Mother's Day Freebies in New England

Want to do something fun and festive for Mother's Day without spending lots of money at a brunch?  There are lots of free offers around Boston and New England for moms this Sunday!

Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT - Moms get in free with their buy one ticket, get one free promotion.  This available online only!  Plus, moms get to relax in our “relaxation zone” while kids make a special gift for mommy!

Tower Hill Botanic Gardens in Boylston, MA - Moms get in free all weekend!

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI - Moms get in free with a paying child.

Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA - Free zoo admission for moms and samples of KIND bars!  Yum!

Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA - Not only do moms get in free, but it is also Star Wars Day at the Franklin Park Zoo!  Dress up in your favorite Star Wars gear and enjoy!

Santa Banta in Waltham, MA - This new Indian restaurant is offering free meals to moms Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this weekend!

Providence Children's Museum in Providence, RI - Moms get in free and kids can make flowers for their moms.

Other stuff to do: 

Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, MA - I love the Arnold Arboretum!  While it's always free, this Sunday is its very special Lilac Sunday.  The arboretum has one of the best lilac collections in the US.

Kids Fun Fest in Newton, MA - This annual carnival is a great way to spend an afternoon this weekend.  With rides, concessions, crafts, and entertainment, it's fun for all.

Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, MA - Half price admission for moms.

5 things to do this weekend

Sheep Shearing at Gore Place in Waltham

Spring has sprung and there are some fun happenings going on this weekend!

1.  Healthy Kids Day at the Y.  All over the country, YMCAs are participating in Healthy Kids Day, which is an initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids.  My husband, musician Matt B. Mahoney, will be playing kids music at the Oak Square Y in Brighton.  Activities at different locations may vary but include snacks, moon bounces, and more.  FREE.

2.  Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival in Waltham.   This is one of my family's favorite events.  We used to even go pre-kid!  Aside from sheep shearing, there's herding dog demonstrations, a craft fair, live entertainment, farm animals, and lots of fun!  It's $15 per person, but kids are free.  Gore Place is a really cool spot, too!  Enjoy!

3. Princess and Frog Day at the Stone Zoo.  Meet your favorite princesses and learn all about frogs!  Save $2 on your tickets if you buy them online.

4.  Fenway Park's open house.  This is too good to be true for any baseball fan!  It includes a showcase game and a visiting areas like theclubhouses, dugouts, batting cages and the bullpen!  All concessions will be open. FREE.

5.  Earth Day Festival in Concord.  There's a parade, exhibits, music, and local food.  FREE.

Easter Bunny Visits

Less than a month until Peter Cottontail comes hoppin' along the bunny trail!  Looking for a place for your kids to meet the Easter Bunny?  Here are some fun options.  I will add more as I find them!

Bunny Bonanzoo at the Stone Zoo.  You can take your own photo with the Easter Bunny for a suggested donation of $5. All proceeds benefit Stone Zoo.  This is in addition to regular zoo admission.  The Bonanzoo also includes crafts, music, and other Easter festivities!  This event is only on April 19.

The Easter Bunny at Roger Williams Park Zoo.   Head down to Providence's awesome zoo.  Get your kids' picture taken with the Easter Bunny and do a craft!  The event runs from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 4 pm. The price is in addition to general Zoo admission - is $10 for children ages 3-12, and $5 for toddlers ages 0-2.  Adults are free.  This event will take place April 12, 13, 18, and 19.

Waltham's Easter Bunny Celebration.  Hop to Waltham on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9:30am-12:00pm at the Arthur J. Clark Government Center, 119 School Street. Snap photos with the Easter Bunny, enjoy balloons, do arts and crafts, and meet Patches the Fire Dog!

The Easter Bunny at Natick Mall.  The Easter Bunny will be there for pictures from 3/29/2014 - 4/19/2014.  Here is a 30% off coupon for photos - for  only $29.00 you get four 5”x7” Portraits, four 4”x6” Portraits, eight Wallet Size Portraits AND a Digital Download.  You do have to buy in advance, though.

Easter Events at Patriot Place.  Lots of stuff going on there!  Bass Pro Shops has Easter Egg Hunts on April 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 2-3 PM.  They're also offering an opportunity for FREE photos with the Easter Bunny!  There's also Easter crafts!

Meet the Easter Bunny at the Watertown Mall.  The Easter Bunny will be there on April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, and 19.

Phillips Candy House 22nd Annual Spring Egg Hunt. An egg hunt, hot chocolate, and photos and a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny himself!

Easter Party at JamTime.  JamTime has locations in Maynard and Natick.  April 18 and 19.  The Easter Bunny, games, sweet treats, and crafts.  Free with the cost of admission!