Whether you’re hosting a birthday party at home or at another location, you’re going to need a cake to celebrate your child’s big day. Ideally, we’d all have the time and energy to whip up a beautiful creation ourselves, but it's a tall order, especially during a busy week. That’s when we call in the pros. We rounded up eight of the best bakeries in Boston for when you want your child’s birthday to be extra special...while preserving your sanity!

There are few more iconic places in our city to take kids than the Boston Common. It’s steeped in history and the perfect place to run around in the grass right downtown. In the summer, families flock to the Frog Pond to cool down after playing on the nearby Tadpole Playground.

Getting a picture taken with the Easter Bunny is a major rite of passage for many kids. Make the tradition even more special this year when you take your child to a breakfast or brunch where the famous rabbit will be milling about—for photo ops or just some shy gawking. Whether you’re looking for a fun pre-holiday activity or want to find a kid-friendly spot to eat for the big day, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to make reservations (many of these events fill up quickly); and take lots of pictures.