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.

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.

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

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 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!

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!  

5 things to do this week & next!

This will be my last "5 Things to do this Week" (and day late - darn!) until the week of March 17, so I'm going to extend it to cover next week as well.    We're leaving for California on Friday and crossing fingers for some springlike weather when we return.  I'll be doing a Groupon roundup tomorrow and that's it for the next few weeks!  However, I will still be posting on my Facebook page if I see anything cool going on, so follow me there if you don't already!

Anyway, here are 5 things to do this week and next week!

1.  Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village.  Learn about how maple sugaring was done in 19th century New England!  Maple Days are March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,  and 16.  Kids are FREE all of those weekends!!!  There's also a Groupon running right now.  Bundle up and have fun.

2.  Visit the Butterfly Place in Westford.  They just opened for the season a few weeks ago.

3.  See Ben Rudnick and Friends at Tico in Back Bay on March 8.  The show is free, coffee/tea/juice is free, and there's brunch ($).  Plus, benefits proceed Birthday Wishes.

4.  Check out one of the Kids' Shows at the Coolidge Corner Theater.

5.  Grab a Groupon for the Body Worlds Vital Exhibit in Fanuiel Hall.

ETA bonus stuff:

6.  Stacey Peasley is doing a singalong at Colores Kids in Natick on 2/28 @ 10am!  FREE!

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!

Join the Mass Audubon Society

One of the best things about living in Massachusetts is access to the Mass Audubon locations. There are over 40 sanctuaries throughout the state, and many within close proximity to Boston. View their map here.

Family memberships are currently $65 as of March 2012. Once you're a member, you can get into all of the sanctuaries for free, and memberships offer m

any other membership perks. It's really the perfect membership for a family who loves the outdoors, because you can visit the same sanctuaries over and over again and enjoy them just as much each time.

Different sanctuaries offer different and wonderful things. For instance, Drumlin Farm, located in Lincoln, is particularly great for young children because not only does it have plenty of hiking and scenic views, but it also has a working farm. You can visit sheep, goats, pigs, cows, ponies, and lots and lots of chickens! They also rescue injured birds which you can also visit. Others, such as Moose Hill in Sharon or Ipswich River in Topsfield have many miles of trails.

You don't have to travel very far at all to enjoy one of the sanctuaries. Boston Nature Center is an urban wildlife sanctuary right in Mattapan, with two miles of trails and boardwalks.

When hiking on the trails, a baby carrier is a plus. Some of the trails are difficult to get around even with a hearty jogging stroller.

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This was originally posted on Examiner.com in June, 2010.