Waltham

15 Spots in Boston to Get an Amazingly Delicious Frappe

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 10:36am

It may be below freezing for long chunks of the year in Boston, but that doesn’t stop our city from absolutely loving ice cream. And to show just how serious they are about cool treats, northern New Englanders have developed their own term for a thick, creamy ice-cream-based drink—a frappe.

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

Boston Kids' Activities That Fit Working Parents' Schedules

Submitted by Therese Sison on Sat, 01/28/2017 - 9:00am

Music, art, swimming, dance, playgroups: When you're the parent of a young child, the opportunities to introduce your son or daughter to new experiences and friends can seem limitless. But if you're a working parent, the last thing you want to do is cram your already packed calendar with classes that happen at inconvenient times. Luckily, Boston is home to many stellar programs that are particularly accommodating to working parents' schedules. Here are some of our favorites.

9 Places for Family-Friendly Snowshoeing Near Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 01/20/2017 - 10:00am

When temperatures start to drop in Boston, it’s tempting to want to hibernate inside with the kids. But that almost always leads to a bad case of cabin fever. So when winter strikes, we try to embrace it. This means getting out for activities like wintertime walks, skiing, and ice skating. And our other favorite winter activity, that’s perfect for the whole family: snowshoeing. Whether you have your own snowshoes or need to rent them, there are plenty of options for where to try snowshoeing near Boston.

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.