Newton

Cooking with Kids in and Around Boston: Classes, Camps, and Parties

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Thu, 09/21/2017 - 12:00pm

Whether our kids are adventurous eaters or too timid to try anything beyond boxed mac ’n’ cheese, teaching them about food prep, healthy eating, and nutrition is one of the more important things we as parents can do for their well being. Cooking together at home is one way to do this, but there are also plenty of opportunities for “instructive” fun through kids’ cooking classes and workshops.

One of the appealing aspects of kids’ cooking instruction is that it quite often takes the form of a single-class workshop or two- to three-session program. So, even if your children have regular sports team commitments or semester-long dance or music classes, they can still satisfy their inner foodies without missing a goal or a beat. Plus, many kids’ cooking classes are offered during those long school vacations or summer breaks—just the thing to keep kids engaged and entertained. Cooking workshops also make fun birthday parties - kids learn something, have fun, and are well fed. And (maybe best of all!), no mess for the parents. (More cooking party ideas here.)

We’ve rounded up five places that offer kids’ cooking classes and workshops in and around Boston. Get ready for your kids to cook up something great!

Action Athletics: Heaven for Active Kids (and Ninja Warrior Wannabes)

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Tue, 08/22/2017 - 3:04pm

If your family is familiar with "warped walls" or worships some guy named the Cowboy Ninja—or you simply have a kid with energy to burn—we've found a place for you: Action Athletics in Wellesley. Though a lot of camps and gyms are starting to offer obstacle course activities as more and more kids become hooked on the television show American Ninja Warrior, Action Athletics is the real deal: It's the training home of several prominent TV Ninjas, including Jon "the Giant" Alexis, Jesse Labreck, and Allyssa Beird. And with 25 different obstacles that can be made into countless configurations, it also caters to challenge-seeking children—of all ages—who want to leap, swing, and test their limits, just the way their Ninja heroes do.

When I found out that Action Athletics was expanding from its Newton location to a big new space in Wellesley, where we live, I thought I'd bring my sons and their friends to give it a try. Here's what we learned and what we thought about the place. (Spoiler alert: We've been back three times since). This fall, the Newton location is reopening, too, giving families more options for channeling their inner Ninja.

8 Great Indoor Places to Have a Kid’s Birthday Party in or Near Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Mon, 08/21/2017 - 1:10pm

If you want to have a wonderful party for your child, but you’re overwhelmed by the choices and don't have time to mine for information, I have a gift for you: Recommendations for eight great indoor birthday party places in the Boston area, and everything you need to know about them.

The places featured are different in many ways, but they all have some things in common: They have been recommended by local parents, are indoors (so you don't have to worry about the weather), minimize the amount of work you have to do, and offer parties that kids with a wide range of interests enjoy. So read on, pick a place, and have a party your child will be talking about for a long time to come. Since prices may fluctuate and there's a range of packages at many places, we give you an idea of costs ranging from $ (inexpensive) to $$$ (more pricey).

If your child is a little older and prefers parties with more of a sporty spin, you may want to also consider our picks for indoor parties for active kids in Boston, the North suburbs, South suburbs, and MetroWest.

Best Swimming Ponds and Lakes Around Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 07/04/2017 - 10:00am

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 sizeable 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.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: STEM, Yoga, and Summer Solstice; June 19-23

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 06/18/2017 - 8:37pm

It's a week of wonders here in Boston. Whether your child is more fascinated in things nautical or meteorological, science or circus acts, there's sure to be something that will inspire awe between now and next weekend. If you haven't gotten a glimpse at the glorious tall ships which have taken up temporary residence in our waters, be sure to head down to the harbor before they depart for the next port of call. There are kid-friendly introductions to engineering downtown and to yoga in Chestnut Hill. If watching contortionists sounds more appealing than acting like one, be sure to check out the circus acts, musical numbers, and museum activities in Cambridge. Hilltop sunsets and a free glimpse at one of our city's most underrated exhibits close out this wondrous week. If you're craving more, connect to our Events Calendar for fun ideas this week and beyond.

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

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Tue, 05/30/2017 - 10:48am

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: Sculpture, Farming, and Music Exploration; May 15-19

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 05/14/2017 - 6:51pm

Monday, 5/15—Newton

Ziplines and Obstacle Courses Outside of Boston

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Mon, 05/08/2017 - 10:16am

Do you have a child who loves adventure—or who can often be found scaling walls or scrambling up trees? While a family hike is always a great outlet for these high-energy kiddos, you might want to up the ante with a day trip to an adventure course, where they can safely climb to their hearts’ content (without giving you a heart attack). Massachusetts is home to a number of obstacle and zipline courses with a range of age-appropriate challenges that will excite thrill-seekers young and old.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Dumplings, Annie, and Crazy Concoctions; May 8-12

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 05/07/2017 - 8:06pm

The extended, school-and-sports heavy stretch between spring break and summertime can sometimes feel like a long slog for kids and parents alike. But this week's offerings are an antidote to the everyday routine. Taking us from the slave era to the Great Depression to the futuristic world of video games, this week's events really run the historical—and cultural—gamut. And just in case you need a stress reliever, there's a chance to dig your hands into edible dough at the beginning of the week, and Play-doh (and similar sensory delights) at week's end. For more ideas to make this a memorable week, take a look, as always, at our Events Calendar. We're adding new activities everyday.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Egg Drop, Royal Theater, and a Banana Hunt; April 10-14

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 04/09/2017 - 6:24pm

In this busy week leading up to Easter, eggs are definitely on the event menu. An egg drop contest will be held at the Boston Public Library's Central Branch on Monday, and bananas will stand in for eggs at a storytime and hunt at the World's Only Curious George store on Friday. It's a good week to introduce kids to the world of musical theater and classical dance this week, with two beautiful performances featuring royalty debuting on the Boston stage: The King and I at the Boston Opera House and a Cinderella ballet at the Larcom Theatre on North Shore. Haven't had a close encounter with the rabbit of the hour yet? There are chances to see the Easter Bunny at the Natick and Westgate Malls as well as at Bass Pro Shops all week. Check out our Event Calendar for more fun ideas to entertain you and yours this week.