Elyse Andrews

Latest posts by Elyse

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Boston for Kids

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 8:05pm

Get your ninja warriors on the obstacle courses around Boston, for indoor fun and great exercise! Photo courtesy of Supercharged Entertainment

When the weather keeps you inside and your child is literally climbing the walls, it's time to head to ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour facilities in Boston. These gyms channel the TV show American Ninja Warrior. Just like the show, the indoor obstacles at these family-friendly gyms and indoor play spaces in Massachusetts require speed, agility, balance, and strength to complete. They are perfect for little monkeys who love to climb and appreciate a physical challenge. If your kids are inspired by the show, or just need a productive way to channel their energy, we've got a great list of Boston-area gyms with obstacle courses perfect for aspiring ninja warriors.

We love Boston's indoor play spaces for helping kids get their energy out. Find that and more in our Boston Indoor Fun Guide; it has great ideas for keeping kids active when it's cold or wet outside. And if your little one isn't so little anymore, see our guide to Teen Birthday Parties in Boston: Cool Party Places for Teens.

Best Breakfast Restaurants in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 02/03/2023 - 9:54am

Get big smiles, full bellies, and and some thumbs up for the best places for breakfast in Boston with kids! Photo courtesy of the North Street Grille

The best places for breakfast in Boston have family-friendly food that kids love. Eggs, French toast, waffles, and donuts—Boston's breakfast spots serve up kids' favorites in a fun atmosphere, and morning menus offer choices for the pickiest palates. Dining out with kids isn’t always an easy proposition, but breakfast or brunch can be a great time to go to a restaurant with the whole family. Kids tend to be less cranky earlier in the day, and mom and dad will be too, after a cup of coffee. And grabbing a yummy breakfast in Boston is a great way to start a day exploring the city. We've included our favorites, from full-service breakfast to diners and donut shops, here are the best places for breakfast in Boston with kids.

It's always fun to find a kd-friendly restaurant with great food. We especially love these Boston area restaurants where kids can play while you eat (and relax) after that day out with the family! Be sure and check out our Boston restaurant guide for the best spots to take kids around the city.

Free Swimming Pools in Boston for Families

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/15/2022 - 11:10pm

Dive into summer fun at free Boston swimming pools. Mirabella Pool photo courtesy of Boston Centers for Youth & Families

When the temperatures soar in Boston, families can always stop by a sprinkler park or splash pad to cool off a little. But sometimes, a refreshing swim in a traditional pool is in order. Sure, there are some swanky hotel or membership pools inside city limits where you can pay a pretty penny to swim. But with kids and diaper bags in tow, you don't need much more than a safe stretch of cool water to feel happy. Here, we’ve rounded up eight great swimming pools in Boston where kids and parents can splash, float, or practice strokes all summer long, without breaking the bank. So read on for our guide to free swimming pools in Boston for families.

Looking to find ways to stretch your summer budget without skimping on family fun? Check out 50 Free Things To Do with kids in Boston this Summer. For even more ways to beat the heat check out our full summer guide and visit our events calendar.

Father's Day in Boston: 20 Things to Do

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 06/05/2022 - 11:50pm

Show dad a classic time in Boston this Father's Day. Photo courtesy of the Larz Anderson Museum

With Father’s Day nearly upon us, it’s time to plan a day of family fun in Boston to celebrate dad. The perfect recipe ideal activities include a balance of something guys really want to do with the rest of the family will also enjoy. Sure, you can scour our summer fun guide for ideas, but trust us (and the dads in our lives who we tapped for approval): These 20 things to do this Father's Day in Boston are sure to make dads feel extra special and make memories for kids at the same time.

Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 9:06pm

Remnant Brewery at Bow Market provides a family-friendly space, Photo courtesy of Merritt Chase.

Boston breweries are a part of the city's landscape; the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain has attracted tourists and locals for decades. Boston has seen an absolute boom in beer gardens (or biergartens) in the last few years. Craft brewing has flourished as well. Luckily for anyone with kids, many of these establishments are welcoming to families. If you like to sip a craft brew outside, these are the places to go with little ones in tow: Many have live music, lawn games, and great views. From the heart of the city to the suburbs, there’s likely a beer garden near you that's open from summer through fall. Sip—and play!

Check out our guide to 10+ Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free for more locations to step out with the family. Be sure to explore our list of 15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax). And our guide to Easy Recipes for Kids provides some wonderful ideas for those nights you stay in.

Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/15/2022 - 10:02pm

Bring out the smiles by visiting Boston's best tot lots and toddler playgrounds. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Ringgold Park, Facebook

When the weather turns warm and sunny, it's time to get your little ones to the best tot lots and toddler playgrounds in Boston. Toddlers can't wait to get out and explore, and last fall's newborns are just about ready for a bucket swing! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

Explore our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Boston to find the right spot for kids of any age. Our list of 12 Awesome Boston Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car is full of ideas for family excursions. And if the weather isn't helping play time, check out our guide to the Best Free Indoor Play Spaces.

15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax)

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 12:00pm

Pizza and bowling are up everyone's alley in Somerville and Salem. Photo courtesy of Flatbread Pizza Salem/Facebook

It’s one thing to go to a kid-friendly restaurant, where you know you won’t get any dirty looks from the proprietors or other patrons. But family dining heaven might just be a place that also allows kids to play—the idea being that you can actually enjoy your meal after they wolf down theirs. We decided to round up of the best Boston-area restaurants where kids can play, choosing those that serve up truly good food along with activities or entertainment for kids. We call that a win-win!

If the weather is nice, take advantage of these outdoor restaurants around Boston that are great for families. And explore our guide to Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens.

12 Awesome Boston-Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 07/25/2021 - 8:20am

Robbins Farm Park's side-by-side slides are a major draw.

Having a playground in your neighborhood is ideal. It’s a nice break from playing in your own yard and a great place to meet up for playdates. But going to the same playground over and over can get tiresome for adventurous kids. Luckily several special playgrounds near Boston are worth packing up the snacks and strollers and getting in the car. Here are 12 of the best that are ready to host your kids’ summer adventures.

Looking for more incredible playgrounds near Boston? We've rounded up our favorite theme playgrounds, brain-boosting playgrounds, and the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston.