Elyse Andrews

Latest posts by Elyse

Drop-off Programs for Boston Kids on President's Day

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 11:04am

Kids might have President's Day off from school, but that doesn’t always mean that mom and dad can stay home too. Many business are in full swing despite the holiday, which can leave parents in a tight spot when it comes to childcare. Even tougher, many February vacation week drop-off camps don’t start until the Tuesday after President’s Day. To make life easier, we've compiled a list of Boston-area drop-off programs that are available on the holiday.

25 Things To Do With Kids in Woodstock, Vermont

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 01/13/2017 - 10:00am

Winter, spring, summer or fall, there’s never a bad time to visit Woodstock, Vermont. There’s plenty to do for all ages, but it’s an especially nice place to travel with kids. There are farms with animals to meet, nature trails to explore, and lots of great family-friendly food to enjoy. The town itself looks like a postcard and the surrounding areas are absolutely breathtaking, especially with fall foliage or fresh snow on nearby peaks.

Since we love Woodstock so much, we put together this list of 25 things to do with kids in and around the town. It’ll give you fun ideas no matter the season!

25 Things To Do on an MLK Weekend Staycation in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 01/10/2017 - 12:43pm

With winter break just behind us and February break coming up next month, you may be sticking close to home for the long weekend associated with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 16. But just because you aren’t traveling doesn’t mean your long weekend can’t feel like a vacation. We've rounded up 25 family-friendly activities that are sure to make your Boston staycation extra fun. And if you’re looking for MLK Day-specific events, check out our post on what's happening around the city.

Why Bretton Woods in the White Mountains is My Top Pick for Family Skiing

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 12/13/2016 - 10:00am

Winter in New England can feel like a real slog, especially in the city where snow is often a major inconvenience. One way my family makes winter more fun is by skiing every chance we get. This can mean hitting local slopes or taking a trip farther afield to a true winter wonderland.

When we escape the city for a mountain vacation, our top pick is always Bretton Woods in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While it’s only two-and-a-half hours from Boston, Bretton Woods feels a world away. And it’s perfect for families, with skiing, lodging, dining, and lots of winter activities for all ages.

Where to Take a Family-Friendly Sleigh Ride This Winter

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Tue, 12/06/2016 - 10:00am

Cornerstone Ranch offers private and group sleigh rides in Princeton. Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Ranch LLC

There are so many fun and festive family-friendly holiday activities to take part in each year, from taking a Christmas train ride and attending a Santa breakfast, to shopping for gifts at a local market. One more tradition that we love is taking a cozy sleigh ride, and warming up after with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. We’ll be dreaming of a white Christmas so we can go dashing through the snow at one of these six spots in Massachusetts that offer sleigh rides!

Where to See Your Favorite Family Holiday Movies on the Big Screen in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Mon, 11/28/2016 - 9:19am

One of my family’s favorite traditions is watching all of the classic holiday movies. We start right after Thanksgiving to get us in the holiday spirit as we get our tree, bake cookies, and wrap gifts. Usually we watch these movies at home on our couch with popcorn and pajamas, but there’s something really special about seeing a film on the big screen. With that in mind, here's where you and your family can catch all of your favorite holiday flicks at movie theaters and libraries in or near Boston this season:

Where to Buy a Local Turkey for Thanksgiving Near Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Thu, 11/03/2016 - 1:02pm

Raymond's has been raising its own Broad Breasted White Holland Turkeys for more than 60 years. Photo courtesy of Raymond's Turkey Farm

The eating local trend has taken Boston by storm, with farmers markets cropping up in many neighborhoods and the Boston Public Market opening last year. And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate local food than by purchasing a regionally raised turkey for Thanksgiving. So we’ve rounded up 10 Boston-area farms and shops where you can purchase a local turkey to have as the centerpiece of your family’s holiday meal. With Thanksgiving only weeks away, it’s time to reserve your bird!

5 Montessori Preschools in Boston for Little Learners

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 10/21/2016 - 6:23pm

Deciding where to send your child to preschool isn’t easy, but selecting a specific type of school can really help narrow down your options. We have written about bilingual and language immersion preschools throughout the Boston area, and now we're focusing on Montessori preschools in the city so you can see which one seems like a good fit for your child.

The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori about 100 years ago. Most Montessori schools place children in mixed-age classrooms, allow students to self-direct their activities, allow large blocks of uninterrupted time to work, focus on discovery rather than instruction and use specialized materials. There are five preschools in Boston that use the Montessori philosophy to help children learn and grow: