Four Boston-Area Farm Favorites for Kids to Answer the Call of the Barnyard

Submitted by AMC Boston on

Local mom and “Outdoors with Kids Boston” guidebook author, Kim Foley MacKinnon, shares her best family outing tips and picks with you as part of our guest blog series with the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Kids Outdoors Boston free online community.

Lion, tigers and bears are all well and good, but sometimes all kids want to do is play like Old MacDonald and hang out with cows, pigs, and sheep. It makes sense, when you think about it: after all, among the first sounds and words we teach kids are moo, oink and baa. Countless books and songs feature life on the farm. Here are some great spots around New England to visit when the call of the barnyard beckons.

Kids and Food Allergies: Managing Birthday Parties and School

Submitted by Audrey M on

Discovering your child's food allergies can be a frightening experience—whether the reaction is anaphylaxis, projectile vomiting, hives, eczema, or asthma. You will visit doctors, get prescriptions, change your child's diet (and probably that of the whole family as well), work out new recipes and snacks, and finally get in the groove with a system. But every food allergy parent is faced with two situations that must be managed carefully: birthday parties and school. How can you keep your child safe? The severity of a child's allergy is key to the steps you take; but even a non-life-threatening allergy can result in missed school, doctor visits, medications, and embarrassment for your child—all of which you want to avoid.

East Village Community Gardens & Playgrounds: Outdoor Places for NYC Kids to Play

Sarah G's picture Submitted by Sarah G on

The East Village is a fantastic neighborhood for connecting with urban nature. In addition to the beloved Tompkins Square Park, which features two playgrounds and a mini pool as well as wildflower-filled grassy lawns, there are 39 community gardens, including some of the oldest in all of New York City.

These locally-founded and run green spaces are more than just a place to grow plants or vegetables. They function as outdoor community centers and frequently host art installations and family performances. That all seems even more impressive when you realize that most of these gardens were once piles of rubble before neighbors partnered with wonderful nonprofits like Green Guerrillas and Green Thumb NYC to bring these oases to life.

Our month-long focus on the East Village continues with a look at seven particularly family-friendly community gardens, as well as three favorite neighborhood parks. Warning: Before you head to a community garden, check its official website for opening hours as those vary wildly—remember they're all volunteer operated!

Grand Prix New York: Go Karts, Bowling, Arcade and Arts Garage

Sonia Gonzalez's picture Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

We mentioned Grand Prix New York in our post on things to do on Father's Day. My husband and son love the race track and although my girls aren't old enough to race yet, they have fun at the arcade and bouncy castle. They also love cheering their father and brother on at every turn. Now there's even more to enjoy with the grand opening of Arts Garage, Grand Prix's new visual arts studio for all ages. Arts Garage offers guided activities that include pottery painting, mosaic tiling, beading, even cupcake design in a bright, cheerful and beautifully stocked studio.

New Central Park Playground: East 110th Street Playground Reopens After Beautiful Renovation

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

There's a brand-new romping spot in northern Central Park. After 10 months of rebuilding from the ground up, the East 110th Street Playground across from the Dana Discovery Center has reopened and it's a beauty. Aimed at school-age children and organized into four distinct circular sections, the revamped play space has a great water feature, three tire swings, six big-kid strap swings as well as a swing for children with special needs, and a wooden play structure with lots of things to climb, swing across and conquer.

Since this is my family's local playground, my eight-year-old was very concerned about how the renovation would turn out. She really loved the old equipment, even though it dated back to the '80s and was seriously broken-down. I'm happy to report that ever since the new playground opened last Thursday, she's insisted on visiting every single day.

Ariel Goes Interactive: Little Mermaid Second Screen Live Parent Review

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Just like other Disney properties—errr, princesses before her, Ariel is taking a second swim around the cineplex. However, the current rerelease of The Little Mermaid has a controversial high-tech hook. Subtitled Second Screen Live, it's a two-screen moviegoing experience. You download an app to your iPad that syncs up to the flick and encourages you to engage in a variety of games and activities, from trivia to mazes to sing-alongs.

In parenting circles, the knee-jerk reaction to this concept seems to be overwhelmingly negative. And I get why. As conscientious moms and dads, we're always looking to cut down on our kids' screen time. Also, using mobile devices during movies is pretty much despised by everyone (except for all those rude people who do it! I'm sure you know one or ten). Plus, Second Screen Live is clearly another attempt by Disney to wring even more money out of its already super-lucrative franchises.

But as the mom of an eight-year-old who exclaimed, "That was awesome!" after a recent Little Mermaid Second Screen Live screening, I've got to tell you, I felt the same way. It was like Rocky Horror for families with a digital twist. (As you can see from the photo, my daughter even dressed up.) And since it's very interactive and requires kids to read directions and complete challenges, it's much more stimulating than your average cinema outing.

Pirates! How To Throw A Great Pirate Party in New Jersey

Submitted by Kristen Haas on

Due to a major pirate obsession, my son's third birthday theme this year was...you guessed it, pirates! I immediately began trolling Pinterest boards for ideas, researching and feeling overwhelmed with planning a toddler pirate extravaganza. There's so much information out there! In an effort to help my fellow NJ moms (who have like-minded mateys), I decided to put together a list of what I thought was most helpful for planning your very own pirate party in NJ!

A Day Trip to The Big E in West Springfield, Mass.

Pam Hegner's picture Submitted by Pam Hegner on

What is The Big E? I get asked this question many times when I tell people I'm heading there. No, it is not the thing you should be going to the gym for each morning.

What started in 1916 as an agricultural show, is now the largest fair in the northeast. Located about a half-hour drive from Hartford, The Big E is in West Springfield, Massachusetts just over the Connecticut border. This enormous festival begins the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days. 

This year it ends September 29, so plan a day and hit the road! But if you are a Big E virgin, here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip. 

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