Things to Do with Kids in Boston the Fourth of July Weekend: Boston Harborfest and More

Audrey Trieschman's picture Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on

Fourth of July activities overtake the city this week, as Boston Harborfest celebrations run through July 7. As a reminder, we’ve pulled together a list of our favorite Boston Harborfest events, including "America's Biggest July 4th Celebration" on the Esplanade. There are also plenty of smaller-scale alternatives around Boston, just right for families.

We’ve also published our July Go Boston list - check out our picks for some of the best and biggest events happening this month. And Tara explored Foxboro with her family this past week - they found 15 things to do there this summer, including a visit to the Hall at Patriot Place. And fast on the heels of strawberry picking (the season isn’t over yet!) comes the you-pick blueberries season - we’ve rounded up some options for picking (and included our favorite blueberry recipe).

Read on for Harborfest highlights and other special events taking place this week. As always, you can visit our Events Calendar for even more things to do.

Enjoy, and have a happy and safe 4th!

Best Ice Cream (and Gelato) on the Westside

Submitted by Martha Hall on

When I was young, the dazzle of summer included my Auntie Grace's homemade coffee ice cream and the thrill of helping to make it. Oh, the delicious anticipation of taking a turn hand-cranking the ancient ice cream maker, lifting the top, and hoping the cream inside had thickened enough to be scooped and swallowed. There's nothing quite like hand-crafted ice cream. But, of course, there's also nothing like summer laziness and letting someone else make the ice cream for you. Read on, hammock dwellers, for we've got the inside scoop on the most delectable ice cream (and gelato) on the Westside, most of which is made in-house. Come on in and have a lick.

15 Things to Do with Kids in Foxboro This Summer: Many Free, All Fun

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Whether you spell it Foxboro or the official “Foxborough,” it’s an equally fun place to spend the day with kids this summer. There’s something going on for every age and every interest, like celebrating New England football at The Hall at Patriot Place, storytime at the cinema, exploring the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog, live music, hiking, biking, or indoor adventures at 5 Wits. There are lots of interesting things to do, and many of the activities are free!

Washington Heights & Inwood with Kids: Top 35 Things to Do for Families

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While Washington Heights and Inwood are constantly lumped together, they are really two distinct neighborhoods that happen to share a lot of incredible history. The Heights is primarily Hispanic, though it's getting more diverse every day as young artists and families move in, attracted by reasonable rents in prewar apartment buildings and lovely parks. The area overflows with colorful Latino restaurants, shops and cultural groups, and boasts multiple riverfront green spaces, notably Fort Washington Park, home to the famed Little Red Lighthouse, and Fort Tryon Park, where you'll find the Metropolitan Museum's medieval art mecca the Cloisters. Families can keep on top of what's going on in the nabe by joining the Washington Heights Parents Group, which was founded by a local mom.

The Hall at Patriot Place in Foxboro: 25 Fun Things to Do with Kids

Tara D's picture Submitted by Tara D on

I’m going to be completely honest with you: I'm not a football fan. In fact, I’ve never really been into any sport, unless you count gymnastics (and I know many people don’t). That said, I truly enjoyed my family's visit to The Hall at Patriot Place. Maybe it’s because I like museums, especially ones that are highly interactive. Or maybe it’s that the whole place is so visually stunning,   the way they've struck just the right balance between being educational and entertaining, or because they found ways to celebrate women in some of their exhibits.

I’m guessing the biggest reason is this: It was really fun to watch my kids having a great time – blocking players, trying on helmets, and kicking field goals – and getting in on the action myself. Read on for 25 fun things to do with your kids in The Hall at Patriot Place. Then, after a couple of hours of celebrating all things New England football at The Hall, you could round out your day with a 5 Wits adventure.

Midsummer Getaway Deals: Orlando, Puerto Rico, San Antonio, Georgia, New Hampshire, Yosemite and More

Allison Tibaldi's picture Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

Summer is here, and vacation deals are plentiful for those looking to score a discount.  Hotel chains like Embassy Suites and Millennium are featuring excellent rates and bonus giveaways at popular locations.  Consider an exclusive resort in Vermont, back-to-nature yurt camping at Yosemite, a family-friendly town in Georgia, a Florida beach resort and more options for your next family holiday.

Jersey Shore Beach Update

Submitted by Kristen Haas on

Summer is in full-swing and, as the governor announced live on the Today show the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend, the Jersey Shore is back and open for business! This is generally true, however there are a few areas that were hit the hardest that aren't bouncing back as quickly as others (including Mantoloking and Sea Bright). Things may still be on the mend, but there is a lot of fun to be had at the shore this year. Keep reading for a 2013 update to my previous post to get you in the know about the beaches at the Jersey Shore! Here's a list of some of the spots that are open now and how much they will cost you. Let's all continue to help "restore the shore" and get down there with our NJ kids and families this summer!

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