Watertown

Boston-Area Spring Festivals and Fairs for Kids and Families

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 10:09am

As March winds down and the city blossoms into springtime, there are few better ways to celebrate than by getting outside at one of Boston’s fun, family-friendly festivals. With so many to choose from, it seems like the whole city is cheering the warmer, sunnier days with music, art, flowers, and food. And the best part? Many of these special events are free. Mark your calendars now and enjoy the anticipation of balmier, more festive days ahead!

7 Public Libraries With Great Play Spaces Around Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 12/21/2018 - 8:20pm

There are all sorts of local spots to play indoors when the weather gets frightful. And some of the best spots are absolutely free—including some very special local libraries, which feature unique play spaces along with shelves of books. Whether you’ve got a preschooler or a pre-teen, a trip to at least one of these libraries will be a fun, brain-boosting escape on a cold or wet day.

10 Fall Festivals in Boston You Don't Want to Miss

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 08/26/2018 - 8:00pm

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.

9 Makerspaces Where Boston Kids Can Be Creative

Submitted by Scott Wallask on Fri, 08/03/2018 - 10:00am

Looking for ways to reboot kids' brains as the school year approaches? Consider a makerspace visit. For parents not familiar with makerspaces (also known as hackerspaces), think of them as similar to art classes—with an engineering twist. People go to create something through free expression with tools they otherwise don't have, but instead of oil-based paints and canvases, makerspaces provide 3D printers, computer-aided design software, and other technology.

Although folks of all ages can participate in makerspaces, the best ones for kids have an emphasis on youth-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning. Here is a rundown of fun and kid-centric makerspace options in the Boston area.

12 Playgrounds with Tot Lots Designed Especially for Boston Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 5:02pm

One of the things I’ve been looking forward to doing with my little boy is taking him to a playground. A stable sitter, he’s just about ready for a bucket swing...just in time for spring! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built specifically with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

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

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 11:28am

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.

Rock Music Camps for Kids Near Boston

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Mon, 05/15/2017 - 10:00am

If your house sounds like CBGB all day long, or you’re looking for a Boston summer camp that will help your aspiring Hendrix hone some real skills, then you’re in luck. The Boston area offers a plethora of summer rock music camps that cater to kids of all ages, abilities, and specialties—guitar, drums, bass, or vocals. Thanks to these camps, blossoming musicians will be jamming from Andover to Seekonk.

Find more great camp options for your Massachusetts kids in our Camp Guide and Directory of listings, which is searchable by interest, age, or location.

7 Secret Playgrounds in the Boston Area

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Fri, 04/14/2017 - 10:44am

Big, splashy, and downright fantastic playgrounds and parks abound in Boston, and they're the cornerstone of spring and summer fun around town. But sometimes you need a rec space where mayhem is at a minimum, and keeping track of your kid doesn't feel like a "Where's Waldo" challenge. If you’re looking for a playground that won’t be packed with children (and their parents), you’re in luck! Here’s a list of seven local playgrounds where you and your kids might be able to frolic in (relative) peace and quiet.

8 Parks for Great (and Cheap!) Outdoor Birthday Parties in Boston

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Tue, 04/11/2017 - 10:52am

With warm weather making an appearance, it will soon be the best time of year to be outside in Boston. If your child was born in late spring, summer, or early fall, hosting their birthday party at a local park or playground is an easy, fun, and super-affordable option. Fortunately, there are a number of green spaces from Waltham to the water where kids parties' aren't just permitted, but welcomed. The best part of all? Most are free (or nearly free). Just be sure to call or email each park in advance to reserve a spot to spread out (if necessary) and find out what kind of food and extras—like bounce houses or live entertainment—are allowed.

Cooperative Preschools West of Boston

Submitted by Therese Sison on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 3:06pm

Montessori, Reggio Emilia, language immersion, public, and private—when it comes to choosing a preschool, parents have a lot of options. If you’re interested in a program that allows you to have a high level of participation in your child’s education, a cooperative preschool may be the right choice for you. Also known as a co-op, this type of preschool offers parents opportunities to assist in all aspects of running and managing the school, from serving as a board member to participating on school committees to helping regularly in the classroom. Co-ops abound in Boston; we've rounded up several worth exploring in the preschool-rich Metrowest suburbs, in particular.