Tara D

Tara constantly seeks out opportunities for enrichment and exploration with her kids. When she started writing about it as the Boston Community Ambassador for Ziptivity.com, she discovered a passion for sharing her unique finds with parents, helping to make their lives a little easier and a lot more fun. Her work, which has been highlighted by Huffington Post, can be seen nationally across the Mommy Poppins sites and on Appalachian Mountain Club's Kids Outdoors blog.

Latest posts by Tara

January GoList: Best Things to Do With Kids in Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 12/28/2018 - 4:06pm

The holidays may be (almost) over, but that doesn't mean the fun has to be. January in Boston brings an abundance of special performances, festivals, celebrations, and outdoor adventures for families. Check out our picks for the month for a stellar start to the new year, and then explore our Winter Guide for plenty more indoor and outdoor activities to keep your family busy during the long, cold winter in New England.

10 Great Indoor Places to Have a Kid’s Birthday Party in or Near Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 11:10am

If you want to have a wonderful party for your child, but you’re overwhelmed by the choices and don't have time to mine for information, I have a gift for you: Recommendations for 10 super-fun, parent-lauded indoor birthday party places in the Boston area, and everything you need to know about them.

The places featured are different in many ways, but they all have some things in common: They have been recommended by local parents, are indoors (so you don't have to worry about the weather), minimize the amount of work you have to do, and offer parties that kids with a wide range of interests enjoy. So read on, pick a place, and have a party your child will be talking about for a long time to come. Since prices may fluctuate and there's a range of packages at many places, we give you an idea of costs ranging from $ (inexpensive) to $$$ (more pricey).

If your child is a little older and prefers parties with more of a sporty spin, you may want to also consider our picks for indoor parties for active kids in Boston, the North suburbs, South suburbs, and MetroWest.

8 Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Kids and Families in and Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 12/02/2018 - 8:51pm

Whether your family is hitting the rink for the very first time or your kids have already taken several ice skating lessons, gliding on one of the outdoor ice skating rinks around Boston can be a fun, affordable way for families to get outside and stay active in the wintertime. Read on for some of our favorite rinks in the Boston area, with offerings like gorgeous city views and snack bars where you can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

December GoList: Top Things To Do with Kids in Boston for the Holidays

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 12:07pm

Holiday celebrations kick into high gear in December, and the month brings the return of many beloved seasonal traditions like tree lighting ceremonies, performances of The Nutcracker, and outdoor ice skating. Our Event Calendar is packed with events for the holidays, family-friendly performances, and vacation week activities for the kids. With so much going on it's not easy to choose, but here are our top 10 picks for holiday activities and special events for all ages this month.

Where To See Holiday Lights In and Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 11/23/2018 - 6:00pm

Sure, not everyone goes in for all the traditions and tchotchkes that are associated with the holiday season. But we don't know anyone—young or old—who isn't delighted by winter wonderlands filled with lighted displays, twinkling trees, and sparkling scenes. We've rounded up some of the best light displays in or around Boston, from newer sensations like Blink!, downtown, to the storied La Salette Shrine, south of the city. Whether you venture out to a dazzling display or just drive around to these spectacularly decorated neighborhood homes, set aside an evening, bring a thermos of cocoa, and experience some magic as a family.

Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Mon, 11/19/2018 - 8:08pm

Boston lights it up with dazzling Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in and around town. By late November lights are aglow in Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and Christopher Columbus Park, and the free festivities continue through early December with tree lighting ceremonies in neighborhoods throughout the city.

It's not only about flipping the switch, of course. Tree lighting ceremonies are treasured annual community celebrations with live performances, activities for kids, holiday giving, and appearances by Santa (and sometimes even Mayor Walsh).

25 Free Christmas and Hanukkah Events for Boston Kids

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 11/18/2018 - 8:25pm

Our budgets tend to take a lot of hits this time of year, so it's a bonus when we can find festive family fun that's also free. Here are twenty things to do with the kids in and around Boston this month to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, without even touching your wallet (except maybe to take out your T pass).

Holiday Volunteering With Kids in Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Tue, 11/13/2018 - 12:45pm

We all have our hands full with family and work obligations, and the pending holidays certainly don't lighten the load. And yet, it's the time of year when we're also inspired to count our blessings—and teach our children to do the same. To inspire my children to think about what they are grateful for this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, we’re going to try one of the Fun Projects That Help Kids Give Thanks. But I also want my kids to think about other people and do something to make a difference in our community, and we've found some great opportunities for volunteering as a family during the holiday season. With just a bit of planning, lending a hand with kids can be easy—and maybe the most meaningful and memorable experience in a season full of them.

Tara D

Tara D

Latest posts by Tara

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