Acton

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.

All-New Discovery Museum in Acton—Now Open!

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Fri, 03/02/2018 - 12:27pm

We know how lucky we are in Boston to have the Science Museum, the Boston Children's Museum, and the EcoTarium to inspire and engage our kids in all things STEM. But with the brand-new renovation of the Acton-based Discovery Museum, re-opening this weekend after an eight-month-long hiatus with a free celebration for children, we can now boast of yet another world-class family museum within a short drive of the city. After a sneak-peek visit with my two sons, 9 and 6, I'll go even further to say that this might be the most uniquely engaging science outing my kiddos have ever experienced—and a must-do for Boston kids.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Hoops, Fireworks, and Free Children's Museum; June 26-30

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 06/25/2017 - 6:00pm

Can't wait for July 4th festivities? There's plenty of excitement to keep kids entertained before the sparklers come out next week. You can start Independence Day activities off with a bang in Somerville, where the fireworks display is an annual tradition not just for town residents, but lots of Boston-area families. Another way to burn some energy is to sign the kids up for a one-day basketball camp in Westwood, where a former Celtic and some other top coaches will be in attendance to provide tips (and inspiration). A classic puppet show will delight littles on Monday, and there are some special science activities in Acton and Boston this week, too. Looking for more ways to close out June? Check out our Events Calendar for more fun ideas this week and beyond.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Theater, Scooper Bowl, and a Strawberry Moon; June 5-June 9

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 06/04/2017 - 6:00pm

The flowers are putting on a show this week, and so are performers on various kid-friendly stages. Starting on Monday, the innovative Pineapple Project will be traveling to Boston Public Libraries as part of Pride Month in Boston. Later in the week, the Broadway blockbuster Wicked swoops into Boston Opera House, and the Create.Inspire.Change Theater company debuts their take on Dahl's classic James and the Giant Peach. Meanwhile, cool temps aside, it will feel like summer at Boston City Plaza and the Discovery Centers of Acton, where kids can indulge in all-you-can-eat ice cream and learn about June's beautiful strawberry moon, respectively. But wait, there's (always!) more: Check out our Events Calendar for family-fun ideas this week and beyond.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Flower Art, Bubbles, and a Swan Parade; May 1-5

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 04/30/2017 - 7:12pm

Perhaps Boston's prettiest month, May is always ushered in with a bit of fanfare in Boston. The week starts with an annual celebration of artistic flowers downtown, and a parade for a fine-feathered celebrity couple in the Public Garden. Local birds are also in the spotlight at the zoo this week, with an educational event honoring some very special species. By week's end, kids can also learn how two of their very favorite phenomena—bubbles and Star Wars—have a lot to teach us about science. See our Event Calendar for more reasons to bust loose of the regular routine this week.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: A New Museum, Lego Superheroes, and a Farm Fair; March 27-31

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/26/2017 - 6:00pm

New is the theme as Boston families enter the month of April: We're celebrating a museum opening, the arrival (albeit a bit sluggish) of spring, and budding musicians, among other exciting events. Somerville is in the spotlight this week, with a special visit by a superhero to Legoland's weekly Toddler Tuesday and a fair featuring super-healthy, hyperlocal food. For more reasons to get out of the house with the kids, check out our Event Calendar.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Flower Show, Egg Decorating, and Family Cooking; March 20-24

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 6:00pm

As we ring in spring here in Boston, the city is abuzz with the arrival of the annual Boston Flower and Garden Show, which opens to the public on Wednesday (just about the time of the week when you're looking for a break from the work-and-school doldrums). The theme of this year's show is Superheroes of the Garden, but if you'd like to introduce your kids to a real-life superhero, take them to the afterschool workshop about pioneering chemist Rosalind Franklin at the Acton Discovery Museums on Thursday. The week is also bookended with fun family dinners—a tots-and-tacos dance party in Somerville on Monday night and a family dinner at The KITCHEN at Boston Public Market on Friday. For more nourishment for little brains and bodies this week and beyond, feast your eyes on our Event Calendar.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Puppet Lessons, Butterfly Gardening, and Irish Step; March 13-17

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/12/2017 - 8:13pm

Winter is making a roaring comeback this week, so your activity forecast is sure to include a not-entirely-seasonal mix of indoor fun and snow-day boredom busters. But there's ample cause to venture beyond the homestead this week, with three special events at the local libraries, including a tech exploration session for pre-teens, a puppet workshop, and an Irish step dancing party to help kids get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. If your dreaming of butterflies, birds, and other spring things, join a pollinator-friendly seed-crafting activity or catch a local production of Mary Poppins. Need more inspiration? Check out our Event Calendar.

10 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day with Kids in Boston

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Fri, 02/03/2017 - 10:32am

Sweethearts of all kinds are celebrated on Valentine's Day, and there are plenty of ways for families to celebrate together in and around Boston. From libraries to bookstores, craft shops to bakeries, kids can make cute Valentines, hear stories about love and friendship, and enjoy a sweet treat or two.

If you're looking for an at-home activity, we also have 10 DIY Valentines ideas for kids to make (with a little help).

Five Children's Museums Outside of Busy Boston

Submitted by Scott Wallask on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 2:46pm

Sure, the Boston Children's Museum is lots of fun. It can also be crowded and hectic, and parking is a challenge. The good news is that there are a handful of other great children's museums in eastern New England – all within a reasonable drive – for those days when you're looking for something a little more relaxed.

Here's a rundown of five kid-centric museums outside of Boston. If you're a member of the Boston Children's Museum, it's worth checking whether your membership offers free entry into any of these other museums. Local libraries may also make free or discounted passes available.