2nd Annual West Newton Halloween Celebration

Decorating a cookie at L'Aroma last year!

This celebration is in my own neighborhood!  Join us for trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, and much more!  We took Isaac last year and he had so much fun.  We can't wait to do it again this year.

The fun starts with window painting for the older kids at 9 AM and lasts all the way until 4 PM.  Thanks to Greer Tan Swiston for putting this together.

View the flyer for more information.

Halloween and Fall Festivities Around Boston

Source:  linder6580 from sxc.hu

*Updated on 10/16*

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and there's no shortage of free and inexpensive activities around Greater Boston to celebrate Halloween and autumn!  I'll probably update this as I come across more. Please let me know if you know of any other events!

Saturdays in October:  Lakeshore Learning offers free crafts from 11-3.  10/5 are farm puppets, 10/12 is a pumpkin door hanger, 10/19 is a mask, and 10/26 is a trick-or-treat cup.  There are locations in Newton and Saugus.

October 5-31:  Spooky Hayrides at Wilson Farm in Lexington on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.   Free!

October 5:  Peirce Elementary School's Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Happenings in Newton.  11 AM.  Pumpkins, cider, bake sale, live music.

October 5:  Homestead Hayfest at Historic Newton.  Press your own cider, churn your own butter, dip candles...it's a lot of fun!  We can't make it this year and are disappointed to miss it!

October 6:  Paddles and Pumpkins in Newton, 2-4 PM.  Sign up for a free half hour of canoeing or kayaking, decorate pumpkins, and enjoy cider.

October 6:  Dorchester Historical Society's Farm Day.  Pony rides, bake sale, kids activities, and more!

October 11:  Watertown Cooperative Nursery School's Pumpkin Sale.  Not just pumpkins!  There are also goody bags, secondhand costumes, cider, and baked goods.  Proceeds benefit WCNS.

October 13:  Hike to the Witches Caves in Ashland.  Enjoy the scenery on a family hike.

October 13:  Halloween event at South Street Diner.  Pumpkin carving and coloring pumpkins, hot apple cider, trick or treating.  Wear your costume!

October 14:  Columbus Day Games at Gore Place.  Explore the 50 acres of Gore Place while following clues and solve a puzzle to win a prize.

October 19:  Mask Magic at the Watertown Mall.  Make a mask and enjoy music with Jean!  There is also a mask contest associated with this event.

October 19:  Fall Harvest Festival at Patriot's Place.  Cranberry harvesting, pumpkin painting, hayrides, live music, and more!

October 19-20:  Newton Harvest Fair.  Amusement rides and more!  Sunday has more activities including pumpkin decorating.

October 19-27:  Kids get in free at Southwick's Zoo if they wear their costume!

October 25:  Halloween Music with Marcie Joy at Henry Bear's Park, Brookline, 5 PM

October 25:  Halloween Fun at the Waltham Library with crafts and face painting.

October 26:  Linden Square Halloween Party.  Parade, storytelling, and treats!

October 26:  Legacy Place's Halloween Event.  We did this last year and Isaac had a great time!  Trick or treat throughout the mall, enjoy crafts, drink cider or pumpkin milkshakes, and more.

October 26:  Halloween Magic at the Waltham Library.  Not scary, great for the little ones!

October 26:  Halloween Party at Burlington Mall.  Goody bags, music, and a costume contest!

October 26:  Halloween Puppets at the Watertown Mall.  Free puppet shows at 11, 1, and 3 near Carter's.

October 26:  Wellesley Trick-or-Treat Parade.  For kids aged kids 0-8.  It will start at 11 am at Dorset Tea on Washington Street, followed by games in Clock Tower Park and a visit from the Wellesley Fire Department!

October 26:  Spooktacular Trick or Treat Parade in Natick.  Go through Downtown Natick and trick-or-treat!

October 26:  West Newton Safe Trick-or-Treat.  Trick-or-treat in West Newton Square and enjoy events at Hip Stitch and Joanne Langione Dance!  (no link at the moment, but email me at krissym at yahoo dot com if you have any questions...this is in my neighborhood)

October 26 & 27:  Halloween Party on Castle Island. Haunted castle, trick-or-treat bags, storytellers, and balloons!

October 27:  Boo Bash at Square One Mall in Saugus.  Trick-or-treat, photo ops, and other Halloween events!

October 27:  Pru Boo at the Pru!  Trick-or-treat for charity, plus magic face painting, and plenty of other fun!

October 27:  Arsenal Mall Trick-or-Treat. Entertainment, tattoos, and free cider, too!

October 27:  Trick-or-Treat @ The Street.  Chestnut Hill's new outdoor mall is having a costume party with free food, the Stacey Peasley Band, and more!

October 29:  Halloween-themed Storytime at Showcase Cinema Deluxe at Patriot's Place.  Includes a character visit and a brief movie.  The story is shown on the big screen...lots of fun!  (And for lunch afterwards, kids eat free at Qdoba on Tuesdays!)

October 30:  Gross Halloween Crafts at the Watertown Public Library for grades K-5.

October 31:  Trick-or-Treat at Puppet Showplace in Brookline.  Make a puppet, show off your costume, and have treats.  Free!

October 31:  Halloween Fun for Kids Under 7 at the Boston Public Library.  Come in a costume for Halloween themed stories and songs.

October 31:  Scary Stories at the Cambridge Public Library.  Ages 5+.

October 31:  Jungle Jim's Halloween Show at the Watertown Public Library for grades K-5.

October 31:  Get a free cider donut at Russell Orchard if you show up in costume!

October 31:  Free monster pancakes at IHOP for kids.  Locations in Brighton, Harvard Square, Dedham, Revere, Saugus, and more.

October 31:  Trick or Treat Arlington.  Trick-or-treat at the stores in Arlington!

October 31:  Mall-O-Ween at the Woburn Mall.  Trick-or-treat and watch Lucky Bob, the magician and juggler!

Indoor Activities for Babies & Young Tots

Isaac at Together in Motion in Arlington, Aug. 2010.

One of the biggest parenting challenges for me when Isaac was younger was WINTERTIME.  Now that he's older, I find it much easier on those ice cold days, but when he was a baby and younger toddler, sometimes I'd go crazy.

Here are some of the things that kept me sane during those first 2 winters without breaking the bank:

• Lapsits at the Library.  Isaac was only 3 months old when we started frequenting "Book Babies" at the Wellesley Free Library.  The Watertown Free Public Library also offers storytime for babies as young as newborns, and the best part about the WFPL is that they also have the Red Leaf Cafe so before or after the storytime you can enjoy coffee, pastries, or lunch.
• Tiny Tots at Together in Motion in Arlington.  The first time I took Isaac to Tiny Tots was when he was 9 months old.  It's perfect for just mobile babies up to 24 months, so you don't have to worry about your little ones getting knocked down.  Everything is padded and there are tunnels, mats, etc for the babies to play on.
• Museums.  The Museum of Science is free for kids under 3, so definitely try to go before you have to pay admission!  The Discovery Center is the best for younger kids and there's even a little play area for pre-walkers.  Afterwards, bring your stroller or baby carrier and enjoy the exhibits while your little one (hopefully?!) takes a snooze.   The Boston Children's Museum is only free for kids under the age of 1, but it's a pretty affordable outing even once they're past that age and most libraries have discount passes.   There's an area for pre-walkers there as well, and an entire area for kids 3 and under.
• The mall.  I've never been much of a "wander aimlessly around the mall" person, not since I was a teenager growing up in New Jersey, but after Isaac was born I began to do it again.  In fact, it was a life saver that first winter because I was paranoid about Isaac potentially crying in a public  place, but I was desperate to get out of the house on freezing days.  My mall of choice is the Natick Mall because there is a lot of room to walk around, there are plenty of other kids and it seems more bright and less blah than a lot of other malls.    There's also family restrooms with baby changing tables and areas for nursing.   On cold boring days, we still go there sometimes to have lunch, walk around, and hit up the play area.
• The Freedman Center in Newton.  We started off with their fantastic New Babies/New Moms Groups and then graduated to their Free Playtimes.  I don't know what I would have done without The Freedman Center during the first 2 years!
• Box Office Babies in Brookline.  Ahh, going to the movies when Isaac was an infant somehow made me feel human again!  The volume is a little softer and the lights are only dimmed, so you can cuddle with your baby and watch a grown-up movie!
• Studies.  A lot of the universities run developmental studies.  We've been doing them since Isaac was only 3 months old!  You can do your part to contribute to the scientific community and do something fun, too.  When it's not too cold a lot of times we'll walk around Harvard Square after a Harvard study or hop over to Newbury Street after a BU study.  After a Boston College study, sometimes we'll walk around the Reservoir.  

Castle Island in the Fall

The playground at Castle Island is awesome!

Most people think of Castle Island as a summer destination, but I prefer it in the off-seasons: spring and fall.  It's easier to park, it's not as crowded, but it's still just as fun on a nice day.

You do the loop around the fort and play at the playground.  The playground there is pretty great!   Kids love watching the planes taking off from Logan!    For more beachy activities, you can look for shells and play in the sand, even if the weather is cool.

While you're there, have a picnic.  The picnic tables are plentiful so either pack a picnic or grab some food from Sullivan's.  The food is super inexpensive.  Even a lobster roll is only $10!  If you get there early enough, they even have breakfast sandwiches for only about $3.  If you go on a chilly day, warm up with hot chocolate, chowder, or lobster bisque.

It's a cheap outing and lovely in the fall.  Plus, it's right in Boston!

The Fifth Annual Newton Touch a Truch

Touch a Truck in Newton

Awesome free event this Sunday, September 22!

The Newton Partnership is hosting their Fifth Annual Newton Touch-A-Truck Event from 10am - 1pm!  This fun event is held at Newton South High School at 140 Brandeis Rd. in Newton Centre.

Kids will have a chance to get up close and personal with a variety of trucks, from diggers, ambulances, moving vans, armored cars, tow trucks, and more.   PLUS, there are food trucks for purchasing lunch and snacks!

We went last year and had a blast.  I highly recommend this event.

Our Fall Bucket List

As I crossed off most of the items on our summer bucket list, I started thinking of fun stuff for us to do this fall.  Fall is my favorite season so I'm looking forward to plenty of fall fun!

Touch-a-Truck is always a good time!

Here's what I'm looking forward to...

• Apple picking.  We actually paid a visit to Tougas Farm last weekend and we LOVE Tougas, but it was a bit too early for most of the apples and we mostly picked peaches.  The peaches were awesome, by the way!  But, I love the full fall experience - hot apple cider afterwards, warm cider donuts, etc.  For that experience, there's nothing like Russell Orchards.  Plus, there's wine tasting for mommy and daddy, tons of farm animals, and hayrides on the weekends.
• Pumpkin picking.  I have never been pumpkin picking before, but I'm going to make it my mission this fall.
• Touch-a-Truck.  Last year we had a blast at Newton's Touch-a-Truck, which is on September 22 this year.  Kids can explore an ambulance, moving truck, fire truck, and more.  Food trucks are also there so bring an appetite.  If you're not near Newton or can't make it that day, most cities have their own Touch-a-Truck day, usually in the fall.  I may do some digging and find out when other areas are holding their Touch-a-Truck and do a separate post.
• Nature walks.  Fall is the perfect time for nature walks.  Not too hot, not too cold, and in New England it's as picturesque as can be.  I'm on the lookout for some new trails that would be doable with kids.
• Castle Island.  This is actually a carryover from my summer bucket list.  Summer went by too fast and we never had the opportunity to hit up Castle Island.  I'd love for us to watch the planes take off, walk around the fort, play at the playground, and top it off with cheap eats at Sullivan's.
• The zoo.  Ideally, Southwick's.  It's the best zoo I've been to since moving here.  If I can't make it to Southwick's, maybe Franklin Park Zoo.  Franklin Park and Stone Zoos have great discounts on the first Saturday of the month - if you get there before noon, adults get to pay the kid's admission!
• Harbor Islands.  This is another carryover from my summer bucket list. We are sitting on a Groupon that expires in about 6 weeks.
•  Visit a new Mass Audubon location.  You will quickly learn that I am a huge fan of Mass Audubon.   After having a wonderful time at the Wellfleet location, it dawned on me that I am not using my membership to its fullest.  This fall, Isaac and I will be exploring at least ONE Mass Audubon location that we haven't been to before.  We do love Drumlin Farm, but there's so much more out there that we haven't visited!
• Newton Harvest Fair.   Rides, pumpkin decorating, and fall fun?  Count us in.  Learn more.  

LivingSocial and Groupon Deals Roundup: 8/29/13

There are some awesome deals on LivingSocial and Groupon for families in Eastern Massachusetts right now!   I have hand-picked a bunch that sounded the most fun to me.  Check 'em out...

Ocean Explorium, New Bedford

Where:  Ocean Explorium, New Bedford
How Much:  Admission for 4 - $17
Expires:  120 days after purchase
Notes:  This smallish aquarium is perfect for the toddler and preschool set.   We went last year after getting a LivingSocial deal and Isaac, who had just turned 3, loved it.  It was extremely hands-on and the staff members really worked well with younger kids.  Worth the drive to New Bedford and the price can't be beat!

Where:  Imajine That, Lawrence
How Much:  50% off classes.
Expires:  Jan. 3, 2014
Notes:  Imajine That is a 12,000-square-foot play center offers a science station, a dino-themed climbing structure, child-size grocery store, and more.

Where:  Together in Motion, Arlington
How Much:  $34 for 14 drop-in play visits
Expires:  Jan. 5, 2014
Notes:  For kids 0-6.  I took Isaac there a few times when he was a baby and he loved it.  It was a soft, safe place for him to explore when he was just learning to be mobile.

Where:  Duck Tours, Boston
How Much:  $24
Expires:  November 30, 2013
Note:  If you're in the mood to do something quintessentially Boston before the winter freeze, try the Duck Tours this fall.  Quack!

Where:  Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
How Much:  $12
Expires:  March 31, 2014
Note:  We love OSV and it's a steal for $12.  It's fun for young or old.  Learn about New England history and enjoy the scenery.  And while you're out that way, hit up the Publick House or Salem Cross Inn for lunch.  Both are kid-friendly and have excellent comfort food on the menu.  I might be biased, though.  We got married at the Salem Cross Inn and had our rehearsal at the Publick House.

Animal Adventures, Bolton

Where:  Animal Adventures, Bolton
How Much:  Two admissions for $12
Expires:  90 days after purchase.
Note:  Isaac and I went to Animal Adventures in the spring and we had a blast.  We saw a fox, a wallaby, tortoises, alligators, and more.  The tour guide was knowledgeable and there were lots of animals to touch!

Where:  Gil Graham's Drumming Preparatory School, Arlington
How Much:  Starts at $12 for one group drumming lesson.
Expires:  180 days after purchase.
Notes:  Group drum classes for children aged 5-12.

Where:  The Kids Place for Fun, Needham
How Much:  $15 for $30 worth of crafts.
Expires:  Oct. 31, 2013
Notes:  Kids can paint pottery, tie-dye, do mosaics, or more.  It's fun for everybody!

Where: Funtagious Fun Center, Tyngsborough
How Much:  Starts at $12 for 2.
Expires:  90 days after purchase.
Notes:  This place sounds cool! Underwater and pirate-themed indoor, black-light mini golf course.  Also skee-ball (my fav!),  air hockey, and more.

Where:  Golf Country, Easton, Middleboro, and Saugus
How Much:  $15 for 4.
Expires:  180 days after purchase.
Notes:  Enjoy mini-golf at any of their locations.

Where:  Monster Mini-Golf, Danvers
How Much:  $18 for four rounds.
Expires: 90 days after purchase.
Notes:  A fun-looking indoor mini-golf course with a monster theme!

Where:  Look What I Made, North Reading
How Much:  $20 for $40
Expires:  Oct. 31, 2013
Notes:  Pottery painting!  Groupon is also valid for adult and children's pottery painting workshops.

Where:  Inside Playground, Watertown
How Much:  Various deals, check out the link above.
Expires:  Jan. 1, 2014
Note:  When the weather is inclement, Isaac and I head over to Inside Playground on occasion for free play.  These Groupons are not for free play, but rather for drop-off babysitting and "Mommy and Me" preschool classes.

Where:  Einstein's Workshop, Burlington
How Much:   $6 for 2 hours of play.
Expires:  Nov. 10, 2013
Note:  This is an indoor playspace with a variety of activities.

Free Events on Labor Day Weekend

Yay for the a long weekend!  It's a shame that summer is almost over but I will be posting about a lot of super fun fall stuff to do over the next few months.  But, first things first.

What's happening this weekend around Boston?  What's free?

• Riverfront Music Festival, Newburyport.  Music all afternoon and food vendors in beautiful Newburyport.  Saturday.
• Bread and Roses Festival, Lawrence.  Music, dance, ethnic food, walking and trolley tours, pony rides, jugglers, hula hoops, face painting and more.  Sunday.
• Pilgrim Hall Museum's Free Admission Day, Plymouth.  It's the Pilgrim Hall Museum's 189th birthday! Celebrate the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of Pilgrim Hall Museum with FREE admission. Plus...birthday cake!  Sunday.
• Gloucester Schooner Festival, Gloucester.  This free festival includes a parade and fireworks.  Saturday & Sunday.
• Boston Arts Festival, Boston. This waterfront festival includes a variety of artists from Boston, including performing artists. Fireworks on Saturday.   Saturday & Sunday.
• East Greenwich Art Festival, East Greenwich, RI.  Art, a magician, food, entertainment, and more!   Saturday & Sunday.
• Sts. Anargyroi Grecian Festival, Marlborough.  With this festival going on for three days, be sure to head out to Marlborough for one of them! Greek food, performers, face painting, and kids games.   Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
• Labor Day Hike, Framingham.  Visit the Nobscot Scout Reservation in Framingham and enjoy shady trails and history. Monday.

Why join Mass Audubon?

View of the Sandy Neck Lighthouse from Long Pasture in Barnstable

One of the best investments I make year after year is a Mass Audubon membership.  A family membership is only $65 a year and it pays for itself quickly!

The location we frequent the most is Drumlin Farm in Lincoln.   You can easily spend an entire day there.  Not only is there the farm itself, there are also beautiful trails.  They are pretty flat and easy to do, so if you have a small child in tow the trails are pretty manageable.

Additionally, they have lots of educational programs where you can just drop in.  We've attended various programs to learn about ducks, touch animal pelts, and more.  They also have programs that you can sign up for in advance.  Many include working on the farm and cooking.  These require an addition fee, but members often get discounts.

Two other local Mass Audubon locations that I love are Moose Hill in Sharon and Broadmoor in Natick.   Both have nature centers and trails.  There are a few other local Mass Audubon locations that I haven't been to yet but are on my to do list:  Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, Habitat in Belmont, and Blue Hills in Milton.

Most of the other locations are close enough to Boston for a day trip.  There are a few North of Boston with excellent trails - and two of them also have nature centers.

Another reason I love my Mass Audubon membership:  when we go on vacation here in Massachusetts, we can take advantage of our membership while exploring a new area.   Whether it's the Berkshires or Nantucket, there's always a location nearby.  We've been to Felix Neck on Martha's Vineyard, Long Pasture in Barnstable, and my personal favorite:  Wellfleet Bay.   Wellfleet Bay has a really nice nature center, trails with spectacular marsh views, and all sorts of events like educational cruises for kids.  On our hikes, we saw turtles, frogs, crabs, and turkeys!

Our Mass Audubon membership is worth its weight in gold!  Going to one of the locations is one of our go-tos on a free day with nice weather.   It never stops being fun for us!

Kids Eat Free Around Boston

Happy Monday, everybody!

Let's make this week happier by going out to eat one night.  And make it even better by getting a free meal for your kids.  Here's where you can go...

Mondays

British Beer Company - Framingham, Cedarville, Westford
Halfway Cafe - Dedham, Watertown, Marlborough, Canton, Holbrook, Maynard
John Brewer's - Waltham and Malden

Tuesdays

Captain Marden's - Wellesley
Halfway Cafe - Dedham, Watertown, Marlborough, Canton, Holbrook, Maynard
Moe's - Hanover, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Natick, Chelmsford
Pizzeria Regina - Allston
Turner Fisheries - Boston (only 5-7 pm)
Brewer's Coalition - Newtonville
Miller's Ale House - Watertown
Qdoba - Multiple locations in Boston, also Wellesley, Dedham, Medford, Braintree, and more
IHOP - Cambridge, Dedham, Brighton
IKEA- Stoughton.

Wednesdays

Moe's - Waltham
Turner Fisheries - Boston (only 5-7 pm)
Friendly's - Watertown, Waltham (Okay, this actually isn't free.  Kids meals are $1.99, but I thought I'd add it.)

Thursdays

Turner Fisheries - Boston (only 5-7 pm)

Fridays

Turner Fisheries - Boston (only 5-7 pm)

Saturdays

Turner Fisheries - Boston (only 5-7 pm)

Sundays

Samba Steak and Sushi - Framingham, also free cotton candy and magic show between 5 and 8.

Other 

99 Restaurant offers Kids Eat Free the day after a Red Sox win.

Know anymore?  Let me know.

Boston Common - Visit it on the cheap!

Make Way for Ducklings..and Isaac!

The summertime fun in Boston Common ends in a few weeks, so hurry up and visit there if you haven't yet this season!   It's the quintessential  Boston outing, and you can do it while only spending a little bit of cash.

First, take a ride on the Swan Boats!  For only $3 per adult and $1.50 per child (under 2 is free), you can take a delightful 15 minute cruise.  Enjoy the scenery, the ducks, and the willow trees.

Afterwards, head over to the carousel.  It's only $3 a ride, and if your kid is on the younger side you can go with them for free.

Then, put on your bathing suits and head into the Frog Pond - which is FREE!

Don't forget to visit the famous Make Way for Ducklings statues!  (They make a great photo op!)

A family of four can get away with only spending $15 for several hours of fun.

We also love to take the T.  We live in Newton, so we hop on at Woodland and get off at Arlington.

Welcome!

Hello out there! I'm back in action, folks! I’m going to be blogging about fun things to do around Boston without spending too much money. :-) There is much fun to be had for families and kids in New England on the cheap! Welcome and enjoy!