Waltham

What the Fluff? and Other Fall Festivals in Boston You Don't Want to Miss

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 09/06/2016 - 10:55am

It’s not officially autumn yet, but it will be soon and that means it’s time for fall festivals. There are so many in the Boston area that it can be hard to know which ones are good for families. We took the guesswork out of it by narrowing the field down to our favorites. You’ll find good food, fun activities, music, performances, and much more at these 10 fall festivities in Boston that are perfect for both parents and kids. And yes, we know a few are happening before the season actually changes, but they were too good not to include!

Sailing, Kayaking, Duck Tours, and Other Fun Ways to Experience the Charles River With Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 2:50pm

The banks of the Charles River are perfect places for families to walk, run, bike or play. The Esplanade, which lines the Boston side of the Charles, is even a perfect place to picnic. But there’s a lot of fun to be had on the water, too. From kayaking and sailing to riverboat cruises and Duck Tours, there are plenty of ways to get on the Charles with kids. Here are six of the best options to explore this summer.

Best Spray Parks and Water Fountains for Preschoolers in Boston

Submitted by Scott Wallask on Tue, 06/14/2016 - 1:16pm

Boston has a lot of cool fountains that can be great fun for families in summer. But I've learned the hard way that not every fountain is suited for preschoolers.

A few years back, when one of my sons was 4, I took him and his brothers to the Christian Science Plaza fountain along Huntington Avenue. To me as a parent, it was a wise selection: awesome fountain, I didn't have to walk far from the parking spot, and bathrooms were nearby in the Prudential Center. But my 4-year-old kid was horrified by the fountain and how big it was. It took him a half hour to even wander up to the where the water shot out of the ground, and soon after he got soaked and was freezing. It was not the best choice for a young child.

With that thinking in mind, here are some gentler, preschooler-friendly fountains and spray parks in Boston:

Best Birthday Party Places for Boston Babies

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Wed, 03/16/2016 - 12:48am

Deciding where to have your baby’s first (or second) birthday is a big deal. Having a party at home isn’t always an option—sometimes your living space doesn’t allow for large gatherings or you just want someone else to do the heavy lifting. Luckily there are several no-hassle options in the Boston area for making your baby’s birthday party unforgettable. And if you’re looking for more birthday party ideas, perhaps for an older child, be sure to check out Mommy Poppins Boston's Birthday Party Guide.