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Best Swimming Ponds and Lakes Around Boston

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

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

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

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. 

5 Unique Movie Theater Birthday Parties for Kids In and Around Boston

Submitted by Michelle Curran on

Movie theater birthday parties are always a hit – for the kids and parents. Mom and dad enjoy a stress-free experience while the kids revel in the excitement of an afternoon out at the theater.

Reserved seating for a current blockbuster hit or a private movie-theater showing of a favorite flick will make any birthday kid feel like a star. So, butter your popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show at any of these great theaters that host awesome parties for kids in and around Boston.

10 Boston Winter Festivals You Won't Want to Miss

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

The holiday season is so festive and fun that it’s easy to get some serious post-holiday blues. Add to that the fact that winter is just gearing up here in Boston, and you (and the kids) could be going stir crazy in no time. However, just because the holidays are over and the weather is frightful doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Here are 10 kid-friendly festivals that will have you beating the post-holiday blues in no time and keep the fun rolling all the way until spring!

10 Awesome Boston-Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

Having a playground in your neighborhood is ideal. It’s a nice break from playing in your own yard and a great place to meet up for playdates. But going to the same playground over and over can get tiresome. Luckily there are several really special playgrounds near Boston that are worth packing up the snacks and strollers and driving to. Here are 10 of the best that are ready to host your kids’ summer adventures.

11 New Ice Cream Shops in or Near Boston

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

There are few things more quintessentially summer than eating an ice cream cone or sipping a frappe on a hot day. And we can’t think of a better time to expand your treat horizons beyond your neighborhood shop than on National Ice Cream Day, a mid-July annual tradition. So we’re bringing you a rundown of some of Boston's most drive-worthy destination ice cream shops, from old-fashioned soft serve purveyors to trendy rolled ice cream makers.

12 Boston Spots Where Kids Can Make Father's Day Gifts for Dad

Submitted by Fiona Haley on

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and there's a vast array of crafty places where kids can make a special gift for their favorite guy. Whether it’s making a masterpiece before the holiday or going as a family to make something together, Boston kids have plenty of opportunities over the next couple weeks to create gifts above and beyond a construction paper card or bottle of aftershave. From sand art knick-knacks to handmade wooden games, there's a gift-making opportunity to suit every child—and every kind of Dad.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Art, Market Day, and Jazz; May 29-June 2

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

As we ring in summertime with Memorial Day Monday, we'll collectively cross our fingers that June brings more sunshine than May. But no matter what Mother Nature brings us this week, there's a lot to do around town to keep kids smiling. It's a big week for sparking creativity, with interactive events at the Museum of Fine Arts and Fox Library, and a performance celebrating simple materials at the Puppet Showplace Theater. Music will be in the air at a farmer's market in Lexington and the Boston Public Library. Don't miss our Events Calendar for more family-fun ideas. 

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Puppet Palooza, Swords, and Flag Garden; May 22-26

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

Thanks to all the smart cookies who joined me, Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol's Marshall at Bedford's Learning Express to do brainy games with Summer Brain Quest. It was a blast to see so many kids excited about learning—and about summer. This week gives us more reasons to get out of the house and learn something new. There are pop-up puppets telling classic fairy tales north of the river, and an event celebrating swords throughout history in the 'burbs. A beloved toy store will teach children about the Jewish holiday of Shavout through stories, and a South Shore museum will show kids how dirt is beneficial to a variety of critters and creatures. At week's end, parents can help kids absorb the meaning of Memorial Day through just the sort of visual display that children respond to: a breathtaking garden of flags planted in Boston Common. Have a great week, and take a peek at our Events Calendar for more fun ideas.

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