South Suburbs

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.

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.

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!

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.