South Suburbs

Boston-Area Spring Festivals and Fairs for Kids and Families

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 10:09am

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!

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!)

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.

25 Things To Do with Kids On Boston's South Shore in Winter

Submitted by Kristin Quinn on Tue, 02/05/2019 - 8:00pm

When I moved to the South Shore from downtown Boston, I was pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do with kids. I figured the list would dwindle significantly once the weather turned cold, but alas, it seemed to actually grow the more I investigated!

Here are my top 25 choices for things to do with kids in the South Shore during the winter, from indoor play spaces and classes for young children to our favorite family-friendly restaurants.

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.

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.

Free Admission for Kids at Boston Museums and Attractions

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 6:00pm

It’s been said that the best things in life are free, but when it comes to visiting museums and other attractions with kids, it’s not always clear when they are free. Mommy Poppins has set out to uncover these freebies so Boston families can enjoy the best of the city without breaking the bank. Here, we've ID'd the museums that let young children—and in some cases, all kids—in at no charge.

If you're working your way through our Boston Kids' 100 Things to Do bucket list, you may want to coordinate with the cut-off ages below; some of the museums you can catch on their free admission days, but several other attractions really drive home the bittersweet point that you're only young once.

50 Fun Things To Do This Winter With Boston Kids

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 11:05am

Winters in Boston can sometimes feel dark and dreary, but there are so many fun things to look forward to in the wintertime. Here’s a list of our favorite things to do in and near the city with kids during the coldest months of the year—activities to brighten even the grayest of days. Most are free or are inexpensive, because we know how empty wallets can feel after the holidays.

8 Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Kids and Families in and Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 12/02/2018 - 8:51pm

Whether your family is hitting the rink for the very first time or your kids have already taken several ice skating lessons, gliding on one of the outdoor ice skating rinks around Boston can be a fun, affordable way for families to get outside and stay active in the wintertime. Read on for some of our favorite rinks in the Boston area, with offerings like gorgeous city views and snack bars where you can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

Where To See Holiday Lights In and Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 11/23/2018 - 6:00pm

Sure, not everyone goes in for all the traditions and tchotchkes that are associated with the holiday season. But we don't know anyone—young or old—who isn't delighted by winter wonderlands filled with lighted displays, twinkling trees, and sparkling scenes. We've rounded up some of the best light displays in or around Boston, from newer sensations like Blink!, downtown, to the storied La Salette Shrine, south of the city. Whether you venture out to a dazzling display or just drive around to these spectacularly decorated neighborhood homes, set aside an evening, bring a thermos of cocoa, and experience some magic as a family.