April 20th, 2012

Earth Day Festivities and Other Family Fun

If you are looking for Earth Day fun this weekend, four events to note are the:

Great Cloth Diaper Change at Diaper Lab – Somerville
While the actual Guiness Record event is now closed, stop by to learn more about cloth diapers and check out special earth day sales and special deals.
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Natick Earth Day Festival – Natick Common
Celebrate Earth Day from 11am-3pm, and learn about conservation, sustainability, land stewardship and volunteer action. Here is the full event schedule.
Sunday, April 22, 2012

Party for the Planet at Franklin Park Zoo – Boston
Raise awareness for the planet and all it has to offer. This year marks the 100th anniversary for both Franklin Park Zoo and the Girl Scouts, so the Zoo has teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Eastern MA to host a Party for the Planet.
Sunday, April 22, 2012

Picnic for the Planet at Boston Common Frog Pond – Boston
The Nature Conservancy will be holding Picnic for the Planet at Frog Pond in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest global picnic. Everyone is invited to Picnic from 12:00-3:00pm.
Sunday, April 22, 2012

For other Metrowest activities, these may be worth a consideration.

Dino Day & Dig at Animal Adventures – Bolton
Dinosaur Presentation and Dig at Animal Adventures Future Paleontologists Wanted for Dino Dig: Featuring fossils, dinosaur skulls, velociraptor claws, dinosaur skin and more dino artifacts that our audiences can see and touch.
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Hudson Elks Spring Carnival – Hudson
The carnival fundraiser will feature rides, games and food. Featured rides this year include the Remix II, Wacky Worm and Zipper along with many more exciting carnival rides.
Saturday and Sunday, April- 21 – April 22, 2012

Kids Challenge at Bass Pro Shops (Patriot Place) – Foxboro
Bass Pro Shops is hosting its annual FREE Kids Challenge weekend. On Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd from 12-4 in the back yard of Bass Pro kids can test skills at casting, archery shooting, life jacket races, sleeping bag challenge, knot tying, and crafts with prizes both days.
Saturday and Sunday, April 21, 2012 – April 22, 2012

Children’s Fair and Concert at Norwood Cooperative Nursery School – Norwood, MA
Featuring children’s games, craft activities, moonwalk, face painting, silent auction and a rockin’ concert for kids of all ages by The Toe Jam Puppet Band. The event is from 12-3pm and the The Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform at 1pm. Tickets are $5/person ($20 maximum for each family). Tickets will be sold at the door.
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Since it is the tale end of school vacation week, you may be looking for even more activities! If you are up for the drive, here are a couple interesting events.

New England Folk Festival – Mansfield
The New England Folk Festival is a fabulous blend of dance, music, crafts, and food from many lands. Come enjoy the annual festival at Mansfield High & Middle Schools.
Saturday and Sunday, April 21 – April 22, 2012

Itsy Bitsy Thrifty Kid’s Consignment Event – Woburn
Greater Boston’s premier kids consignment event Over 17,000 items at our last sale
Saturday and Sunday, April 21 – April 22, 2012

Weymouth Spring Carnival – Weymouth
The carnival fundraiser will feature rides, games and food. Featured rides this year include the Freakout, Vertigo, and the Arctic Blast along with many more exciting carnival rides. In addition, there will be a petting zoo and magic shows daily.
Saturday and Sunday, April 21 - April 22, 2012

Enjoy!

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Charlene Chronicles does its best to make the event information listed as accurate as possible, but event and venue information is subject to change without notice, and Charlene Chronicles is not responsible for erroneous information or the reliance upon it. Always call your destinations ahead of time to confirm dates, times, locations and admission fees.

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February 17th, 2012

Winter Break Activities

Boston Area

February Vacation Week at Peabody Essex Museum
Join the PEM during school vacation week to celebrate Native American artists from New England. Watch artists at work, take a family tour of Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art and make art of your own. Children 16 and under are always free at PEM.
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 - Fri, Feb 24, 2012

February Vacation Week Activities: MFA – Boston
The MFA is hosting Vacation Week Activities which offers a wide range of ongoing activities for children. See my review about its family-friendly offerings
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012

Color Sleuths at the ICA – Boston
View the exhibition Figuring Color: Kathy Butterly, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Roy McMakin, Sue Williams for inspiration then take part in a variety of art-making activities about working with color, and a few surprises. See my review about the ICA and families!
Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012 - Thursday, Feb 23, 2012

Kids Winter Fest at Franklin Park – Boston
City youngsters are invited to the Franklin Park Golf Course Clubhouse for a Winter Festival. The lineup includes a demo by the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit, a marionette puppet show, face painting, arts and crafts, and games. The Rangers will also host a Critter Exhibit featuring wildlife native to MA.
Thursday, Feb 23, 2012

Of course, fun always to be had at the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Science!

Metrowest Suburbs

Tea for Two with Louisa May Alcott at the Concord Museum – Concord
Delight your child or grandchild with an afternoon with Louisa May Alcott Join us for Tea for Two: An Adult/Child Tea with Louisa May Alcott on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the Concord Museum.
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012

Vacation Week Adventures at Barefoot Books – Concord
Daily themed events with stories, fun crafts and optional (discounted) pottery painting. See their calendar for daily themes and offerings.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri from Feb 20, 2012 - Feb 24, 2012

February Break Camp with Animal Adventures – Bolton
Come for a day or sign up for the entire week. This vacation program is a fun way to spend time with animals. Topics include animal handling and care, along with fun games and activities. Campers will learn about animals from crocs to lemurs.
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012

Happy Birthday Presidents Family Day – Weston
Learn all about the presidents and first ladies by using US postage stamps. Arts and crafts activities with stamps. Packet of stamps for each child.
Friday, Feb 24, 2012

1/2 Day February Vacation Camp at Thoreau – Concord
Kids will have a blast with fun counselors. Activities include swimming, tennis, sports and crafts. Bring a lunch, towel and bathing suit and prepare to have a blast. Kids welcome for 1 day or all week.
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012

February Vacation Week at Broadmoor: Grades 2-3 – Natick
Search for tracks and signs of Broadmoor’s many winter creatures, learn how animals survive the winter, play games in the snow, drink hot chocolate, and much more.
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri from Feb 21, 2012 - Feb 24, 2012

February Vacation Workshops at Dabblers – Concord
Great activities to keep the kids busy during February vacation. Dabblers will be holding morning and afternoon workshops all week.
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012

Blue Bunny Books – Dedham
Fun stories and crafts all week for a variety of ages. See their website for a full schedule.
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012

Legacy Place – Dedham Dare to Dream Adventure Academy – Legacy Place (Dedham)
Meet the princesses from Disney on Ice, lots of crafts, fun, and even get discounts on the Disney on Ice Dare to Dream shows playing all week at the TD Garden in Boston!
Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012

Patriot Place Winter Vacation Events (Foxboro)
Enjoy a variety of activities all week like Skating Programs, Story Time, Radio Disney, and Princess and Pirates Party! Check the website for times and the daily schedule.
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012

Stacey Peasley Fundraiser Concert (Natick)
 Stacey Peasley Band Fundraiser for Temple Israel Preschool @ Temple Israel
Hartford Street, Natick. $8 per person and children under 2 are free.
Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012

Jam Time Winter Break
 Bubble time, winter carnival, story time and lots of indoor play. See the full listing on their website and start jamming.
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 - Friday, Feb 24, 2012
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While Charlene Chronicles does its best to accurately list all events, the event and venue information is subject to change without notice and is not the responsibility of this website. Always call your destinations ahead of time to confirm dates, times, locations and admission fees.

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January 27th, 2012

Weekend Fun in Metrowest

Pretty good weekend on the schedule! So I had to put together a whole blog post to share it all. If you know of anything else, please share! Otherwise, have fun!

All Weekend

Lincoln Winter Carnival – Lincoln
The Winter Carnival is a annual event sponsored by the Recreation Committee designed to foster a sense of community throughout the Town of Lincoln. Lots of events and most are free or low-cost.
Friday, Jan 27, 2012 - Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Fire & Ice Days at Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village embraces the joys of an old fashioned winter with a “Fire and Ice” celebration, complete with ice skating, sledding on vintage 1830s sleds, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Kids get free admission to OSV.
Saturday, Jan 28 and Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

The 2012 deCordova Biennial - Lincoln 

The 23 artists and collaboratives involved with the unthemed deCordova Biennial exhibition. Wondering if it is family-friendly? It can be.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 - Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

Saturday

Fruitlands Winterfest Weekends – Harvard
Create your own fun and winter memories on Fruitlands Museum’s 200 acre wintery wonderland and catch snowy views of towering Tree Figures. Join us on winter Saturdays for skating, snowshoeing, sledding and X-country skiing then warm up with hot chocolate and hotdogs around the bonfire. $20 per car.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 

Celebrate Winter Family Day at Spellman Museum – Weston
Using real postage stamps, make snowmen, snowflakes and snowballs. Other arts and crafts with stamps. Stamp games for prizes. Create your own free stamp collecton. Wear mittens and/or ear muffs win a special prize.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

Especially for Me! Free Evening for Children on the Autism Spectrum at the Discovery Museum - Acton

Come join in all the fun during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum. Pre-registration required. Visit http://tinyurl.com/EspeciallyforMe2012-1 to register. Funding provided by the Boston Bruins Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Nypro, and the Wayland Cultural Council. Free.
January 28, 2012 5:30p – 8:30p

Sunday

10th Annual Sudbury Camp Fair - Sudbury
80+ camps offering information on day, overnight and travel programs for students in grades K-12. Parents and students can meet and speak with representatives from these camps offering unique programs including travel, community service, arts, sports, academic enrichment and traditional camp options. Free.
Sunday, January 29, 2012

[If you want to head into Boston, here are these two family-friendly events that may be worth the drive.]

Chinese New Year Parade – Boston
Chinatown Main Street welcomes the public to the Chinese New Year Parade. Enjoy a Lion Dance parade, and see your favorite clubs perform all day parading from business to business. Free.
Sunday, Jan 29, 2012

The ICA Third-Annual International Children’s Film Festival – Boston

Kids get their very own film festival with selections created by kids and professionals. Young film buffs will learn about the filmmaking process at demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn more about the museum here.
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

Magic Beans Grand Opening – Boston

Flash Mob, Elmo, Music, Discounts, Raffles, Pinkberry. Check out their website for all the free fun and schedule!
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012

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Charlene Chronicles does its best to accurately list the details of the events, but ultimately, the responsibility is for you to check the dates, times and fees.

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January 21st, 2012

Museums and Kids

Museum of Science BostonIn the heart of winter, there often seems like there is nothing to do. How many play spaces can we take our kids to anyway? Baring the endless summer (and various school vacations), the months of January and February (with the cold and snow) requires some strategic thinking…and new places to visit.

It is around this time that I suggest checking out Museums. Yes, you read that right, and no, it does not have to be boring. While it may have been boring to many of us while growing up,  a significant number of Museums and Galleries in and around Boston, have changed their models to make art and science kid-friendly and welcoming. They want you to come…and bring your kids too.

Musuem of Fine Art. (All Ages)

On the weekends, from 10am-4pm, the MFA has the Family Art Cart for families with children ages four and up. Piece together puzzles, learn mythical tales, and uncover ancient Egyptian mysteries. They have an ever-changing array of interactive activities, books and Art Cards, and you can borrow a tote bag equipped with a sketch-book and colored pencils. Everyone is happy. They even have special monthly playdate events for kids under 4 years old.

Museum of Science (All Ages)

We all know that this place rocks for the elementary, middle school and high school set. But even toddlers can find the space filled with wondrous things to explore. So don’t let the fact you have a child under the age of five deter you from visiting. There are lots of things to do if you know where to look. I pulled together some ideas worth considering, and how the whole family can enjoy the space.

Institute of Contemporary Art. (All Ages)

A newer Museum in the Boston scene, it does not lack the family-friendly vibe. While Friday nights may cater to young professionals and a date-night activity, it is a great space to visit on the weekends with the whole family. Here is a past review I wrote to showcase the fun to be had at any age.

deCordova Museum (All Ages)

Whether you’re exploring the Sculpture Park in the summer (kids love running around and babies can snooze in the stroller) or discovering technique and material in the indoor Museum, deCordova is a great place for families to expose kids to art! Their website has great tips on how to get children engaged when visiting, and they have family activity kits that are free and available at the front desk to give kids activities and questions to consider as you explore. They also have story hours and other special programs.

So if you are looking for something different to do this winter, check out one of the Museums listed above. Also check your local library for special passes and if you have a family favorite Museum you like to go to, leave a comment below and share with other Moms and Dads!

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Image Credit: My own.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

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September 22nd, 2011

Life is Good Festival 2011

Great weekend of music and fun for everyone.

The Life is good Festival takes place on September 24th and 25th at the Prowse Farm in Canton, MA with over 20 music bands and unlimited fun for adults and kids. There is art, activities, and games, and it raises money to help children overcome life-threatening challenges.

The aim of the Life is good Festival is to also make it the most family-friendly music festival in the world. There is a dedicated area for families with a shady area, a diaper changing station to take care of any little accidents that might present themselves, a nursing station for moms in a peaceful area, healthy food and snacks all day long, and kid-friendly activities including “My First Yoga” and “Big Joe The Storyteller”. There are also great kid musical groups making an appearance at the Festival like the Laurie Berkner Band, Ben Rudnick and Friends, and more.

Full parenting details can be found here and answers to questions like parking and transportation can be found here.

Kids under 2 are free. Adults are $65 and kids 2-12 are $20 for one day admission. But I did a Google search and found a great code for 50% off tickets, so click here! and have fun!

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August 18th, 2011

Treasures at Smugglers Notch Resort

Treasures is a childcare center at Smuggler’s Notch Resort (Vermont) where babies six weeks old through toddlerhood can play, while adults can get some time to themselves. Yet, there is no need to feel guilty to have some ‘me’ time on a family vacation. This place is a total gem. Beginning with the mini-ski lessons for the 2.5+ year olds who are potty trained.

They serve lunch with ingredients from a local farm with a respect for any food allergies or sensitivities. Toys and top-notch staff round out the amazing space. The place is clean and organized. Plus, the toys are first-hand and not broken hand-me-downs often found at other resorts.

If your little one is a wee one, there is a beautiful screen porch where they can swing while looking at the beautiful mountains and the skiers and hikers walking by. All this is on the resort so you are just a ski-ride or a quick walk away. Whether you need an hour or a whole day, they are flexible and accomodating to make sure that the entire family has a great vacation.

My son spent the day at Treasures and as soon as we arrived, we were treated with respect and welcome. He was enchanted with the space and barely paid us attention when he saw the toys and other kids. Since he is not in a consistent daycare environment, we wondered how he would do. The staff saw (and understood) our anxiety and assured us that they would call if he did not adjust well. However, there was never a need for the call because he was singing, dancing, playing in a sandbox, having snacks and loving the fish tanks and mini-sinks that were just his height. We could also peek in through a one-way window to make sure everything was okay. He had a blast and we enjoyed a few hours of lunch and quiet time, without the guilt.

Smuggler’s Notch has vacation packages that includes a stay at Treasures or you can pay as you go, depending on your comfort level and needs during your vacation. If you want to schedule a massage, then you can request an hour at Treasures. Want to go on a hike or a canoe trip but have a 3 month old that can’t go along? Schedule a few of hours at Treasures. As parents, we want to spend time with our children and enjoy the family vacation, but there are times during that vacation where we need a vacation from the kids – even if it is just a lunch to connect with your spouse.

Often, there is plenty of things for kids 6+ to do at various Resorts. In fact, Smuggs has an amazing series of options for that age group too. Yet, not many resorts have options for babies and toddlers. In reality, many families have a four year old and two year old, or a six year old and a four year old and a two year old, but often have no options since the two year old is too ‘young’ for many activities. At Smuggler’s Notch Resort, with its “Treasures”, is the perfect destination for that option – whether you are a family of three or a family of six with a range of ages in the mix.

The price for a full day is approximately $85. (Check the website for current pricing.) It ends up being about $12 an hour. Where I am from, that is what is costs for a teenage babysitter to sit and watch The Wiggles on TV. Here you get quality staff, quality space, fun activities, a lunch and more.

I wasn’t expecting to be on camera so I don’t look my best, but I had to share the video because this place is the best.
Hear more about the staff and the options available. Overall, we were really impressed and as a result, have decided to make Smuggler’s Notch Resort, whether the fall, winter or summer, a destination for our growing family. See why at my full review here.

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July 22nd, 2011

Belkin Lookout Farm in Natick

I go by the Belkin Lookout Farm almost on a daily basis. Many folks haven’t given the love to the farm in recent years and find it is overpriced. Others find it to be a Metrowest gem. Without any comparison and without having to pay for admission thanks to the Blogger Event I attended, I walked onto the farm for the first time to see what it was about.

 

 

Established in 1651, it is one of the oldest working farms in the country. It is also a family farm, and as many of you know, being a small farm is not an easy feat these days. It is very expensive and very time consuming to keep afloat. However, I find it a worthwhile venture to support these rare gems, especially one like Belkin Lookout Farm with its amazing amount of acres (never knew all that land was back there) and the amount of Pick-Your-Own fruits available.

 

 

Belkin Lookout Farm has not just apples, but eleven varieties of apples, plus two varieties of Asian pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, cherries and pumpkins. (They have a page on their website showing timeline of the picking or you can call their UPick Hotline at 508-653-0653.) Thus, you can pick peaches in August or Strawberries in June. No need to wait until Autumn to pick local fruit off the trees. The price per pound is around ~$2.50 (check their website for accurate prices), which is competitive with other farms as well as some grocery stores!

However, entrance to the farm is $8 per person and the price jumps to $14 in the fall. For a family of 4, that can be a pretty expensive Pick-Your-Own outing. (Note: kids under 2 yrs are free.) Yet, there are activities and amenities that are not found at other pick-your-own farms. You start your experience with a unique, environmentally friendly rubber–tire train ride around the farm and can get on/off at your leisure. (My toddler loved it and we could have ridden around on that train for hours and he would have been content.)

 

 

I finally convinced him to get off the train at the play area, which has a petting area with animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas, cows, and rabbits from Southwick Zoo. (The types of animals arrive at different times of the year.) There is a bounce house, kid’s Caterpillar ride (which all the kids loved – see the video), climbing structures, burlap maze, plus plenty of room to roam. There is also free face painting and performances included in the admission fee. Right now, through the summer, there is live children’s entertainment at 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00pm. In the Fall, they have free 15 minute hayrides, and Pony/Camel rides for an extra fee.

 

 

Since many local playspaces cost $8-$12 per child, Belkin’s fee is not completely out-of-scope, but if you want to just do ‘Pick-Your-Own’, you may not find the value. Otherwise, making it a family or playgroup outing by bringing a picnic (there are lots of covered picnic tables or you can buy food/gelato onsite) and alloting a full morning or afternoon to enjoy the amenities, makes it worth the price. If you live in surrounding towns, check with your local library for discount passes for $5 off per person.

An extra to note. They do have corporate events and birthday party packages, as well as have a strong honeybee program to support the bee initiative. They have a store with local honey and yummy bakegoods in the fall too. Check them out on Facebook to learn more, know what is happening and get notice of special admissions.

In July, Belkin Lookout Farm is open on the weekends from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Starting on August 8, they are open daily until October 31st. In my opinion? It is a Metrowest gem.

 

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