Caitlin Dowling

Latest posts by Caitlin Dowling

Museum of Fine Arts Day Trip: Exploring the MFA with Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Mon, 04/12/2021 - 11:32am

Boston Museum of Fine Arts photo by Anthony G Reyes via Flickr 2.0

While a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston may not scream family outing, it's actually a fantastic way to spend the day with little ones in tow. The MFA is very welcoming to budding young artists and offers tons of ways to get kids excited about visiting an art museum. Be on the lookout for "family labels" that give tips to help children connect with artwork, swing by the visitors center to pick up activity guides just for kids, and keep tabs on all of their family programming. Along with all the kid-friendly perks, the museum is also huge, offering up a great indoor adventure sure to tire out even the most active of kiddos.

And remember once you've visited the MFA, Boston is full of all kinds of museums to visit and explore! See our insider tips for Visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go. For more events and activities in and around Boston, check our events calendar often—we're always adding more fun!

Franklin Park Zoo: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 04/09/2021 - 8:02am

Who you lookin' at?! The Tropical Forest at Franklin Park Zoo. Photo by Don Crasco/Franklin Park Zoo

When you're looking to go a little wild with the kids the Franklin Park Zoo is just the place! From live animals to hands-on exhibits, there are activities for all of your little monkeys—no matter how old they are. And the best part? You can visit these exotic animals without even leaving the city. With play structures and playgrounds sprinkled throughout the entire zoo, you have a fun-filled day on your hands and guaranteed tired kiddos when you're ready to head home.

Want to keep exploring with your little zoologists? Hop in the car to check out these local zoos within driving distance to Boston. And as always, check our events calendar for any upcoming fun events, animal-related, or otherwise!

Activities To Get You Out of the House This Weekend: Princesses, Full Moon Hike, Reptile Expo

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Wed, 03/24/2021 - 8:51am

Wake Up the Hibernators at Moseley Woods. Photo by Brian Birke/Flickr

Spring has sprung and our calendar is blooming with events this weekend! Hit the great outdoors for a nighttime full moon hike in Ipswich, track animals in Southborough, or investigate the changing seasons with a guided tour in Boylston. Once you've got your fill of fresh air, dress up in your royal finest for the Princess Expo in Norwood or visit with scaley friends at the Reptile Expo in Manchester, NH.

And we know a certain famous bunny is prepping for the big day—join in the fun! Go for an Alice in Wonderland-themed hayride egg hunt in North Andover or meet furry friends and search for eggs in Georgetown.

While you may be getting out and about more these days, there's still plenty to do at home, with lively concerts from 123 Andres and a Virtual Hip Hop Dance Class via Poppins @ Home. Read on for more things to do this week and weekend around Boston, and make sure to check out our favorite March online events and classes. As always, keep tabs on our Boston events calendar for daily updates on local and virtual happenings.

Easter Bunny Pictures for Kids around Boston

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 03/19/2021 - 9:00am

The Easter Bunny is ready for his close up. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls

This time of year, the Easter Bunny is as busy as Santa in December. So of course, there are plenty of places offering Easter Bunny photos (and priceless springtime memories). Depending on the activity, only professional photographers may be permitted to take pictures, but be sure to bring your camera for great candid shots just in case!

Along with Easter Bunny photo ops, there are more festive ways to celebrate this spring holiday. Plan ahead and book a reservation to dine out on Easter Sunday—some brunches boast a very special guest of honor, the Easter Bunny— and all showcase delicious menus worthy of a celebration. And is it even Easter if you don't hit up an egg hunt? We are in the process of collecting all the egg-citing details on Easter egg hunts in the area.

For more seasonal events with kids, check out our top picks for fun spring activities with Boston kids, and make sure to keep tabs on our events calendar.

Hot Wheels Drive-Thru: Monster Trucks and More at Gillette Stadium

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Mon, 03/01/2021 - 10:54am

The world's tallest monster truck is coming to Gillette.

Start your engines! Fifty huge monster trucks and splashy hot rods are rolling into Boston for the Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru at Gillette Stadium starting March 19. Kids who love cars, trucks, and machines in general will go crazy for a glimpse of life-sized versions their favorite four-wheeled toys, including "Bigfoot," the world's tallest and heaviest monster truck. And families can enjoy it all from their own (slightly less cool, but COVID-safe) vehicles.

Check out our picks for things to do on the South Shore in winter for more things to do nearby, and as always, check our Boston events calendar for other exciting local events.

Here Are the Things You Want To Do this Weekend in Boston: Ninja Festival, Maple Fun

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Wed, 02/24/2021 - 8:10am

Enjoy a guided walk around the sanctuary in search of beavers. Photo courtesy of Mass Audubon Stony Brook

The weather is warming up and our calendar is filling up! From art to maple festivities to a ninja party, we've got an activity to please every little one this weekend. Kick off maple season by learning to tap a tree in Sharon or search for sap at Southborough's annual "Tap-a-Thon" instead. Keep the nature vibe going and master how to start a fire and forage foods at a ninja festival in Concord. Want to stay inside, away from the late-winter chill? Tune in on the radio and join in a graffiti art tour right from your car in Allston or heat up the kitchen baking up some unicorn cupcakes in Beverly.

For even more indoor fun to pass the time, be sure to check out our list of Boston museums and play spaces that have reopened, or sign kids up for a virtual program—we're excited about S cience Through the Alphabet via Poppins @ Home. And make sure to check out our free February online events and classes. As always, keep tabs on our Boston events calendar for daily updates on local and virtual happenings.

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks for Boston Kids and Families

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Tue, 02/16/2021 - 8:00pm

Simoni Arena in Cambridge invites skaters of all ages for public skate. Photo courtesy of FMC Ice Sports

Ice skating is a staple wintertime activity for Boston kids, but who says they need to freeze while having fun? After a hiatus during the pandemic, these Boston-area indoor ice skating rinks are now offering public skate times again, allowing families to avoid the elements while enjoy some healthy exercise. Schedules may fluctuate with school vacations and events, and most rinks require advanced registration in 2021, so make sure to check each rink's website or call before visiting.

When the sun is shining and fresh air calls, try out one of Boston's outdoor ice rinks. And keep the seasonal sports fun going by hitting the slopes for some skiing or tubing adventures. Need even more ideas? Make sure to check out our Boston Winter Fun Guide.

Things to Do in Boston this Weekend & Beyond: Wolf Moon, Seal Stroll, Animal Tracking

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 3:26pm

Take a seaside seal stroll on Gooseberry Island. Photo courtesy of Buzzards Bay Coalition

Lace up those boots, bundle up the kids, and feel free to fib about the number on the thermometer: We're getting outside this weekend! There are plenty of opportunities for adventurous winter day trips, including a seaside seal stroll out in Westport and a guided walk by the light of the full "wolf" moon in Hingham. Become wildlife detectives by tracking animals in Southborough, or take a hike with goats in Georgetown.

Looking to stay in and warm up at home? Sign your kids up for a virtual program—from H appy Feet Soccer to The Science of Wizarding School/Magical Potions—via our online programs platform, Poppins At Home. And make sure to check out our free January online events and classes. As always, keep tabs on our Boston events calendar for daily updates on local and virtual happenings. Just remember to bring your masks and practice social distancing whenever you're out and about.