For the Boston parents out there who do not yet own a copy of Boston Baby, this week (high of 96 degrees today!) might be the week to pick up a copy! Author Kim Foley MacKinnon dedicates an entire chapter of the book, "It's Hot, Hot, Hot," to summer activities that'll keep the whole family cool (plus the museums, classes, and getaways in the rest of the book will also keep you busy). From beaches, spray decks, sailing, and parks, to children's Indie bookstores and libraries, there's no reason to feel overwhelmed by the heat. Here are a few options to get you through this week:
Artesani Park and Wading Pool, 1255 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton. Kim lists this as one of the best spray parks in the city. Located on the Charles River you'll get a great view and (hopefully) slight breeze, while the kids can splash around, enjoy the playgrounds, break for a picnic, and even feed the ducks nearby. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty, changing rooms, showers, and free parking (with an ice cream truck that hangs around too!)--you'll be all set for the day.
Courageous Sailing at Jamaica Pond, 617-268-7243, www.courageoussailing.org. Can't swim in Jamaica Pond but sailing away on the water will keep the kids cool. Paddle around, feed the ducks, and get the little ones fishing.
Castle Island and Fort Independence, Day Boulevard, South Boston, 617-727-5290. Hang out by the water, explore Fort Independence, and enjoy a snack at local landmark Sullivan's, all at the tip of Pleasant Bay. Plus, your future pilots can watch the planes as they land and take off from Logan.
Curious George & Friends, 1 JFK Street, Cambridge, 617-498-0062, www.curiousg.com. If you'd rather have the kids out of the sun, head on over to Harvard Square to explore the two floors of books and toys in this local Indie that was founded with the help of Curious George writer Margret Rey. Perhaps an afternoon (iced) tea is in order too? Upstairs on the Square has an array of treats for the fam.
Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, 617-723-2500, www.mos.org. With exciting exhibits, live presentations, and the omni films, the museum offers plenty for a daytrip--or multiple daytrips. Stop by the Butterfly Garden for a tour or catch one of the 3D films to learn all about our planet. Your future scientist is certain to be intrigued by the creatures and interactive activities; and for any kids below the age of 8, the Discovery Center should be your first stop upon arrival.
Hope these tips help get the family out and about despite the heat. And send us (or tweet us @unionparkpress) some favorite hot spots in your area too--the cooler the better!
From our Friends at The Savvy Factory: A contest to win tickets to Despicable Me!
The first 25 Savvy Factory readers to email info@thesavvyfactory.com will win a pair of tickets to the advance screening of Universal’s new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.
In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout.
Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell) planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!). Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.
One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.
The special advance screening takes place on Thursday, July 8th at 7pm. Hurry and email The Savvy Factory at info@thesavvyfactory.com to get your pair of tickets! No purchase necessary.
We were rockin' & rollin' at the South End Library this past Monday with Kim Foley MacKinnon (the brains behind Boston Baby!) the talented teachers from CMCB's Little Notes Program and Ben & Jerry's from Newbury Street.
If you missed out on the fun, don't worry: you can still get in on the action. Starting July 12, Little Notes will be holding classes at the South End Library on Tremont Street Mondays from 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. (July 12, 19, 26 and August 9, 16, 23.)
But why stop there? Music is on the brain this summer--so check out these other concerts and classes (all featured in Boston Baby, the city's only parenting survival guide!)
If you haven't checked out a Baby Wiggle class with Sara Wheeler and her fabulous co-teachers Tommy and Chrysta, what are you waiting for? The great news is Sara's bringing Baby Wiggle to My Gym on Commonwealth Avenue beginning this summer. Her band, Little Groove, will be playing throughout Greater Boston this summer:
One more pick for something cultural and extraordinary: take your bambino out to the Boston Harbor Islands, which has a load of free family programming lined up for the coming months, including a variety of performances tailored to tikes. (Think: Toe Jam Puppet Band!) In one foul swoop you combine a boat ride, a trip to an island, and entertainment.
Of course there are the obvious, more traditional (and always fantastic) ways to spend the long weekend—lighting up the BBQ with friends, first Cape trip of the year with family, catching the Sox game at Fenway. But then, there’s so much going on in Boston and beyond, why not try something new this Memorial Day? Here are some UPP Picks to get you moving:
For Boston Harbor Islands fans:
Camping in Boston Harbor: Grape, Bumpkin, or Lovells Islands. Hop on a Harbor Islands Express Ferry out to Georges Island, check out Fort Warren, and then transfer to Grape, Bumpkin, or Lovells for a night of camping—with an incredible view of the city skyline. Reservations are necessary; call the Boston Harbor Islands ranger line (617-223-8666) to make one and they’ll also help you plan your trip!
Sail in Boston Harbor: If do-it-yourself camping isn’t your style, why not let Captain Don take you on a tour of the Boston Harbor? Grab a group of friends and board the Tupelo Honey for a 2-hour tour of the harbor on this beautiful 31-foot sailboat. Don’t forget your sunblock! For reservations visit the Come Sail Away Now website.
For Boston Families:
Curious about Curious George? Let’s Get Curious at the Boston Children’s Museum. This exciting traveling exhibit will be around Boston until June 6; get the kids over to the museum to learn more about science, math, and engineering—and of course, Curious George himself!
Join in Jim Henson’s Fantastic World at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington. Muppets and artwork and stories! Friends of Kermit and Miss Piggy—even friends of Oscar the Grouch—will get to explore the incredible work of the man who created some of America’s most cherished characters.
For Die-Hard Boston Sports Fans:
Hit up the Sports Bars--or run, then drink: In case you lack the space to grill in your own backyard, check out these Boston bars featured by author Chris Klein. The Baseball Tavern features a great roof deck (opening for the season this weekend) with excellent views of the Green Monster. Join McGreevy's and Social Boston Sports for their Memorial Day run, followed by a pint and food at the pub. To register, visit Social Boston Sports--if you enjoy it, you can do it weekly!
For Boston's Gardens & Green Spaces lovers:
Farming for the Urbanites: Visit Newton Community Farm, the last operating farm in town, for lessons on day-to-day harvesting and hands-on gardening workshops. Then taste the fruits of your labor at the Mass Farmers Markets.
For Those Who Dare to go Under Cape Cod Waters:
Snorkeling Classes: Whet your appetite for the June 1 release of Under Cape Cod Waters and get a first-hand look at the creatures below with Cape Cod Sea Sports. Sign up for their snorkeling classes and tours, catered to the casual snorkeler.
