April School Vacation Week Activities in Boston and Beyond!

Name: Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing!
Start: 2024-04-30T17:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-04-30T18:00:00-04:00
Location: Olympia Fencing Center

Deanna Greenstein

April 4, 2024

swan boats in Boston Public Garden (family activities for April vacation week)

April school vacation week is just around the corner! If you’re planning a staycation and are looking for fun things to do with your kids during April break, check out these Boston-area events and happenings!

Finding Nemo Jr. :: Norwell

April 12-14

Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, sets off on an epic adventure when his kid Nemo is captured and taken to an aquarium in Sydney. A vibrant underwater world comes to life in this musical story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s All New Greatest Show on Earth :: Worcester

April 12-14

Witness never-before-seen acts on a triangular highwire, daring criss-cross trapeze, extreme bicycle trampoline, and much more!

April Vacation Week at Patriot Place :: Foxboro

April 12-21

Patriot Place has a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities scheduled for this year’s April vacation week, taking place daily!

Family Concert: Music and Magic :: Boston

April 13

Bring the whole family to Symphony Hall to see the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra perform in this fun and engaging concert series designed to encourage an appreciation for live performance and orchestral music.

Opening Day for Swan Boats :: Boston

April 13

Kick off April vacation with a ride on one of Boston’s famous Swan Boats! The boats will take off for the first time this season at 10 a.m.!

Boston Children’s Chorus: I Should be GLAD :: Boston

April 13

Members of the Premier Choir reflect on how the queer community has emboldened them to “live our truth.” Listen as BCC singers narrate a story about transforming pain into empowerment and what it means to live proudly as you come to understand who you are.

Patriot’s Day in Lexington :: Lexington

April 13-15

Each year in mid-April, thousands of people flock to historic Lexington and Concord and Minute Man National Historical Park to celebrate Patriot’s Day. Patriot’s Day is a special Massachusetts State holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775. The entire weekend is celebrated with parades, reenactments, and commemorative ceremonies.

Secret Life of Bugs :: Boylston

April 13-19

Celebrate April school vacation at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill with a week packed with family classes and workshops, nature walks, scavenger hunts, and a themed drop-in activity room with hands-on crafts, projects, and investigations for children of all ages.

Wind Powered Fun at the USS Constitution Museum :: Charlestown

April 13-21

Come visit the USS Constitution Museum during April vacation week to explore the power of the wind and its importance in powering a ship like USS Constitution. The museum will be hosting family-friendly activities and crafts all week long to encourage the exploration of the power of wind — don’t miss kite flying day on April 16!

The Painting Place April Vacation Camp :: Wellesley

April 13-21

The perfect camp for kiddos who love to paint, craft, play games, and make the ever-popular SLIME!

Play Unstoppable Festival :: Somerville

April 13-June 2

Design your spirit animal, add your creation to the LEGO Flower Cart, share your best moves at the play unstoppable dance party and be amongst the first to see the premiere of the all-new LEGO Friends 4D movie!

Boston Marathon 2023 :: Hopkinton to Boston

April 15

Cheer on the runners this Marathon Monday in the world’s oldest marathon! From Hopkinton through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and finally Boston, the course is lined with excited fans who love to support the thousands of runners. Charities that are part of the marathon program raise more than $15 million each year and serve areas of need within Greater Boston!

Kiddos in the Kitchen :: Dover

April 15-16

Spend school vacation week in the Powisset Kitchen, and cook up a storm! Each day, for three hours, children will learn kitchen basics and enjoy hands-on cooking with Powisset Cooks! instructors. On Monday, April 15, the focus will be on the cuisine of Greece, and on Tuesday, the focus will be on Thai culinary favorites.

Highland Street Spring Week 2024 :: Multiple Locations

April 15-19

Spring week is back for 2024! The Highland Street Foundation has partnered with old and new friends providing FREE admission and opportunities to some of Massachusetts’ favorite cultural institutions during April school vacation week!

2024 Mayor’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament :: Boston

April 15-19

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will once again host the 2024 Mayor’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament in partnership with the Boston Bruins Foundation during the April Boston Public Schools vacation week. The tournament will begin Monday, April 15, and continue through vacation week.

April Vacation Week at Stone Zoo :: Stoneham

April 15-19

Take advantage of warmer weather and learn about the insects and animals that help springtime flowers bloom: pollinators!

Creating Communal Gifts with Chanel Thervil :: Acton

April 15-19

Whether it be a school, library, place of worship, or even a museum, spaces where communities gather make life more vibrant. Join the Discovery Museum for a special program series with inaugural artist-in-residence Chanel Thervil as she invites you to create a gift for a community space you cherish. Chanel will bring these individual creations together in a one-of-a-kind art installation titled Communal Gifts that will remain on display in the museum.

Fencing Camp for Kids :: Cambridge

April 15-19

Are you interested in trying out a different sport? Give fencing a try! This camp is designed for children ages 7-14, with little or no fencing experience.

Celebrating Yin Yu Tang at Peabody Essex Museum :: Salem

April 15, 18-19

Travel across the world without leaving Salem by learning traditional Chinese paper cutting with local guest artist Zhonghe (Elena) Li on Monday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons. Enjoy film screenings in Morse Auditorium on Friday, and challenge yourself all three days with a museum-wide dragon scavenger hunt!

All Girls Sports and Wellness Festival :: Boston

April 17-19

From sports and games to health and wellness speakers, self-defense tactics, and aquatic activities, the programming aims to engage the mind, body, and spirit of girls ages 7-14!

Dudley Street Farm Day :: Boston

April 20

Head to the Shirley-Eustis House lawn between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a celebration of Roxbury’s farming history. Activities will include a farm animal petting zoo, butter churning, seed packet giveaways, handmade crafts, fresh popcorn, resources from DSNI, planting tips, and more!

Bark at the Park :: Boston

April 20

Bring your dog to enjoy a day at the park for one of Harvard baseball and softball’s furriest events! All attending pets receive a free custom Harvard giveaway that is sure to make them bark with excitement! On top of a baseball doubleheader and softball game, there are several Harvard athletics contests taking place during Bark at the Park! All events are free unless noted.

Party for the Planet at Franklin Park Zoo :: Boston

April 21

Head to Franklin Park Zoo to enjoy a fun Earth Day celebration to raise awareness for the planet and all it has to offer, and learn how you can help make a difference! While you connect with nature, learn about important conservation work underway locally and globally with many fun family activities!

Professor Gizmo’s Workshop :: Brockton

April 21

Come celebrate buttons at Fuller Craft Museum, in collaboration with upcoming exhibition Beau McCall: Buttons On! Families are invited to craft mini button bags and button cars and race them down a ramp to see how fast they can go. Will your button car win?

Looking for even more ideas for things to do with kids in Boston this spring? Check out our monthly calendar, with event listings submitted by tons of local organizations!

Factory Tours for Families in Greater Boston and New England!

Michelle Mady

April 4, 2024

My family loves a good adventure. We’re always looking for new and interesting activities the whole family can enjoy, no matter our kids’ ages. A few years ago, we discovered factory tours! Who doesn’t love a behind-the-scenes view of your favorite snacks or products being made? Tours have been such a great part of our family trips. Although many factories haven’t reopened to the public post-pandemic, there are still a number of local Boston and New England factories that offer tours and behind-the-scenes viewings. Here are some great options for your family’s next adventure!

Ben & Jerry’s

1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury, VT

I have to start with a family favorite! Ben & Jerry’s is one of the few larger companies in New England that brought factory tours back after closing in 2020. Be sure to make a reservation online to secure your tour time. Tours are not expensive — $6 for adults and $1 for children — and they include a sizable sample at the end. Stay and visit the awesome playground, take a tour of the Flavor Graveyard, and check out the cows on your way back to the car.

BONUS: Just up the street from Ben & Jerry’s is the Cabot Creamery Store, which is a great place to sample some amazing cheese! And just a few minutes from there is Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a general store with a behind-the-scenes view (and samples) of their apple cider factory. They make cider a few days a week, so check for updated manufacturing times!

Taza Chocolate

561 Windsor Street, Somerville, MA

I drive by Taza Chocolate often, but I had no idea they did tours until recently. We headed there for their Cacao Scout Scavenger Hunt, which is a child-focused tour geared to the under-10 crowd. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn how chocolate is made! The scavenger hunt is $8 per child, and Taza also runs traditional tours for $12 per person regardless of age. The tour guides were very knowledgeable, and we had a great experience (even though we didn’t attend on a day that chocolate was actually being made).

Looking for more chocolate tours? Check out Harbor Sweets in Salem and give them a call to schedule a tour. If you find yourself in Maine, try Wilbur’s Chocolate in Freeport for tours and other fun events!

Vermont Teddy Bear

6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT

When I heard Vermont Teddy Bear Company was starting tours again after the pandemic, I was so excited — it had been one of my family’s favorite New England factory tours! It is really interesting to get some of the history behind the company — and teddy bears in general — while watching the machines that make it happen. The Teddy Bear Hospital was the cutest part, according to my (then) 8-year-old. Tours are really reasonably priced and run daily, but they are first come, first served, so plan to get there early to secure tickets.

BONUS: If you are staying in the Shelburne area, check out Shelburne Farms. It is a wonderful working farm with a ton of hands-on activities. There is an area where you can watch cheese being made (and grab a sample), and there are other wonderful learning opportunities for any farm-interested child. When we went a few years ago, my kids each took turns milking a cow! They are open year round, but visit between May and October for full farm fun!

Avery’s Beverages

520 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT

As soon as my tween and teenage kids heard about Avery’s, we HAD to set a date to go. Avery’s Beverages in New Britain, Connecticut, is an old school soda factory. Kids can see how soda is made and then experiment with flavors and make their very own concoction. In this factory tour, there’s a minimum of five people in a group (with a max of 20), and price per person is dependent on a few factors — so call to set up an appointment before you go.

Pairpoint Glass Company

851 Sandwich Road, Sagamore, MA

This one is a bit of a different experience — check out some glass blowing first hand! A better option for families with older children, Pairpoint Glass Company offers behind-the-scenes tours of how their beautiful glass works of art are made. Located in Sagamore, Massachusetts, this is the oldest glass company in America — and it’s worth a visit for anyone who loves the series “Blown Away.” If your visit gives you the glass blowing bug, check out North Shore Glass School and take a class. It’s another really cool way to learn how things are made!

Living the Multi-Generational Lifestyle

Michal Biletzki

April 2, 2024

Of all the decisions I made when becoming a single mom by choice, embarking on a multi-generational lifestyle was the one that caught me most by surprise. Living in the same house as my parents — my daughter’s grandparents — was never something I expected to do!

I see myself as an independent woman and have been on my own for more than 25 years, sometimes living a few hours away from my parents, sometimes a few continents away. But as life would have it, and due to circumstances beyond my control — like a global pandemic, inflation, and cost of living — I ended up in the Boston area. And my daughter and I moved into our new home — a unit my parents built on top of their own house.

To the outside observer, this may be an idyllic situation — one big house, split into two independent units, with three adults who get along well and one toddler who everyone absolutely adores. Even the inside observer can identify, acknowledge, and be grateful for the benefits this living situation provides.

Still, there’s a difference between having doting grandparents who you see a handful of times a year — or even more frequently for those who live in the same state or town — and those you share a house with and see every day. And that is something that has raised some tricky moments for us. We are figuring out this new lifestyle that allows for many comforts and conveniences but also requires a lot of boundary setting and negotiations. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.

Sometimes, you have to let it go

My daughter has a cookie every day. It’s a routine. She knows where the cookies are at my parents’ house, and when she asks for one every morning, my dad hides the cookie behind his back and has her point to which hand she thinks it’s in. She always gets the cookie — even if she points to the wrong hand.

I don’t think she needs to eat a cookie every day. But I do know this is an instance where I just need to let it go.

It’s a special daily moment that she expects and cherishes with my dad, and as much as it’s my job to feed her healthy food, it’s my privilege and joy to see her develop this fun relationship with her grandfather.

And, thankfully, my fear that one cookie would lead to more and more has been debunked — she doesn’t ask for a cookie every time she sees my dad, nor does she go for the cookies on her own. It really is about that special moment between them!

Mother knows best

I’m a strong believer in having a routine and sticking to it. Also, I’m an exhausted mother who works full time and can really use the few solo hours I get after my daughter’s 7 or 8 p.m. bedtime! However, my mom is a night owl and generally does not prescribe to routines and what she considers “strict” rules — like my daughter’s bedtime.

So this is where I don’t budge. I’m my daughter’s mother, and I know what’s best for us. While I’m not super strict, and bedtime doesn’t look the same every day, when I tell my daughter it’s time to go upstairs and start getting ready for bed, it’s time.

Some days my daughter complies with no difficulties, some days there’s resistance and then acquiescence, and some days I carry her upstairs kicking and screaming. And sometimes my mom chimes in with a, “Let her [insert activity] one more time.”

But I hold firm. And regardless of how the transition goes, once our routine kicks in, I can see the benefits and comfort that brings to my daughter — and myself. And that reinforces my feeling and knowledge that I know best what we need!

There’s nothing more important than family

I recently stumbled across this reel — the accuracy is astounding, and the issues this brings up are real. My parents raised my sister and me many (many) years ago, and there is no way they are going to be up to date on all modern parenting matters.

Now that we’re living in such close quarters, I have to show them some grace when they do things with my daughter that I consider to be weird or outdated. I hope they are paying attention and picking up on the subtle differences in how I do things with her. I step back and give them space to be the best grandparents they know how to be, and they lean in and learn from me that parenting can change and sugar doesn’t equal love.

And we’re all just here together for this one kid who is being loved in abundance.

Boston Getting-Out Guide :: Things to Do With Kids in April

Boston Moms

March 30, 2024

Spring has officially sprung! The days are longer, the leaves are green, and Boston is blooming with fun activities for the whole family! Boston Moms has compiled a few of our favorite things to do with kids in Boston this April!

This Getting-Out Guide is sponsored by our friends at Keenee. Keenee is a virtual marketplace for renting items to and from other community members. Rent any item when you need it, AND rent the items you already own to OTHER community members!

April 1-7

April 8-14

April 15-23

April 24-30

April 1-7

Boston Duck Tours

March 29-October 29 :: Boston

The Duck Boats are back for the season! Come join your conDUCKtor for a fabulous amphibious tour around Boston!

South Asian Showdown Bollywood/Fusion Dance Competition

April 6 :: Boston

Bollywood/Hindi-film dance is based on the Bollywood film style of dance featuring expression, theme, and storyline. In this competition, the best fusion and Bollywood/Hindi-film teams compete against one another to be named the best of the night!

Patriot’s Day Reenactments

April 6-19 :: Concord

Patriot’s Day is a great time to soak up Boston history with kids in tow! Enjoy many days’ worth of events and activities in honor of Patriot’s Day along Battle Road and the old North Bridge as British and Colonial reenactors bring “the shot heard round the world” to life.

Ice Chips 2024: A Hollywood Adventure

April 6 & 7 :: Norwood

This event will feature newly crowned U.S. champion Amber Glenn and two-time Olympian and U.S. silver medalist Jason Brown alongside a cast of local, national, and international competitors as they perform exciting solo performances and family-friendly, group, theatrical numbers. Celebrating the magic of Hollywood, the event will feature music spanning epic blockbusters to timeless classics and reimagine the splendor of Hollywood through the decades — all on ice!

Crane Explorer: Shipwreck Scholars

April 6 :: Ipswich

Coastal views with a side of shipwreck! Participants will be guided on a hike from the Casino to Steep Hill Beach while learning about local nautical history. You’ll even have the chance to make observations and measurements of the shipwreck!

Greater Boston Sports Card & Memorabilia Show

April 7 :: Dedham

Meet hockey legend Jari Kurri, umpire Joe West, Mitch Moreland, and NFL champ Marv Fleming as you explore more than 85 vendor tables for old and new sports cards, autographs, Pokemon cards, and more!

28th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston

April 7 :: Boston

The parade will start at Boylston and Exeter Streets and finish at Boylston and Charles Streets. Following the parade, the New England Evzones and local Greek dance troupes will perform dances from all over Greece, and authentic Greek food will be provided by Greek street trucks and vendors.

April 8-14

Free Admission Day :: Solar Eclipse Celebration!

April 8 :: Worcester

A total solar eclipse is arcing across the country, and we’re near its path! Come celebrate the closest approach to totality until 2079 on Sundial Plaza with a chair, a blanket, or even a whole picnic as you watch the moon cover the sun. Explore extrasolar planets, build your own solar system, or head inside to the planetarium and investigate eclipses from beyond the atmosphere. Stop by for an afternoon at the EcoTarium that will be out of this world!

[Not Quite] Total Eclipse of the Park

April 8 :: Boston

Venture to Spectacle Island for an afternoon of solar eclipse viewing from Boston Harbor! Featuring unobstructed views of Boston and its surroundings, Spectacle Island will offer a unique opportunity to experience the 2024 partial solar eclipse.

Preschool Nature Detectives

April 11 :: Cambridge

Tiny friends are invited to discover the hidden natural wonders of Magazine Beach Park. Explore using different senses to observe the wildlife and plants that call the park home!

Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.

April 12-14 :: Norwell

A vibrant underwater world comes to life in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure in this fun, musical adaptation of “Finding Nemo”!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s All New Greatest Show on Earth

April 12-14 :: Worcester

Come one, come all! Marvel at the spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations! You will feel like you are part of the show as you experience the immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology!

April 15-23

Pollinator Party

April 15 :: Boylston

Learn what plants need to survive, paint a four-inch terracotta pot, plant pollinator friendly seeds, and add a butterfly friend to watch over your garden!

2024 Mayor’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament

April 15-19 :: Boston

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Rec Department will once again host the this street hockey tournament in partnership with the Boston Bruins Foundation during the April Boston Public Schools vacation week. All games will be played at Joseph Moakley Roller Hockey Rink on Columbia Road in South Boston.

2024 Boston Marathon

April 15 :: Boston

Of all the things to do with kids in Boston, this one is an annual “must!” The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon! The legendary Boston Marathon course follows a point-to-point route from rural Hopkinton to Boston, including the most famous hill in all of running, “Heartbreak Hill,” located in Newton between miles 20 and 21! Not sure where to go to cheer on the runners? Try one of our favorite places to watch the marathon!)

Public Kite Flying Day

April 16 :: Charlestown

Come visit the USS Constitution Museum during April Vacation week to explore the power of the wind and its importance to powering a ship like USS Constitution. The museum will be hosting family-friendly activities and crafts all week long to encourage the exploration of the power of wind, kicking off with a public kite flying day!

Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s!

April 16 :: Various Locations

As a way to thank customers for their support and to celebrate 34 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away! Head to a participating location for a FREE cup or cone of your favorite flavor.

Sesame Street LIVE! Say Hello!

April 19 & 20 :: Boston

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! Put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

April 24-30

Harvard ARTS FIRST Festival

April 24 :: Cambridge

This annual campus-wide event showcases the expansive creativity and innovation of Harvard students, staff, alums and faculty through performances, art exhibitions, and art-making activities.

Nantucket Daffodil Festival

April 25-28 :: Nantucket

The Daffodil Festival on Nantucket includes art shows, tours, parades, exhibitions, contests, lectures, and, of course, the annual flower show!

Dinosaur World LIVE

April 25 :: Worcester

Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs!

Dog Man The Musical

April 27 & 28 :: Boston

Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture.

Annual Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place

April 27 :: Waltham

Guests will enjoy music, more than 100 craft and fiber artists, demonstrations of traditional sheepshearing and herding dogs, and historic reenactors on the beautiful grounds of Gore Place! Along with the crafts, demonstrations, and other entertainment, the festival will feature hands-on activities for children and adults, and food vendors will be onsite.

Mountain Biking Clinic

April 28 :: Westwood

Whether you’re new to riding or you’ve been shredding for years, develop skills to safely enjoy mountain biking on a variety of trails, through rock gardens, and beyond!

Looking for even more ideas for things to do with kids in Boston this April? Check out our monthly calendar, with event listings submitted by tons of local organizations!

April 1, 2024

8:00 am Dance Me A Story @ Newton Library! @ Newton Library

10:00 am Tots in the Kitchen @ Powisset Farm

11:30 am Dance Me A Story @ Newton Library! @ Newton Library

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St, Cambridge

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St. Cambridge

April 2, 2024

10:00 am Puppet Playtime with Harry LaCoste & Puppet Pals @ Puppet Showplace Theater

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St, Cambridge

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St. Cambridge

4:00 pm Free Fencing Class for kids 7-12 @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 3, 2024

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St, Cambridge

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St. Cambridge

April 4, 2024

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St, Cambridge

3:00 pm After School Robotics @ 86A Sherman St. Cambridge

April 6, 2024

9:00 am Better Together @ Hilton Garden Inn, Waltham, MA

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am Maple Madness: Maple Sugaring Demonstration @ Powisset Farm

10:00 am Corner Co-op Spring Fun Fair @ Corner Co-op Nursery School: 1773 Beacon Street, Brookline

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

6:00 pm South Asian Showdown XV – Best in Bollywood/Fusion @ Strand Theatre

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 7, 2024

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am Free Montessori Playgroup @ Metro West Jewish Day School

12:00 pm Rock Fest at Powisset Farm @ Powisset Farm

1:00 pm Amazing Archaeology Fair at Harvard @ Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

2:00 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 9, 2024

10:00 am Puppet Playtime with Harry LaCoste & Puppet Pals @ Puppet Showplace Theater

4:00 pm Free Fencing Class for kids 7-12 @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 11, 2024

7:00 pm Fostering Language and Literacy in the Early Years @ Fay School

April 12, 2024

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 13, 2024

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am Maple Madness: Maple Sugaring Demonstration @ Powisset Farm

10:30 am “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

1:00 pm ¡Teen Saturdays at the Museum! / ¡Sábados de Jóvenes en el Museo! @ Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

1:00 pm “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 14, 2024

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:30 am “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

1:00 pm “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

2:00 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 15, 2024

10:00 am Kiddos in the Kitchen – April Vacation! @ Powisset Farm

10:00 am Patriots’ Day at the Concord Museum @ Concord Museum

10:30 am “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

1:00 pm “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

3:00 pm “The Four Seasons” by Drama of Works @ Puppet Showplace Theater

April 16, 2024

10:00 am Kiddos in the Kitchen – April Vacation! @ Powisset Farm

10:00 am Puppet Playtime with Harry LaCoste & Puppet Pals @ Puppet Showplace Theater

1:00 pm SCHOOL VACATION – AN AFTERNOON WITH OLYMPIC MEDALIST NANCY KERRIGAN @ the Lenox Hotel

4:00 pm Free Fencing Class for kids 7-12 @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 17, 2024

10:30 am Spring Break at Arsenal Yards @ Arsenal Yards

April 18, 2024

11:00 am April Architecture! @ Metropolitan Waterworks Museum

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

8:00 pm CWP Presents: Disney Reimagined—100th Anniversary Celebration Concert @ Berklee Performance Center

April 19, 2024

6:00 pm Sesame Street Live! Say Hello @ Emerson Colonial Theatre

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 20, 2024

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am Maple Madness: Maple Sugaring Demonstration @ Powisset Farm

10:00 am Boston Comics in Color Festival @ Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm JellyCat Party @ Tiny Hanger

5:00 pm JellyCat Party at Tiny Hanger @ 314 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446) on Saturday, Apr. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Apr. 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.!

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 21, 2024

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am JellyCat Party @ Tiny Hanger

2:00 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 23, 2024

10:00 am Puppet Playtime with Harry LaCoste & Puppet Pals @ Puppet Showplace Theater

4:00 pm Free Fencing Class for kids 7-12 @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm 🎈 Get Ready for a Magical Adventure with Jungle Jim at Bierman Autism Centers! 🐒🎉 @ Bierman Autism Centers – Needham

April 26, 2024

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 27, 2024

Dog Man: The Musical @ Emerson Colonial Theatre

The Boston Outdoor Expo @ The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am Maple Madness: Maple Sugaring Demonstration @ Powisset Farm

10:30 am “Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs” by The Puppet Co. @ Puppet Showplace Theater

11:00 am Dog Man: The Musical @ Emerson Colonial Theatre

12:00 pm Alice in Wonderland @ The Cabot

1:00 pm “Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs” by The Puppet Co. @ Puppet Showplace Theater

2:00 pm Dog Man: The Musical @ Emerson Colonial Theatre

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

7:00 pm Alice in Wonderland @ The Cabot

7:30 pm Burn This @ Boston Center for the Arts

April 28, 2024

10:00 am Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

10:00 am Boston Walk for Epilepsy @ Fenway Park

10:00 am “Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs” by The Puppet Co. @ Puppet Showplace Theater

12:00 pm Alice in Wonderland @ The Cabot

1:00 pm “Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs” by The Puppet Co. @ Puppet Showplace Theater

4:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

April 30, 2024

10:00 am Puppet Playtime with Harry LaCoste & Puppet Pals @ Puppet Showplace Theater

11:30 am Dance Me A Story @ Needham Library! @ Needham Free Public Library

4:00 pm Free Fencing Class for kids 7-12 @ Olympia Fencing Center

5:00 pm Discover the Olympic Sport of Fencing! @ Olympia Fencing Center

9 Fun and Unusual Specialty Food Stores Around Boston

Torry Katsiroubas Stamm

March 28, 2024

Are you that person who wanders into a farmers market and swoons over the heirloom tomatoes? Do you love the idea of visiting a local fromagerie for a French artisan farmhouse sheep’s milk cheese? Are you intrigued by snack foods from Korea or a fresh loaf of borodinsky bread? Here in Boston, we love our specialty food shops! Check out these nine unique and tasty specialty food stores in the Boston area. Bon appétit!

American Provisions

613 East Broadway, South Boston
1971 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester

This pair of neighborhood shops is dedicated to connecting the community with real food and locally made treasures. American Provisions specializes in curating artisan cheeses, cured meats, natural wines, and craft beers. Oh, and a trip to these shops would not be complete without grabbing one of their spectacular handcrafted sandwiches!

Formaggio Kitchen

358 Huron Ave., Cambridge
94 Hampshire St., Cambridge
268 Shawmut Ave., Boston

Since 1978, Formaggio Kitchen has remained dedicated to discovering tastes from around the world and bringing them to their three Boston-area stores. Formaggio Kitchen’s mission is to bring a European shopping experience to their family of local stores. Best known for their expansive cheese selection, this shop also offers specialty items from sauces to chocolates to baking supplies to pastas.

H Mart

1028 Beacon St., Brookline
3 Old Concord Rd., Burlington
581 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
101 Falls Blvd., Quincy

With four Boston area locations — and dozens more across the country — H Mart is your local Asian food experience market. This authentic Asian market carries staples like soy sauce and fish sauce in addition to unique items like Korean ice cream and Japanese pickles. H Mart is the spot to explore the flavors of Asia!

Italian Kitchen

1071 Main St., Brockton

This Italian groceria is a dream for Italian food lovers. This neighborhood gem has been bringing Italian tradition and family cooking to the table since 1947. Stop in to find take-and-bake options along with an array of Italian specialty grocery items.

BazaAr Supermarkets

424 Cambridge St., Allston
1432 Beacon St., Brookline
855 Worcester Rd., Framingham
30 Tower Rd., Newton

With four Boston-area locations, BazaAr Supermarkets boasts an electric array of gourmet food and spirits from around the world. This Eastern European grocery connects customers with cuisines from Russia, Turkey, Romania, Germany, Austria, Italy, Armenia, Spain, Moldova, Ukraine, Israel, and many other countries. BazaAr bakes fresh artisanal bread at their stores each day, and their homemade Eastern European-style sweets are always just right!

Portugalia Marketplace

489 Bedford Street, Fall River

For more than 30 years, this exceptional Portuguese specialty grocer has been dedicated to fostering a love for Portuguese cuisine and culture. The brick-and-mortar store was built in a refurbished textile to provide a unique shopping experience. Portugalia Marketplace offers all things Portuguese cuisine with a large prepared foods counter, baked goods, fresh fish, and more than 1,300 wines and spirits.

Eastern Lamejun Bakers

145 Belmont St., Belmont

For more than 60 years, Eastern Lamejun Bakers has been a beloved Eastern European and Armenian bakery in Greater Boston. Decades-old family recipes are used to make handmade treats everyday, from cheese turnovers and zataar manaeish to paklava and chocolate halva.

Wasik’s Cheese Shop

61 Central St., Wellesley

The Wasik family specializes in selecting the highest quality cheeses from around the world. With more than 60 years of experience, this local favorite is the go-to spot for cheese, charcuterie, wine, and other gourmet items. Build your own board, or let Wasik’s Cheese Shop do the work for you with one of their customer cheese boards — perfect for entertaining friends and family!

Greek International Food Market

5204 Washington St., West Roxbury

This authentic Greek market is a Boston gem. Experience the traditions of the Mediterranean through homemade meals like pastichio and spanakopita to authentic Greek imported products like olives and specialty meats. The Greek International Food Market is a Greek food lover’s dream!

This article was written in 2018 by Jenny Berk and has been updated for 2024!

April Fools’ Day Ideas — Pranks, Tricks, and Jokes to Play on Your Kids!

Courtney Medlin

March 26, 2024

family celebrating April Fools Day (ideas for pranks and jokes for kids) There is one holiday that reigns supreme as the original day of practical jokes, and it’s the perfect opportunity for family fun — April Fools’ Day! The best pranks don’t have to take too much effort, either. In fact, in France, April 1 is “poisson d’avril,” or April fish, where people try to stick paper fish on the backs of as many adults as possible. Ready to get a little silly and play some tricks on your loved ones? Check out these ideas for the best family-friendly April Fools’ Day tricks, jokes, and pranks!

Toilet paper messages

It might take time, but writing jokes or funny messages on your toilet paper can make for a silly surprise next time your child (or spouse) heads in. You can also buy pre-printed novelty toilet paper.

Fake cake pops

My older kids came home with “homemade” cake pops one year that were actually meatballs! You could even make cake pops out of Brussels sprouts or small onions.

Pickup patrol

Have an adult-size animal onesie or Halloween costume you’d love to wear again? April 1 feels like the perfect day to break that outfit out to wear to school pickup.

Whoopie cushion

You can’t go wrong with a classic. Couch cushions? Mattress? Favorite chair? Tuck that whoopie cushion under your kids’ go-to sitting spots!

Toothpaste cream

Do your kids love Oreos? You can swap out the inside of any cream-filled cookies with toothpaste!

Change challenge

Glue a coin to a surface or floor and watch as your kids attempt to pick up their found treasure. Another variation is to take a bottle of water, put a coin underneath the bottle, and ask your kids if they can get the coin out without touching it. When the person looks in the bottle, squeeze it for a splash surprise!

Remote malfunction

Put a piece of tape over your television remote’s sensor. TV time thwarted!

Jiggly juice

Does your child drink juice in the morning? Fill a cup with Jell-O and hand it to them like their regular drink.

Giant growth spurt

Still have old socks lying around that your child has outgrown? In their sock drawer, swap their regular socks for the smaller pairs — instant growth spurt!

Cereal killer

Swap out your child’s favorite cereal for raw pasta or non-edible items (looking at you, Legos!).

Surprise cake

Similar to cake pops, there are quite a few things you can make look like a piece of cake or a whole cake. Cover a sponge with your favorite frosting or, if you’re feeling super ambitious, try this meatball cake!

Brown “E”s

This one is super easy to pull off — maybe the simplest of the April Fools’ ideas! Surprise your child with a fresh “baked” dessert — brown paper cutouts of the letter “E.” Get it?

Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?

I suppose this could go either way — as a prank or a treat. Offer dinner items at the breakfast table or serve a full breakfast for dinner! Who doesn’t enjoy lasagna with their morning juice?!

Frozen anything

Put any of your child’s favorite things in the freezer before they put them on — underwear, socks, favorite shirt, you name it!

Eye spy

Order an inexpensive stash of googly eyes and put them on everything!

Jump scares

Simple and effective: If you have a child who likes to call out “Mom!” or “Dad” non-stop, simply hide behind the doorway and give them a good jump scare when they come around the corner looking for you! I’d recommend a confetti cannon but then you’d have to clean it up!

Sweet swap

Remove some candies from their wrappers, then refill the empty wrappers with grapes or cherry tomatoes. It’s the perfect fake out — and healthy, too!

Snake snack

This one’s an oldie but a goodie — offer up what looks like your kid’s favorite snack, and they’ll jump at the slithery surprise!

14 Boston-Area Flower Farms You’ll Want To Check Out This Spring and Summer

Boston Moms

March 26, 2024

Photo courtesy Beth Reis Photography at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm.

Flowers are in bloom in the Boston area — their beauty is abundant everywhere you look! If you’re searching for the perfect photo opportunity, a beautiful decoration for your home, or the chance to surprise someone you love with a gorgeous hand-picked bouquet, head to one of Boston Moms’ favorite pick-your-own flower farms!

Langwater Farm

209 Washington Street, North Easton :: (508) 205-9665

Langwater Farm is a family-run business on 80 acres of land. In addition to offering beautiful tulips and seasonal flowers for picking (tulips open in May, dahlias peak in September), they offer a wide variety of freshly picked, certified organic fruits and vegetables! Visit the farm stand to buy vegetable plants, honey from local bee keepers, locally made maple syrup, and marinara sauce and diced tomatoes made from Langwater Farm’s very own award-winning tomatoes.

Cross Street Flower Farm

4 Jacobs Lane, Norwell

This beautiful flower farm sits on seven acres of land in Norwell. Not only can you choose from a gorgeous array of fresh flowers, you can also participate in a variety of flower-themed workshops, including grow-your-own instruction and floral design! You can also participate in a flower share CSA to keep the fresh blooms coming all season long!

Cordelia’s Farm

228 Pleasant Street, Berlin :: (978) 838-2942

Cordelia’s is a working farm owned by the same family for the past 175 years! Guests are invited to pick their own flowers — or strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries — each year. Cordelia’s also has an expansive array of beautiful flowers, planters, and hanging baskets available in their greenhouse!

Land’s Sake Farm

90 Wellesley Street, Weston :: (781) 893-1162

Over 100 varieties of flowers and fillers are grown at Land’s Sake Farm just west of Boston! Enjoy a relaxing day picking flowers from their bountiful gardens from mid-June through early-October, or join their CSA program, which includes fresh bouquets throughout the season!

Small Farm

184 Gleasondale Road, Stow

Aptly named, Small Farm is, in fact, a small farm in Stow! In addition to a yearly plant sale, their pick-your-own flower fields open in mid-July and give guests the opportunity to create their own gorgeous bouquets! All are invited to visit whenever the farm stand is open. The Stow Conversation Trust maintains a short walking trail around the farm as well.

Nicewicz Family Farm

116 Sawyer Road, Bolton :: (978) 779-6423

Growing more than 100 varieties, it is no surprise that peonies are the stars of the show at Nicewicz Family Farm in late May and June! August and September bring a wide variety of other seasonal flowers, including dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, celosia, snapdragons, and straw flowers.

Golden Hour Tulip Farm

128 Jerome Street, Berkley

Opening in mid April for more than 200,000 tulip blooms, Golden Hour Tulip Farm transforms to the sunshiney face of a sunflower farm in late summer! Photography is more than welcome, so be ready to catch that perfect shot among the blooms!

Cider Hill Farm

45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury :: (978) 388-5525

With more than 25 varieties of blooms between April and October, Cider Hill Farm is the place for cut-your-own farmhouse bouquets! Don’t miss the farm’s many festivals all year long — from the tulip fest to pollinator week to the sweet Halloween event!

Colby Farm

50 Scotland Road, Newbury :: (978) 465-8818

If you are looking for the perfect photo opportunity, here it is! The sunflower fields at Colby Farm peak each August, and they’re nothing short of extraordinary! While you cannot pick the sunflowers, there are plenty of other things you can “pick up” at Colby Farmstand. Check out their produce, pork and beef products, delicious baked goods, and local dairy products. And save room for ice cream!

Lanni Orchard

294 Chase Road, Lunenburg :: (978) 582-6246

The Lanni Orchard Sunflower Festival in late August is an experience! Wander the fields of sunflowers, take some gorgeous keepsake pictures, and take home a few beautiful blooms as a souvenir. Don’t forget to visit the farm stand and the orchards while you’re there!

Parlee Farms

95 Farwell Road, Tyngsboro :: (978) 649-3854

In addition to their popular pick-your-own fruit orchards, Parlee Farms also offers cut-your-own and fresh-picked flowers! From late July through early October, guests can view nearly three acres of gorgeous blossoms, including 10 shades of zinnias, many shades of gorgeous dahlias and gladiolus, and five varieties of sunflowers! Don’t forget to stop and visit the animals at Annie’s Animal Barns while you’re there!

Ward’s Berry Farm

614 South Main Street, Sharon :: (781) 784-3600

This family farm has been offering the finest quality fruits and veggies — and flowers! — since 1982. Each spring and summer, bedding plants, hanging baskets, and perennials fill their greenhouses, and the pick-your-own fields have beautiful flowers ready to cut from early April to October!

Ferjulian’s Farm

7 Lewis Street, Hudson :: 978.562.3447

Wander through the fields as you pick flower to fill a Mason jar or a bucket — or purchase a subscription to cut your own flowers every week! Ferjulian’s grows more than 200 plant varieties, including 200,000 tulip bulbs, 20 types of lisianthus, 50 varieties of dahlias, and other specialty flowers, like asiatic lilies, oriental lilies, calla lilies, gladioulas, and sunflowers.

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

400 Hog House Hill Road, Exeter, RI
90 Brown Avenue, Johnston, RI
382 Route 164, Preston, CT

New England’s largest tulip farm now offers cut-your-own flowers in three locations. Started by a husband-and-wife team who hand planted 60,000 tulips, Wicked Tulips now plants 1.5 million tulips with a tractor each year! This farm prides itself on its eco-friendly practices as it grows more than 100 varieties of tulips for visitors to ooh and ahh over! It’s worth the trip across state lines, especially since the Rhode Island flower farms are less than two hours from Boston!

Why the Kate Middleton News Is Hitting So Hard for Moms

Brittany Kooienga

March 23, 2024

Kate Middleton — Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Unless you’ve been living under an internet-less rock since January — if so, where is this rock and may I join you? — you’ve undoubtedly been forced to ask yourself, “What the heck is going on with Kate Middleton?”

The answer, as we learned a few days ago, is that she had been attempting to privately battle cancer. After two months of endless and often brutal speculation about her health, whereabouts, and other potential goings on, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, made a video announcement that she is healed enough from her previously announced surgery to begin a preventative course of chemotherapy after her post-op testing revealed cancer had been present in her body.

Catherine spoke of having to tell her children — George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5 — of her diagnosis and her efforts to reassure them everything was going to be OK. As a mom, my heart broke for her as she lived one of my greatest fears.

What I saw during her statement was not the glamorous woman so many of us millennials have spent the past two decades looking to for fashion inspiration. I saw a mom who was exhausted and sad and trying to reassure a nation (if not a world) that everything was going to be OK. Because that’s what moms have to do — no matter our own feelings, fears, or stress. We are looked to by those around us to bring calm and comfort in times of uncertainty. Even, and maybe especially, when that uncertainty centers on us.

In reporting done after her statement, it was made public that Catherine had timed the announcement for Friday so that her children would not have to deal with questions from classmates in the immediate aftermath of the news going public (they are now on Easter break until mid April). How tempting must it have been to issue the statement earlier, in the midst of the internet crazy?

As the public, we did not deserve the grace Catherine offered us in her statement. Had it been me, I would have laid in to every internet troll claiming my absence had been for a mommy makeover with a drawn out, “Who’s the a-hole now!” But that’s the Boston in me, and one of the many reasons I would never be a proper Princess of Wales.

If we take any lesson from this moment in time, let it be that we never know what someone is dealing with behind the scenes, no matter how big or small those scenes may be. Offer everyone around you a little extra grace. Do not participate in gossip.

And most importantly, let the moms in your life know they can offload a little of their emotional burden by not having to explain themselves to you if they don’t want to. If someone is taking time away, whether that be from work, playgroup, or social outings, it’s not our place to question it. Sometimes moms need a little time. But most importantly, they need grace.

Get well soon, Catherine. We’ll see you when you’re ready.

7 Family-Friendly Rock Climbing Gyms in Boston

Ranessa Doucet

March 21, 2024

Rock climbing is a mentally and physically challenging activity that builds strength and confidence for kids and adults. With its many benefits, indoor climbing has become a popular choice for families! Kids are natural climbers, and tackling an indoor rock wall is the perfect activity for kids who are “climbing” the walls at home. Luckily, there are a variety of excellent family-friendly rock climbing gyms in the Boston area.

Bouldering Project :: Somerville

The youth programs at Bouldering Project teach kids skills like resilience, problem solving, and calculated risk taking. They have youth classes and teams, after-school programs, summer camps, and birthday parties. They even have “parents night out,” where you can drop your kids off for a few hours of climbing, pizza, and a movie, while you head out for dinner on your own.

Central Rock Gym :: Watertown

Central Rock Gym provides access to a world-class indoor rock climbing and fitness facility. They create an experience and atmosphere that is welcoming and accessible to all climbers, regardless of ability level. They provide classes and teams for kids ages 9 and up, plus a summer camp for kids ages 6-13.

Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing :: Newton

Exxel strives to teach technical climbing skills and help kids push their limits in a safe and supportive environment. They have state-of-the-art safety equipment, like a 60’x20′ indoor rock wall with varying difficulty levels, an indoor rock cave with overhang, simulated indoor ice climbing routes, an outdoor adventure high ropes course, and zip lines. Classes start at 4 years old, and trial classes are available.

Metro Rock :: Everett

Metro Rock is an indoor rock climbing facility open to climbers of all levels and kids who are simply interested in exploring the sport. With 30,000 square feet of climbing terrain, they are one of the largest rock gyms in the Boston area, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. They have various kids climbing teams, such as the tot team for ages 3-5 that meets once a week, the junior team for ages 5-10, and the climbing club for ages 10-15.

Rock Spot Climbing :: South Boston

An accessible and inclusive climbing gym, Rock Sport has opportunities for all ages and ability levels. Walk-ins are welcome, and the facility is open seven days a week. Youth classes run from September through June, and after-school and weekend classes are also available. Their small class sizes allow kids to learn skills in a safe and fun atmosphere. There are also toddler classes — and they host birthday parties.

BU Fitness and Recreation Center :: Boston

FitRec’s 30-foot climbing wall is an exciting place for kids to climb and build strength. There are classes for kids ages 5-12, including a parent-child class. This family-friendly rock climbing gym offers a family open climb every Saturday from 3-5 p.m., where you can climb the wall at your own pace. Admission to the wall is for families with a FitRec membership or members of the family climbing class, but there is also an option to purchase a day pass. Climbing gear is available to rent.

Challenge Rocks :: Hingham

A 5,000-square-foot facility, Challenge Rocks features rock climbing, parkour, and more. Youth climbing classes are available for preschool through high school students and are offered from September through June. There are also open climb times and the option to host birthday parties. When enrolled in a youth program, families receive unlimited access to auto belays, bouldering, American Ninja Warrior props, and free harness and shoe rentals. Parents also receive free belay certification and a sibling discount.

Think Beyond the Swing Set! 12 Fun Backyard Structures for Kids

Marianna Pease

March 21, 2024

One of the joys of moving to a home with outdoor space — especially when you have young children — is setting up the backyard with the perfect play structures. A swing set is a classic and a staple that will never grow old. But there are so many other fun backyard structures kids love for climbing, swinging, and make believe — and many are DIY worthy! Here are a few of my favorite backyard ideas for families!

Climbing dome

This sturdy steel dome is great for kids to climb, practice flexibility, and build strength — and it’s nice for the youngest climbers on up to bigger kids! Some domes even come with a swing that hangs on the inside.

Seesaw

At my daughter’s nature preschool they have created the perfect seesaw by bolting a long board to a log. The kids LOVE it. Make your own if you feel so inspired, or purchase one already made.

Sandbox

A sand pit or sand box is very DIY friendly — try a stone border for simplicity, or use wood and screws for the classic sandbox look. Want to buy one that’s ready to go? This one has a nice looking frame — and some options even include a shade cover!

Water table

Ahh, the classic outdoor item for any family with little ones! What’s not to love on a hot summer day? There are so many different styles of water tables, too. Swish swish!

Mud kitchen

This is another great one to DIY if you have the knack for it — if not, Etsy is your friend! Grab some old pots and pans and unleash the creativity. And prepare yourself for many wonderful mud meals served to you by your children!

Playhouse

A classic playhouse is a fan favorite for littles to escape into the world of imaginary play. Ours even has a mailbox that opens and closes so we can deliver our daughter mail!

Solo Stove/firepit

There’s nothing like a Solo Stove or backyard firepit for roasting marshmallows with the whole fam on a warm summer night. But first be careful to teach and practice fire safety!

Wood fort or trellis

Create a fort with sticks from your yard, or make a teepee-shaped trellis and grow beans on it. Voila! It’s the perfect summer hideaway for children.

Fairy houses

Creating fairy houses is a whimsical outdoor activity for children young and old — and it can be done all year long! Collect the materials on a nature walk or in your yard — or order the perfect woodland surprises in a kit! Be sure to check your houses regularly for signs of fairies!

Amish climbing tractor and wagon playset

This is the ultimate play structure and a dream come true for any kid with a backyard! Pricey, yes, but also worthy of an award.

Slackers Ninja Line

For all those little ninjas whose yards have nice trees to hang the line from. There are lots of cool ways to customize your hanging backyard obstacle course, too!

Trampoline

There’s nothing like a good old bounce on the trampoline. Just be sure to research to find the safest one!

10 Tips to Make Your Easter Celebration Fun and Memorable!

Kate Even

March 19, 2024

Easter tablescape As spring begins and Easter draws near, it’s time to start planning your festivities! Whether you’re hosting a gathering for family, friends, or both, creating a memorable Easter celebration is all about the details.

Easter brings loved ones together for meals and celebrations, strengthening bonds and creating a sense of togetherness. From egg hunts to themed decorations, there are countless ways to infuse your party with fun and excitement. Here are our top 10 ways to make sure your celebration is one to remember!

1. Decorate, decorate, decorate!

Setting the scene for your Easter party is the first step to creating a festive atmosphere. Add a touch of charm with adorable banners and honeycomb eggs. They’ll instantly brighten up your space and bring a whimsical Easter vibe to your party. Unlike fresh flowers (which we love!), they can be reused year in and year out. Like unboxing Christmas ornaments, it’s so fun to pull out spring decor after surviving the doldrums of winter.

2. Choose cheerful and seasonal tableware

When hosting a party with kids, you probably don’t want to bring out your grandmother’s delicate china. A fun and memorable alternative is to use Easter-themed paper goods. Whether you are looking for a bunny theme or something a little more nuanced, there are plenty of options to suit your style! Plus, paper goods make cleaning up a breeze.

3. Let kids make dessert!

Looking for a fun and delicious activity to keep your little ones entertained this Easter? Let them unleash their creativity with DIY carrot garden dirt cups! These adorable treats are not only easy to make, they also provide a hands-on experience kids of all ages will love. From decorating their own edible carrot patches to digging into layers of chocolatey goodness, this activity is sure to be a hit at your Easter celebration.

4. Host an Easter egg hunt

No Easter party is complete without an egg hunt. You can even organize different hunts for different age groups to ensure everyone has a chance to participate. Don’t forget to designate a special golden egg with a grand prize for added excitement! You don’t have to go crazy when filling your eggs. My mom always fills her youngest grandchildren’s eggs with little bags of their favorite snacks — Goldfish, Cheerios, and puffs. They go wild with excitement, and you can save their sugar quota for dessert.

5. Easter baskets don’t have to take center stage

Surprise all your guests with carrot treat bags at their place setting. It’s a cheap and cheerful way to include everyone and add fun to the table. If you use candy to decorate your table like I do, you can let guests fill their own treat bags during the meal. Or, pre-fill them before the meal for an added surprise.

6. Have an egg decorating contest

Are you a pro at Pysansky eggs or do you subscribe to the old fashioned dying method. (Or if you’re like me and still in the throes of toddlerhood, do you resort to stickers and paintbrushes to minimize mess?) Whatever method works for you, this is a classic and fun way to keep your family entertained while dinner cooks.

7. Create an Easter cookie swap

Sugar cookie decorating isn’t reserved for the winter holiday season! Bake up a batch of sugar cookies in the shape of bunnies, chicks, and carrots, and provide your guests with royal icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to decorate with. Plan ahead and have bags or cookie boxes ready for guests to take their cookies home.

8. Serve up sweet treats

This adorable reusable and eco-friendly bunny tray (it’s dishwasher safe, too!) is both stylish and functional! Whether you’re using it to serve cupcakes at the dessert table or giving it as a hostess gift (or at only $20, you can do both!), this bunny is bound to make you smile.

9. Make a Cadbury egg cake

Another delightful dessert idea: the Cadbury egg cake. I LOVE baking, and while there’s nothing like a cake made from scratch, sometimes busy moms just need to reach for a box — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! Buy a few bags of small Cadbury chocolate eggs, separate them by color, and create a pattern on the cake you love. This was a huge hit at our last Easter gathering — and was even better the next day when the candy had softened a bit.

10. Don’t forget the host!

If you’re not hosting the party, don’t forget to bring a memorable and unique hostess gift. Some of our spring favorites include floral-infused cocktail cubes, award-winning chocolate raspberry honey cream spread, a spring tea towel, or acrylic stir sticks.

As busy moms, it’s so important that we allow ourselves to be present and enjoy the celebration alongside our loved ones. For this year’s Easter celebration, plan ahead, choose make-ahead food and beverages, and opt for “cheap and cheerful” decor that’s easy to set up and take down. Every holiday is a chance to create magical memories with your kids — cherish each moment!

Visit my online shop, Henry + Olives, and let us help you create celebrations filled with joy! Boston Moms readers get an additional 200 points with our Party Shop rewards program if you sign up before March 31. Plus, enjoy 10% off your Easter order with code Bostonmoms.

North Shore Playgrounds Worth Driving To

Angie V Martin

March 18, 2024

For all the parents of active kiddos who love playgrounds and are seeking new adventures, this one is for you! If you find yourself north of Boston — maybe you live on the North Shore or are simply spending the day in this beautiful part of Massachusetts — here are some of our favorite area playgrounds! (Oh, and if you’re looking for destination playgrounds closer to the city, check out these playgrounds in and near Boston!)

Oak Island Park :: Revere

We love this small playground both for its ship-themed structure and for its proximity to Revere Beach. Once you’ve had your fun swinging, sliding, and climbing, take a walk around the boulevard to enjoy a beach-side ice cream or Kelly’s Roast Beef sandwich! The playground is in the middle of a residential neighborhood, so street parking is the way to go hereable. It’s not a huge playground or full of frills, but it’s nice, newer, and convenient!

Gibson Park :: Revere

This playground is one of our family’s favorites. Also near Revere Beach, this one has parking, a little free library, a walking path, tennis courts, a little putting green for practicing golf, a baseball field, and an open lawn — all in addition to the actual fenced-in playground space.

Flash Road Playground :: Nahant

If you’ve never been to Nahant, you should check it out! Although Nahant does not have public parking in the community, non-residents can park on the street right off the Flash Road playground for a reasonable amount of time. The playground is partially fenced and includes structures with slides and obstacles, as well as dynamic climbing ones, regular swings, and a tire swing. There are picnic tables and green space surrounding the main playground area. In addition, you’ll find newly renovated tennis and basketball courts.

There’s a small bathroom house that is unlocked during the warmer months and has a drinking water spigot outside for when you or your little ones need to refill water bottles after all the running around.

Walk a little further toward the town elementary school and you’ll come across a beautiful forest playground you and your children are sure to enjoy.

Cy Tenney/Ross Memorial Park :: West Peabody

A little further north you’ll find this nice playground with one area for big kids and a separate space for little ones. This can be especially helpful when you have younger kids or new walkers who need smaller spaces and slower paces! One area of the playground is fully fenced, and the property also includes a trail perfect for bikes and scooters.

Endicott Park :: Danvers

This park has everything — a playground, a dog park, farm animals, historic buildings, gardens, orchards, a pond, woodlands, a disc golf course, and picnic areas! There are 165 acres to explore with the family, and the pastoral views make it a perfect place to spend the day — bring a picnic basket along for the full experience! Be sure to make a stop at the nature center, which offers rotating exhibitions, hands-on displays, and a workspace for arts and crafts. There is a daily use parking fee of $4 for non-residents and $2 for Danvers residents.

General Patton Park :: Hamilton

Further north in the town of Hamilton is one of my personal favorites. It’s a great park and playground on its own, but the real star here is the M4 Sherman World War II tank on the premises! (The park is named for General George S. Patton, who lived in Hamilton.) How cool is that? And kids are allowed to climb on the tank for pretend play or an awesome photo-op. The playground itself features a zip line, pirate ship structure, dome swing, net climber, and other climbing and swinging fun!

Ipswich River Park :: North Reading

Heads up! This playground is NOT in Ipswich (but the next one on this list is). This playground is in North Reading, and it’s a multi-use park with something for everyone. There’s a fun playground, a dog park, and a paved track that can be used for walking, pushing a stroller, jogging, and maybe even cartwheel practice. There’s also green space for sitting on picnic blankets with mom friends and babies, picnic tables, a basketball court, a canoe launch, wildflower meadows, horseshoe pits, a street hockey rink, and a small skate (or bike) park, too! This is a great place to go with your stroller, scooters, snacks, kids, and pups to enjoy a fun morning or afternoon at the park!

Great Neck Park aka Pirate Park :: Ipswich

If you ask any parent who lives in or near Ipswich what their favorite playground is, they will likely mention “Pirate Park” in their top three. As the playground’s nickname indicates, this park has a pirate ship play area that kids from toddlers to elementary age will love. In addition to the playground itself, there are soccer nets, a basketball court, and a paved walking trail for the whole family.

Stage Fort Park + Beach :: Gloucester

Gloucester is the perfect place for a day trip, no matter where you live in Boston. And this park is one to include in any North Shore adventure! Stage Fort is a historic park on the site of Gloucester’s first settlers in 1623. It has play space, a dog park, a baseball field, basketball and tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, restrooms (!!!), a restaurant, and a beach! There are plenty of picnic tables, and Gloucester has many wonderful places to grab food for a park picnic. During the summer season you may find there are outdoor concerts, fireworks, and storytelling events for children, festivals, farmers markets, and several other events.

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