North Suburbs

Animal Farms and Petting Zoos for Boston Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 7:00pm

Your city slickers may not come across a lot farm animals on the daily, but that doesn't mean that they should miss out on some cute and cuddly barnyard fun. Whether you're city folk or farmers-in-training, these local farms and zoos are the perfect places for little ones to interact, feed, and play with some of their favorite furry creatures. Check out all the best places in Boston and the suburbs to meet cows, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, and more below.

10 Spring Family Day Trips That Boston Kids Will Love

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 04/07/2019 - 8:42pm

If there's a season when Bostonians are itching to get out and explore, it's spring: After a long, cold New England winter, it's liberating to pile the family in the car and discover someplace new, preferably one that showcases flora and fauna in kid-friendly ways. We're blessed to be in driving distance of many beautiful places fit for a weekend escape, but sometimes, you don't have multiple days to spare. All of these places offer unique ways to celebrate the season, and clocking in at around or under two hours from city limits, make for a fine springtime day trip.

CuriousCity: Pop-Up Children's Museum Opens in Peabody

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sat, 03/30/2019 - 10:00am

There's a new kid-friendly museum on the block! CuriousCity, a pop-up children's museum, opens Sunday, March 31st in Peabody, and after an exclusive sneak peek just before opening day, we learned that this new addition to our region of world-class museums is worth a visit—and soon. For just three months, this children's museum will occupy the George Peabody House Museum & Peabody Leather Workers Museum in the downtown area, offering kids seven different exhibits that invite learning, creative play, and interactive fun. Here's a preview of the unique, imagination stoking exhibits you'll see at CuriousCity, as well as some helpful hints for taking the kids.

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

Submitted by Kip Wilson Rechea on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 10:00am

April vacation is full of exciting possibilities for kids in Boston—no plane tickets required. Not only do you get to go outside to enjoy the start of spring weather and celebrate Patriots Day, Earth Day, and Easter, but there are also tons of fun activities planned between April 13th and 23rd just for kids. From cool science fairs to animal encounters to princess parties, there's something to keep every kiddo happy. Check out our full list of vacation fun below and have a fantastic week!

Awesomely Fun Trampoline Parks for Kids Around Boston

Submitted by Therese Sison on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 10:00am

If rainy or winter weather has your kids bouncing off the walls, there are few more suitable escapes than an indoor trampoline park. We've rounded up this list of Boston-area trampoline parks where children of all ages (and parents, too!) can jump out some pent-up energy, and maybe even fit in an arcade game or laser tag, too. (Bonus: They also make an ideal spot for birthday parties!)

Maple Sugar Festivals and Farms for Boston Families

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 6:00pm

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

15 Fun Indoor Playgrounds for Kids North of Boston

Submitted by Michelle Curran on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 8:00pm

When winter won't budge, and you've run out of at-home craft and project ideas, it may be time to hit an indoor play space. Head north and you can have your pick: From trampolines to crazy mazes to inflatables, Boston's North Shore is home to tons of play zones where kids can get their energy out. In addition to exercise and entertainment, many of these venues offer special events (like parents' nights out), healthy snacks, birthday parties, workshops, and classes. Here are 15 of our north-of-town favorites; for dozens more options in and around Boston, check out our indoor fun guide.

9 Drop-In Indoor Playgrounds Where Boston Kids Can Get Their Energy Out

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 11:08am

As temperatures hover around freezing and even trusty toys are getting tiresome, every parent is looking for fun winter activities that can help kids expend energy and get their sillies out indoors. Just in time for February school vacation, we’ve rounded up 10 indoor play spaces where little and big kids can slide, climb, dodge, play pretend, and make friends—just as they might on their favorite outdoor playgrounds. Most are a drive outside city limits, but all have lots enough space and options for high-energy fun to make a day trip feel well worth it.

8 Family-Friendly Places to Watch the Super Bowl Around Boston

Submitted by Jon Gorey on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 11:00am

The Patriots are in the Super Bowl (again!) this Sunday, and if you have children, they're probably just as stoked as you to watch it. But while your toy-strewn living room might have sufficed for an early season matchup, it may not inspire the appropriate excitement now that the team is playing in the biggest game of the year, with a chance to make history. Then again, you don't want to take the kids to a crowded, testosterone- and beer-soaked bar, either. So, to kick off a fabulous February of fun events with kids, we've compiled a number of family-friendly venues around Boston where you can take the whole clan to cheer on the Pats with fellow fans.

27 Things To Do with Kids North of Boston in Winter

Submitted by Michelle Curran on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 8:01pm

The cold temperatures and snow have arrived, but that doesn't mean we have to hibernate. There's still plenty to do—inside and out—even when the mercury plummets. And the area North of Boston is no exception. From museums and indoor play centers to parks and skating rinks, these winter-savvy towns flanking routes 95 and 495 northbound have you covered. Cross one or all of these 27 super activities off your Winter Fun list and show Jack Frost who's boss.