Getting More Out of Boston with Baby: Resources for New and Expectant Parents

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You’ve breathed through birth classes, drooled over adorable baby clothes, picked out the perfect stroller, and decided on a pediatrician. What about having a little fun after baby is born? Connecting with your baby and other new parents may seem like luxury, but we think it’s incredibly important. Here are a few things to check out before baby comes to ensure you have a social network and plenty of fun ways to connect with your little one once she arrives. 

Morbid Anatomy Museum: See Taxidermy, Skulls in Brooklyn

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Unfortunately, this museum closed in 2016.

Perhaps more than any other place, New York City is home to some seriously offbeat museums. There are culture spots dedicated to gangsters, toys, trolls and sex, so why not death? As a Goth mom who wears as many skulls as my pink-clad kid does bows, I had been dying to check out Brooklyn's Morbid Anatomy Museum & Library ever since we mentioned its opening in a news post back in July. Inspired by the Halloween season, my daughter and I finally made it there, and it wasn't at all what I expected—mostly in a good way.

Housed in a three-floor building that includes a gift shop, cafe and hands-on library, Morbid Anatomy showcases death-themed artifacts from a wide variety of cultures and eras. And yet, it's not macabre. There are no body parts or anything gross or terrifying. Instead, it's a great way to get older kids (I'd say ages 8 and up) to start thinking about mortality without completely freaking them out.

Though not aimed at families, the museum does host occasional kids' programming, including anatomy drawing workshops and holiday fetes, like this Sunday's FREE children's Halloween party. I can't think of a more appropriate place to celebrate!

Fall Day Trip to Newtown

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Since moving to Connecticut eight years ago, Newtown has always been the place where I felt the gate to small town New England swing open.  It always felt different — like it was ok to start breathing a little deeper.   Yes, lower Fairfield County has its public greens, but nothing really competes with Newtown’s Ram Pasture for pure-and-simple pastoral.  The only exception might be Greenfield Hill in Fairfield, or Redding’s town center which we explored in our

Historic Cemeteries and Spooky Graveyards in LA: The Final Forever

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Cemeteries can be beautiful, historic, and filled with interesting people. On Halloween night or under a full moon they might be just a little bit spooky or awfully sinister, depending upon your tolerance. Regardless, my family loves them. For my daughter who relishes the macabre, there is always the hope and possibility of encountering a graveyard ghost. My husband and son are scholars of the past, and there is nothing quite so historic as a bunch of dead people. Me, I like the trees and the grass and the inscriptions.

A good boneyard has something for everybody (including some great Day of the Dead celebrations). While Los Angeles is a town where people come seeking eternal youth (or at least a botoxed rendition), nothing lasts forever. Nevertheless, our sundrenched landscape is not a bad place to spend eternity, and you may even find yourself alongside somebody quite famous in one of these LA final resting places.

These Kids Really Do Rock: Boston Kids Who Are Making a Difference

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We wanted to know all about Boston kids who exemplify the spirit of the Kids Really Rock festival – kids who give back in small and big ways to their communities, demonstrate kindness, use their creativity to help others and make a positive difference in the world – so we asked for nominations from parents, nonprofits, youth leaders, and even the kids themselves.

The phenomenal entries we received confirmed our belief that Boston kids are making a difference in their communities, and that they really do rock! After careful consideration (and some very difficult decision-making), we selected five finalists, including one grand prize winner who is the recipient of $1,000 donation to local nonprofit Cradles to Crayons and a nonprofit organization of his choice. These are the inspiring stories of our five finalists in the Boston Kids Who Really Rock contest.

This Week's Picks: A celebration of Red Hot Marshmallow Squirters, October 20 – 24

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Here we are halfway through October. Are your costumes ready? Halloween is just around the corner, and there are several spooky activities to check out this week. The Los Angeles Public Library continues its exploration of Homer’s Odyssey with many events for kids, teens, and adults in multiple locations across the city. On Tuesday stay home or go out, but be sure to take a few minutes to “Read for the Record” – Jumpstart’s annual promotion of child literacy. The book selected for this year’s event is Rosemary Wells’ Bunny Cakes. Siblings Max and Ruby have different ideas about Grandma’s birthday cake; Ruby wants buttercream frosting and roses, but for Max it’s all about the red hot marshmallow squirters. For these and other fun weekday ideas, read on...

Visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico and the Condado Plaza Hilton

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If you’re considering a family getaway to Puerto Rico, the Condado Plaza is a Hilton hotel located only two miles from charming Old San Juan and just 15 minutes from the airport. Being the only hotel that overlooks both the Atlantic Ocean and the Condado Lagoon, it offers great snorkeling on the Atlantic side and kayaking and paddle boarding on the more serene lagoon side. If water sports aren't your thing, that's okay. Just walk out your door for plenty of shopping and restaurant options.

El Conquistador: Puerto Rico's Largest Family Resort

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My 12-year-old son and I just got back from a relaxing trip to Puerto Rico. We'd visited once before during a March school break (which we, along with the rest of NYC, absolutely loved!) but I was curious to see how different it would be in August. Would the humidity and heat leave us cowering in our air-conditioned room? I am happy to report that we were pleasantly surprised with our beautiful week of sunshine and breezy weather. We were invited to visit not one but two resorts, El Conquistador and Condado Plaza. Learn about our favorite things at El Conquistador here, which may leave you wanting to book your next family trip.

El Conquistador in Fajardo is the largest resort on the island and an easy 45- minute drive from the airport. Situated atop a 300-foot bluff on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico, it overlooks the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. If you are looking for a resort that provides you with oodles of family fun, this is one serious contender. They have the Coqui water park and their own private resort island, where you can snorkel, jet ski, paddle board, kayak etc. There is also a marina, multiple impressive pools, an Arthur Hills designed 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, the amazing Waldorf Astoria Spa, game rooms, kid’s scout program, Camp Coqui (for 4-12 year olds), and tons of great dining options.

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