5 Hacks Every Mom Needs for a Play-Doh Mess

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September 13, 2019

September 16 is National Play-Doh Day!

Truthfully, I dislike Play-Doh. I loathe slime. I’m that mom. When I’m at a kid’s birthday party and I see the squishy stuff in the favor bag, all I can think is, “What a mess this will make!”

My son suffers from ADHD, so our playtime often looks a bit different than other kids his age. When I tried allowing my son to play with Play-Doh unsupervised, it was a disaster. I’d find it all over the house – smashed into the rug, smeared on his clothes. I could do a load of laundry and still find some in the clean clothes! He would also leave pieces out, so they’d become dried out and unusable. He simply couldn’t grasp the concept of the mess Play-Doh made or the fact that it needed to be in a sealed container.

But I do see the value in creative play with sensory-friendly toys like Play-Doh, so we’ve persisted. And I’ve learned a few hacks along the way.

1. Use a dry brush

What happens when your little one decides to play with Play-Doh on a suede sofa? It literally sticks to every fiber of the sofa. Try using a soft, dry brush to get the Play-Doh out of the suede without damaging the spot.

2. Try hydrogen peroxide

When the Play-Doh gets stuck on clothing and just won’t come out, try hydrogen peroxide. Take a soft, dry brush with a capsize of hydrogen peroxide, and it will come out easily.

3. Just add water

We’ve all dealt with dried, hardened Play-Doh. But don’t throw it away! Just add water. Try adding water one drop at a time and working it in to moisten it. You can also try wrapping Play-Doh in a damp paper towel, returning it to the container, and replacing the cover. Let it sit overnight.

4. No-touch hydration

If you don’t enjoy the feel of Play-Doh when trying to knead water into it, you can also do the Ziploc bag trick — the no-touch hydration option. Place Play-Doh in a Ziploc bag and add a few drops of water. Seal the bag (pushing the air out) and mush it around. You can also let it sit overnight. Voila. It will look and feel brand new.

5. Remove it from hair

There have been a few instances where my son has gotten it in his hair. That’s when I would add a few drops of tea tree oil to hot water with a few drops of Dawn. You can put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray the spot directly, or just mix it around in a bowl and massage it into your kiddo’s scalp.

These are so simple and easy to do — they make playing with Play-Doh worthwhile! Are there any other ways you’ve removed it from tricky places? Share with us!

Family Dinners — It’s Not About Where, But Who

By

Krystal Avila

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September 12, 2019

Growing up, I did not sit at a table with my family for dinner.

My mom was a working single mom, and I remember dinners on the couch, in front of the TV. For awhile, we didn’t even have a kitchen — just a hot plate and a microwave — so the couch was where we parked ourselves for each meal. I remember these family meals fondly. My brother, mom, and I would watch “Roseanne” while eating our English muffin pizzas or the latest TV dinner.

The times we did eat at a table were at my Grammie and Grampa’s house. When we spent time at their house, we knew dinner was at 5 p.m. on the dot, milk was what we were drinking, and you could not leave the table without asking to be excused. The dinner conversations at that table were very different from the casual banter we typically had on our couch while watching “Roseanne.” But, everyone was together.

These meals on the couch, or, occasionally, the more formal dinners at my grandparents’ home, were our family dinners — and our normal. But it’s not what dinner looked like in many other homes. I remember having dinner at friends’ houses when I was growing up, and I always left their homes thinking, When I have kids, I am always going to eat dinner at the table.

That was what everyone else did, and I should do it for my own kids, I thought at the time.

Since having children of my own, I have come to realize the where isn’t important. What is important is that we are together. This time together, eating, gives us an opportunity to catch up, share our favorite foods, try new dishes, and enjoy each other’s company in a common place.

Currently, I try to eat at the table when we are home. Our table is small and tall and always overflowing with food. (Partly due to the growing taste buds of a 4-year-old and picky 2-year-old.) But, more important, also included at the table are chatter, laughter, and (maybe sometimes) an occasional tear. Some nights the dinner table is only three of us due to my hubby’s schedule. But, even minus Papi, we are together.

“May I please be excused from the table?” and hot TV dinner brownies are what worked for my family when I was a child. Sitting at the high top, appeasing the tastebuds, and still asking to be excused from the table are what work for my family now. We’ve meshed my childhood memories of being together with our current dinners together.

Whether your meals are on a couch at dinner time, at the counter in the morning for breakfast before school, or on a picnic blanket for dinner at the playground, do it together. Find your normal, make it a priority, and stick to it. It doesn’t matter what other families do. Do what works for you.

Photo credit: Karyn Novakowski owns and operates Kin & Kid Photography, which serves Boston and the surrounding areas. Get in touch with Karyn here.

My Son Takes Dance, and It’s Awesome!

By

Leah Lynch

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September 11, 2019

Photo cred: Molly FergusonWe started looking for extracurricular activities for our son, who is on the autism spectrum, when he was in preschool. We knew the typical sports would not be a good fit for him. While he is verbal, he does have limited communication and many processing delays. I know preschool sports are not highly structured or intense activities, but I also know my son. He is not interested in kicking a ball — instead, he would prefer to gather the balls and line them up (and he would have most likely lined up the cones as well).

We needed to find an activity where he could socialize with other kids and adults, but his teammates would not be dependent on him to perform themselves. A friend told us about a dance studio in our town that accepts children with all abilities. The studio offers both conservatory and integrated classes, as well as therapeutic classes for children and adults with more limited abilities. So we tried a class, and my son enjoyed it. We stuck with it the next year — and every year since.

Every September, when it’s time to think about the next year’s classes, I wonder if we should re-enroll.

Should we try something else? Will he be bullied at school for taking dance lessons? Does he mind that he is the only boy?

Ultimately, we always stick with dance. Because he loves it!

Like, he really LOVES it! He loves the recital and performing on the big stage. The choreography is right up his alley, and he often reminds his dance teacher if she does the wrong step. He is constantly dancing at home. And if his teachers put music on at school for indoor recess, he will dance there too. It gives him joy and pride. He knows and loves his “dance girls.” We are truly grateful for dance and this studio. They even allowed my son and my daughter to perform a short duet last year to a song my son composed on his iPad. I mean, how cool is that!

When the recital was over this year and we gave my son flowers to congratulate him, he said, “Oh my, I am so happy — I have the tears of joy!” So, dear son, you go on dancing. Watching you dance gives us all immense joy. We are so proud of you.

When Mom or Dad Has Cancer

By

Kristen D

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September 10, 2019

cancer - Boston Moms Blog

No one wants to belong to the cancer club — but once you’re in it, you’re in it for life.

Two years ago, when a persistent cough and mild chest pressure turned out to be a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma tumor the size of a dollar bill compressing my husband’s airway, we joined that club. My husband was 31 and I was 32. Our children were 4, 3, and less than 1.

Welcome to the cancer club.

According to the National Cancer Institute, 38% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. The cancer club is not small. But unlike my husband, the majority of those people are diagnosed between 55 and 84.

Dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis by itself is overwhelming, but trying to parent young children at the same time presents a whole other set of challenges. Things like:

Dealing with your children’s fears about death as well as your own
Explaining chemo and extended hospitalizations to a 3-year-old
Finding childcare and having enough energy to keep up with kids
Family planning and fertility

It felt isolating and lonely, and I had a hard time finding resources that were helpful and appropriate for our season of life.

If you are a young parent and in the cancer club, my heart aches for you because I know many of the unique struggles you are now facing. I am not an expert, but I will happily share my experience — anytime. These are some of the things that were helpful to me.

Let someone else manage logistics

The most helpful thing my friends did was to organize, plan, and manage things so I didn’t have to. As a parent and a caregiver, I was overwhelmed by the logistics and the lack of sleep.

I had an amazing friend organize help for us, and that was a godsend. She used Lotsa Helping Hands to organize everything, but Meal Train or Take Them a Meal are also good resources. Every few weeks, she asked what our tangible needs were, and she wouldn’t take a polite brush off. House cleaning, school pickups, middle-of-the-night childcare (we had lots of ER visits/stays due to no immune system and lots of winter school germs), meals that felt like love, grocery delivery, and researching things for me were all huge gifts to us. You focus on what is essential and let someone else manage the rest.

If you are in the cancer club, please say yes when your friends offer things that are helpful. If they don’t offer, ask! You will need people with you in this — especially for your kids’ sakes.

Connect with others

Beyond taking some logistics off my plate, the most helpful thing friends did was show up. Be available. Offer tangibly. Not, “What can I do to help?” but, “I’m running errands — what can I drop off for you?” or “What do your kids need today?” People acknowledging that our kids were hurting meant a lot.

It is hard for your people to show up if they don’t know what you need and what’s going on. We found that writing about our process was helpful. Sites like CaringBridge offer an easy way to help others be with you in your journey. Even if it’s just a few friends, find your tribe of people with whom you will share the experience.

When it feels difficult to connect with friends, connecting with others going through similar things can be helpful. Dana-Farber has online cancer forums, as do most cancer treatment centers. Connect your child to resources like Camp Kasem so they also can connect with peers who understand what they’re going through.

Seek professional counseling

Our oldest started seeing a counselor a few months into chemo, and that was hugely helpful. Children grieve deeply, and their fears are real. It matters that we honor their grief and give them the resources they need to process it. It was very hard for us to find counselors for young children, but good places to start are your cancer treatment center, the local children’s hospital, social workers that you know, or your place of worship.

cancer - Boston Moms Blog

Thanks to the cutting-edge, compassionate care we received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, my husband is now one year into remission. And while every doctor’s appointment still triggers my PTSD (because it was/is a trauma), we are breathing a little easier. While we will always be members of the cancer club, we are thankful to have made it to this point. We owe no small debt of gratitude to the people who supported us and these resources that we benefited from.

Additional Cancer Resources:

Books for kids

“Life Isn’t Always a Day at the Beach“
“Big Tree is Sick“
“The Invisible String“
CancerCare Reading List (recommended books about cancer for children)

Articles/blogs

Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer
Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing With a Parent’s Terminal Illness
Having Cancer and Young Children: A Mother’s Advice
Parenting with Cancer: Advice from Survivors
Parenting With Cancer
Stupid Cancer (an organization and directory of resources for young adults with cancer — not all resources are helpful for parents, but many are relevant)
Inheritance of Hope (for those young families facing the loss of a parent due to cancer)

Embrace the Minivan

By

Amanda Rotondo

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September 9, 2019

The minivan is synonymous with uncoolness — a final and melancholy acquiescence to the fate of eternal parenthood.

When we were staring down the loaded barrel of a third kid on the way and realized we were going to have to buy a minivan, I got a bumper sticker that says, “I used to be cool.” (For the record, it’s a lie — I have never been cool.) But I never put the bumper sticker on the van. You know why? Because I discovered that MINIVANS ARE COOL.

Yeah, I said it: Minivans. Are. Cool.

I don’t know how this smear campaign against minivans got started, but I assure you it’s nothing but a wide swath of untrue vitriol. Granted, I’m a function-over-form kind of gal, but I do love a good zippy car. In the past, I’ve had a tiny convertible, a super-fast five-speed, and a sleek European SUV. I’d trade any of them in a heartbeat for a good, solid minivan.

Most minivan devotees will tell you it all boils down to convenience, and the convenience factor is undeniable. But I’m taking it a step further. For me, the minivan provides a more esoteric benefit — one thin slice of control in a world where I have, well, none.

My kids are 1, 2, and 5. Two of them (that’s 66.67%!) can get in their seats by themselves. No third-row seat flipping to deal with. More importantly, the kids can open the (sliding) doors themselves. Without my tasting bile watching the car door fling outward toward the Tesla or Mercedes or gold-plated Lamborghini we are inevitably parked next to. They can’t reach each other to engage in the slapping fights of my car-trip youth. (Although, sadly, I haven’t found any options for soundproofing each individual seat so they can’t scream at each other. THERE is a money-maker.)

The driver’s seat of a minivan is a straight-up cockpit. I can open and close all doors with the push of a button. I can turn the heat up for the kid who’s cold and roll the window down for the kid who’s hot. And I can put down the rear-seat-view mirror to see what’s going on back there, or put it up if I just don’t want to know. There is no other vantage point in my world where I can control so much with so little effort. God bless it.

And you want to go on a road trip? Not sure if you need one pack and play or two? Heck, bring three. You’ve got room. Going to the grocery store? Go ahead, buy the 80-pack of toilet paper. No problem. And speaking of toilet paper, tired of stopping every 10 minutes because someone has to pee? Or dealing with accidents because they couldn’t hold it until the next rest stop? Throw a little potty in the back and pull over when one of them needs to go. You just cut two hours off your travel time.

Minivans aren’t just cool for kid stuff, either. On the rare occasion that I get to go out with my friends, we can put seven of us in one car. In Boston that immediately saves $40 for parking, plus that means only one sober driver for all those people! Worried you’ll get stuck being that sober driver? Nah, just offer to let someone else drive your car. Everyone will jump at the chance, because then they’ll get to be seen driving around in a minivan.

And as we all now know, minivans are cool.

Best Boston Day Trips With a Baby

By

Lesley Moreau

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September 6, 2019

Boston day trips with baby - Boston Moms Blog

Now that we’re heading into fall, all we want to do is soak up the nice weather. As a Boston mom, there’s so much to do in the city! But when you have an 8-month-old who doesn’t do a whole lot yet, where do you go? Here are some of our favorite Boston day trips for mom and baby so far.

Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo

The zoo is a fantastic standby for many families, and rightly so. In Boston, the yearly zoo pass offers admission to both the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo. The zoos have over 200 different species of animals, a range of exhibits, and a handful of playgrounds scattered throughout the park.

The North End

Situated right by the waterfront, the North End offers plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. It’s great if you want to do some walking and don’t mind a lot of congestion from tourists and locals alike. It’s also within walking distance of Faneuil Hall, the Seaport, and the Greenway. There’s nothing quite like late summer and fall in the North End, when there’s an array of feasts with fabulous food and fantastic vendors.

Boston Common and Public Garden

One of my favorite Boston day trips is a good stroll around the Common and the Garden — and it’s right in the heart of Boston. The Public Garden happens to be the setting of one of our favorite Boston-based books, “Make Way For Ducklings,” and it has both statues dedicated to the famous fowls and the swan boats illustrated in the classic story. The Common is always great for a dip in Frog Pond or a chance to run around Tadpole Playground.

New England Aquarium

Another staple for Boston family day trips is the aquarium, with its penguins, seals, and a wide array of other aquatic life. Other offerings include an IMAX theatre and a whale watch that runs from April through November. It’s within walking distance to the North End, so you could do a lot in one day!

We’re lucky Boston has so many options that are very baby-friendly! What are some of your favorite Boston day trips?

Four Ways Starting My Own Business Helped Our Family

By

Guest Writer

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September 5, 2019

Four years ago, when I was a stay-at-home mom with a baby girl and 2-year-old boy, I did the unthinkable. I started my own business — a jewelry brand called Winter Hill Jewelry. Becoming an entrepreneur was not something I had given a lot of thought to. It just kind of happened.

One day, my husband brought home a new toy: a 3D printer. I thought it was cool, but I had no idea how to use it nor what I would even use it for. Then one day at the park, I noticed another mom’s laser-cut earrings. My mind flashed back to the printer, and I thought, “I could make those.”

It wasn’t an easy start, but with my newfound motivation I got to work figuring out how to draw simple designs, convert them to 3D models, then use the 3D printer to make my designs into actual earrings.

I started printing the earrings as a side hobby — a way to focus my energy on something outside of my day-to-day responsibilities of caring for my family. As I refined my craft, a few friends encouraged me to try selling them at a local event. And before I knew it, my hobby had evolved into a business.

Starting a business as a stay at home mom wasn’t always easy. But now that I can reflect back on the past four years raising my kids while growing my own business, I realize it was the best decision I made for myself and my family.

1. It has made us adaptable and flexible.

Finding time to dedicate to my business was a challenge. My husband works long hours, and we don’t have family nearby to help out. So the majority of the childcare fell on my plate. I quickly realized that squeezing in time when my kids were napping or watching a show to work on marketing, create my designs, or get ready for a show was not sustainable. It felt way too expensive to send both kids to daycare, so I posted ads on college job boards and asked other Boston moms for babysitter recommendations.

Since starting my business, we’ve had more than 20 different people watch our kids. This patchwork arrangement of childcare has made my kids more independent and flexible: When a babysitter comes over that they haven’t met before, they are excited, not upset.

My kids aren’t the only ones who’ve benefited from this system: It has helped me be more adaptable and flexible as well. I want my kids to be safe and happy, but I am more lenient. It’s OK if they ate too many sweet treats or left an art project all over the floor.

2. My children are able to play independently.

There have been plenty of times when I’ve had to get work done but was unable to find childcare, meaning my kids needed to find things to do on their own. It took some time to get there and required a ton of patience to endure them whining, “Mom, mom, mom!” I’d tell them, “If you can’t figure out something to do on your own, you can go take a nap.”

This line usually encouraged them to find a fun and engaging activity — they never chose the nap. They are now able to play independently and are more creative in their play than ever before. A new game they love is tying string to their toys so they can dangle them off the porch.

3. It helped my husband develop his own parenting style.

I sold earrings at local pop-up markets and events around Boston on weekends and would be gone for eight to ten hours each day. This gave my husband the opportunity to experience what I went through on a daily basis during the week: tears, tantrums, exhaustion, mess. It gave him a chance to parent without my watchful eyes telling him what he was doing “wrong,” which is something I’m not proud to admit I did at times. I wasn’t there to witness if he forgot the diaper bag or didn’t pack any snacks or water. He made use of public water fountains and bought food on the go.

Giving him freedom to parent in his own way reminded me that there is no right or wrong way. Everyone has their own parenting style, and that’s completely fine.

4. It energized me and gave me a new sense of purpose.

Let’s be honest — raising small children can suck the life right out of you, making it seem like the worst time to start a business. Ironically, I found it gave me back the energy my kids were draining from me. Having to problem solve, explore my creativity that had felt locked away, and learn new skills to run my business created a spark in me to keep working, even after a long day with the kids.

And, it’s worth it! The first time I was running errands around town and noticed a stranger wearing my earrings it made me smile ear to ear — the same feeling I had when I watched my kids ride a bike without training wheels for the first time: pure joy and pride.

Vanessa Templeman is a Wisconsin native who lives in Somerville with her family. She is the owner and designer of Winter Hill Jewelry, a boutique jewelry company. She creates unique jewelry by 3D printing her hand-drawn designs. Vanessa graduated from the University of Minnesota, has a MS in human services from UMass Boston, and studied graphic design at the School for the Museum of Fine Arts. When she isn’t making jewelry, she enjoys taking her kiddos, ages 4 and 6, on adventures.

Four Ways Starting My Own Business Helped Our Family _ Boston Moms Blog

I Am a Patriots Fan, But Not For the Reasons You Might Think!

By

Deanna Greenstein

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September 3, 2019

In partnership with the Football Matters campaign.

The Patriots are kind of a big deal around here.

My kids own no less than a dozen Patriots shirts. Posters of the team are taped to their bedroom walls. Hats, gloves, backpacks, stuffed animals, hair bows, and school supplies are emblazoned with the Pats logo.

The days leading up to a Patriots Super Bowl are met with frenzied excitement. My neighbor and I send each other endless Pinterest recipes as we plan our Super Bowl Sunday feast. When the hallowed day finally arrives, we spend the morning attempting to recreate the Pinterest goodies (which sometimes results in epic Pinterest fails). Furniture is pushed aside. Pictures are taken down. And the game is projected in monstrous glory onto the wall. Our children leap around the room, clad head to toe in Patriots gear, hooting and hollering for their team. It is a day our families look forward to all year round.

The biggest reason I am a Patriots fan, though? Well, it isn’t because of what they do on the field.

Don’t get me wrong. I love to watch the games. But it’s what the Patriot’s do off the field that makes me a true fan.

The Patriots have made a huge impact on our family through charitable giving to communities around New England. My family lives in Brockton, a city where one in six people live at or below the poverty line. A great focus has been given to helping the children in my underprivileged community.

As for physically seeing it in action? The focus on children isn’t just words on paper. It isn’t grant money being mailed without a single person being seen. It is far more than that.

In 2013, Gronk donated nearly $45,000 worth of football equipment to Brockton’s struggling Pop Warner football team. On the day the donation came, so did Gronk himself. He spent the day posing with children and hand delivering helmets to the thrilled kids. Because of his donation, our program was able to continue running.

For the past few years, my children have been enthralled as Patriots players and cheerleaders have come to their classrooms to read books to students in support of Read Across America and have taken the time to pose for pictures with every child in the school. (And with this PTO mom! Harvey Langi may be on the Jets now, but his kindness to the kids that day has made me a forever fan!)

Our school also has a personal connection to the Patriots. The daughter of one of our kindergarten teachers is a Patriots cheerleader. Nicolette often substitute teaches at our school, and she embraces the excitement of the children every time she visits, answering questions to the delight of the students. During every game, my kindergartener sits glued to the television, shrieking “I know her!” any time he sees her on the screen. (Shh, he may have a bit of a crush!)

And, potentially the largest impact? The construction of a Patriots-themed playground, right in my neighborhood! Previously a space with only run-down basketball courts and a rusted slide, this playground has created a beautiful, safe place for the children in our community to play. During the summers, this playground is now used to house a summer camp for students in Brockton, which they are invited to attend free of charge. Fourth graders from my children’s school were invited to be the first to play on this gorgeous space during its grand opening, where they met former players, gave high-fives to Pat the Patriot, and reveled in the joy that this donation has brought to our youth.

Football games are fun to watch. I will always love gathering with friends and cheering on my home team. But football is about more than just watching a sports team. It brings us together as a community, in so many ways. Just ask the kids.

Follow Football Matters on social as it celebrates the indelible impact the game has made on millions of players, coaches, administrators, volunteers, communities, and fans nationwide.

My Back-to-School Playlist

By

Nia Jacobs

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September 3, 2019

back-to-school - Boston Moms Blog

I’m sure all the cool parents out there are listening to top 40 radio and singing along to the newest Jonas Brothers song. (Fun fact, no matter how many times someone tells me names of all three Jonas Brothers, I simply cannot retain them. There is the one married to Sansa Stark, the one with the face, and one named Greg, right? Or something like that.) But that’s not me. The soundtrack to my back-to-school season has fewer digitally manipulated vocal tracks and more shouts of, “No, I do not know where your sneakers are! This is why I tell you to put them in the shoe bin!”

So, to properly embrace who I am and stand in my truth, I present to you my back-to-school playlist.

It’s Gonna Be Me by *NSYNC

Anyone else feel like this all the time in the fall? Who is going to forget it’s class picture day? It’s gonna be me! Who is going to pack yogurt for her kid’s snack but forget to include a spoon? It’s gonna be me! (Side note: If you haven’t seen this *NSYNC video in a while, please take a few more minutes out of your day to do so immediately. It’s gloriously terrible.)

I’m Not Ready to Make Nice by Dixie Chicks

Man, can the transition back to school be a tough one for kids — particularly energetic ones like mine who are used to running around all day at camp and are now asked to sit still for large portions of the day. Sometimes by the time he gets home, his patience and good humor for the day are all used up. He is at max capacity, the poor guy, and out of energy to be pleasant. Ready to make nice? Strong no. Ready to make a giant mess of toys or run circles around the house with the dog chasing behind? Solid yes.

I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys

Turns out that children are real people who come with independent thoughts and feelings, and they get even more of those the older they are… which is so much fun and also a total bummer.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison

As my son attends the local public school, the school year is a heck of a lot less expensive than summer camp. Rose! But we have to pack a snack for him every day. Every day. Every. Single. Day. Of the school year. The whole year. THORN. Did you know it’s possible for some brands of granola bars to be too crumbly? Did you know it’s possible for some types of fruit cups to be too juicy? Surprise.

Raise Your Glass by Pink

Look, I don’t judge. Sometimes that post-bedtime glass of wine is what helps us live to parent another day.

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey

Hold on to that feelin’, friends. What feeling? The feeling of warm summer nights, vacations, and the low-key pace of summer. It will be summer again before we know it. Only nine more months to go.

Massachusetts Bike Trails, Paths, and Rail Trails for the Whole Family!

By

Deanna Greenstein

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September 2, 2019

Massachusetts bike trails - Boston Moms Blog

There is nothing quite like the feeling of the wind in your hair as you glide along on your bike! If you are looking for the perfect, safe spot for a ride, check out some of these great Massachusetts bike trails with your family!

Bristol County

Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail

Fall River :: 1.4 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Britland Park (Wordell St.) and behind UMass CIE (151 Martine St.).

Phoenix Bike Trail

Fairhaven :: 4 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on South St. in the city parking lot at the ferry maintenance dock.

World War II Veterans Memorial Trail

Mansfield :: 1.2 miles, asphalt

Public parking can be found off of Union St. at the Mansfield town square.

Essex County

Amesbury Riverwalk

Amesbury :: 1.3 miles, asphalt

Trailhead is in Heritage Park. Parking can be accessed from County Rd./Water St. or, at the opposite end, behind the Carriagetown Marketplace shopping center.

Border to Boston Trail

Runs from Peabody to Boxford :: 10.7 miles, crushed stone and dirt

Parking at the Peabody trailhead is available on Lowell St. Parking at the Boxford trailhead is available on Pye Brook Lane.

Bradford Rail Trail

Bradford :: 1.3 miles, asphalt

While there is no designated parking lot for the trail, parking is available along nearby city streets. Trailheads are located at Middlesex St. and South Elm St.

Bridge Street Bike Trail

Salem :: 1 mile, asphalt

Trail runs from March St. to Bridge St. Paid parking is available off of Bridge St. near the MBTA rail station.

Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk

Newburyport :: 3.9 miles, asphalt and boardwalk

Parking is available at Cashman Park (5 Pop Crowley Way) along the waterfront or at the Newburyport MBTA station.

Gloria Braunhardt Bike Path

Newburyport :: 1.2 miles, asphalt, dirt, and grass

Parking is available in the park-and-ride lot on Storey Ave. and on Hale St., a couple hundred yards east of the I-95 overpass.

Haggetts Rail Trail

Andover :: 2 miles, crushed stone

A parking lot is located right next to the southern trailhead, off of Haggetts Pond Rd.

Independence Greenway

Peabody :: 5.3 miles, asphalt

Parking at the northwestern trailhead is available on Russell St. and at the Northshore Mall trailhead on Essex Center Dr.

Marblehead Rail Trail

Runs from Marblehead to Salem :: 4 miles, asphalt, dirt, gravel, and sand

Parking on the Marblehead trailhead is available on either side of Round House Rd.

Methuen Rail Trail

Runs from Lawrence to Salem :: 2.4 miles, crushed stone

Parking is available on Hampshire Rd. in Salem, at the Methuen Railroad Depot (on the corner of Railroad and Union St.), and at Manchester Street Park (77 Manchester St.) in Lawrence.

Northern Strand Community Trail

Runs from Everett to Saugus :: 8 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

Old Eastern Marsh Trail

Salisbury :: 1.4 miles, asphalt

A parking lot is available on Friedenfels St.

Salem-Beverly Canal Path (Grand Wenham Canal Path)

Runs from Topsfield to Wenham :: 2 miles, dirt and grass

Parking is available off of Cherry St. in Wenham.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation Trail

Salisbury :: .6 miles, crushed stone and grass

Parking can be found in the Salisbury Beach State Reservation (Beach Road Route 1A).

Salisbury Point Ghost Trail

Salisbury :: 1.8 miles, crushed stone

Parking areas are located at Lion’s Park and on Bartlett St. and Rabbit Rd.

Salisbury Rail Trail Connector

Salisbury :: .3 miles, asphalt

A parking area is available on Friedenfels Rd. off of US Route 1 in Salisbury.

Spicket River Greenway

Runs from Derry, NH, through Methuen and Lawrence :: 3.5 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Manchester Street Park (77 Manchester St., Lawrence).

Berkshire County

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Runs from Lanesboro to Adams :: 11.9 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on the left and right sides of US 7/MA 8 Connector Rd. at the Lanesboro trailhead. Parking is available on Depot St. at the Adams trailhead.

Middlesex County

Assabet River Rail Trail

Runs through Marlborough, Hudson, Maynard, and Acton :: 8.6 miles, asphalt

Parking at the Acton trailhead is available on Maple St., parking at the Maynard trailhead (Ice House Landing) is available on Winter St., parking at the Hudson trailhead is located on MA 62/Wilkins St., and parking in Marlborough is available on Hudson St. (the trail ends .3 miles to the south of the parking area).

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Runs from Chelmsford to Acton :: 11.7 miles, asphalt

The trail begins at the northern trailhead with a tunnel under the Northwest Expressway/US 3. The trail has a designated parking area in the office building parking lot on MA 110 W/Chelmsford St.

Center Trail

Hopkinton :: .6 miles, crushed stone

Limited parking for the Center Trail can be found at the Hopkinton school complex athletic fields on Loop Rd. (off Hayden Rowe St.).

Charles River Bike Path

Runs from Boston to Waltham :: 22.9 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at the Boston trailhead in the Museum of Science parking garage, and at the Cooper St. parking lot in Waltham.

Cochituate Rail Trail

Runs from Framingham to Natick :: Currently 1.1 miles, asphalt

The Cochituate Rail Trail is a developing, multi-use trail that will run from the Village of Saxonville in Framingham to Natick Center. When complete, it will span a distance of four miles.

Concord River Greenway

Lowell :: 2 miles, asphalt

A parking lot with bike racks is available on Lawrence Street.

Fresh Pond Bikeway

Cambridge :: .7 miles, asphalt

Parking is available near Kingsley Park (250 Fresh Pond Pkwy.) and at William G. Maher Park (650 Concord Ave.). The north end of the bikeway is 0.6 miles away from the Alewife T stop and also accessible by bus.

Lowell Canal System Trails

Lowell :: 1.9 miles, asphalt and concrete

Parking is available at the visitor center on Dutton St.

Malden River Greenway

Runs from Malden to Everett :: 2.5 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

There is no official trail parking, but trail users are welcome to park at the Gateway Center (1 Mystic View Rd., Everett).

Mass Central Rail Trail

Runs from Somerville to Leeds :: 38 miles, asphalt, cinder, crushed stone, dirt, and gravel

The Massachusetts Central Railroad was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, but the 104-mile corridor is being reborn as a cross-state rail trail. Currently, nearly 40 miles from Boston to Northampton have been converted to trails.

Somerville Community Path, Alewife Linear Park, and Fitchburg Cutoff Path

Begins on Lowell St. in Somerville. Parking is available at the Alewife T station.

Wachusett Greenways Section (Sterling to Barre)

This segmented section begins at the Cider Mill Shops in Sterling. Parking is available on Waushacum Ave. in Sterling, at the Wachusett Reservoir on Thomas St. in Holden, and on Glenwood Rd. in Rutland.

Hardwick Section

This three-mile section of trail runs through open fields and deep woods. Parking is available on Hardwick Rd. Turn right after West Rd. The parking area will be a mowed grassy area on your right.

Norwottuck Branch (Belchertown to Northampton)

This 10-mile section also connects Hadley and Amherst. Parking is available on Warren Wright Rd. in Belchertown and on Mill Lane in Amherst, along with many smaller parking locations along the trail.

Francis P. Ryan Bikeway

This section travels through Look Park in Northampton, through Florence, and ends in Leeds. Parking is available at Look Park.

Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

Runs from West Cambridge to Bedford :: 10.1 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at the Bedford Depot Park or at the Alewife T Station. A Blue Bikes bike-share station is located at the Alewife Station. Pick up the trail on the north side of the terminal.

Mystic River Greenway

Runs from Somerville to Arlington :: 4 miles, asphalt and boardwalk

Parking is available at Draw Seven Park (Noonan Place, Somerville), at Blessing of the Bay Boat House (32 Shore Dr., Somerville), and in the Mystic River Reservation on Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford. The trail is also accessible from the Assembly T stop.

Narrow-Gauge Rail Trail

Bedford :: 3 miles, asphalt, crushed stone and dirt

Parking is available on Loomis St. and on Sweetwater Ave.

Nashua River Rail Trail

Runs from Ayer to Nashua, New Hampshire :: 12.3 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on Country Side Dr. in Nashua, on Main St. in East Pepperell, on Sand Hill Rd. in Groton, and on Groton St. in Ayer.

North Bank Bridge

Runs from Cambridge to Charlestown :: .5 miles, concrete

Public transportation access to the trail is available via MBTA’s North Station. A limited number of parking spaces are available at the North Point Park entrance.

Northern Strand Community Trail

Runs from Everett to Saugus :: 8 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

Tri-Community Greenway

Runs from Winchester to Stoneham :: 6.6 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at the Wedgemere MBTA Station (25 Mystic Valley Pkwy., Winchester), at Pomeworth Field (12 Calthea St., Stoneham), and in the parking lot on Pleasant St. in Stoneham.

Upper Charles Trail

Runs from the Holliston/Sherborn town line to the Hopkinton/Milford town line :: 13.2 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

Parking is available in Holliston in Blair Square off Front St., in a municipal parking lot off Exchange St., at Fino Field on Sumner St. in Milford, at Louisa Lake Park in Milford, and in the parking lot on Cedar St. in Hopkinton.

Upper Falls Greenway

Newton :: 1 mile, crushed stone

Limited on-street parking is available on Chestnut St.

Watertown-Cambridge Greenway

Watertown :: .7 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Arsenal Park (485 Arsenal St.).

Wellington Greenway

Medford :: 2.5 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Torbert Macdonald State Park (4253 Mystic Valley Pkwy.), and the trail is accessible from the Wellington T stop.

Norfolk County

Bay Colony Rail Trail

Needham :: 1.7 miles, crushed stone

Parking is available at Red Wing Bay on the south side of Fisher St.

Pine Tree Brook/Popes Pond Path

Milton :: 2 miles, asphalt, dirt, and woodchips

The best access to the trail is on Sumner St. via Canton Avenue. There are multiple access points throughout the neighborhood and there is on-street parking.

Whitney Spur Rail Trail

Cohasset :: 1.6 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

Parking is available at the MBTA Cohasset Station on Chief Justice Cushing Hwy. There is a $4 fee to park.

Worcester County

Blackstone River Greenway

Runs from South Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island :: 26.6 miles, asphalt, boardwalk, crushed stone, dirt

Parking at the trailhead in Worcester is available on Cliff St. Trail access and parking are also available at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center in Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge. Parking in Woonsocket, RI, is available on Davison Ave. (the parking lot is located just past the Veterans Memorial, and trail access is at the south end of the parking lot). Parking at the Lonsdale trailhead is available at Blackstone River State Park.

Mass Central Rail Trail

Runs from Somerville to Leeds :: 38 miles, asphalt, cinder, crushed stone, dirt, and gravel

The Massachusetts Central Railroad was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, but the 104-mile corridor is being reborn as a cross-state rail-trail. Currently, nearly 40 miles from Boston to Northampton have been converted to trails.

Somerville Community Path, Alewife Linear Park, and Fitchburg Cutoff Path

Begins on Lowell St. in Somerville. Parking is available at the Alewife T station.

Wachusett Greenways Section (Sterling to Barre)

This segmented section begins at the Cider Mill Shops in Sterling. Parking is available on Waushacum Ave. in Sterling, at the Wachusett Reservoir on Thomas St. in Holden, and on Glenwood Rd. in Rutland.

Hardwick Section

This three-mile section of trail runs through open fields and deep woods. Parking is available on Hardwick Rd. Turn right after West Rd. The parking area will be a mowed grassy area on your right.

Norwottuck Branch (Belchertown to Northampton)

This 10-mile section also connects Hadley and Amherst. Parking is available on Warren Wright Rd. in Belchertown, and on Mill Lane in Amherst, along with many smaller parking locations along the trail.

Francis P. Ryan Bikeway

This section travels through Look Park in Northampton, through Florence, and ends in Leeds. Parking is available at Look Park.

North Central Pathway

Runs from Winchendon to Gardner :: 8.9 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at the Clark Memorial YMCA in Winchendon, and in the parking lot on Old Gardner Rd.

South Spencer Rail Trail

Spencer :: 1.62 miles, crushed stone

Parking is available at the southern trailhead on S. Spencer Rd.

Upper Charles Trail

Runs from the Holliston/Sherborn town line to the Hopkinton/Milford town line :: 13.2 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

Parking is available in Holliston in Blair Square off Front St., in a municipal parking lot off Exchange St., at Fino Field on Sumner St. in Milford, at Louisa Lake Park in Milford, and in the parking lot on Cedar St. in Hopkinton.

Westville Lake Community Trail

Southbridge :: .7 miles, crushed stone

Parking is available in the Westville Recreation Area on Breakneck Rd.

Franklin County

Canalside Rail Trail

Runs from Deerfield to Montague :: 3.6 miles, asphalt

Montague trailhead is in Unity Park. Parking is located in several places, just past Montague Town Hall or at the baseball fields on First St. Parking at the Deerfield trailhead is located at Railroad Yard Rd.

Barnstable County

Cape Cod Canal Bikeway

Runs from the visitor center in Buzzards Bay to Sandwich Marina Park :: 13.9 miles, asphalt

Parking lots are located at the Buzzards Bay Visitor Center, the East Canal Lot in the Scusset Beach State Reservation, on Bell Rd. in the Tidal Flats Recreation Area and on Freezer Rd. in the Sandwich Marina Park.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet :: 27.5 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on Station Ave. in Yarmouth, and on Lecount Hollow Rd./Maguire Landing in Wellfleet.

Head of the Meadow Trail

Truro :: 2 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Head of the Meadow Beach on Head of the Meadow Rd.

Nauset Trail

Eastham :: 1.6 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at the Salt Pond Visitor Center (50 Nauset Rd.).

Old Colony Rail Trail

Runs from Harwich to Chatham :: 8 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on Hitching Post Rd. in Chatham.

Province Lands Bike Trail

Provincetown :: 7 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Herring Cove Beach, and at Race Point Beach, Beech Forest Trail, or the Province Lands Visitor Center on Race Point Rd.

Shining Sea Bikeway

Runs from Falmouth to Woods Hole :: 10.7 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on Depot Rd. in Falmouth, and there is a free parking lot in Woods Hole between the Church St. and Nobska Rd. bridges. On-street, metered parking is also available on Water St. and Luscombe Ave.

Suffolk County

Charles River Bike Path

Runs from Boston to Waltham :: 22.9 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at the Boston trailhead in the Museum of Science parking garage, and at the Cooper St. parking lot in Waltham.

East Boston Greenway

East Boston :: 2.8 miles, asphalt

Most easily accessed by the Blue Line (Maverick, Orient Heights, or Wood Island stations). Parking is available at Constitution Beach, on Barnes Ave.

Neponset River Greenway

Runs from Dorchester to Readville :: 8.2 miles, asphalt

Parking is available at Tenean Beach on Conley St., or at the Mattapan MBTA station.

South Bay Harbor Trail

Boston :: 3.8 miles, asphalt, boardwalk, brick, and concrete

Access to the trail is most easily available via the MBTA subway system. Bikes are allowed on the MBTA, just not during rush hours (7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. weekdays) due to crowding. The west end of the trail begins at Ruggles Station (at the intersection of Ruggles St. and Tremont St.) on the Orange Line. Mid-trail, the route passes the Broadway Station (at the intersection of Dorchester Ave. and Broadway), on the Red Line. Near the east end of the trail, South Station is located across the Summer St. bridge, on the Red Line.

Southwest Corridor Park (Pierre Lallement Bike Path)

Runs from Boston to Jamaica Plain :: 4.1 miles, asphalt

The northern trailhead is at the Back Bay T station on Dartmouth St., and the southern trailhead is at Forest Hills T station on Washington St. Paid parking is available at these locations.

Hampden County

Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail

Chicopee :: .21 miles, asphalt

On-street parking spaces can be found at the trailhead on Front St. across from the Chicopee City Hall Annex.

Columbia Greenway Rail Trail

Westfield :: 2.4 miles, asphalt

A parking lot is available behind the Shaker Farms Country Club (866 Shaker Rd.).

Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway

Runs from Springfield to Agawam :: 5.4 miles, asphalt

Parking is available in Springfield at North Riverfront Park (121 West St.) and at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1000 Hall Fame Ave.). Parking at the Agawam trailhead is located at Borgati Park (257 River Rd., Agawam).

Redstone Rail Trail

East Longmeadow :: 1.4 miles, asphalt

Access to the trail and parking can be found in three locations: on the northern end along Maple St. near the East Longmeadow Rotary; mid-trail off Chesnut St.; and on the southern end at Denslow St.

Southwick Rail Trail

Westfield :: 6.5 miles, asphalt

Parking is available on Congamond Rd.

Nantucket County

Goose Pond Path

Nantucket :: .1 miles, asphalt

Trailheads are located at Washington St. Extension and Goose Pond Lane.

Plymouth County

Hanover Branch Rail Trail

Runs from Abington to Rockland :: 2.6 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

A parking lot is available in Rockland at the intersection of Union St. and E. Water St.

Mattapoisett Rail Trail

Mattapoisett :: 1.1 miles, asphalt

Access the Mattapoisett Rail Trail from Brandt Island Rd. or from the Phoenix Bike Trail.

Whitney Spur Rail Trail

Cohasset :: 1.6 miles, asphalt and crushed stone

Parking is available at the MBTA’s Cohasset Station on Chief Justice Cushing Highway. There is a $4 fee to park.

Hampshire County

Manhan Rail Trail

Runs from Easthampton to Northampton :: 9.6 miles, asphalt

Public parking is available at the Northampton trailhead at Veterans Field on West St. Parking at the Easthampton trailhead is located at Millside Park.

Mass Central Rail Trail

Runs from Somerville to Leeds :: 38 miles, asphalt, cinder, crushed stone, dirt, and gravel

The Massachusetts Central Railroad was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, but the 104-mile corridor is being reborn as a cross-state rail trail. Currently, nearly 40 miles from Boston to Northampton have been converted to trails.

Somerville Community Path, Alewife Linear Park, and Fitchburg Cutoff Path

Begins on Lowell St. in Somerville. Parking is available at the Alewife T station.

Wachusett Greenways Section (Sterling to Barre)

This segmented section begins at the Cider Mill Shops in Sterling. Parking is available on Waushacum Ave. in Sterling, at the Wachusett Reservoir on Thomas St. in Holden, and on Glenwood Rd. in Rutland.

Hardwick Section

This three-mile section of trail runs through open fields and deep woods. Parking is available on Hardwick Rd. Turn right after West Rd. The parking area will be a mowed grassy area on the right.

Norwottuck Branch (Belchertown to Northampton)

This 10-mile section also connects Hadley and Amherst. Parking is available on Warren Wright Rd. in Belchertown and on Mill Lane in Amherst, along with many smaller parking locations along the trail.

Francis P. Ryan Bikeway

This section travels through Look Park in Northampton, through Florence, and ends in Leeds. Parking is available at Look Park.

Massachusetts Bike Trails, Paths, and Rail Trails for the Whole Family! _ Boston Moms Blog

Getting-Out Guide :: Boston’s Best Events for Families This September

By

Deanna Greenstein

-

August 30, 2019

Summer has gone, the kiddos are back in school, and the crisp breeze of autumn is just around the corner! Welcome, September!

In addition to this guide, our calendar has daily events listed to keep you active and entertained this month!

We’ve also included links to area libraries and recurring events. We know this is not a comprehensive list, so if you think of any fun family activities we missed, please share them with us in the comments.

If you are looking to connect with other moms near you, make sure to join our Community & Conversation Group!

September 1–6

August 31–September 8 :: Sunflower Festival 2019 :: Lanni Orchards, Lunenburg

There is nothing happier than a sunflower! Come enjoy the beauty of over four acres of blooms in a variety of colors! Use them as a cheerful photo backdrop, and bring some flowers home to enjoy!

August 31–September 2 :: Appleseed Country Fair :: Red Apple Farm, Phillipston

Come enjoy live music and all the country fair foods you can imagine! There will also be hot air balloons for photo opportunities, and the adorable dogs of Pups in the Air of New England will delight you with their amazing tricks!

September 1–October 6 :: Little Shop of Horrors :: Lyric Stage Company, Boston

Join Seymour and his love Audrey as everyone’s favorite conniving, carnivorous, singing plant promises to fulfill his every wish in this award-winning sci-pulp musical!

September 1 :: Back-to-School Bash :: Mt. Vernon Street, Lynn

Many organizations in Lynn have come together to form this community Back-to-School Bash! There will be music by a DJ, free hair cuts, free hair styles, backpack giveaways, and much more fun!

September 6 :: Norwood Day Fireworks :: Coakley Middle School, Norwood

This beautiful fireworks display kicks off the Norwood Day celebration! Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. at Coakley Middle School. Norwood Day will be held the following day, September 7, from 9–2:30. There will be a parade, carnival kiddie rides, pony rides, a stage with entertainment, and more!

September 7–13

September 7 :: Paint N Skate: Back to School! :: Chez Vous Roller Skating Rink Boston

Join Chez-Vous and Diane Vivian productions for a back to school themed Paint N Skate! There will be performances, giveaways, and much more during this day of family fun! Advance tickets are good for one skate rental and one canvas to paint. For more info please call 617-825-6877.

September 7 :: Litty Ligo Back-to-School Community Day :: Tobin Community Center, Roxbury Crossing

The goal of this back-to-school event is to teach children about community. There will be backpack, school supply, and hygiene product giveaways, as well as many activities for children of all interests, including exercise, art, meditation, video games, and much more. Please pre-register here.

September 8 :: Family Fall Kick-Off Concert with Ellen Allard :: Hill House, Boston

Bring along a donation of a new school supply or back-to-school item, and rock your socks off at this back-to-school concert featuring Jewish musician Ellen Allard. Welcome fall and celebrate the upcoming Jewish high holidays through music, movement, and fun.

September 8 :: Free Grandparents Day at Edaville Family Theme Park :: Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver

To celebrate Grandparents Day, grandparents will receive free admission to Edaville with the purchase of any regularly priced 4-and-over admission.

September 12 :: Jojo Siwa Dog or Unicorn Painting Event :: Barrett’s Ale House, Fall River

Unleash your inner Jojo! An artist will guide you through the steps to create your very own canvas painting of either Jojo’s dog or unicorn! Participants will also receive a cupcake and a glitter tattoo.

September 14–20

September 14 :: Apple Harvest Festival :: East Walpole

Head on over to this free festival to enjoy train rides, midway games, silent auction, homemade chowder, apple crisp, baby animals, and more!

September 14 :: Last Call Before Fall End-of-Summer Bash :: Titus Sparrow Park, South Boston

Come to Titus Sparrow Park in South Boston between 3 and 5 p.m. for this free family event! There will be balloons, bubbles, bounce houses, face painting, games, snow cones, and more to celebrate the end of summer! Hosted by Renewal Church. All are welcome!

September 16 :: Sensory Art for 12–36 Month Olds :: Little Happynest, Charlestown

Come get messy and learn about art through play and sensory exploration! Help your little one use their imagination as they play in sensory bins and create with paint, stamps, and more! Children will also learn some songs and baby signs, and get to play with exciting toys like parachutes and bubbles!

September 17 :: Drool Baby Expo :: Boston

Just welcome a new baby? Expecting a little one in your near future? Then this is perfect for you! This fantastic event allows you to interact with over 80 companies so that you can learn about the best baby gear and resources for you and your little one!

September 18 :: The Aquabats :: The Paradise Rock Club, Boston

Calling all kids! Are you ready for an adventure? Join this band of costume-clad crime fighters (made famous on the kids show “Yo Gabba Gabba!”) as they battle all things lame in the pursuit of ultimate radness! Who will win in the ultimate showdown between good and evil? Show up to find out!

September 21–27

September 21 :: Free Museum Day :: Various Museums

Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country will provide free entry during this exciting one-day event! Each ticket admits two people to any participating museum. One ticket can be downloaded per email address.

September 21 :: Annual Fall Festival :: Weir River Farm, Hingham

Visit with the adorable farm animals, climb aboard a tractor, paint your own pumpkin, learn about beekeeping, press your own apple cider, challenge your friends at the potato spoon, and make sure to enjoy an HKS Clydesdales wagon ride tour of the Weir River Farm! This fun day is not to be missed!

September 21 :: Berserk – A Viking Festival for All Ages :: The Scandinavian Cultural Center, West Newton

Interact with a live Viking encampment on the front lawn, and see traditional Viking-era crafts, games and combat demonstrations! Participants are invited to browse the goods of Nordic vendors, play Kubb and Molkky and even take a traditional Finnish sauna by Abundance Sauna (an extra fee applies to the sauna). There will also be a screening of Vinter Ravn, a short film centered on a female Viking warrior, which will be followed by a Q&A with the film maker and an opportunity to pose with the leather and chain-mail costumes from the set, as well as a book signing with the author Nancy Marie Brown.

September 21 :: Fepo’s Birthday Bash Fundraiser :: Don’t Forget Us PET US Animal Sanctuary, Duxbury

Fepo the rooster is turning 2! Come celebrate! Join Chippi the llama, Bandaid the minihorse, Turnip the goat, and lots of other animal friends at Fepo’s birthday bash! Guests are invited to participate in pony rides, visit the animals, play chicken bingo, and, of course, have birthday cake! Adults are welcome to donate a $5 scratch ticket for a chance to win the whole board of scratch tickets! All funds raised from vendor and raffle sales will go toward helping the animals at the sanctuary.

September 27 :: Ice Cream Boad SUP Social :: Peace Love SUP, Mashpee

Combine two great summer activities — paddle boarding and ice cream! This event meets up at Great River Boat Ramp in Mashpee and paddle boards over to the Kool Beans Ice Cream Boat, where guests choose their ice cream to enjoy on board! All skill levels are welcome, including beginners. Pricing includes all paddle board equipment and one tasty treat per person.

September 28–30

September 28 :: GameOn Day Boston :: King Oak Hill Park, Weymouth

Calling all childhood cancer heroes! Wear your best superhero costume, and come be part of this special day! This free event aims to connect the childhood cancer community, and show the kids how valued and loved they are. Invite your family and friends for music, inflatables, crafts, food, face painting, a teen corner, a raffle, and so much more!

September 29 :: Summer Scoops Pumpkin Painting :: Plainville

Celebrate the end of summer and welcome fall! Paint your own pumpkin during the last weekend that Summer Scoops is open for the season.

September 29 :: Cars & Critters Car Show :: Stone Zoo, Stoneham

Combine your love of cars and your love of animals and what do you get? The Mustangs of Massachusetts (MOM) presentation of Cars and Critters, of course! This car show will feature cars of all makes and models, and you can visit with the animals at the zoo while you are at it! There is a $25 entrance fee if you would like to register a car to participate, which includes admission to the zoo. All funds raised go to support the Stone Zoo.

Library Storytimes

Ongoing Events

Little Farmer’s Mornings :: Red Horse Farm, Hanson :: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (June–October)

Little ones up to 4 years old will learn about farm chores with horses, chickens, and goats! They will also enjoy a farm-related story or craft.

Storytime at Showcase Cinema de Lux :: Patriot Place, Foxborough :: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

This free weekly storytime takes place every Tuesday at Showcase Cinema de Lux. After a story reading, a special character makes a weekly appearance followed by a short movie.

Public Telescope Nights at New England Sci-Tech :: 16 Tech Circle, Natick :: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8–9 pm

The public is invited to join New England Sci-Tech for an evening of astronomy during the spring, summer, and fall months. Depending on staff availability, inside activities such as planetarium shows and visiting the astronomy classrooms may be available. Visitors are also invited to borrow smaller “starblast” telescopes to use on their own.

Recreation Sundays on Memorial Drive :: Memorial Drive, Cambridge :: Sundays, May–November

Every Sunday, from the last Sunday of April to the second Sunday of November, Memorial Drive is closed to traffic between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street — and open to recreation! Ride a bike or scooter, take a jog, or bring your baby on a leisurely stroll down this usually busy road while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Charles River!

Urban Air Sensory Friendly Jump/Play Time :: Bellingham :: Sundays, 9 a.m.

This event is specifically designed for children with autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park and have a lot of fun without loud music and flashing lights! The lights will be white and music/video games turned off for those with sensory challenges during this time.

Baby-Friendly Monday Matinees at the Capitol Theatre :: Arlington :: Mondays, 12–2 p.m.

The Capitol Theatre features a baby-friendly movie every Monday afternoon. Please check the theater’s Monday schedule to see what feature has been selected for parents and their infants.

Kids’ Art Club :: Dorchester :: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

This club has a new art project at the library every Tuesday. Projects include collage self-portraits and artist’s books. Art Club projects are showcased in rotating displays in the library children’s room.

Nature Time at Blue Hills Trailside Museum :: Milton :: Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Introduce your preschool-aged child to nature with this fun program. Programs may feature a story, nature games, crafts, short walks outside, or meeting one of the museum’s animal residents. Meet, play, and learn with other area families. Each program runs for 45 minutes and meets most Thursdays. Museum admission is included with this program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

JFN Free Friday Playgroup :: Natick :: Fridays, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Bring the little ones and come join other parents and caregivers in the Metrowest area for a fun-filled morning of play and socializing. There are plenty of songs, activities, toys, snacks, and laughter, as both the children and their grown-ups build connections and lasting friendships.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays :: Acton :: Fridays, 10–11 a.m.

A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, the Forest Friday program is held outside, no matter the weather. Every Friday morning there is a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in Discovery Woods or out on the adjacent conservation land. All ages are welcome but activities are designed for 2- to 6-year-olds. Please note that the conservation land trails are not ADA or stroller accessible; please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Storytime at the Curious George Store :: Cambridge :: Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m.

Small children and their caregivers are welcome at these weekly storytimes, running throughout the year.

SaturPLAY :: Rose Kennedy Greenway – Chinatown :: Boston :: Select Saturdays, 1–3 p.m.

The Asian Community Development Corporation’s youth program, A-VOYCE, hosts a placemaking event monthly to activate and bring children to The Greenway’s Mary Soo Hoo Park. Each month features a different theme with games, activities, crafts, and more. Youth volunteers are on hand to engage children. SaturPlay is subject to weather conditions.

ImprovBoston Family Show :: Cambridge :: Saturdays, 4–5 p.m.

Improv Boston’s improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every week based on your suggestion. No two shows are alike! Best of all, children who want to participate have opportunities to be on stage and take part in the fun! The show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. It’s fun for the whole family and best for children ages 4-12.

Good Riddance to Summer!

By

Rachel Wilson

-

August 29, 2019

end of summer - Boston Moms Blog

It’s almost that time of year again. School is about to start. Not long after, the weather will cool. Leaves will change. And I’ll rejoice!

I may be in the minority here, but I say, “Good riddance!” to summer.

I’ll be glad when it’s over. Here’s why:

A little less sweat

Summer is hot! And sweaty! I have an infant whose preferred mode of transportation is in the baby carrier, pressed up against my chest. After carrying her around outside for even a minute, we’re both soaking wet. So bring on the long sleeves and long pants — I’m ready!

An end to the sunscreen wars

I despise putting sunscreen on my kids. It involves chasing them all over the house with hands painted white, trying to get that goop somewhere on their exposed skin. Often it winds up on their clothes or hair, or smeared all over me. It’s truly a battle worthy of Game of Thrones, and it happens every. single. day. My kiddos don’t seem to understand that sunscreen is the thing that stands between them and summer camp, or the playground, or the pool. Between them and fun! You’d think they’d be more willing to have it applied, but no.

Regular schedules

As a mother of three little ones who also works outside the home, I keep a lot of schedules in my brain. In summer, it feels like everyone is doing something new every week, and it’s a challenge to keep track of it all. I have definitely had moments of panic when I forget where my oldest is and think that I’ve forgotten to pick her up on time. I’ll be grateful to get back into the school routine and have it stay the same for the next nine months!

Normal bedtimes

It’s hard enough to make our 8 p.m. bedtime in the winter, but in summer it’s practically impossible. The neighbor kids are still outside and the sun is still shining — it must be time to play! Blackout shades can only go so far. When darkness falls a little earlier, it’ll be totally OK with me!

So sayonara, summer! I’m off to go pull my slippers and favorite sweaters out of the back of my closet. I can’t wait to wear them!