7:00am

Swimming ability and water safety are so important for little ones, but it can be difficult to imagine letting your baby or toddler plunge into the pool without you. Luckily, you don’t have to because there are a plethora of places in or near Boston that offer parent-child swim lessons so you can get in the water together. If you’re looking for other ways to be active with your child, check out our post on yoga classes for Boston moms and babies.

Music Classes for Kids in and Around Boston

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 11:01pm

Whether your child experiments with toy instruments or just hums favorite tunes in the back seat of the car, chances are music is at least a small part of his or her day. For parents looking for ways to inspire their kids make more music or develop piano, violin, or vocal skills, the choices for classes and instruction appear endless. While we could never cover every one of these programs in one post, we've rounded up some of our favorites in and around Boston.

Looking for other types of enrichment programs, including sports, art, and more? Please check out our Boston Classes Guide.

Boston-Area Farms With Ice Cream and Fun Kids' Activities for Boston Families

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 8:32pm

Summertime is in full swing, which means the quest for the best ice cream is on! While Boston boasts many amazing shops churning out gourmet ice cream, some of the best scoops are found at old-fashioned, New England family farms. While some farms are best for picking berries, peaches, and other summer produce, others are known for their creamy dairy treats. From hayrides to petting zoos to mini golf, these farms all of have seasonal ice cream options and fun activities to help your kiddies burn off their sugar highs afterward.

Best Beaches for Families Within an Hour of Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 3:01pm

We’re lucky here in Massachusetts to have so many beautiful beaches to choose from when the temperature soars. With lots of room to dig, play, and swim, a stretch of sand on the edge of the salty surf might be the perfect place to take kids in the summer. But with so many beaches to choose from, it can be tough to know which ones are really right for families. So we’ve rounded up ten of our favorite sandy spots to visit each summer—all within an hour of Boston!

Look Up, Kids! Giant, Mirrored Hot Air Balloon Coming to Massachusetts

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 10:39am

Come mid-July, you're going to want to keep your eyes on the sky around Boston, because you just might spot a giant, mirror-surfaced hot air balloon floating above reflecting the landscape below. Created by artist Doug Aitken and presented by the Trustees of Reservations, this 100-foot flying balloon sculpture titled New Horizon will be soaring above Massachusetts from July 12th through the 28th, 2019. Traveling from Martha's Vineyard to the Berkshires, this reflective piece of art will touch down for special events along the way. Boston, and Massachusetts as a whole, are well known for showcasing kid-friendly art, so it's no surprise that this exhibit will be no exception, featuring family-friendly dates that even the youngest of art critics can participate in.

Boston-Area Beer Gardens That are Fun for Families

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 06/11/2019 - 8:06pm

Boston has seen an absolute boom in beer gardens (or biergartens) in the last few years, and luckily for anyone with kids, many are welcoming to families. If you like to sip a craft brew outside, these are the places to go with little ones in tow: Many have live music, lawn games, and great views. From the heart of the city to several of the suburbs, there’s likely a beer garden near you that's open from summer through fall. Sip—and play!

Best Swimming Ponds and Lakes Around Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 05/28/2019 - 8:00pm

Living in or near Boston means that there are plenty of beaches that are perfect for families looking to spend the day outside. But swimming in the ocean can be tricky. First of all, it's usually freezing, which may not bother your kids, but makes most parents feel like popsicles. Also, the waves at many coastal beaches are often too strong for little ones to enjoy. Luckily, there are many local ponds and lakes where swimming is not only easy, but super-fun. So we’ve rounded up 10 places near Boston where you and your kids can splash around in freshwater all summer long.