Boston summer - Boston Moms Blog

The winter snow is long gone, the buds are on the trees, the tulips are popping up, and my kids and I spotted our favorite white butterfly (or a version of it) in our backyard today. That can mean just one thing: Summer is almost here! Once school ends and official summer begins, a whirlwind seems to ensue, and the long sunny days and warm nights pass by more quickly than I ever imagined they would in May.

So in order to truly embrace the summer season in our gorgeous area of the country, and particularly in this majestic city of Boston, I’ve put together a preliminary bucket list of activities I’d love for my family to partake in at some point from June to August — that goes beyond the traditional beach and pool hopping we will also most certainly do.

Splashing in fountains on a hot day

The Rose Kennedy Greenway water features and the Frog Pond spray pool and fountain offer a refreshing opportunity to splash around on a hot day — in the middle of the city. The Copley Square fountain is a lovely place to have a picnic or take a stroll on a summer’s day.

Taking in a ball game

At nearly 4 and 2, my sports-loving kids are finally of the age where they can and want to sit still for sporting events. Ever since my oldest was born, I’ve been eager to share my love for the home team with him (and now his brother, too). So a trip to Fenway Park is on our bucket list this summer! And perhaps we’ll venture to a Pawtucket Red Sox game as well!

Flying kites at Spectacle Island

Boston summer - Boston Moms Blog

Last July, on a whim, my husband and I took our boys on a Boston island adventure to fly kites on Spectacle Island. This experience turned out to be a two-for-one deal, as the ferry ride from Long Wharf provided plenty of excitement and entertainment. Spectacle Island is one of the highest points in Boston Harbor, making it an excellent kite-flying location. And on Saturdays in July and August, there’s an organized program where families can make their own kites (or you can bring your own if you choose). Later in the day, yard games such as corn hole, frisbee, soccer, and more take place — and this is all free. We loved this last year and can’t wait to do it again this year!

Grilling in state parks

The smell of charcoal is one of my all-time favorites, and it’s always synonymous with summer for me. While we grill with gas at home, it’s fun to pack a cooler with hamburgers and hot dogs and check out one of the state parks (such as family-favorite Castle Island) that permits charcoal grilling. It will be like camping — without the sleeping-in-a-tent part! And who doesn’t love gooey s’mores made by toasting marshmallows over the hot coals?

Riding on carousels

Boston summer - Boston Moms Blog

There’s something so carefree and joyful about riding around and around on a pretend horse or sea creature. My kids love riding carousels whenever we see one; their favorites include the Greenway Carousel, featuring animals native to Boston, and the Paragon Carousel at Nantasket Beach.

What activities are you most excited about this summer?

 

Kate Cotter
Kate came to New England for college a decade and a half ago, and fell in love with all things Boston. She is the mom of two beautiful baby boys, ages 2.5 & 10 months, and loves watching them explore this lovely area of the country, experiencing Boston through their eyes. Heart-filling: spending time with my family, spontaneous hugs, kisses and “I love you Mommy” from my boys, reading great books, fall in New England, the Adirondacks, golden retriever puppies (don’t have any yet!), coffee, champagne, and serendipity. Can do without: Boston traffic, inconsiderateness, never-ending winters and stir-craziness.

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