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Boston with Kids
Jodi Grundig
Boston blogger Jodi Grundig was born in Massachusetts, grew up in Rhode Island, and has lived in the metro Boston area for the last 14 years. She's a part-time freelance writer – running a personal blog MultitaskingMommy.com and a review blog MomsFavoriteStuff.com. More
Boston blogger Jodi Grundig was born in Massachusetts, grew up in Rhode Island, and has lived in the metro Boston area for the last 14 years. She's a part-time freelance writer – running a personal blog MultitaskingMommy.com and a review blog MomsFavoriteStuff.com.
She’s also currently a part-time stay-at-home mom to her five-year old daughter and three-year old son, and is a Walt Disney World Moms Panelist, the Traveling Finance Mom on TravelingMom.com, and a lodging and hotel blogger for Uptake.com. She also is the calendar editor for a Boston regional parenting magazine.
Travel has always been a big part of Jodi's life - she grew up taking annual family vacations and has continued that tradition with her own family. Jodi’s family takes multiple family vacations per year – some local and some further away. In addition, Jodi enjoys visiting local Boston attractions with her children, and is always looking for new things to do. Jodi believes that family vacations don't have to involve a plane trip and don't have to break the piggy bank.Less
Botanical Gardens In and Around Boston
Posted: 01.28.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
Boston and the surrounding area is home to some beautiful botanical gardens that serve the basis for research and offer beautiful exhibits and grounds for the public. Many children love taking a walk through beautiful gardens and seeing flowers.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, located in Jamaica Plain, is the oldest running arboretum in North America. The grounds are open 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, while the visitor's center maintains shorter hours.
In Framingham, MA, west of Boston, the New England Wild Flower Society operates the Garden in the Woods, the largest selection of wildflowers in the Northeast. The Garden in the Woods is a public botanical garden that's open from April 15th through October 31st every year. Daily guided tours are included with the admission fee.
Wellesley College's Botanical Gardens is also located west of Boston, by the college campus. The outdoor gardens are open every day from dawn to dusk, while the greenhouses open from 8am to 4pm, every day of the year.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, located in Jamaica Plain, is the oldest running arboretum in North America. The grounds are open 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, while the visitor's center maintains shorter hours.
In Framingham, MA, west of Boston, the New England Wild Flower Society operates the Garden in the Woods, the largest selection of wildflowers in the Northeast. The Garden in the Woods is a public botanical garden that's open from April 15th through October 31st every year. Daily guided tours are included with the admission fee.
Wellesley College's Botanical Gardens is also located west of Boston, by the college campus. The outdoor gardens are open every day from dawn to dusk, while the greenhouses open from 8am to 4pm, every day of the year.
Ice Skating Throughout Boston
Posted: 01.27.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
There's nothing like skating outdoors to really put you in the winter spirit. Boston boasts several open-air outdoor skating rinks perfect for an afternoon skate! Even if you don't want to skate (or can't) watching the skaters is such a great way to enjoy some time outdoors in the winter.
The Frog Pond at Boston Common (pictured above) opens at 10 am everyday (closing times vary) for public skating. The fee is $4 for anyone over 13 (children 13 and under are free). Skate rentals are available for an additional fee.
The Ice Skating Rink at the Charles Hotel is another outdoor skating rink that is open to the public. It's open from 4pm-7pm during the week and 10am-6pm on the weekends, and fees range from $3 (children) to $10 (family) for skating, with skate rentals available at an additional fee.
In Kendall Square, Cambridge, the Kendall Square Community Ice Skating Rink is open starting at noon during the week and 11am on the weekends (closing hours vary). Fees range from $1 (children) to $5 (adults) with high-quality skate rentals available for an additional fee.
There's nothing like skating outdoors to really put you in the winter spirit. Boston boasts several open-air outdoor skating rinks perfect for an afternoon skate! Even if you don't want to skate (or can't) watching the skaters is such a great way to enjoy some time outdoors in the winter.The Frog Pond at Boston Common (pictured above) opens at 10 am everyday (closing times vary) for public skating. The fee is $4 for anyone over 13 (children 13 and under are free). Skate rentals are available for an additional fee.
The Ice Skating Rink at the Charles Hotel is another outdoor skating rink that is open to the public. It's open from 4pm-7pm during the week and 10am-6pm on the weekends, and fees range from $3 (children) to $10 (family) for skating, with skate rentals available at an additional fee.
In Kendall Square, Cambridge, the Kendall Square Community Ice Skating Rink is open starting at noon during the week and 11am on the weekends (closing hours vary). Fees range from $1 (children) to $5 (adults) with high-quality skate rentals available for an additional fee.
Family Activities at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham
Posted: 01.26.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
My daughter, who's five, is starting to really appreciate and enjoy seeing art and learning about artists, and it's important to my husband and I that we cultivate that interest at an early age. While I think some art museums may be a bit intimidating for her age, I like the size of the Danforth Museum of Art (in Framingham, MA - about 40 minutes from Boston) and the many family-friendly activities they offer.
Admission for kids under the age of seventeen is always free, and on the first Sunday of the month, there are several kid-friendly activities. Visit the museum, then from 2:00pm-4:00pm, children can create their very own works of art, during "Drop Into Art". It's appropriate for kids aged five to ten accompanied by parents, and is $5 for nonmembers (free for members). Register in the lobby.
In addition, teen docents lead tours of the galleries on the first Sunday of the month, and encourage conversation among visitors. Register in the lobby the day of the tour - the cost is $5 for nonmembers (free for members).
The Danforth Museum of Art
123 Union Avenue
Framingham, MA 01702-8291
508.620.0050
Admission for kids under the age of seventeen is always free, and on the first Sunday of the month, there are several kid-friendly activities. Visit the museum, then from 2:00pm-4:00pm, children can create their very own works of art, during "Drop Into Art". It's appropriate for kids aged five to ten accompanied by parents, and is $5 for nonmembers (free for members). Register in the lobby.
In addition, teen docents lead tours of the galleries on the first Sunday of the month, and encourage conversation among visitors. Register in the lobby the day of the tour - the cost is $5 for nonmembers (free for members).
The Danforth Museum of Art
123 Union Avenue
Framingham, MA 01702-8291
508.620.0050
Showshoe with Your Family at Gore Place in Waltham
Posted: 01.25.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
Do you want to get some fun exercise with your kids while on vacation in the Boston area? Gore Place in Waltham, MA, the historic home and estate of late Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore, is located right outside of Boston. It includes 48-acres of grounds with sheep, goats, and poultry, in addition to a Mansion tour. When the grounds are covered with snow, families can rent snowshoes to explore - a great way to get some outdoor exercise, enjoy the grounds, and try something completely new!
Snowshoe rentals are available for $5 per pair for both children and adults, with a weight capacity of 100 pounds for children, and 220 pounds for adults. To rent showshoes, simply park in the free parking lot, and ring the bell at the Gore Place Mansion. If you want to ensure snowshoes are available, call (781) 894-2798 to reserve them. Snowshoes are available on Monday through Friday from 10am-3pm and Saturdays from 12pm-3pm.
Gore Place
52 Gore Street
Waltham, MA
Snowshoe rentals are available for $5 per pair for both children and adults, with a weight capacity of 100 pounds for children, and 220 pounds for adults. To rent showshoes, simply park in the free parking lot, and ring the bell at the Gore Place Mansion. If you want to ensure snowshoes are available, call (781) 894-2798 to reserve them. Snowshoes are available on Monday through Friday from 10am-3pm and Saturdays from 12pm-3pm.
Gore Place
52 Gore Street
Waltham, MA
An Evening of Kids' Yoga and Family Dinner at Aura
Posted: 01.22.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
Follow through with your New Year's Resolutions to be more healthy with your family. Aura Restaurant, at the Seaport Boston on the South Boston Waterfront, is hosting a kids' yoga night during their Friday night Fine Dining Family Style series. It's a great way for families to jump start a healthy lifestyle, and for parents to enjoy a nice dinner with their children.
First, kids will learn kid-friendly exercises and yoga poses from a childrens' yoga instructor from the Seaport Hotel's Wave Health and Fitness Center. After getting their energy out and relaxing, kids can then join their parents for a delicious and healthy dinner, prepared by Rachel Klein, Aura's head chef.
This months' Fine Dining Family Style is taking place on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 5:30-8:00 PM. Adults can order from Aura's regular menu or choose a three-course, $30 prix fixe menu, while children enjoy their own menu of healthy kid-friendly favorites. To make reservations call, 617.385.4300.
Aura at the Seaport Boston
One Seaport Lane
Boston, MA
Follow through with your New Year's Resolutions to be more healthy with your family. Aura Restaurant, at the Seaport Boston on the South Boston Waterfront, is hosting a kids' yoga night during their Friday night Fine Dining Family Style series. It's a great way for families to jump start a healthy lifestyle, and for parents to enjoy a nice dinner with their children.First, kids will learn kid-friendly exercises and yoga poses from a childrens' yoga instructor from the Seaport Hotel's Wave Health and Fitness Center. After getting their energy out and relaxing, kids can then join their parents for a delicious and healthy dinner, prepared by Rachel Klein, Aura's head chef.
This months' Fine Dining Family Style is taking place on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 5:30-8:00 PM. Adults can order from Aura's regular menu or choose a three-course, $30 prix fixe menu, while children enjoy their own menu of healthy kid-friendly favorites. To make reservations call, 617.385.4300.
Aura at the Seaport Boston
One Seaport Lane
Boston, MA
Family Play Dates at the Institute Of Contemporary Art
Posted: 01.21.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
The new ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art), located in Boston's recently revitalized Seaport South Boston Waterfront, may not at first glance, seem to be family-friendly. But, if you want to introduce your children to contemporary art in a kid-appropriate environment, their monthly Saturday "play dates" is a wonderful way to do it!
ICA play dates are held on the last Saturday of the month from opening to closing. On these dates, families can get free admission (for up to two adults per family with children twelve and under - the museum is always free for kids seventeen and under). In addition, there are a variety of activities especially for kids, including things like films, art activities, performances, museum tours and much more. All activities are meant for families to do together.
Prior registration in these events is not required, and they are all free. The next ICA play date is January 30th, from 10 am - 4 pm.
ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art)
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA
617-478-3103
Photo credit: Courtesy of ICA/Boston
The new ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art), located in Boston's recently revitalized Seaport South Boston Waterfront, may not at first glance, seem to be family-friendly. But, if you want to introduce your children to contemporary art in a kid-appropriate environment, their monthly Saturday "play dates" is a wonderful way to do it!ICA play dates are held on the last Saturday of the month from opening to closing. On these dates, families can get free admission (for up to two adults per family with children twelve and under - the museum is always free for kids seventeen and under). In addition, there are a variety of activities especially for kids, including things like films, art activities, performances, museum tours and much more. All activities are meant for families to do together.
Prior registration in these events is not required, and they are all free. The next ICA play date is January 30th, from 10 am - 4 pm.
ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art)
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA
617-478-3103
Photo credit: Courtesy of ICA/Boston
Hotel for Kids Package at the Hotel Commonwealth
Posted: 01.20.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
Visiting Boston with your children this winter? The Hotel Commonwealth, conveniently located in the city's Fenway area, right by Boston University and Newbury Street, has just introduced a fun "Hotel for Kids" package. The package includes the following amenities which will make you even wonder if you need to leave the hotel:
The package starts on February 19, with a special introductory rate of $219 per night. After February 19, the rate goes to $289 per night. To book, call the Hotel Commonwealth at 617-532-5019 or email AllReservations@HotelCommonwealth.com.
- Deluxe family accommodations for up to two adults and two children in a 500 square foot suite (additional children can be accommodated for $49 per night)
- A backpack for children filled with LL Bean slippers, a special bedtime story, a flashlight and a Hotel Commonwealth signature terry bear
- Board game and family-friendly DVD selection available for borrowing (delivered to each room with complimentary popcorn)
- Homemade cookies and milk upon arrival
- Complimentary valet parking (a great deal for Boston!)
The package starts on February 19, with a special introductory rate of $219 per night. After February 19, the rate goes to $289 per night. To book, call the Hotel Commonwealth at 617-532-5019 or email AllReservations@HotelCommonwealth.com.
Cupcake Teas at the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
Posted: 01.19.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family, Food + Wine
For an extra special treat for your child (and of course, yourself!), the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common is hosting the winter edition of their very popular cupcake teas on Saturdays throughout this month. The Cupcake Teas aren't just for children - plenty of adults also attend to celebrate a special occasion, or just because.
My daughter and I attended this past weekend as guests of the Ritz-Carlton, and we had a wonderful time. At $22, the adult tea includes a tea or another non-alcoholic beverage, along with five petit cupcakes, as pictured above. Flavors vary, but this week, I was treated to Peppermint Patty Cake, Egg Nog, Apple Caramel, Ginger Spice, and Boston Creme Pie cupcakes. For $18, the children's tea includes a non-alcoholic beverage (hot chocolate was offered, but my daughter chose pink lemonade) and three cupcakes. In addition, kids also receive some delicious toppings - Oreos, white chocolate, and M&Ms to decorate their cupcakes.
Seating is at comfy couches, chairs, and tables, and my daughter and I were able to sit side by side while enjoying our cupcakes. At $40 for an adult and a child, it's a fairly affordable luxury and is something my daughter will remember for a long time!
The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
10 Avery Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 574-7100
For an extra special treat for your child (and of course, yourself!), the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common is hosting the winter edition of their very popular cupcake teas on Saturdays throughout this month. The Cupcake Teas aren't just for children - plenty of adults also attend to celebrate a special occasion, or just because.My daughter and I attended this past weekend as guests of the Ritz-Carlton, and we had a wonderful time. At $22, the adult tea includes a tea or another non-alcoholic beverage, along with five petit cupcakes, as pictured above. Flavors vary, but this week, I was treated to Peppermint Patty Cake, Egg Nog, Apple Caramel, Ginger Spice, and Boston Creme Pie cupcakes. For $18, the children's tea includes a non-alcoholic beverage (hot chocolate was offered, but my daughter chose pink lemonade) and three cupcakes. In addition, kids also receive some delicious toppings - Oreos, white chocolate, and M&Ms to decorate their cupcakes.
Seating is at comfy couches, chairs, and tables, and my daughter and I were able to sit side by side while enjoying our cupcakes. At $40 for an adult and a child, it's a fairly affordable luxury and is something my daughter will remember for a long time!
The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
10 Avery Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 574-7100
Cooking With Your Children in Boston
Posted: 01.18.10 By Jodi GrundigFiled Under: Family
Kids love to help cook, and to learn to cook new things, something I observed first hand last week when my daughter and I baked cookies at the Four Seasons Boston. If you think your children would love to cook, there are two events going on in the Boston area that may be of interest to you.
On January 25th at 4:30pm, Stephi's (the newest restaurant from Stephanie Sokolove, owner of the extremely popular Stephanie's on Newbury) is hosting a event for parents and children of all ages. Make pizzas and cookies together, and view a cooking demonstration - something I know my daughter would LOVE! Space is limited and tickets are $20 each. Proceeds benefit the Starlight Children's Foundation. To reserve a spot, call 617.241.9911 or visit www.starlightnewengland.org for more information.
Not in town that day? Henrietta's Table at the Charles Hotel is hosting children's cooking lessons on Saturdays from January 23 through March 6 from 12:30-2:00pm. Topics include Pancakes and Toppings, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup. Call 617.661.5005 to sign up.
On January 25th at 4:30pm, Stephi's (the newest restaurant from Stephanie Sokolove, owner of the extremely popular Stephanie's on Newbury) is hosting a event for parents and children of all ages. Make pizzas and cookies together, and view a cooking demonstration - something I know my daughter would LOVE! Space is limited and tickets are $20 each. Proceeds benefit the Starlight Children's Foundation. To reserve a spot, call 617.241.9911 or visit www.starlightnewengland.org for more information.
Not in town that day? Henrietta's Table at the Charles Hotel is hosting children's cooking lessons on Saturdays from January 23 through March 6 from 12:30-2:00pm. Topics include Pancakes and Toppings, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup. Call 617.661.5005 to sign up.
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The Discovery Museums of Acton
The Children's Discovery Museum, a 120 year-old Victorian house, is best for younger children. It offers ten hands-on exhibits that are appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers. My son especially loves the train room, with the train table and train station play areas, and the safari room, where kids can pretend to live in the jungle.
The Science Discovery Museum, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum, is more appropriate for school-aged children. It offers areas for hands-on experimentation, including an inventor's workshop, a rubber ball music wall, and a sea of clouds (made from fog).
The Discovery Museums
177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, MA 01720