5 Fun Weekend Activities

Woohoo!  The first weekend of summer has arrived, bringing with it a GORGEOUS forecast.  Here are some free or inexpensive happenings for the weekend.  Enjoy!

1.  Verrill Farm's Strawberry Festival.  PYO berries, strawberry shortcake, pony rides, music, burgers, hay rides.  Free admission.

2.  Watertown's Greek Festival.  Greek food (including pastries!), games, music, dancing.  Starts tonight and goes through Sunday.

3.  Riverfest on the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Kids can explore the riverbanks, ride boats, listen to music, and more.  These activities appear to be FREE!

4.  Free Beach Party in Acton.  Beach admission is waived for this event which includes hula hooping, sand building, and more fun and games.

5.  Play outside until dusk.  Tomorrow is summer solstice, which throughout my childhood meant playing outside until the sun went down.  Even if it's past your kid's bedtime, let them stay up and enjoy a long day full of daylight.   Some of my favorite memories were getting to play outside until 9 on the first day of summer.  This could be made complete with ice cream sandwiches or ice pops.  :-)

Favorite Places to Picnic

Water play at the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway

We love picnicking!  It's one of our favorite pastimes during the non-winter months.  Here are a few favorite places to picnic around Boston.

1.  Castle Island in Southie.   Lots of picnic tables, a beach, watching the airplanes take off, and a great playground!  If you forgot to pack anything for your picnic, Sullivan's has cheap eats.   You can spend all day at Castle Island.   

2.  Boston Common.  Enjoy the landscaping, the sights, and in the summer you can wade in the Frog Pond for free!  There are lots of nice spots for a picnic, and afterwards you can do the Swan Boats and the carousel, or take a stroll up Newbury Street.

3.  Artesani Park.  There are picnic tables galore at Artesani Park in Brighton.  There's a big parking lot and it's only a 10 minute bus ride from Central Square.  The playgrounds are fun and the wading pool in the summer is really awesome!  

4.  Cochituate State Park in Natick.  Make a day of it!  Rent a paddleboat, go swimming, throw around the ball, and have a picnic.  There are even barbecues.  Last year, the DCR offered nature programming for kids and hopefully will do the same this summer.  Take a peek at last year's schedule for an idea of what they offered.  Bring cash, as there's a $5 parking fee.  (Or buy a season parking pass - we go frequently and it pays for itself!)

5.  Auburndale Cove in Newton.  A trail, ducks to feed, a big mountain of sand, playgrounds, and a picnic area.  The Cove is one of Isaac's favorite playgrounds!  It's nice and wooded and perfect for a picnic.  

6.  Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.  Head over to the North End for some pizza and pastries and bring them over to the Rose Kennedy Greenway!   There are tables, plenty of places for kids to run, a carousel, and free entertainment!  

What are your favorite places to picnic?

5 Things To Do Mother's Day Weekend

Cookie decorating at L'Aroma is always a good time!

I haven't been blogging much lately, but even when I don't blog, I keep my Boston Families on a Budget Facebook page updated with deals, events, and more, so be sure to follow me there!

Anyway, this weekend is Mother's Day, so HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you moms out there. If you're looking for things to do this weekend, here are a few ideas:

1.  Head over to West Newton Square on Saturday for another Kids Weekend with all sorts of freebies!  The event includes cookie decorating at L'Aroma, pizza at West Newton Pizza, popcorn from West Newton Cinema, sewing at HipStitch, and MORE!   Everything is free - the cookie, the pizza, everything...free!

2.  Another Newton event this weekend is its annual Kids FunFest!  Rides, entertainment, crafts, and more!   The event is on both days, but there are more activities and vendors on Sunday.

3.  Enjoy some charitable dessert with Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer.  Participating restaurants, bakeries, and stores have desserts where proceeds go to Dana Farber.

4.  Go to the zoo!  Moms get in free on Sunday!

5.  Visit the Arnold Arboretum for its famous Lilac Sunday!   The weather looks perfect for it.

5 Things to Do this Weekend

Lambs at Drumlin Farm

Looking for something to do this rainy weekend?  Here are some inexpensive, indoor ideas to keep you entertained and dry.

1.  Go to the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Sunday morning.  Massachusetts residents get in for free from 9AM until noon.

2.  Meet the Easter Bunny at the Natick Mall.   It's the first weekend he's here.  Don't forget your 30% off coupon for a picture package.  It's a really good deal.

3.  Check out Ben Rudnick and Friends at the Needham Library.  Here's an opportunity to see Ben Rudnick for free.  He plays Saturday at 3:15.

4.   Okay, this one is outdoors, but sounds like fun and I've never been able to go.  Grab and umbrella and head to Drumlin Farm for Woolapalooza on Saturday.  Woolapalooza is Drumlin's sheepshearing festival.

5.  Celebrate spring and grab some fro-yo!  Get this Groupon from Fresh Mango near Downtown Crossing.

5 Things to do this Weekend

Mmmm maple donuts at Parker's Maple Barn!

TGIF!  Don't forget - today is the last day to enter the Big Apple Circus tickets giveaway!  

What are you up to this weekend?  Looking for something to do?  Here are some fun, inexpensive ways to enjoy your weekend.

1.  Enjoy maple syrup!  It's the official maple sugaring weekend in Massachusetts and NH.  Lots of sugarhouses are having open houses this weekend, but my family's favorite place to go is Parker's Maple Barn!   Isaac loves watching them make syrup, there's coffee and maple donuts for purchase while you wait for your table, a cute gift shop, but most importantly: yummy food!  Their special stuffed french toast is to die for and the rest of their menu items are pretty darn good, too.  

2.  Make a rainbow mirror at Lakeshore Learning.   They offer crafts every Saturday morning from 11-3 for kids 3 and up.  Locations are in Saugus and Newton.

3.  Celebrate Bach's birthday at the First Lutheran Church of Boston in Back Bay.  Admission to concerts and events are free all day, though they do request a donation.  From FLC:  "Bach's Birthday is a family-friendly event that provides the opportunity for kids to play one of Boston's finest pipe organs."

4.  Enjoy the free Jeff Jam singalong on Saturday at 11 AM at Somerville Community Access TV.  Be a part of the studio audience!  

5.  Go on a family hike on Sunday in Framingham or Waltham.  The weather forecast looks cool and sunny. Visit http://www.outdoorsrx.org/ for more info.  

5 Fun Things to do this Week

Learn about animals at Playful Paws Playgroups

I'm a little late with posting this, but here are 5 fun things to do this week!  

1.   Hit up a playground during the second half of this week.  It's going to be 50 on Thursday and 45 on Friday, and I don't know about you, but I am desperate for some outside time.

2.  Playful Paws Playgroups at the Stone Zoo or Franklin Park Zoo.  Call ahead to make sure they're not full.  Each class is $8 for members and $10 for non-members and classes are for kids 18 months - 3 years.  We haven't done Playful Paws, but we've done Curious Cubs (for ages 3-4) and Isaac had a lot of fun.  The educators are really knowledgeable and the activities are all age-appropriate.  [The next Curious Cubs groups aren't until April]

3.  Catch a free movie at the Museum of Science on Friday!  Recommended for age 8 and up.

4.  Head to the COOP in Harvard Square on Saturday morning for their story and crafts for ages 7 and under.  There is also juice and refreshments!

5.  Try some Swiss baked goods at swissbakers in Allston or Reading with this Groupon.   The Swiss-style baked goods are different than what you may find at a typical bakery.  Go ahead and indulge this week!

5 St. Paddy's Day Activities

Happy Friday!  St. Patrick's Day is on Monday and there are some fun kid-oriented things to do this to celebrate.

1.  Decorate a St. Patrick's Day cookie at L'Aroma in West Newton.   This local coffee shop is awesome!  Plus, kids get a free Silly Putty.  Who doesn't love that?  Sunday, 3-5 PM.

2.  Visit the Buttonwood Park Zoo with green pancakes - St. Patty-cakes!  Sunday, 9 AM.

3.  Visit Franklin Park Zoo or the Stone Zoo for Saint Patrick's Day to see the animals play with green-colored enrichment toys.  Sunday, 10 AM.

4.  Go to In A Pickle on Saint Patrick's Day in Waltham for free cupcakes and other St. Paddy's Day fun!  Monday, 6:30-3 PM. 

5.  Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Boston Children's Museum.  Enjoy the Boston Police Gaelic Pipe and Drum band, make a 4 leaf clover, make green bubbles, and join the parade at 2 PM!  Monday, all day.

Groupon and LivingSocial Roundup

Lots of jumpy places have Groupons right now.

I'm back from my trip!  We enjoyed family time in California, including meeting Snoopy at Knott's Berry Farm!  We were welcomed back with this frigid, snowy air, but hopefully spring will show its face soon.  Meanwhile, here's this week's Groupon and LivingSocial roundup.

• There are TONS of Groupons out right now for bouncy house type places.  I'm getting a little tired of them myself, but Isaac can't get enough and it's a great option for when you need an indoor activity. There are Groupons for Jump in with Us in Marlborough, Jump Around in Framingham, Pump it Up in Peabody, Fore Kicks in Taunton, and Kidsports in Stoughton.
• Fresh Mango frozen yogurt - mmmm!
• Boomer's Playland and Laser Tag down in Carver.  Kids can enjoy mats, slides, tubes, a ball fountain, and more - a great idea for these never-ending polar vortexes...
• Snag a Groupon for the Providence for the New England Family Fun Festival in April!  This event includes dancing, music performances, magicians, storytellers, clowns, contests and games, Lego building, Zumba, and lots more!
• Together in Motion's drop-in play in Arlington.  The Groupon says for ages 0-6, but I think it's better for the younger set, like newly mobile babies and toddlers (probably under 2) who need a safe, soft place to run and climb.  It doesn't expire until August, so it's great for really cold days, April showers, and heat waves!
• Sandwich Works in Newton Centre is super yummy!  This deli has really good sandwiches and breakfast at low prices, so this Groupon is a steal!  The people who work there are really nice, too.  
• Monster Mini Golf in Norwood.  Monster Mini Golf is an indoor, black-lit mini golf course with music and of course, MONSTERS!  There's also a Groupon for its Danvers location.  If you miss the fun of playing mini golf in the summer, this is a great option. Especially with this never-ending winter!   Or think ahead for sunnier days and buy this Groupon for Paradise Mini Golf.

Groupon and LivingSocial Roundup!

Together in Motion is a fun for babies and toddlers. 

Good afternoon, everyone!  For future "Groupon Roundup" posts, I will also be including my favorite LivingSocial deals!  This will help me find my readers the best, most awesome deals on the internet.   Here's what deals are going on this week.  Enjoy!

• Four hour introductory sewing class at Newton Sewing Studio.  Learn to "sew like a pro" and create a patchwork pillow and stuffed animal, hand puppet, or pencil case!
  
• Boomer's Playland and Laser Tag down in Carver.  Kids can enjoy mats, slides, tubes, a ball fountain, and more - a great idea for these never-ending polar vortexes...
  
• Truck on down to Providence for the New England Family Fun Festival in April!  This event includes dancing, music performances, magicians, storytellers, clowns, contests and games, Lego building, Zumba, and lots more!
  
• Together in Motion's drop-in play in Arlington.  The Groupon says for ages 0-6, but I think it's better for the younger set, like newly mobile babies and toddlers who need a safe, soft place to run and climb.  It doesn't expire until August, so it's great for really cold days, April showers, and heat waves!
  
• Sandwich Works in Newton Centre is super yummy!  This friendly deli has really good sandwiches and breakfast.
  
• 16 Handles - froyo in Coolidge Corner!  Mmmm, cider doughnut yogurt!
  
• Newburyport Whale Watch.  Available May through October, enjoy New England whale watching!  Kids under 3 are free on weekdays.
  
• Do the tourist thing and check out Cambridge Historical Tours and a Freedom Trail Tour.  Play tourist with your family or buy these for when you have out-of-towners visiting for a fun way to enjoy historical New England together!

• Body Worlds Vital -Faneuil Hall.  The Body Worlds exhibit has 200 authentic human specimens, including individual organs, transparent slices, and whole bodies.  I hear it's really fascinating.
  
• Kids Fun Stop in West Roxbury.  Visit this indoor playground (perfect for ages 6 and under) for half price.  Since this winter seems never-ending, you may as well buy some more indoor play passes...
  
• Drumming lessons in Arlington.  Half price drum lessons for kids aged 5-12.
  
• Monster Mini Golf in Norwood.  Monster Mini Golf is an indoor, black-lit mini golf course with music and of course, MONSTERS!  There's also a Groupon for its Danvers location.  If you miss the fun of playing mini golf in the summer, this is a great option.
  
• Kidsports in Stoughton.  This Groupon is for indoor play passes, with the option to add bowling and plaster painting.  Fun idea if you're down near Stoughton!
  
• Animal Adventures in Bolton.  It's a bit of a drive, but totally worth it if you have a kid who is really into animals.  We've gone twice because my son liked it so much the first time. You get up close and personal with all sorts of animals.
  
• Jump Around in Framingham.  I bought one of these already and might buy another.  I'm kind of burnt out on these jumping places, personally, but these jumping passes have been a great thing during the miserable weather.  Anything that gets us out of the house and gets my son some exercise!  

This Week's Groupon Roundup

Good morning!  Hope everyone is doing well on this slushy, messy Valentine's Day morning.  Every week, I try to gather my favorite family-friendly Groupons.  Here are this week's picks:

Get up close & personal with reptiles and more at Animal Adventures!

• $15 for $30 at Oakleaf Cakes in Boston.  YUM.  Enjoy cupcakes, cookies, homemade Pop Tarts, and more.
• Circus Oz at the Citi Performing Arts Center.  This animal-free circus includes tumblers, tightrope-walkers, foot-jugglers, magicians, and acrobats.
• Body Worlds Vital -Faneuil Hall.  The Body Worlds exhibit has 200 authentic human specimens, including individual organs, transparent slices, and whole bodies.
• Colonial Lantern Tours.  Save this creepy ghost tour for the older kids!  I did it pre-kid and had a great time.  And then I went to Caffe Vittoria.  ;-)
• Kids Fun Stop in West Roxbury.  Visit this indoor playground (perfect for ages 6 and under) for half price.  Great deal for the wintertime!  This deal is going away soon, so grab it before it's too late.
• Drumming lessons in Arlington.  Half price drum lessons for kids aged 5-12.
• Monster Mini Golf in Norwood.  Monster Mini Golf is an indoor, black-lit mini golf course with music and of course, MONSTERS!  There's also a Groupon for its Danvers location.  Fun thing to do while this lousy weather continues.
• Kidsports in Stoughton.  This Groupon is for indoor play passes, with the option to add bowling and plaster painting.  Sounds super fun!
• Together in Motion in Arlington.  This is ideal for little tots and mobile babies.  Let them get their energy out at this indoor playspace.  We did this a few times when Isaac was crawling and he loved it.
• Animal Adventures in Bolton.  It's a bit of a long drive, but worth it if you have a kid who is really into animals.  We've gone twice because my son liked it so much the first time. You can pet all sorts of interesting animals, from wallabies to alligators.

Today's Groupon Roundup

Cape Ann Whale Watch is fun for the whole family!

This is another thing I'm going to try to do weekly.  I'm going to scour Groupon for my favorite family-friendly deals!  And if you don't follow Boston Families on a Budget on Facebook, please do!  Sometimes I'll quickly post something there that doesn't always make it to this blog.

• Kids Fun Stop in West Roxbury.  Visit this indoor playground (perfect for ages 6 and under) for half price.  Great deal for the wintertime!
• Drumming lessons in Arlington.  Half price drum lessons for kids aged 5-12.
• Cape Ann Whale Watch.  I did this pre-kid and LOVED it.  The Groupon is only good for adult tickets, so you can buy your kids' tickets separately.  During certain times, kids under 3 are free.  Check the Groupon and read the fine print.
• Monster Mini Golf in Norwood.  Monster Mini Golf is an indoor, black-lit mini golf course with music and of course, MONSTERS!  There's also a Groupon for its Danvers location.
• Mini golf at Golf Country.  Locations in Saugus, Middleton, and Easton.
• Kidsports in Stoughton.  This Groupon is for indoor play passes, with the option to add bowling and plaster painting.
• Together in Motion in Arlington.  Best for tots and mobile babies.  Let them get their energy out at this indoor playspace.
• Animal Adventures in Bolton.  It's a little bit of a hike, but worth it if you have a kid who is really into animals.  We've gone twice because my son liked it so much the first time. You can pet all sorts of interesting animals, from wallabies to alligators.
• Membership to the One World Children's Global Discovery Museum in Cohasset.   This museum is best for kids 1-6.
• Jump Around in Framingham.  I bought one of these already and might buy another.  These jumping passes have been a savior during those "polar vortex" days.
• Dante's Frozen Yogurt.  Enjoy discounted froyo in Allston.
• swissbakers in Allston or Reading.  Enjoy authentic Swiss baked goods.  Hurry up with this one - the Groupon ends at the end of the day!