South Suburbs

Special Needs Classes and Enrichment Programs for Boston Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 11:00am

Like all kids, children with intellectual or physical differences are born with a natural curiosity, and deserve programs that boost their brains, bodies, and social skills. The right environment is critical to a child's development, so we've sought out classes and programs that provide fun and nurturing opportunities for children with special needs, specifically. Along with these classes in sports, the arts, and more, you'll find more enrichment programs in our Boston Classes and Activities Guide.

20 Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers in the Boston Area

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 5:00pm

So many fall traditions in Boston and Massachusetts seem tailor-made for preschoolers: Who better to upend a freshly raked leaf pile or run around a pumpkin patch long enough to find that perfect Jack-O-Lantern? From events like the Topsfield Fair and Frog Pond Pumpkin Float to annual favorites like apple picking and corn mazes, we've rounded up twenty of the best ways to have some big fall adventures with little companions this fall. And if you have even tinier tykes, check out our fall fun guide—toddler edition!

Corn Mazes Near Boston With Fun Extras Like Zip Lines, Playgrounds, and Rides

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 09/06/2019 - 12:16pm

Larger-than-life corn mazes offer families the challenge of working through a tricky puzzle together, all while enjoying New England's crisp fall weather. Add exciting play areas, hayrides, pumpkin patches, and quirky country games (like apple and pumpkin blasters), and a corn maze outing becomes one of our favorite fall activities. Here are some of the Boston area's best corn mazes for an outdoor autumn adventure.

25 Things We Can't Wait to Do in Boston with Kids This Fall

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Sun, 09/01/2019 - 8:05pm

Ah, fall … can there be a better season to get out and do things as a family in Boston? Whether you and your kids are partial to hiking, apple picking, corn maze exploring, festival hopping, or celebrating all things spooky and sweet on Halloween, there's something for kids of all ages and stages to enjoy during busy, beautiful, autumn in New England. To herald in the season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite, must-do activities in September, October, and November, but for even more ideas for getting out their with your family, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide.

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!