Summer Festivals in Boston!

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July 2, 2019

summer festivals - Boston Moms Blog

From music to crafts and everything in between, summer festivals abound in the Boston area! Find something for everyone to enjoy, and be sure to let us know how much fun you had in the comments!

Music

July 12 :: Levitate Music and Arts Festival :: Marshfield

Levitate is a three-day homegrown music and arts event at the historic Marshfield Fairgrounds. This year’s lineup includes groups like Tedeschi Trucks Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stick Figure, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Sublime With Rome, Michael Franti and Spearhead, SOJA, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and Ripe.

July 20 :: BeanStock Music Festival :: Braintree

The 4th annual BeanStock Music Festival hosts tons of fantastic bands, including The Amy Incident, The Spins, Lily Black, Houston Bernard Band, and Carrisa Johnson & the Cure-Alls! Participants are invited to join in the $1,000 frisbee toss and the Kan Jam tournament, then enjoy food trucks, raffles, a bounce obstacle course, graffiti art, and community resources and activities with the Braintree Community Art Center.

This sober music festival benefits the Sun Will Rise Foundation, a group for those who have lost a loved one to overdose or a substance abuse disorder.

July 28 :: Cambridge Jazz Festival :: Cambridge

The amazing lineup for the Cambridge Jazz Festival includes famed pianist and Grammy winner Yoko Miwa, Eugie Castrillo, The Ron Savage Trio, Carla Cook, and the headliner, saxophonist Elan Trotman. There will be a kids area, merchandise mart, food trucks, and the newly installed jazz museum.

Food

July 13–14 :: Boston Pizza Festival :: Boston

Enjoy live music, entertainment, games, activities, beer and wine, and PIZZA at this delicious and family-friendly summer festival! Kids ages 5 and under are free.

July 20 :: Cider Hill Farm Blueberry Festival :: Amesbury

Nothing says summer like blueberry picking! Pick some fresh blueberries and enjoy live music, lawn games, family-friendly activities, hayrides, bakery specials, and hard cider tastings! Admission to all festival activities is free with purchase of $8 picking container. Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 28 :: Boston Donut Fest :: Boston

This is the ultimate diet cheat day! Taste delicious creations from your favorite local donut shops, sip iced coffee, and visit some food and ice cream trucks! The festival also includes entertainment for the kiddos and many picture-worthy backdrops to document your experience.

August 4 :: Taste of the Caribbean Food Festival :: Roxbury

Bring the whole family for some Caribbean flavor! In addition to delicious food, attendees will be treated to cultural dance performances and Caribbean hit music being spun by a DJ!

August 4 :: Boston Seafood Festival :: Boston

Come taste food from amazing seafood vendors and food trucks (non-seafood items are also available!). There will also be celebrity chef demonstrations, contests, activities for children, live entertainment, an all-day lobster bake tent, a Harpoon beer garden, and a blessing of the fleet.

August 24 :: Clustertruck Food Festival :: Lancaster

Nosh on food from over 30 food trucks and enjoy an ice cold beer from Wachusett Brewery while you listen to live music and enjoy products from local artisans!

Crafts

July 27 :: Tri-Town Tape Art Festival :: West Newbury

Yes, this summer festival is about tape! Celebrate the history of the tri-town Pentucket Region by creating a collaborative life-sized mural using only colored tape. Internationally acclaimed Tape Art of Rhode Island visits the community to lead this unique public art project!

August 11 :: Plymouth Arts and Crafts Festival :: Plymouth

This festival will feature art of many kinds, including canvas art, mixed media, woodworking, custom jewelry, pottery, and photography.

For the Adults

July 13 :: WGBH’s Craft Beer Festival Fundraiser :: Brighton

Spend an evening outdoors playing lawn games, listening to live music, and tasting craft beer and cider from many vendors. Funds raised from ticket sales go toward keeping WGBH’s public media alive and well!

July 14 :: Crush Wine Festival :: Randolph

Award-winning wineries from across the state will be pouring samples of over 75 delicious local wines and meads at this event. Bottles of wine will also be available to purchase to take home!

July 20 :: Wizards and Witches Beer Festival :: Boston

The Potterheads Beer Festival transforms the Royale in Downtown Boston into the wizarding world that Harry Potter fans have been waiting for! Taste over 20 different magical ales, explore the lair of secret cider potions, and enjoy some adult butterscotch beer as you partake in magical photo ops and jive to live music from the Sorceress Sisters, Red Head Party Band, and DJ DumbleD. This event is for Potterheads aged 21+.

August 10 :: Cornhole Tournament & Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival :: Falmouth

Play cornhole in either a social or advanced bracket during this fun summer festival! Tournament goers have the chance to win cash, and everyone will enjoy the delicious foods and craft beers!

August 10 :: Brewing A Cure 4 ALS, Beer and Wine Festival :: Cambridge

All funds raised from Brewing A Cure 4 ALS Beer and Wine Festival will go directly to ALS TDI to further their research in finding a cure.

For the Kids

July 6 :: Allo Kids Fest :: Charlestown

At this fun, kid-centered festival, kids will get to visit with a variety of animals from the petting zoo, play at Allo Playscape for the day, get their faces painted, participate in arts and crafts and a silly singalong, and try out some outdoor games!

July 13 :: WGBH Fun Fest :: Brighton

The kids will have a blast at this fun-filled event! Activities include all-you-can-eat ice cream, inflatable childhood favorite activities, face painting, carnival games, and visits from your favorite PBS characters. Live entertainment will be on the stage all day!

Active

August 2–4 :: Central Mass 10 Skate Festival :: Harvard

The three-day festival features a mini ramp jam, street course, downhill race, slide jam, downhill skatepark, and longest slide and biggest air competitions in beautiful, historic Harvard, MA. All skate disciplines, ages, skill levels, and genders are warmly welcomed.

September 14 :: The Dance Mile :: Boston

This free festival is a part of the Boston Social Fitness Festival. Dance down one of the most iconic areas in Boston! Participants will get to do a ZUMBA warm up and see professional dance acts perform. Also, there is a bedazzling station available.

Outdoor

July 1–7 :: Boston Harborfest :: Boston

This family-friendly event is the largest Fourth of July event in the country! Hundreds of activities take place over Independence Day weekend at Boston’s best landmarks, including the annual opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall, historical reenactments, Chowderfest, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment, fireworks, and much more!

July 13 :: Sidewalk Sale & Street Festival :: Chestnut Hill/Newton

The Street’s annual Sidewalk Sale & Street Festival takes place from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Participating merchants will offer exclusive discounts on select merchandise, plus fun treats, including face painting, balloon animals, and cotton candy and music on The Green.

July 20 :: Neponset RiverFest :: Dorchester

Come celebrate the Neponset River at this free, family-friendly event! Enjoy a fun summer day with free boating, music, food, crafts, and kids activities. The festival runs from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

July 20 :: Marine and Maritime Festival :: East Boston

See everything from Coast Guard patrol boats to pirates at the second annual Marine and Maritime Festival! Enjoy delicious food, meet National Park rangers, and hear maritime stories and local cultural music at this unforgettable event!

July 26–28 :: Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival :: Revere Beach

The International Sand Sculpting Festival features a master sand-sculpting competition, a food truck festival, a fireworks extravaganza, live entertainment, children’s sand sculpting lessons, and more!

July 28 :: Kite Flying Festival by Vibha Boston :: Acton

This fun event will feature henna painting, Bollywood Dancing, a kite making workshop, food vendors, and much more! Come enjoy the peacefulness of flying a kite!

August 18 :: Fort Point Festival :: Boston

Celebrate with a beer garden, food selections from 15 restaurants, an artists village, a children’s activity garden (including a touch tank, touch-a-truck, and a petting zoo!) and live outdoor music all day long. The party will take place rain or shine!

August 3 :: Carolyn’s Garden Sunflower Festival :: Grafton

Enjoy the beautiful sunflowers as well as crafts for the kids, ice cream, lawn games, and food trucks. Bring home some of the beauty — five stems are included in the price of tickets at this summer festival.

August 31 :: Onset Beach Kite Festival :: Onset

The 5th Annual Onset Beach Kite Festival takes place from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Families can bring their own kites, or kids are invited to build a kite for $3. This festival is free to attend, but donations are always welcome. Pay parking is available at the pier and on street. Free parking is at Hynes Field next to Chuck’s Auto.

August 31–October 20 :: King Richard’s Faire :: Carver

Entertainment, exciting rides, and skilled games await at King Richard’s Faire. Hundreds of talented entertainers perform non-stop throughout the day on eight stages. Be amazed by acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, minstrels, comedy acts, fire eaters, puppeteers, and exotic tigers.

Cultural

July 14 :: Lakota Youthstay Tipi Raising Day :: West Medford

This fun, creative, and informative community festival honors and celebrates Native people and the tipi. A beautiful 18-foot Lakota tipi will be raised at the park! The Wampanoag Eastern Suns drum group and dancers will perform, and there will be children’s games and Native storytelling in the tipi. Food, drinks, ice cream, and Native crafts will be available for purchase!

July 26–28 :: Puerto Rico Festival of Massachusetts :: Boston

The summer festival celebrating Puerto Rican heritage includes kiosks featuring a health fair, face painting for kids, storytelling of Puerto Rican traditional stories and legends, presentations of eco-friendly gardening and cooking techniques, and teaching of Puerto Rican musical percussion. The festival culminates with the Puerto Rican parade, where the community showcases its culture through wonderful floats, colorful dance troupes, singers, dancers, and appearances by distinguished honorees.

July 27–28 :: Latino Festival :: Lynn

Bring the family and enjoy this fun, free summer festival! This year the festival will include stands from local businesses, games for children, the Mexican Spanish Dancing Horses Show, folk music, Central American dances, delicious Caribbean food, the Sheriff’s Essex Office K9 training grounds presentation, and Marimba players from Guatemala.

August 4 :: Boston Latino Family Festival :: Boston

Enjoy perusing more than 70 exhibitors, playing interactive games, participating in family activities and seeing a concert performed by top-notch recording artists at this fun event! It is the largest event of its kind in the New England area and promises to be a fantastic time!

Performance

August 13–16 :: Playwright Festival :: Barnstable

Come see the works of local playwrights live on stage in this innovative festival! Audiences will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the works, and selected plays may be produced on stage in the future!

August 16–19 :: Boston Salsa Festival :: Waltham

Dance the night away at the Boston Salsa Festival! This energetic summer festival features workshops and performances by world-class dancers and instructors, not to mention local salsa, bachata, and kizomba companies.

July 27 :: Cape Dance Festival :: Provincetown

This amazing program will include beautiful choreography and performances by gorgeous dancers and charismatic dance companies.

August 24–25 :: Union Improv Festival :: ONCE Ballroom, Somerville

Come laugh along with the best comedians in Boston, alongside teams from LA, NYC, and Chicago. The all-day back-to-back performances from amazing comedy teams will have you in stitches at this jam-packed festival.

10 Cool Experiences to Celebrate a Summer Birthday

By

Jalisa Harris

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July 1, 2019

summer birthday - Boston Moms Blog

Summer babies are the best! My son was born in mid-June, which means the bulk of my pregnancy was during the cooler months and he gets great birthday party weather every year!

We had a tough school year after moving to a new neighborhood, so as my son’s birthday approached we thought long and hard about a way to make his day extra special. Normally we throw him a birthday pool party at my husband’s uncle’s home with extended family, swimming, and backyard fun.

But we decided this year to gift my son an experience instead of the typical presents, party, and cake. Some years, it’s OK to skip the traditional party — and try something new! Here are 10 ideas for celebrating your child’s summer birthday.

1. Travel!

Some years, it works out that you’d be taking a family vacation around a summer birthday anyway. So why not plan your travel with your child’s birthday in mind? Since we love to travel, we’re really excited to take a few days to celebrate my son and bring him to a place we’ve never visited. He will have a blast!

2. Visit a water park.

Make it a day trip, or do an overnight in New Hampshire to check out a New England water park like Red Jacket Resort or Whale’s Tales.

3. Visit a new state.

Living in New England means it’s so easy to visit new states. Let your child choose a state to check out, then research that area’s best kid-friendly activities and food joints.

4. Try a new theme park!

We visited The Dinosaur Place in Connecticut for my son’s third birthday, and he absolutely loved it. It’s pretty affordable, and since he such a dinosaur fanatic, he was in heaven. Edaville/Thomas Land and Story Land are other nearby parks to look into for summer birthday celebrations.

5. Do a beach weekend.

With so many great family-friendly beaches in Boston, this one is a no-brainer. Growing up, I would take a yearly trip to Maine with my family, and I have such great memories from that part of my childhood.

6. Celebrate in the kitchen.

If your kiddo loves cooking, try a class or party at Taste Buds Kitchen. They cater to kids, families, and adults! Many of Boston’s suburbs also offer cooking classes through community ed programs or local cooking schools

7. Make it a spa day.

Tag along with your kids for a full-out spa day. Many nail salons do kids manicures and pedicures, and some local spas offer “mommy and me” facials and massages.

8. Head to an entertainment park.

Spend an afternoon at Dave & Buster’s, Kimball Farm, or Mel’s Funway Park for arcade games, go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, and food!

9. Check out a new zoo.

Visit a zoo that has a ton of different offerings, like York’s Wild Kingdom. From butterflies to rides to zoo animals, a day at York’s can be such a fun summer birthday outing.

10. Visit a drive-in.

We love heading to the Mendon Twin Drive-In. It’s such a fun throwback! You pay $28 for your car, and you get to watch two films! There is even a full snack bar. Last time we went to the drive-in they had a Ghostbusters giveaway, and my son was so excited to win!

Getting-Out Guide :: Boston’s Best Events for Families This July

By

Deanna Greenstein

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June 28, 2019

Summer is officially in full swing! Whether you are catching a free outdoor movie, finding a new playground, checking off items on your summer bucket list or attending some beautiful fireworks, July promises to be full of summertime fun!

Check out our monthly events guide, brought to you by Goldfish Swim School, to get some great ideas for Boston family fun this July!

In addition to this guide, our calendar has daily events listed to keep you active and entertained this month!

We’ve also included links to area libraries and recurring events. We know this is not a comprehensive list, so if you think of any fun family activities we missed, please share them with us in the comments.

If you are looking to connect with other moms near you, make sure to join our Community & Conversation Group!

July 1–6

July 1 :: Natick Children’s Parade :: Natick

Decorate your bike, wagon, or carriage, and join in on a festive parade around Natick Common! The concert on the Common begins after the parade, so stick around for prizes, music, and a full evening of family fun!

July 1 :: Animal Affair :: Franklin

Snuggle with some new furry and feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library! Learn how to hold and handle ducks, chickens, goats, pigs, and rabbits. All participants will have the opportunity to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals. This event runs from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

July 1 :: Beanpot Invitational Drum & Bugle Corps Competition :: Lynn

This amazing musical performance features a competition between seven bands from across the country. Enjoy the amazing costumes, and marvel at the precision and artistry of these choreographed drum and bugle corp routines!

July 1 :: Beginner Ukulele Kids Workshop :: Plainville

If you have always wanted to learn to play an instrument, this is the perfect event for you! Kids are invited to bring their own ukulele and learn the basic chords, rhythms, and strums needed to make beautiful music in this exciting six-week workshop. No prior musical experience is necessary.

July 5–6 :: 7th Boston JerkFest and Wine & Brew Tasting- Caribbean Foodie Festival :: Boston

Boston’s hottest festival is back for a fantastic two-day event! Come taste Jamaican jerk hot spiced BBQ food, and support several Boston area nonprofits. There will also be a kids zone with interactive arts and crafts and activities for children of all ages, as well as arts and craft vendors.

July 7–13

July 7 :: Pilgrim Breakfast :: Plymouth

Take part in this 86-year-old tradition! Enjoy a breakfast of fishcakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, cornbread, and muffins — all served by charming volunteers in Pilgrim costumes. Entertainment includes historic house tours, hands-on crafts, and period music.

July 8 :: Bubbles and Books at the Hammond Castle Museum :: Gloucester

Head on over to the beautiful Hammond Castle for story time, followed by a bubble party on the back lawn! Stories begin at 10 a.m., and children are invited to bring a blanket to cuddle with as they enjoy some classic prince and princess stories!

July 10 :: Touch-a-Truck :: Wrentham

Do you love trucks? Then this is the event for you! Enjoy a fun story about trucks at 10 a.m., and then touch and climb on trucks from the Wrentham DPW in the library parking lot! This program is free, but canned-good donations will be gratefully accepted for the Wrentham Food Pantry. Sign up at the circulation desk in the Fiske Public Library.

July 14–20

July 14 :: Microcar Classic :: Brookline

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside a teeny, tiny car? In this unique and memorable event at the Lars Anderson Auto Museum, you will find out! This family-friendly car show is certainly one that everyone can enjoy! Kids will even get the chance to ride in fun cars like Fiats, Messerschmitts, Crosleys, and many others.

July 15 :: Star Wars-Inspired Living Literature Adventure Game :: Westford

Star Wars fans will not want to miss this event! Channel your inner galactic warrior with the Mastermind Resistance Fighters to fight the forces of evil! Participants will learn to use a Stun Saber, enjoy Force Dueling and play Jedi Dodge Ball! RSVP to Katelyn Bennett at [email protected].

July 15 :: Kids Day at South Boston Farmers Market :: Boston

Come celebrate the annual Kids Day at the South Boston Farmers Market! Kids will enjoy free face painting, a balloon artist, crafts, and live music! Local nonprofits such as Greenovate Boston and UMass Extension will also be present with giveaways and games! Local vendors will be selling fresh produce from 12–6 p.m.

July 20 :: Pollination Station :: Mattapan

Come revel in the magic of butterflies at the Mass Audubon Nature Center. Families will create a butterfly to take home, and perhaps even catch a few live butterflies to observe. This program includes a walk around the nature center to learn how to identify butterflies as well as see them in their natural habitats.

July 20 :: Roxbury Rocks Music Festival :: Roxbury

This fun-filled, free neighborhood festival runs from 12–4 p.m., and includes live musical performances by talented local musicians, free activities for children, free snacks and ice cream, and crafts by local vendors.

July 21–27

July 21 :: Jimmy Fund 5K and Fun Run :: Boston

Choose between a 5K run or a half-mile fun run to benefit cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Center. The post-race party features complimentary food from Papa Gino’s.

July 22 :: Amazing Animal Ambassadors :: Brewster

Come hang out with Cali the talking sulfur-crested cockatoo, Milo the fennec fox, Shelly, an African sulcata tortoise, Jabba, a giant African bullfrog, and Bailey the African pygmy hedgehog! An amazing array of smaller reptiles and insects will also be along for the trip as Amazing Animal Adventures visits the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

July 22–24 :: Circus Smirkus Presents Carnival :: Marshfield

Come one, come all — the circus is here! In this carnival-themed production, you will see troupers run for their lives through the haunted mansion, try their luck at the ring toss, balance their way through the house of fun, and discover romance in the tunnel of love!

This year’s troupe is comprised of 30 hardworking and talented teenagers ages 11-18 who come from across the United States and Canada!

July 23 :: Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour :: Boston

Everyone’s favorite tween sensation is taking the Agganis Arena by storm! Grab your favorite hair bow and join in on the musical adventure!

July 25 :: Young Audiences of Massachusetts :: Boston

Young Audiences of Massachusetts brings culture, dance, and music to Boston in shows that are exciting for all ages! Come watch, learn, and explore as Grooversity, a group known for their awe-inspiring, high-energy percussion performances, brings their musical style and dancing from Bahia to Faneuil Hall! This fun performance begins at 10am!

July 28–31

July 28 :: Boston Donut Fest :: Boston

Head on down to Underground for the ultimate snack day — donuts from your favorite New England donut shops, as far as the eye can see! There will also be coffee to go with those delicious donuts, food and ice cream trucks, live entertainment, kids games and entertainment, and plenty of photo opportunities. Kids under the age of 8 get in free.

July 30 :: 2019 Fenway Challenge :: Boston

Calling all baseball lovers! The 2019 Out of the Park and Fenway Challenge Series, featuring the Red Sox Showcase, is coming to the M Street Field! Kids will have the chance to test their pitching accuracy, take swings in a batting cage, and attempt to steal a base. Come enjoy food and entertainment, a replica Green Monster wall, and meet Red Sox mascots Wally and Tessie!

July 31 :: ReadBoston Storymobile :: Dorchester

The ReadBoston StoryMobile makes a stop at the Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library at 11:15 a.m.! Kids will love this fun storytelling event, and all children in attendance will receive a free book!

Library Storytimes

Ongoing Events

Little Farmer’s Mornings :: Red Horse Farm, Hanson :: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (June–October)

Little ones up to 4 years old will learn about farm chores with horses, chickens, and goats! They will also enjoy a farm-related story or craft.

Storytime at Showcase Cinema de Lux :: Patriot Place, Foxborough :: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

This free weekly storytime takes place every Tuesday at Showcase Cinema de Lux. After a story reading, a special character makes a weekly appearance followed by a short movie.

Public Telescope Nights at New England Sci-Tech :: 16 Tech Circle, Natick :: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8–9 pm

The public is invited to join New England Sci-Tech for an evening of astronomy during the spring, summer, and fall months. Depending on staff availability, inside activities such as planetarium shows and visiting the astronomy classrooms may be available. Visitors are also invited to borrow smaller “starblast” telescopes to use on their own.

Recreation Sundays on Memorial Drive :: Memorial Drive, Cambridge :: Sundays, May–November

Every Sunday, from the last Sunday of April to the second Sunday of November, Memorial Drive is closed to traffic between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street — and open to recreation! Ride a bike or scooter, take a jog, or bring your baby on a leisurely stroll down this usually busy road while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Charles River!

Urban Air Sensory Friendly Jump/Play Time :: Bellingham :: Sundays, 9 a.m.

This event is specifically designed for children with autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park and have a lot of fun without loud music and flashing lights! The lights will be white and music/video games turned off for those with sensory challenges during this time.

Baby-Friendly Monday Matinees at the Capitol Theatre :: Arlington :: Mondays, 12–2 p.m.

The Capitol Theatre features a baby-friendly movie every Monday afternoon. Please check the theater’s Monday schedule to see what feature has been selected for parents and their infants.

Kids’ Art Club :: Dorchester :: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

This club has a new art project at the library every Tuesday. Projects include collage self-portraits and artist’s books. Art Club projects are showcased in rotating displays in the library children’s room.

Nature Time at Blue Hills Trailside Museum :: Milton :: Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Introduce your preschool-aged child to nature with this fun program. Programs may feature a story, nature games, crafts, short walks outside, or meeting one of the museum’s animal residents. Meet, play, and learn with other area families. Each program runs for 45 minutes and meets most Thursdays. Museum admission is included with this program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

JFN Free Friday Playgroup :: Natick :: Fridays, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Bring the little ones and come join other parents and caregivers in the Metrowest area for a fun-filled morning of play and socializing. There are plenty of songs, activities, toys, snacks, and laughter, as both the children and their grown-ups build connections and lasting friendships.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays :: Acton :: Fridays, 10–11 a.m.

A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, the Forest Friday program is held outside, no matter the weather. Every Friday morning there is a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in Discovery Woods or out on the adjacent conservation land. All ages are welcome but activities are designed for 2- to 6-year-olds. Please note that the conservation land trails are not ADA or stroller accessible; please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Storytime at the Curious George Store :: Cambridge :: Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m.

Small children and their caregivers are welcome at these weekly storytimes, running throughout the year.

SaturPLAY :: Rose Kennedy Greenway – Chinatown :: Boston :: Select Saturdays, 1–3 p.m.

The Asian Community Development Corporation’s youth program, A-VOYCE, hosts a placemaking event monthly to activate and bring children to The Greenway’s Mary Soo Hoo Park. Each month features a different theme with games, activities, crafts, and more. Youth volunteers are on hand to engage children. SaturPlay is subject to weather conditions.

ImprovBoston Family Show :: Cambridge :: Saturdays, 4–5 p.m.

Improv Boston’s improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every week based on your suggestion. No two shows are alike! Best of all, children who want to participate have opportunities to be on stage and take part in the fun! The show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. It’s fun for the whole family and best for children ages 4-12.

Tips for Taming Tattling

By

Ranessa Doucet

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June 27, 2019

The tattling in my house has gotten out of hand.

The idea for this post came out of my own desire to stop my children, ages 7 and 8, from tattling on each other constantly. I want my children to know they can always come to me if they need help, and it’s not tattling if someone is in danger. When I was a teacher, I always told my students to tell the person to stop, then try walking away, and if those don’t work, always tell an adult. Children need to feel safe and comfortable going to a trusted adult for help. But sometimes tattling gets out of hand.

The problem my children have is deciphering which situations require tattling. For example, your sister breathing on you or your brother stealing your seat does not require me to get out of the shower to solve the “problem.” They should be able to solve some of their own problems by now, am I right? I began searching online for answers to why some children tattle so much and how to tame it. I needed some tips now that they’re home for the summer and are driving me INSANE with the constant tattling. There is a lot of information out there, and it can get overwhelming. So here is what I’ve found to be the most helpful.

Why do children tattle?

Children tattle for a variety of reasons. School-aged children are learning a lot about rules, right and wrong, and what’s fair, so they feel the need to point something out when it’s not “fair” or following the rules. Children who tattle may be trying to one-up another child (which I believe my children are doing) or get them back for a previous tattling experience. They also may be trying to exert power or get attention. Younger children may not have developed the skills they need to solve a problem, so tattling works as their solution. According to an article on Psychology Today, 6- and 7-year-olds thought tattling was appropriate to report all wrong-doings, but 8- to 10-year-olds believed it was appropriate to tattle only about serious wrong-doings.

What can you do about it?

1. Define tattling vs. telling

Many children need help understanding the difference between tattling and telling. Let your children know that tattling is when you’re trying to get someone in trouble, and telling is when you’re trying to keep someone safe or truly need adult help. You should tell if someone may get hurt or something may get broken. Suggest they try asking themselves, “Am I trying to get someone into trouble, or am I trying to help?”

2. Mediate the problem

When a child doesn’t yet have the skills he needs to solve a problem, he will need guidance. For example, not sharing or feeling left out are big ones children often need help with. Let them each share their feelings and a possible solution, then decide together how to solve the issue. If you mediate enough, they will gain the skills to start solving problems on their own, hopefully sooner rather than later (because who has the time to mediate every problem)?

3. Show empathy and give positive feedback

Sometimes the tattler simply needs a hug and for you to say, “Thank you for following the rules.” That’s it!

4. Give a disinterested response

It can be tempting to take immediate action when a child is breaking a (not-unsafe) rule. But that’s exactly what the tattler wants you to do, and it may encourage more tattling. Try giving an unemotional response such as, “I will take care of the problem. Don’t worry about it.” Then speak with the other child out of ear-shot. This way, nobody is getting rewarded for tattling, but there is still a consequence for the child who is breaking the rule.

I am hopeful these tips will work, and I wish you good luck at taming the tattling in your house! If you have some tips that have worked for you, please share them in the comments.

Fun in the Sun :: Tips for Summer Safety

By

Katie Biddle

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June 26, 2019

summer safety - Boston Moms Blog

After another long New England winter, it’s finally here.

Summer.

The sun is up by 5:30 a.m., and it is still light at 8 p.m. Bostonians have finally traded in their boots and winter coats for sundresses and flip-flops. Summer is such a brief and beautiful time here in Boston, so every sun-filled day is one to be savored.

However, as with many wonderful things in life, summer can also pose some dangers, especially for the youngest Bostonians.

When I think back on summers as a kid, I remember lazy days by the pool, concerts in the park behind my grandparents’ house, jars of fireflies with carefully punctured lids. Time was unstructured and seemed to move slower than the rush of the school year. As a mom, this is how I want my son to experience summer. And yet, lately it seems like every news story or social media post about summer is filled with terrifying warnings about ticks, sun poisoning, dehydration, drowning… the list goes on and on. It is almost enough to make me want to hunker down in our apartment all summer (with the air conditioner on, of course).

Now let me be clear: The dangers are real. What I am suggesting is that we can create summer safety norms that seem routine, rather than worrisome.

Maybe this would be a good time to sit down as a family and talk about what you hope the summer looks like — and establish your own set of norms. These might look different for different families, but here are some summer safety routines we should probably share:

Wear sunscreen.

This should be a life motto, regardless of age. I am not a dermatologist so I will not attempt to recommend a specific brand, SPF, list of ingredients to avoid, etc. There are medical professionals to consult about that (especially if you have a child with allergies, eczema, etc.). What I will say is that expiration dates matter. Check the bottle, and if the date has passed, invest in a new one. Trust me, I’m speaking from (very unfortunate) personal experience.

Pack a hat and/or sunglasses.

In an ideal world, everyone would wear both. But I have a toddler, so I live in the real world. For the littlest Bostonians, hats are an important safety tool to shield eyes but also to protect those still-mostly-bald heads. If your little one has light eyes, it is especially important to encourage them to protect those eyes with sunglasses. (Also, as you probably know, New England weather can change in an instant, so if you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, it’s worth stowing the sunglasses or hat just in case the sun makes an unexpected appearance.)

Footwear matters.

I still consider myself in the rookie stage of motherhood (and New England life for that matter), so I underestimated the importance of this one. Boston is filled with splash pads, which means water shoes (or some equivalent) are a must. The traction alone makes them worth it, but avoiding bare feet on hot concrete/rocks/whatever else might be lurking on the ground makes them essential. If you’re a rookie mom too, I probably saw you at Target today sifting through the remaining supply of water shoes, which had clearly been depleted by the wiser veteran moms a few weeks ago. Live and learn, right?

No one swims alone.

This should probably be the number one summer safety rule. Of course, it’s important to teach our kids to swim as soon as possible, but it’s equally important to remember that no one should be in or around a pool alone. That goes for older kids and adults too.

Check for ticks.

In case you didn’t know, New England has ticks — a lot of them. Get in the habit of checking your kids (and yourself!), especially if you take a hiking adventure to the Blue Hills or Wachusett Mountain.

Stay hydrated.

This one is probably most needed for moms. We worry so much about packing water for our kids, and sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves! We need water as much as they do (or more — especially if we’re breastfeeding). Invest in a good water bottle that suits your needs, and make it a summer staple.

What else should we add to our summer safety checklist to make sure this is a safe, fun-filled Boston summer?

Get In The Picture, Mama!

By

Deanna Greenstein

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June 25, 2019

My family jokingly refers to me as the “mamarazzi.” I am a bit snap-happy with my camera — I have amassed just under a hundred thousand pictures of my children in 13 years of parenting. (No, this is not an exaggeration. My kids are well prepared to become celebrities someday.)

The only issue here? You would be hard pressed to find me in any of those photos.

In the past 10 years, excess baby weight and anxiety about my appearance have left me hiding behind the lens of the camera. It wasn’t until my son was looking at photos from one of his birthday parties and innocently asked if I had been at that party that I realized my camera shyness was causing missed memories. My kids were going to look back someday and not remember what their mom looked like when they were children. They were going to wonder where I was — even though I was right there the whole time.

I needed to be in the picture.

Cheesy, posed family photos weren’t what I was looking for, though. I wanted to be in the real picture. To create memories of how our lives actually are. A documentary of sorts.

After some poking around online, I found Kin and Kid Photography and sent a tentative email asking what the deal was with documentary-style photography. Karyn emailed back, and we chatted back and forth about my family. We discussed my kids, our pets, and what we enjoyed doing for fun. She then described her photography style: She would simply come hang out with our family for a few hours. We would go about our lives, and she would photograph us in our natural environment to capture the true essence of our family.

I was a bit nervous about the potential awkwardness factor involved in having a “fly on the wall” type photographer visit (I mean, what would we do with a stranger in our house taking photos for hours on end?!) but I decided to give it a try.

When Karyn visited a few days later, she put any of my unease to rest right away. She became fast friends with my kids, joking around with them and listening to their stories. After about 20 minutes, nobody even seemed to hear the shutter of her camera as she went about capturing the true essence of our family.

The images Karyn captured that day are everything I had hoped they would be. In the photos, I don’t see a mom who is uncomfortable in her frame. I don’t see forced smiles or awkward poses. I see my family as we are. Goofy and playful, close-knit. Real.

family photo - Boston Moms Blog

family photos - Boston Moms Blog

And I am right there in the middle of it all. In the picture. Right where I belong.

Karyn Novakowski owns and operates Kid and Kid Photography, which serves Boston and the surrounding areas. Get in touch with Karyn here.

Why Traveling With Kids Really Isn’t That Bad

By

Jalisa Harris

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June 21, 2019

Before becoming a parent, I was the type who could never picture having a child. Especially when witnessing a full-on tantrum. And when it came to traveling, I was in horror. It was beyond me why anyone would travel with children! I was that person who would judge other women — why would they even bother spending the money and bringing their kids on vacation?!

Fast forward a decade later, and I have a kindergartener. (On top of that, I have a child who has ADHD. For one who could never imagine having a child, having one with a form of a disability can be a whole new strain!) Now, I could never think about traveling without my child! Trips with children are never perfect, of course, but traveling with kids really isn’t that bad. Here’s why.

1. Family travel is good for the soul.

There is no denying it. I have been traveling with my son since he was 11 months old, and I am grateful for every moment. Children experience things differently than adults, allowing us to feel things in new ways, too. Our first trip to the Dominican Republic was unforgettable. In between sandy beaches, my son cutting his first tooth, and giggles every time he hit the water, he had such an amazing time — even though he wasn’t even talking yet! Being able to provide an experience like this for your children gives you such joy. I never traveled as a kid, so knowing my son has been places I never imagined when I was younger is amazing.

2. They are only kids once.

We adults simply don’t have the vivid imaginations our kids do. And we view learning opportunities much differently and more seriously. No matter where you travel, your children can soak up new experiences as only a young person can!

3. They learn new social skills.

Having a child with ADHD means traditional playgroups have always been difficult for us. Some parents (and children) don’t understand the complexity, so we’ve experienced some judgments about my son’s behaviors or habits. When we see tantrums or a child running away like he’s in a marathon, most of us don’t stop to consider, “Is he OK?” But when we are on vacation, we don’t see as much of that negative thinking. And we’ve found that my son is better able to create new friendships with other kids. Being in a different environment seems to bring out great lessons in social interactions for my son.

4. You create lasting memories.

Memories are something our kids will keep long term. My son still remembers his first cruise, which means he looks forward to our trips every year. He knows each time we go on a cruise he’ll get to spend time in their devoted kid’s area, where he can meet new friends and introduce them to his dinosaurs. Knowing you can give them that type of experience is one that is unforgettable. Sure, it’s nice to be able to go on vacation with adults — don’t get me wrong. But watching our future grow up is so meaningful. Knowing our kids can use what they experience during their short trips and transfer it into real-life experiences is something we live for.

KinderCare Seaport Grand Opening!

By

Deanna Greenstein

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June 20, 2019

We are so excited to partner with KinderCare Seaport to share this beautiful new center with you!

The grand opening of the Seaport KinderCare was nothing short of grand!

KinderCare - Boston Moms Blog

From the second my family stepped in the door, my children were treated like VIP guests by the amazing KinderCare staff. My sons were thrilled to meet a firefighter and receive their own fire hats. And they gleefully posed for pictures in front of the photo backdrop. Music streamed from the spacious open gym area, where children danced and sang with a visiting musician.

Instead of just “looking at classrooms” like we had anticipated doing, KinderCare gave us the full experience. Classrooms were open for families to explore, and teachers from those rooms had set up activities that students would typically participate in. All the classroom teachers joyously greeted my boys and engaged them in activities that were both educational and fun. Without even being made aware of my son’s severe speech delay, each of the teachers he interacted with guided him through activities that encouraged him to use his expressive and receptive language skills.

The KinderCare center itself was absolutely gorgeous. Ramps from floor to floor made it accessible for all. Each classroom was bright and cheerful, with large windows overlooking the Seaport district. Inspirational quotes and Boston-themed accessories and decorations adorned the walls, making this Boston-loving girl feel right at home! Each classroom held a myriad of educational toys that encouraged creative play, neatly organized into centers.

KinderCare - Boston Moms Blog

Each classroom was also equipped with an innovative, half-walled bathroom. No children are tall enough to be able to see into the area, but teachers are able to monitor children using the restroom while still being present in the classroom. I was very impressed with this setup, as it creates an environment where no child will be left unattended, and no teacher needs to step away from a lesson to monitor bathroom trips. Domed mirrors on the walls also help to provide educators with a complete view of the classroom at all times.

If you are looking for high-quality childcare in a convenient Boston location, stop by KinderCare in the Seaport district for a tour.

This mama was very impressed with our experience, and my children had so much fun they didn’t want to leave!

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Breaking a Leg Again :: One Mom’s Return to Community Theater

By

Lesley Moreau

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June 19, 2019

community theater - Boston Moms Blog

Like most parents, my life was vastly different pre-child. I slept in — a lot. I had the freedom and flexibility to change my schedule and plans at a moment’s notice. And I was very involved in the Boston theater community.

Within the theater world, I took on several different roles, sometimes frequently, other times as a one-time-only engagement. In some instances, I wore multiple hats at once — producer, director, costume designer, house manager. My two mainstays and favorites will always be playwright and actor. I’ve been writing for years, and it’s something I can pick up whenever I want and put aside easily. Acting, however, is a completely different beast. It’s a much more rigid commitment, it’s a team effort, and it involves performing for an audience.

Around the time I was acting in my last show, “Lost Girls,” I knew I wanted to be a mom. I decided that once the show closed, I would take a semi-retirement from acting. Meaning, I would no longer be actively auditioning, nor taking parts in full-length productions with an extensive rehearsal process and multiple weekend runs. I could do staged readings, 10-minute play festivals, and other opportunities that required little to no time commitment.

I started doing theater when I was about 12 years old, performing in plays at the local college that had a children’s theater program. Acting has been such a significant part of my life, and I know I can never really give it up completely. But I also realize that at this point, I simply don’t have the time or energy to devote myself to it like I used to. A kismet situation — right time, right place, right role — would need to happen for me to accept major gigs.

Earlier this year, my friend asked me if I would like to act in this year’s Boston Theater Marathon. The Theater Marathon is an annual event produced by the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre; 50 10-minute plays are performed one Sunday every May, all of them the work of New England-based playwrights. This fell under the minimalistic criteria I was up for.

I wondered if I was ready to jump back into it. Would my training and skills have diminished, or is it like riding a bike? Would my sleep-deprived mommy brain be able to remember all my lines and blocking on top of the zillion other things I juggle in my everyday life? Without knowing the answers, I said yes.

The script came, my role was assigned, and I memorized my lines between pumping sessions. At rehearsals, I saw how quickly it all came back to me. Because it was a 10-minute play, the rehearsal schedule and role size were very manageable. Additionally, I got to perform beside two of my very good friends. And it felt good to get back into doing something I loved after adjusting to all the changes motherhood brings. It was a great comfort to be doing something that was so familiar and enjoyable.

I know I’m never going to become a professional actor and win a Tony award, but that was never why I acted in the first place. It has always been a creative outlet for me. And while being a mother no longer allows me to partake in it regularly, I realize I should not turn down the right opportunities when they present themselves.

Hi. My Name is Sarah, and I’m a Sober Mom.

By

Sarah Casimiro

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June 18, 2019

Today, June 18, I celebrate 15 years of sobriety. A decade and a half. For me, more years sober than years drinking. My children are 3 years old and 5 months old — so I’ve never been anything other than a sober mom.

I got sober a week before I turned 23. I’d never been arrested or to detox. I didn’t show up to work drunk, never lost my job, and never ended up homeless in the park, sipping alcohol out of a brown paper bag. When I first got sober, I thought those were the requirements to qualify as an alcoholic. Instead, I got sober because I hated the person I was becoming; I hated the person I became when I drank.

When I drank, I drank with intention.

Alcohol allowed me a freedom I didn’t know when I was sober. It was the social lubricant I needed to feel comfortable in my own skin. Without it, I was awkward, unattractive, and unlovable. With it, I was still all of those things, I just no longer cared. In early recovery, I learned that my drinking was a symptom of something deeper. Through working the steps, I learned that the something deeper is fear. My greatest fear is that I am not enough. Alcohol never made me feel like I was enough; it just allowed me to not care for that moment.

When I became a mother for the first time a little over three years ago, I didn’t realize the major role alcohol would play. I was suddenly bombarded with posts and ads on my Facebook feed about “mommy’s sippy cup” or “mommy’s special juice.” It’s like when you get a new car, and you suddenly notice how many of that make and model are on the road or in a parking lot.

I instantly realized how glorified alcohol is in the role of motherhood. And I get it.

Momming is hard. It is not for the faint of heart. There are days when I think there would be nothing better than an ice cold whatever-you-guys-are-drinking-now. And then I think it through. It usually goes like this:

I could drink without it leading to a major catastrophe. Maybe have a few with my husband or friends. The world would continue to spin. I mean, it spins for the hundreds of moms I see on social media, right? If it works for them, why not me?

But then the thoughts turn.

Do I really want to risk what I have? Do I really want to rock the boat of the sober life I have built for myself over the last 15 years for one of those new sparkling seltzers? Do I really want to lose the person — the mom — that I’ve become? In a word: No.

In three: Not. At. All.

Not for anything. For the last 15 years, my sobriety has been mostly private. I don’t wear it on my hip like I do my insulin pump, signifying my diabetes. Writing about it is uncomfortable for me. There are people in my life who will read this who have no idea I do not drink, never mind the fact that I identify as an alcoholic. So why now? Why after 15 years of maintaining anonymity? Because one of you may be reading this and thinking that maybe, just maybe, alcohol isn’t playing the role you want it to in your life. You’re not on a corner in Boston soliciting money for booze, but you don’t like the way you feel when you drink.

That’s not a problem, though, is it? Maybe. Only you can decide. And maybe reading my story, one without prison, poverty, and public shame, will help you realize that alcoholism comes in all shapes and sizes — even loving, caring moms who can’t imagine not ending the day with a glass (or bottle) of rosé.

I’m not perfect. I don’t drink, but I act out in different ways — I sometimes overeat or overshop or overexercise in order to cope with feelings. I’m not perfect at momming or at pretty much anything. But I learned in sobriety that I don’t have to be; I just have to be present, honest, willing to learn, and open to change. The gift of sobriety changed my life 15 years ago. It continues to be a gift in my life and in the lives of those around me.

If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, or any other substance, there are a variety of resources available:

Boston Area AA
SMART Recovery
Adcare

The Summer Game Plan With Lots of Kids

By

Rachel Rich

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June 17, 2019

The summer sun is making regular appearances, and warm days are now the norm. We’re wrapping up those end-of-year school events. Summer is here! I love the laidback sense the season offers and the rejuvenation that comes with a break in the rigidness of school year routines.

So what are your plans? Have you thought it out, planned it out? Our family has to have a game plan for the three months of summer. With two toddlers, a preschooler, and a soon-to-be first grader, chaos has to be managed, crowd control enforced, and a sense of routine felt in order to reap the benefits of the season. So here is our six-pronged plan for our summer with lots of kids.

Crowd control

My children’s Montessori school year starts later and ends earlier than many other schools, so we are staring down twelve weeks of unstructured time. That is a long time to be home with lots of littles! I have staggered camps for the kids so that each week is a different combination of children home with me. There are weeks where two children are home and two are at camps. There are some weeks where one is home and the other three are at camp. We also have a few weeks where they are all home and a couple weeks where they are all somewhere.

I like that I can spend some quality time with each of them alone and in different combinations. It is important to foster relationships between siblings, give the children opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, and give myself realistic, manageable, and quality-filled days.

Camps

I get that summer camps can be costly. We have found it beneficial to sign up for camps over several months to spread out the cost. We also select camps that are as low cost as possible — I have found church and town rec programs to be the most affordable. My husband and I decided to put a value on childcare in order to retain a bit of sanity, so we are willing to spend more in that category of our budget. And while it may appear to be a lot of time we are sending them away, many of the camps are really only one or two hours a day and some are not even a full week. This schedule will give my kids a mix of regular routine and structure, and plenty of opportunities for unstructured time and imaginary play.

At this point we are still in the exposure stage with our children — we are checking in on several interests to find out what they really enjoy. So they will attend a variety of camp programs, including soccer, basketball, golf, drama, farm, church, and ninja camp (plus toddler camp for the two youngest).

Outings

We talked out what we would like to do as a family and created a summer bucket list. It is not too long and feels possible. The kids want to go to Boston, take a trip to the zoo, check out an adventure park, go to the beach, pick blueberries and strawberries, and play at a splash pad. The beauty of the list is it is not mandatory. It doesn’t have to happen. It is there to fill in gaps, combat boredom, offer a reward, or to be spontaneous. It includes some new ideas as well as adventures we go on each summer.

Playdates

We bought a house last year with a pool. The kids love having their friends over to go swimming, and they have already shared with me a mile-long list of friends they’d like to invite. We will also look to meet up with friends for ice cream dates, playground adventures, and beach days.

Summer vacations

We have an end-of-summer camping vacation planned for Acadia National Park in Maine, and we’ll take a weekend trip to Lincoln, New Hampshire. That’s it. We really enjoy being home for the summer and soaking in the season. So traveling during this time is not high on our priority list. Also, when we think about our budget, we have opted to provide our children with an age-appropriate, personality-appropriate schedule for the summer. So we put more money toward that category and less toward vacations.

Summer-specific activities

We want to make sure we don’t forget things that are often neglected in the midst of big plans. We will go to the public library and check out books. We will lie on the ground and look at the clouds and daydream. We will take morning walks on the beach and throw rocks into the ocean at dusk. Ice cream is for certain, as are walks by the lighthouse and around our neighborhood. We won’t forget about riding bikes, shooting hoops, blowing bubbles, drawing with chalk, and searching for wildflowers. And we will grill and eat outside, play with water balloons, go swimming, play tag, roll around in the grass, search for bugs, catch butterflies, and be lazy and bored. We will spend most of our time in this category!

That’s it. It may seem like a lot. Or it may seem like not much at all. It is the game plan, but we are open to the unknown of summer as well. The flexibility of summer allows us the opportunity for ideas to evolve as the days unfold. We have structure and freedom. We have complicated and simple.

I’m so excited for the season! What are you and your kiddos doing this summer?

A FREE Boston-Area Park Worth Driving To

By

Leah Lynch

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June 14, 2019

It’s that time of year — when we create our summer bucket lists and make plans for day trips to explore all Greater Boston has to offer. Want a new spot to add to your list? Try World War I Memorial Park and Zoo in North Attleboro!

This park has so much for the kids to do, you could really spend an entire day here. And it’s completely free! The park is actually located at the highest point in Bristol County, and it’s easily accessible from 495 and 95, at 401 Elmwood St. in North Attleboro. It is close to lots of restaurants, or you could pack a lunch to eat at one of the many picnic areas (because you could easily entertain your kids for hours here).

Let’s break down the best features.

It has a petting zoo.

The zoo features a bunch of farm animals, including donkeys, goats, sheep, potbelly pigs, deer, emus, llamas, and peacocks. Bring your quarters, because you can buy corn to feed the animals.

It has playgrounds.

The park features multiple playground areas. There is a small toddler playground near the farm animals. Look for lots of rocks to climb on and explore there, too. There is also a much bigger playground area on the opposite side of the park.

It has a “beach.”

The newest spot at this park is a beach area — a huge sand pit, complete with shovels and sand toys. Let the kids take their shoes off and dig in the sand.

It has nature trails.

The park and arboretum have a number of walking trails for families who like to hike. Don’t forget to look for signs of wildlife, like wild turkeys, birds, fox, deer, woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. Oh, and bring your discs — there’s a frisbee golf course.

It has a butterfly garden.

“Julia’s Garden,” which honors a local 9-year-old girl who passed away from a number of medical conditions, is a lovely place to explore. Her garden includes a wishing well, a butterfly fountain, butterfly benches, and a flower garden with butterfly-attracting plants, a touchable sensory garden, and a fragrant plant section. Also, look for the amazing unicorn statue!

It has an awesome slide.

One of the coolest features at the park is the mega slide. This great covered slide is built into the side of a hill. Please take my advice, parents, and do not attempt to go down the slide yourself. I have tried it and lived to regret it. We are not the spring chickens we used to be.

Note that there are port-a-potties in two locations in the park, but no real restrooms. However, it is a two-minute drive to a gas station or fast food restaurants.