Watertown

Fall Festivals in Boston You Don't Want to Miss

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 09/04/2017 - 2:00pm

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.

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.

5 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 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.

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.

Yoga Classes for Boston Moms and Babies

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 02/19/2016 - 10:41am

Pregnancy and the weeks after birth are a special time in the life of a mom and her baby. Many local yoga studios offer classes tailored specifically to new and expectant moms to exercise, relax, and connect with other women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Classes are offered all over the Boston area, which means there’s likely a studio nearby. And if you have older children (anywhere from toddlers to teens) looking to get in on the yoga action, check out our guide to yoga classes and birthday parties just for them.

Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms and Parties for Boston Kids

Submitted by Scott Wallask on Sun, 01/24/2016 - 8:22pm

Indoor rock climbing gyms offer physical and mental challenges for kids and adults alike. There are several indoor rock climbing locations around Boston that cater to children through specialized classes and birthday parties—sanity-savers for parents when the kids are starting to climb the walls at home.

Makerspaces Where Boston Kids Can Be Creative

Submitted by Scott Wallask on Mon, 01/18/2016 - 6:07pm

For parents not familiar with makerspaces (also known as hackerspaces), think of them as similar to art classes. 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.

10 Indoor Birthday Party Places for Active Kids West of Boston

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Sat, 01/11/2014 - 9:16am

What do climbing, skating, swordsmanship, batting, and swimming have in common? They are all great birthday party options for kids who like to keep active. Sure, indoor playspaces are awesome locations for kids’ birthday parties, but we’ve found some unique places west of Boston that kids - and parents - just might want to consider.

Of course, they all come with all the advantages of hosting a party indoors and not in your home - plenty of space, no weather worries, no mess to clean up afterwards, and minimal preparation required for parents. Read on for details about 10 indoor birthday party places west of Boston where you can host a party and be assured that kids will be able to channel their energy and excitement in a safe, entertaining environment. And check out our Birthday Party Guide for more places to have a kid’s birthday party in MA, including our roundup of indoor birthday party places for active kids in Boston.