North Suburbs

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.

Where To Pick Strawberries with Kids Near Boston

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 8:00am

When it comes to pick-your-own produce, I don't think there's a better fruit for kids to pluck than the strawberry. The plants are close to the ground, and the berries are accessible without having to reach way into the plant. Ripe berries are clustered together, so kids have the satisfaction of picking a lot in a short period of time. Searching for ripe, jewel-colored specimens feels like an exciting treasure hunt. And no prickers!

June is "strawberry month" and most farms are open for picking by mid-month, but some are ready even sooner. Read on for farms where you can plan a trip to pick your own strawberries, followed by tips for getting the most out of the experience.

10 One-Mile-or-Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler Around Boston

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Mon, 05/13/2019 - 8:18am

Being a parent to a little one doesn't mean you need to hang up your hiking boots. Boston boasts plenty of tree-lined walking paths that accommodate strollers, and even more short, easy hiking trails to suit kids who've become a little more sure-footed. Along with the many short, winding routes that snake through Blue Hills, just outside city limits, these 10 hikes are well-maintained, close to Boston, and offer just the right amount of challenge for preschool-age trailblazers.

12 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax)

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 05/03/2019 - 2:02pm

It’s one thing to go to a kid-friendly restaurant, where you know you won’t get any dirty looks from the proprietors or other patrons. But family dining heaven might just be a place that also allows kids to play—the idea being that you can actually enjoy your meal after they wolf down theirs. We decided to round up a list of such restaurants, focusing on ones that serve up truly good food along with some sort of entertainment. We call that a win-win!

May GoList - Best Things to Do with Kids in Boston

Submitted by Lucie T on Sun, 04/28/2019 - 8:09am

We’re feeling festive this month! For our May edition of the GoList, we’re highlighting fabulous and free spring festivals, annual Mother's Day traditions, and performances you won't want to miss. As you check out our top picks for things to do with kids in Boston and the 'burbs this month, click through to the event listings so you can add them to your calendar. Also, be sure to bookmark our Spring Fun Guide for even more family fun opportunities in and around town. Plus, we'll still send our free e-newsletters with our family-friendly event picks every week. Happy planning!

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.