Caitlin Dowling

Latest posts by Caitlin Dowling

8 Great Full Day or Extended Day Preschools in or Near Boston

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 08/11/2019 - 9:00am

Preschoolers can stay just for the morning or for a full day at Cambridge Montessori. Photo courtesy of Cambridge Montessori School

Finding a preschool that fits your family is a huge undertaking: From Montessori programs to bilingual preschools, there are many nursery school and pre-K options in the Boston and greater Boston area. For many families, a key feature of a preschool is a full-day schedule. So we've rounded up some popular, parent-approved schools in the Boston area, from the city to Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, that have full-day programs or widely-used extended-day options. More time in a super school can mean peace of mind for busy parents, not to mention extra learning and social time for your budding student.

5 Free New Spraygrounds and Splash Pads to Visit with Boston Kids this Summer

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Tue, 07/23/2019 - 10:00am

A recently renovated spray deck abuts a beloved free pool in Somerville's Foss Park. Photo courtesy of Willene Ticianeli

During our short, humid summers, Boston kids are always on the hunt for ways to cool off in the summertime. While free swimming pools are a great affordable option, spraygrounds are sublime for toddlers, preschoolers, or big kids looking for a quick way to cool off. Even if you've scouted out the these popular splash parks and splash pads, you might not know about these new spots in the Boston area. So throw on your suits, slather on the sunscreen, and head to one of these five fun (and free!) spraygrounds.

25 Things to Do on the Boston Seaport and Fort Point with Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:00am

There's a sprayground at Martin's Park. Photo courtesy of Boston Seaport

Boston's neighboring Seaport District and Fort Point neighborhoods are bursting with cool new spots to play, learn, and eat, and families are flocking to live here. So it's no surprise that this waterfront district just across the channel from Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail is becoming a day-trip hot spot with young kids. Between awesome playgrounds, kid-friendly art installations, world-class museums, and drool-worthy restaurants, these 25 ideas for enjoying the Seaport and Fort Point area with kids will keep your family plenty busy when exploring the area. Warning: If you don't already live here, you may find yourself thinking about a move after reading this list!

Look Up, Kids! Giant, Mirrored Hot Air Balloon Coming to Massachusetts

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Wed, 06/19/2019 - 10:39am

A giant mirrored balloon will travel from Martha's Vineyard to the Berkshires. Commissioned by the Trustees. Photo by Doug Aitken

Come mid-July, you're going to want to keep your eyes on the sky around Boston, because you just might spot a giant, mirror-surfaced hot air balloon floating above reflecting the landscape below. Created by artist Doug Aitken and presented by the Trustees of Reservations, this 100-foot flying balloon sculpture titled New Horizon will be soaring above Massachusetts from July 12th through the 28th, 2019. Traveling from Martha's Vineyard to the Berkshires, this reflective piece of art will touch down for special events along the way. Boston, and Massachusetts as a whole, are well known for showcasing kid-friendly art, so it's no surprise that this exhibit will be no exception, featuring family-friendly dates that even the youngest of art critics can participate in.

11 Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds for Boston Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 04/21/2019 - 8:51pm

Ramps mixed with climbing features ensure kids of all abilities can play together at Amelia Grace Place. Photo courtesy of Marie Saldi AccessibilityInSouthShoreMA.wordpress.com

We all work so hard to teach our children to be kind and inclusive to one other, so why not play somewhere that celebrates many different kinds of ability? A growing number of playgrounds are working to create play structures and activities that are accessible to all kids of all physical capabilities, including Boston's newest playground Martin's Park set to open this June. From ramps to swings to sensory play areas, these 11 playgrounds are designed to make sure all kids have a blast playing outside. And if you're looking for even more outdoor fun, consider a day trip to these brain-boosting playgrounds or hop in the car for a new adventure and visit one of these drive-worthy spots.

In Martin Richard's Memory, Amazing New Playground to Open in Boston

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 8:21pm

Fun features like a rope climber, a play ship, and a splash pad were planned with Martin in mind. Photos courtesy of Michael Van Valkenburg Associates via City of Boston/Martin Richard Foundation

As an active little boy in Dorchester, 8-year-old Martin Richard loved climbing, swinging, and playing ball at his neighborhood playgrounds. His parents say this playtime helped develop Martin's keen sense of sportsmanship and fairness before his life was taken too soon in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. So it was a natural fit that a playground that emphasizes both fun and inclusiveness has been built in his honor. Opening June 15th next to the Boston Children's Museum at the Smith Family Waterfront, this one-acre addition to Boston's awesome playground scene features lots of green space, harbor views, handicap- and wheelchair-accessible play equipment, and innovative structures, from a giant play ship to a "water garden" splash pad. Here's the scoop on how designers and Martin's loved ones envisioned the park, and what Boston kids and families are sure to love about it.

CuriousCity: Pop-Up Children's Museum Opens in Peabody

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sat, 03/30/2019 - 10:00am

There's a new kid-friendly museum on the block! CuriousCity, a pop-up children's museum, opens Sunday, March 31st in Peabody, and after an exclusive sneak peek just before opening day, we learned that this new addition to our region of world-class museums is worth a visit—and soon. For just three months, this children's museum will occupy the George Peabody House Museum & Peabody Leather Workers Museum in the downtown area, offering kids seven different exhibits that invite learning, creative play, and interactive fun. Here's a preview of the unique, imagination stoking exhibits you'll see at CuriousCity, as well as some helpful hints for taking the kids.

American Girl Live: Your Favorite Dolls Take the Stage in First-Ever National Tour

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 10:00am

Beloved dolls come to life to join girls bonding at summer camp. Photo by Amy Boyle

With two five-year-old girls in the family, the American Girl Doll phenomenon has overtaken our home—quite literally. We have dolls, furniture, books, and an extensive wardrobe I find myself slightly envious of. "Julie" and "Maryellen" have hobbies we talk about, preferences on activities, and are with us so often that I sometimes forget that they're not real-life pals of my daughters. So, as you can imagine, when I announced we would be going to the all-new, first-ever American Girl Live show, I was met with shrieks of excitement—followed by weeks of planning outfits, accessories, and hair-dos, for both them and their 18-inch sidekicks.

American Girl Live, featuring six of the iconic dolls and an all-girl cast (not to mention an all-female crew and creative team behind the scenes) will be touring the country in 2019, with stops that include New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Boston, N ew York City, Long Island, and Maryland. In keeping with the American Girl mission, the show is all about "girl power," a message that came through to my girls loud and clear when I took them (and Julie and Maryellen, of course) to the Capitol Center of the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire, one of the show's first tour stops.