Facebook page

Hi all!

Even though my blog has been quiet, my Facebook page has been active with lots of fun things to do, discounts, and deals!  Visit me at Boston Families on a Budget! 

Cape Cod Off-Season

A blue lobster at the Woods Hole Aquarium

If you want to visit the Cape but want to save some cash, think about going off-season.  Most people think of lounging at the beach, eating ice cream, and playing mini-golf and while those are some of my favorite activities as well, there are some fun things to do year-round.  Whether you want to take a day trip to the Cape or enjoy a long, relaxing weekend, there's always something to do.

You can get fantastic deals on accommodations during the off-season.  Different places have different definitions of "off-season."  We've gotten off-season rates as late as mid-June, because some places don't consider it peak season until school gets out, but if you have small kids or just want to get away for the weekend, that could be a good option.  You can find house rental deals, but we actually like to stay at a hotel when we visit the Cape off-season because a lot of the hotels have indoor pools.  This makes it way more fun for my son when he can swim no matter the weather! 

You might be wondering what there is to do on the Cape in the off-season.  Yes, there are a lot of things that close for the winter, but there are also some great things open year round.

Here are some of my favorites Cape attractions that are open year-round:

• Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory.   This quick, free, self-guided tour is a fun treat for the entire family.  Plus, free chips at the end!
• While you're in Hyannis, check out Cape Cod Beer.   Beer samples for the grown-ups and a train table for the kiddos!
• Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.  It's closed from December 30-February 14, but is otherwise open year-round.  The museum is small but has tons of fun, interesting artifacts from the Cape, including a small aquarium area.   If the weather is nice, they have some truly awesome trails.  Even if it's chilly, bundle up and explore.
• If hiking and nature walks are your thing, hit up one of the Mass Audubon locations on the Cape.  The Wellfleet  location is a particularly good choice because they have a robust visitor's center so even if the weather isn't great your kids can enjoy the visitor's center.
• Visit some lighthouses.  Lighthouses are picturesque no matter the season.  Some offer tours year round.
• Enjoy bowling in Orleans, or at a Ryan's Family Amusements location.
• Visit the Woods Hole Aquarium.  This free (donation requested) aquarium is fun for adults and kids of all ages!
• After visiting the aquarium, head a few blocks down to Pie in the Sky.   Warm up with some hot drinks and enjoy lunch or one of their well-known bear claws!
• No visit to the Cape is complete without some fresh fish!  One seafood restaurant open off-season (closed January-mid February) is Wellfleet Oyster.  Their menu includes a raw bar, fried platters, and a kids menu featuring fare such as spaghetti, fried fish, and chicken fingers.
• Pick up a pie at Marion's in Chatham.   Really amazing pie!  My husband recommends the bumbleberry.
• Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.  Here are a bunch of locations for a scenic day spent in the snow!

Lots of places on the Cape are open from April until October, but peak season is usually June through September, so you could get good deals on hotels or house rentals in the spring or fall, but still have access to all the fun Cape stuff - and maybe some warm weather!

This was originally posted on January 16, 2014. 

Blue Hills Reservation

How have I lived around Boston for over 11 years without going to the Blue Hills?

On Memorial Day, Isaac and I finally went to the Blue Hills Reservation and the Trailside Museum, part of Mass Audubon.  The Trailside Museum has all sorts of animals, including an otter, deer, owls, and lots more.  They also offer lots of educational programs.

Take the red dot trail to see the observation tower.  It's very rocky (see picture above) and pretty steep, but my 5 year old did it without a problem.

That's the observation tower.   Some of the kids were calling it a castle!  There are also tons of picnic tables around, so it's a fun spot to enjoy a picnic lunch after making your way up the trail.

The view of Boston from the top of the tower.  Isaac thought that was really cool!

After all that hard work hiking, we got some well-deserved ice cream from the museum.  The museum is stocked up with snacks, ice cream, and drinks.  

Before we left, we participated in a ponding activity.  The path around the pond is usually closed off, but if you go when there's a ponding activity, they'll bring you inside.  There were a bunch of turtles that we saw, just hanging out!

Then we saw this giant bullfrog on the banks of the pond.

The kids were given nets and they could scoop up stuff from the pond to see what they could find.

Isaac was in awe of all of the tiny little tadpoles that we found in the pond.  The ponding activity was really well-done and fun for all ages.

We can't wait to go back!

For nonmembers, it's $5 adults $3 children (2-12) $4 seniors (65+), but getting a Mass Audubon membership is a great deal and pays for itself in no time if you're an outdoorsy type.

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.

Spend the Day at the Arnold Arboretum

With the weather warming up after a looong winter, I am desperate to soak up as much outdoor time as possible this spring!  On Sunday afternoon, we went with some friends to the Arnold Arboretum in JP to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and see the very beginning of things growing.

The Arnold Arboretum is a fun way to spend a few hours as a family.  It's free, (street) parking is also free, and it's a beautiful spot.  Even though when we went last weekend there wasn't as much in bloom as there will be in a few weeks, we got to see daffodils, magnolia trees in full bloom, and lots of other little flowers.  The Arboretum is HUGE and even after being there for a while we barely made a dent in seeing everything.

There's also a small nature center with some educational tools for kids.  You can rent Discovery Backpacks free of charge for kids 3+.  The backpacks have activities like tree bingo, collect and sort items you find, and measuring trees.

The Arnold Arboretum is a gem in Boston.  I don't know why we don't go more often!  We can't wait to go again when things are really in bloom!

After walking around and enjoying the Arboretum, head up to JP Licks for a sweet treat!

Stopping Between Boston and NYC

Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven

I grew up in New Jersey have a lot of family and friends in the NY/NJ/CT area, so we drive down that way frequently.  Sometimes we like to make stops on the way there or back to break up the drive and give my son the chance to stretch his legs, especially if we aren't in a rush.

For anyone else who does the drive regularly or plans to make a trip down there, here are some places on the way to help break up your trip.  I will add this as I find more activities.

Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT - This is a great aquarium and a bit cheaper than other aquariums in New England, like Mystic or the New England Aquarium.   You can easily spend several hours here.  The best part is the hands-on activities, like the ray touch tank!

Stepping Stones Children's Museum in Norwalk, CT - If you are a member of the Museum of Science or Boston Children's Museum, your membership card will get you into Stepping Stones!  This is a really fun children's museum.  It's spacious, clean, and has a lot to do.  We've been here a few times and would love to stop there again.

Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, CT - This is a little pricey ($30 for out-of-staters to park their car) but it's pretty cool.  It has a nice lighthouse, a beach with lifeguards, a carousel, a splash pad, and concessions.  Pack a picnic and stay for a few hours.  Build it into your trip!

Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT - This is another museum that you can get in for free with a Museum of Science membership.  Otherwise, it's only $7 and kids 5 and under are free.  It's part science museum and part art museum.  It's not a big museum and you can get through it in less than an hour, but my son enjoyed it on our way home after Christmas last December.

Chip's Pancakes in multiple locations - After years of seeing billboards for Chip's, we finally stopped there a few months ago.  The billboards say they have the best pancakes in Connecticut and I must say, they were quite good and I am very picky with my pancakes!  Super kid friendly, inexpensive, breakfast all day, and a good place to stop for a quick bite when driving to or from NY.

Mystic, CT - If you take 95 home, stop by Mystic.  You don't need to spend money on the aquarium (which is quite costly) and you could just head to downtown Mystic.  There are restaurants including the famous Mystic Pizza, ice cream places, gift shops, and a draw bridge.  Nearby Stonington also has a lighthouse museum.

Lighthouses - You can check out my lighthouse blog that I haven't updated in years.  My husband and I love lighthouses and here are some that you can visit in CT.  Note:  you need to take 95 home to see most of these.

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI - Another place you can get in with your Museum of Science membership.  It's a really nice zoo and you could spend hours there.  It's also great for a day trip.

Big Apple Circus: Metamorphosis Review

My family had the amazing opportunity to see the Big Apple Circus at City Hall Plaza yesterday.   I hadn't been to the Big Apple Circus since I was a kid and it was even more fun than I remembered!  It was so exciting to share the experience with my husband and my 5 year old son, Isaac.

The show, called Metamorphosis, ran for about 2 hours with a brief intermission.  It was fast-paced and kept the crowd interested the whole time.  It included animals, Francisco the Clown, acrobats, and lots of comedy!  The live music was also a treat.  My husband is a professional musician and not easily impressed, but he thought the band was really good.

I loved it because it felt like a classic circus but with a modern twist.  It had the festive circus music and costumes, but at the same time it was all very contemporary.  The big top wasn't too big so it felt like a personal experience.

Last night before bed, I asked Isaac what was his favorite part of the show.  His response:  "The camels, the acrobats, and the clown."  Isaac tends to get a little restless but he sat through the entire show without getting bored for even a second.  It really captivated him.  I think he was the perfect age to enjoy it, but honestly, my husband and I enjoyed it just as much!

A few things to note:

- The Big Apple Circus does NOT use exotic animals in their shows.  They only use domesticated animals, like ponies, camels, and dogs.  You don't have to worry about animal abuse or wild animals, like elephants or lions, being kept in inappropriate conditions.

- If your kids (or you!) are scared of clowns, never fear.  Francisco is not scary at all.  He isn't like the clowns of years past with a painted white face.  He's fun and entertaining!  In fact, nothing scared Isaac at all, and he can be a bit skittish.  It wasn't overly loud or too dark.

- The Government Center T station is closed until next year, so if you take the T, get off at Park Street or Haymarket.

- The bathrooms are in a trailer outside and there are also port-a-potties.  You have to go outside to get to them, so if it's cold or rainy out, don't forget your jacket!

- Concessions include typical circus fare:  cotton candy, popcorn, candy.

-  A tall adult sat in front of Isaac, and he found it hard to see the show.  He wound up sitting on my lap for the majority of it.

- The Big Apple Circus offers an autism-friendly show on April 7.

- Tickets start at only $25 and because the tent is not that big, you're never that far from the action.

We can't wait until it comes back next year.  And actually, I think Isaac will be campaigning to go back and see it one more time before it ends its run here!

The Big Apple Circus runs in Boston until May 10, 2015.  
Buy tickets:  http://bit.ly/11iwGTI

Big Apple Circus Tickets Giveaway!

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to giveaway FOUR tickets to the Big Apple Circus in Boston on Thursday, March 26 2015 at 6:30 PM!  Their current show is called METAMORPHOSIS and it is supposed to be dazzling and magical.  You'll see the flying trapeze, the hilarious (but not scary!) clowns, and more!

To enter, see the Rafflecopter giveaway below. With a few clicks of the button, you'll have numerous chances to win these amazing tickets.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to follow me on Facebook.  I post there a lot more often than on my blog!

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Carousel

I haven't blogged here in a while, but I did recently write a guest blog post about the Rose Kennedy Greenway Carousel.   Isaac loves those butterflies.  :-)

(And don't forget to follow me on Facebook.  I post there all the time!)

5 Things to do this Week!

After an amazing family vacation to the island where my mom grew up in Croatia, I'm back and ready to blog!  Here are 5 free/cheap things to do this week.

1.  Spray parks.  There are going to be a few scorchers this week - Tuesday is supposed to be 88 and Wednesday is supposed to be 90.  So why not hit up a spray park?  Waltham not only has some excellent spray parks, but during the week the Boys and Girls Club is at a few of the locations giving free lunches to kids.

2.  Frog Pond.  Keep cool in Boston by taking a wade in the Frog Pond.  Enjoy the shade in Boston Common, a picnic, a ride on the carousel, and cool off in the Frog Pond.

3.  See a free outdoor movie.  The Sandlot is playing in Newton Highlands after live Irish music.  The Hatch Shell has Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.  Both on Friday.

4.  Visit the MIT Museum or the Franklin Park Zoo for free on Friday, courtesy of Highland Street.  Get there when it opens, though!

5.  Check out tide pools.  Drive on up to Joppa Flats in Newburyport for tide pooling.  $2 per kid.  Afterwards, I suggest visiting Bob Lobster for some fresh seafood!

Free Music and Outdoor Movies in Newton Highlands

Can't make it to the outdoor movies at the Hatch Shell?  Newton Highlands has live music AND movies!  Bring blankets, beach chairs, and pack a picnic.  (Or buy drinks and snacks sold there)   Newton Highlands is right off the green (D) line, for those of you looking for something T-accessible!

 This is a GREAT lineup and includes one of my all-time favorite movies...Mary Poppins!

Here's the schedule from the Hyde Center website:

 June 13 6:00 p.m. Concert: Studio 2 Beatles Tribute Band, (rock)
 Dusk Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

 June 20 6:00 p.m. Concert: In The House, (R&B, Motown, Reggae)
 Dusk Movie: The Nut Job

 June 27 6:00 p.m. Concert: Specific Gravity, (rock)
 Dusk Movie: The Lego Movie

 July 11 6:00 p.m. Concert: Gringo Kings, (Jazz & Salsa)
 Dusk Movie: Frozen

 July 18 6:00 p.m. Concert: Four Guys in Tuxes, (family mix)
 Dusk Movie: Princess Diaries

 July 20 8:00 p.m. New Rep Theater , Shakespeare in the Park
 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

 July 25 6:00 p.m. Concert: Black Velvet Band (Irish)
 Dusk Movie: The Sandlot

 July 27 8:00 p.m. New Philharmonia Orchestra
 Classical and Popular Music

 August 1 6:00 p.m. Concert: Reminisants (Oldies)
 Dusk Movie: Rear Window

 August 3 8:00 p.m. Red Sox & New York Yankees Telecast

 August 8 6:00 p.m. Concert: Soft Touch Dance Band (Big Band)
 Dusk Movie: Saving Mr. Banks

 August 10 8:00 p.m. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
 “Much Ado About Nothing”

August 15 6:00 p.m. Concert: Jumpin Juba (rock)
 Dusk Movie: Mary Poppins

 August 22 6:00 p.m. Concert: Heritage House Blues Band (blues)
 Dusk Movie: Despicable Me 2

 September 5 6:00 p.m. Concert: Waiting for Neil
 Dusk Movie: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

*All events take place outside on the Hyde Playground. In case of rain, everything moves inside the community center gym.

Summer Bucket List

Summer officially arrived this weekend and we couldn't be more excited!   Last year I created a summer bucket list and we did almost everything on the list, so I've decided to do it again.

• Salem Willows.  A great place for summer fun!  A historic merry-go-round, mini golf, arcade games, ice cream, right on the water.  Everything is inexpensive and it's a great beachy outing.  
• Look Park.  I'd love to head out to Amherst for a day trip and spend some time at Look Park.  There's playgrounds, paddle boats, mini golf, a little zoo, and spray parks.  I went there once before I had Isaac and I've been wanting to take him since last summer, but we never got a chance.  
• Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH.  A friend posted some pictures of her family at the Seacoast Science Center and it looked like so much fun that I'm looking forward to taking Isaac!  It's only $7 for adults and $3 for kids.  
• Frog Pond.  We can't get enough of wading in the Frog Pond!  I can't wait to spend an entire day at Boston Common this summer.
• Blueberry picking.  We had a great time strawberry picking at Ward's Berry Farm last week but next month we plan to pick blueberries at Tougas Farm.  
• Camping at the Cape.  The best way to do a Cape trip on a budget during the summer is to CAMP!  Last year we enjoyed Sweetwater Forest in Brewster. 
• York, ME.  We usually try to go to York once a year, but last year the summer just went way too fast!  Fun-O-Rama is always a good time with some bowling and skeeball and ice cream or candy at The Goldenrod is a real treat!  And you can't get much more New England than the picturesque Nubble Light.
• Walden Pond.  GO EARLY!   The parking lot fills up fast on nice days and it's also shaded in the morning.  
• Visit a new Mass Audubon location.  I'd like to visit a location where we've never been before!  
• Picnic and play at Artesani Park in Brighton.  The wading pool is wonderful on a warm day!  
• Boating.  I'm on the lookout for some inexpensive boating options.  Charles River Canoe and Kayak is expensive.  Stay tuned for cheaper alternatives...

What's on your summer bucket list?

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.  :-)

Fun at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary

We're always looking for kid-friendly hikes.  (Meaning, mostly flat, not too long, ones that loop around)   I also love to take advantage of our Mass Audubon membership.  So, when my husband said that he wanted to do a Father's Day hike, I suggested Broadmoor in Natick.  We had a truly lovely time.  The weather was great, the trails were totally doable for even my 4 year old's little legs, and we saw some fun critters.

Check out what we saw:

5 Fun Father's Day Activities

Have you thought about what to do for the dad(s) in your life this Sunday?  Here are some fun ideas!

1.  The current Boston forecast for Sunday is 80 degrees, sunny, and dry.  There are so many great Boston-area beaches to choose from!  If freshwater beaches are your thing, head to an inland state park such as Walden Pond and spend the day swimming, boating, and picnicking.  Or get an early start and head to the North Shore or even the Cape.

2.  Visit Stone Zoo or Franklin Park Zoo...dads get in free on Sunday!  What a deal!

3.  Dads also get in free at Old Sturbridge Village!  Enjoy the lovely day in Central Mass.

4.  Treat Dad to some good pub grub at John Brewers (Waltham and Malden) or Brewers Coalition (Newtonville).  Dads eat free there on Sunday.  They have a great kids' meal, too!

5.  Go for a picnic at one of my favorite picnic spots around Boston.

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?

Celebrate Kindness at Boston Children’s Museum on May 31!

KIND Snacks and Sprout, the TV channel, teamed up to launch Operation Kind Kids – a program designed to inspire kindness through everyday thoughtful acts.  On May 31, KIND and Sprout are hosting family-friendly events across the country, including the Boston Children's Museum, to celebrate kindness.

This event is included with paid admission and will feature a variety of activity stations, including:

· Get creative:  Kids will have the chance to express what kindness means to them and share their vision as part of a collage wall.

· A kind act a day: Attendees will take home a calendar to track daily kind acts

· Pay it forward: Nothing brightens someone’s day quite like a flower, which is why kids will be invited to pick a flower and share it with someone in their life.

· Strike a pose: The whole family will have the chance to capture their experience in front of a fun photo backdrop

· Snack better: KIND Healthy Grains bars will be on hand for parents and their little ones to enjoy

Visit www.operationkindkids.com for activities designed to encourage kindness at home and in the community.

5 Things to do over Memorial Day Weekend

The unofficial start of summer - Memorial Day!  Here are some ideas for things to do.

1.  Kids can do the Kids Fun Run associated with Boston's Run to Remember.  On Saturday, the kids fun runs begin at 10:00 AM on top of the Seaport World Trade Center.  Afterwards, visit the Sports and Fitness Expo.  There's bouncy houses, clowns, free samples, storytelling, music, and more.

2.  Do the whole Boston Common thing!  Picnic, Swan Boats, carousel, wander around the gardens...the weather looks great for Sunday and Monday so ENJOY!

3.  Venture to Rhode Island for a PawSox game on Monday.  Monday nights are $1 menu Mondays at McCoy Stadium, so enjoy hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, chips, and Cracker Jack for a buck!  After the game, there will be fireworks!  View their schedule for more info.

4.  Head up to Newburyport for their annual Springfest.  There's kids entertainment, music, crafts, and food in lovely Newburyport!

5.  Lastly, let's not forget the real meaning of Memorial Day.  Honor those that served our country and attend a Memorial Day Parade.  Here's a schedule of local Memorial Day Parades.

SKYBOKX 109's Kids Eat Free and $6 Happy Hour Appetizers!

Dino chicken nuggets at SKYBOKX 109

Earlier this week, we went to SKYBOKX 109 in Natick for dinner and had a great time!

Last year I listed all of the Boston-Area Kids Eat Free restaurants but I didn't realize that SKYBOKX 109 also offered kids eat free.  I had noticed it before when going to Burlington Coat Factory or the Natick Mall, so I'm glad I finally go to go.

The offer Kids Eat Free on Mondays.  They have bunch of fun kids options, from pizza to mac and cheese to dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, which was Isaac's choice.  Meals come with a drink and either fruit or french fries.

On top of that, SKYBOKX 109 also offers $6 happy hour apps from 4-6!

SKYBOKX was a fun place to visit - it's totally kid-friendly, but has a fun, modern feel.  Isaac already asked when we could go back!