JACQ
& BILL’S ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR THE WEEK STARTING
MAY
8, 2008
Please note that the goal of this list is to offer quality family outing ideas for your consideration for around the price of a movie ticket (with the occasional more expensive exceptions) or less!! At the same time, be sure to remember that activities such as school, homework, religious instruction & worship, chores and the like should ALWAYS come first and that any and all outings with your children should be viewed as complimentary activities as opposed to primary objectives.
As the weekly list has grown in size, please be sure to remember that word searches and/or selection-only printing(s) from the full list can be readily done so as to easily find out about and plan for what’s up in your area!!
Next, always be sure to call ahead and/or check any listed events’ websites to confirm space available, dates, hours, locations, rain dates and/or ticket prices (if any) as, well, typo’s and cancellations happen.
Additionally, as the weekly Activity Ideas list greatly appreciates its readers’ input, please feel free to send along your comments, activity ideas, reviews and/or criticisms c/o billzamzow@netscape.net PLEASE ALSO be sure to include F&F in your subject line so that your email(s) will not be mistakenly viewed as spam and thus unopened.
Please further note the following simple and entirely understandable disclaimer: unless VERY SPECIFICALLY noted within an individual listing, ALL LISTED ACTIVITY ITEMS should be seen as merely suggestions for your individual review and consideration as opposed to offered up as endorsed and/or otherwise vetted by Fathers and Families.
THIS WEEK, UPCOMING & SELECTED SHORT RUN LISTINGS IN
& AROUND METRO BOSTON (NOTE: West
of Wusta and Cape listings follow separately)
The residences and birthplaces of Presidents JOHN ADAMS and JOHN QUINCY ADAMS as well as the Adams Mansion have reopened for another season. A word to the wise, check them out early this year as the HBO special on John Adams is expected to pack these sites all summer. Start at 1250 Hancock Street, QUINCY MA. FREE. Call 617/770-1175 or see http://www.nps.gov/adam
Enjoy a great view and learn a lot at the
BLUE HILLS OBSERVATORY AND SCIENCE CENTER OPEN HOUSE on SATURDAY 5/3 from 10 am
until 4 pm. FREE. The
top of Blue Hill, Blue Hills Reservation, MILTON MA. Call 617/698-1802 or see http://www.bluehill.org/events.html
Take a hike! No, seriously. With the official arrival of spring, why not enjoy a leisurely and scenic stroll along the 38 miles of an eventual planned 47 mile long BOSTON HARBOR WALK. Walkways stretch from Chelsea Creek to the Neponset River. For more information, call 617/722-4300 or check out the walk’s very comprehensive website at http://www.bostonharborwalk.com
CANOBIE LAKE is offering special spring admission pricing now thru 5/18. SALEM NH. See http://www.canobie.com
David S want’s
EVERYONE to know about CARABINERS in NEW BEDFORD MA, the largest indoor
climbing facility in at least MA as well as that it’s also a great gym. Up to 60 vertical feet to climb and all
sorts of terrain. Even better, it’s
affordable at $19 for an all day pass as well as that food and beverage
available on site are also very inexpensive.
Overnights and group rates also offered for scout troops and the
like. 328
Parker St, New Bedford, MA. Call
508/984-0808 or see http://www.carabiners.com
Catch CELEBRATE! –
this year’s edition of THE BIG APPLE CIRCUS!
Catch the fun from now thru 5/11 up close under a REAL tent on City Hall
Plaza in Boston. Tickets run from $16
to $60 dollars with discounts available at http://www.BosTixJr.org and other
programs. For more information, call
800-922-3772 or see http://theshow.bigapplecircus.org
THE COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE SATURDAY KIDS SHOW will offer its LAST show of its 2007/2008 season on SATURDAY 6/8 at 10:30 am. See the Artbarn Community Theater’s production of THE VORTEX, a hilarious original musical about three alien life forms who serendipitously meet on the planet Moda. Journey to outer space in this riotous story that celebrates the theory of multiple intelligences. $8 for adults, $6 for children. Buy your tickets at the theatre anytime it’s open or online from TICKETWEB at http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?region=ma&query=schedule&venue=coolidge1 For more about Artbarn and the show, see http://www.artbarn.org
The COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE is located at 290 Harvard St (just off Beacon Street) in BROOKLINE MA. Take the Green Line or look for 3 hour or longer parking meters on Beacon St north of Harvard St (be sure to pack lots of quarters!!). There is also plenty to do in the neighborhood after the show, ranging from shopping at a variety of great children's stores to doing your regular shopping at Trader Joe’s, CVS and/or Walgreen’s as well as many places to eat – for example, Jacq loves watching the conveyor belt bagel slicer at Finagle a Bagel in action!
For more information, call 617/734-2501 or see http://coolidge.org/kids JACQ-approved as a GREAT time for the 4 to maybe 10 crowd, depending on the act.
Get out and about!! THE DEPARMENT OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (formerly better known as the MDC) hosts numerous events every week at parks across the Commonwealth AND essentially all of them are FREE!! For complete upcoming event listings to see what’s up near you, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm to access lists of activities by region.
For but one example, go on a DCR ranger guided HIKE most any weekend somewhere in the Blues Hills – even during the winter! To find out when & where, call 617/698-1802. A SPECIAL NOTE: DCR special events are JACQ & BILL-approved!!
THE DRAWBRIDGE PUPPET THEATER presents a puppet show on (most) SATURDAYS at 10 am & 11:30 am, at 1 pm on SUNDAYS at 1 pm and at 11 am on the third WEDNESDAY of the month. Only $5. 1335 Massachusetts Ave., LUNENBURG MA. Call 800-401-3694 or see http://www.drawbridgepuppets.com
Enjoy drop in crafts
fun every SATURDAY at 10 am at the FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM during the cold time of
the year. No advance registration is
required but do plan to arrive 5 minutes early or so to sign up to participate. $8 or $15 for two. 455 Oak Street, BROCKTON
MA. Call 508-588-6000 or see http://www.fullermuseum.org/calendar.html
Catch the musical GODSPELL at various dates and times now thru 5/17. $16 to $19. A Burlington Players production at One Edgemere Ave, Burlington, MA. Call 781/229-2649 or see http://www.burlingtonplayers.com
Catch KIDTOON FILMS! Enjoy G-rated movies for younger kids at participating National Amusement Theatres most EVERY SATURDAY at 10 am with all seats running only $3.50. National Amusement Theaters are located in LOWELL, MILBURY, RANDOLPH, REVERE, WEST SPRINGFIELD & WOBURN. To find out more, see http://www.kidtoonfilms.com
Go fly a kite…. No,
seriously!! Check
out the KITES OVER NEW ENGLAND website at http://www.kone.org KONE hosts many fun events during the warm
time of the year throughout New England as well as posts its recommendations
for the best places to go flying!!!
Who needs baby brothers, anyway?!?! Catch LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. Children of every age will identify with the irrepressible Lilly and the delights and dilemmas of her daily life. 7:30 pm or on SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS at 3 pm now thru 5/11 with added shows school vacation week 4/22 thru 4/25. $19 to $23. The Wheelock Family Theatre, Wheelock College, 180 The Riverway, BOSTON MA. Also note that FREE parking is available on campus, a real bonus in the Fenway! Call 617-879-9300 or see http://www.wheelock.edu/wft/wft.asp Wheelock presentations are Jacq & Bill approved.
Be sure to check out what’s up at the over 40 MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY sites around the Commonwealth. Enjoy guided nature hikes, special wildlife and nature presentations as well as all sorts of special events for adults, families and children just about every weekend year round with added offerings during school vacation weeks and during the warmer time of the year. To find out what’s up, see either the Audubon’s home page at http://www.massaudubon.org or its special site for children at http://www.massaudubon.org/Kids/index.html
Explore and learn about the start of the American Revolution at MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK in CONCORD & LEXINGTON via guided tours, walks and various special events most every SATURDAY and/or SUNDAY thru the summer so be sure check the website to see what’s coming up. For complete information, see http://www.nps.gov/mima
Help homeless animals at the 9th annual PET FEST dog walk and fund raiser on SUNDAY 5/18 from 11 am until 3 pm. All sorts of GREAT things to do and see as well as too numerous to mention – check the website for complete details! Co-hosted by the Buttonwood Park Zoological, 425 Hawthorn Street, NEW BEDFORD, MA. Call 508/991-6336, 508/991-1995 or 508/991-4556 or see http://www.bpzoo.org
Enjoy PLAYTIME STORY THEATRE most every SATURDAY at 10:30 am thru 6/14/2008. These shows are geared for both the younger crowd AND are always looking for older kids to perform. $5 per person to see a show; also, be sure to check the website for performance enrollment fees if you have a budding thespian who would like to perform on stage! A Concord Youth Theatre presentation at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main Street (Route 62 off of Route 2), WEST CONCORD MA. Call 978/371-1482 or http://concordyouththeatre.org
Did you know that the PUPPET SHOWPLACE THEATRE in BROOKLINE is one of the 10 most attended live performing arts theaters in Greater Boston? Well, now you do! See talented, if not truly inspired puppeteers in action and so introduce your children to the magic of live theater. See performances at 1 pm & 3 pm on most SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS during the school year, as well as weekday shows pretty much year round! Convenient metered street parking and a metered city lot is nearby as well as that the theater is literally right across the street from the Green Line/Brookline Village T-Station. $9.50, $7.50 members (as of 2006), advance purchase/reservations STRONGLY advised as well as be sure to arrive EARLY for best seating. There are also PLENTY of things to do and places to go in the neighborhood, so make a day of it! 32 Station St., BROOKLINE VILLAGE MA. Call 617/731-6400 for tickets or see http://www.puppetshowplace.org to see what’s showing! (LOVED BY YOUNGER CHILDREN & ONE OF JACQ’S ALL TIME FAVORITE OUTINGS!!!).
The Public Garden’s beloved SWAN BOATS have returned for another season of leisurely cruises daily (barring rain) thru mid-September. Pack along a picnic and make an afternoon of it! $2.75 for adults, $2.25 for seniors and just $1.25 for children 15 and under. For more information, see http://www.swanboats.com
TAKE A WALK AT GORE PLACE in WALTHAM MA on from 10 am until 3 pm MONDAYS thru FRIDAYS or from 11 until 3 pm on WEEKENDS.. Explore this grand 45-acre former estate on a self-directed and fun-filled walking tour of the with the use of a rented backpack full of goodies, including magnifying glass, periscope and clever set of instructions for only $5 grounds (parental accompaniment is required). These tours are geared for the 3 to 9 or so year old set. Also note that docent-led tours of the Gore Mansion ($10 adults, $5 children as of 4/2008) are very well done and your children WILL learn from them. 52 Gore St., just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line, WALTHAM MA. Call 781-894-2798 or see http://www.goreplace.org/take-a-walk.htm (FAVORABLY REVIEWED AS A GREAT FIND, ALL AGES)
Get outside at one or more of the over 90 THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS nature and open space reserves throughout the Commonwealth. The Trustees offer many family-oriented events throughout the year as well as usually host at least a couple of nature and/or general interest events just about every weekend at sites that include working farms, scenic parklands, environmentally important land and grand former estates. Specific site access admission fees tend to be modest (with members usually admitted free and the cost of an annual family membership is very reasonable). For more information, be sure to surf http://www.thetrustees.org
To find classical concerts playing near you, be sure to check out http://findaconcert.com This site features listings for local orchestras and symphonies as well as those around the world within a simple to use search format!!
The BOSTON CONSERVATORY frequently offers musical performances and many of these events are free to attend. 8 The Fenway, BOSTON MA. Most performances are free! Call 617/912-9142 or see http://www.bostonconservatory.edu
The NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC is all but continually hosting performances and concerts, many of which are FREE to attend. Call or check its website for upcoming events!!! Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, BOSTON MA (just off Huntington Avenue between Symphony Hall, Northeastern University and the Museum of Fine Art). Call 617/585-1122 or online at http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/concerts/index.html
The BIG E will be hosting the HUDSON VALLEY ARABIAN HORSE ASSN. HORSE SHOW from 5/9 thru 5/11 and the VERMONT SPRING CLASSIC MORGAN HORSE SHOW from 5/14 thru 5/17 (click on the underlined event name(s) for more information). The Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave, WEST SPRINGFIELD MA. For general information about the Big E as well as for a complete listing of other upcoming events, see http://www.thebige.com
THE DRAWBRIDGE PUPPET THEATER presents a puppet show on (most) SATURDAYS at 10 am & 11:30 am, at 1 pm on SUNDAYS at 1 pm and at 11 am on the third WEDNESDAY of the month. Only $5. 1335 Massachusetts Ave., LUNENBURG MA. Call 800-401-3694 or see http://www.drawbridgepuppets.com
Ongoing West of Wusta Listings
Check out the ECOTARIUM. Learn all about nature, ecology and more as well as ride a narrow gauge train about the grounds, check out the planetarium and the telescope at the observatory, explore the tree tops on an elevated walkway, hike about on 60 acres of woodlands, wetlands and meadows. Also see various animals on display, including a polar bear, bald eagles, foxes and otters. Open Tuesday thru Sunday year-round. Tickets are $8 to $10 and it runs costs an extra $3 to visit the planetarium (as of 5/2005). 222 Harrington Way WORCESTER, MA. Call 508/929-2703 or see http://www.ecotarium.org (The Ecotarium is FAVORABLY REVIEWED as a several hour fun and educational outing for younger children).
Enjoy a fun and relaxing adventure at the MAGIC WINGS BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY. See exhibits, live butterflies, beautiful gardens and more. $8 adults, $7 seniors (only $5.50 on Wednesdays) and under 18 only $5. 281 Greenfield Road, SOUTH DEERFIELD MA. Call 413/665-2805 or see http://www.magicwings.com
See NOTHING but NET at THE NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME!! Named for the inventor of Basketball, this spectacular museum covers the game from its very beginning up to recent great moments in the NBA. By all accounts, this is a great and highly interactive museum. The Hall is conveniently located right next to Interstate 91 in Springfield with practically its own special exit!! Open daily. Tickets (as of 12/2005) run $17 for adults, $14 seniors, $12 for ages 5 to 15 and kids under 5 admitted FREE. 1000 West Columbus Avenue, SPRINGFIELD MA. Call either 413/781-6500 or toll free 877-4HOOPLA or see http://www.hoophall.com (VERY FAVORABLY REVIEWED, ALL AGES)
Enjoy FREE ADMISSION on the 1st Sunday of each month at THE PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM in PROVIDENCE RI. Geared for kids 1 to 11 years old, this museum features many fun and educational hands-on exhibits. 100 South St., PROVIDENCE RI. Call 401/273-5437 or see http://www.childrenmuseum.org
Whenever the weather is nice, why not hit the Cape during the off season! To see an online listing of many of the fun amusement opportunities and venues on the Cape, be sure to check out http://www.capecodrec.com/amusements/amusements.html
Ongoing Activities on The Cape
THE THORNTON BURGESS MUSEUM and THE GREEN BRIAR NATURE CENTER were founded by and named for the author of many stories about Peter Rabbit and other children’s classics. The Burgess Museum is on Water Street (Rte 130) in SANDWICH VILLAGE MA and the Green Briar Nature Center is at 6 Discovery Hill Road (off Rte. 6A) in EAST SANDWICH MA. Call 508/888-6870 for both/either or see http://www.thorntonburgess.org
THE CAPE COD CHILDREN'S MUSEUM resides in building that looks like a cross between a church and a ski lodge, but once you get inside, it's all business – FUN(NY) BUSINESS!!! 577 Great Neck Road, SOUTH MASHPEE MA. Call 508/539-8788 or see http://www.capecodchildrensmuseum.pair.com
THE CAPE COD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY is not only a museum, it also offers a great line up of walks, cruises and other nature learning experiences!! Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 ages for 3-12, under 2 FREE. 869 Route 6A, BREWSTER MA. Call 508/896-3867 or see http://www.ccmnh.org
THE CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE – walks, hikes, tours, canoeing, talks and more throughout the year. Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6, EASTHAM MA. Call 508/255-3421 or see http://www.nps.gov/caco
PLAY BALL!
Opening Day came early this year and our WORLD CHAMPIONS RED SOX opened the season with an exciting win in TOKYO.
To scope out the rest of year’s schedule, buy tickets and/or to just see what’s up with the BOSTON RED SOX, go online at http://www.redsox.com GO SOX!!!!
For very affordable baseball, be sure to check out the BROCKTON ROX!!! The Rox are an “Independent Team” that plays essentially Single A-level baseball in the Can-Am League (for information about this league, see http://www.canamleague.com ) along with The North Shore Spirit of Lynn MA and the Worcester Tornados. The Rox’s Campanelli Stadium is a very nice intimate ballpark as well as that the ticket, parking and concessions prices are but a mere fraction of what things cost for a Red Sox game at Fenway, not to mention all but hassle-free by comparison. Also note that the Rox offer many special promotions throughout the season. 1 Lexington Ave, BROCKTON MA. For more info, call 508/559-7000 or see http://www.brocktonrox.com
THE CAPE COD SUMMER LEAGUE has been the premier amateur baseball league in the nation since 1885 and its games feature the crack of real WOODEN BATS!! For the latest news and schedule information as well as links to the websites for the Brewster Whitecaps, Chatham Athletics, Cotuit Kettleers, Falmouth Commodores, Harwich Mariners, Hyannis Mets, Orleans Cardinals, Wareham Gatemen and Yarmouth Dennis Red Sox, see http://www.capecodbaseball.org
Find out what’s new at FENWAY PARK with a tour of the Park!! Tours offered daily. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $11 seniors and $10 for under 15 (as of 2005). Knowledgeable tour guides tell all about the history of the park, its folklore and its many legends. A HELPFUL HINT: Go on a dry day as you won't be allowed on the field if it’s wet. ALSO, A WORD OF CAUTION: The tour starts AND exits through the souvenir shop….. For more information, call 617-236-6666 or see http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/ballpark/bos_ballpark_tour.jsp
The Single A, BoSox-affliated LOWELL SPINNERS are a great and VERY affordable family outing – see http://www.lowellspinners.com or call 978-459-2255. Tickets (as of 5/2003) are only $7.50 for Premium Box seats, $6.50 for Regular Box seats, $4.50 for Reserved Seating and only $3.50 for Standing Room – a real bargain compared to Fenway. Also, be sure to plan ahead for tickets as the Spinners’ games SELL-OUT. Also note that standing room admissions are often able to move down into unused season ticket holder seats after a few innings if you politely ask the ushers about doing so. LeLacheur Park is a newer, state of the art ballpark AND its concessions and parking prices are much more reasonable than Fenway or Fleet Center. Spinner games are geared for kids with regular giveaways, lots of theme nights and other family-focused entertainment. Plus, for a real treat, AFTER EVERY SUNDAY GAME, kids get to run the bases!!! And for a GREAT DEAL for only $5, sign your child(ren) up for the Spinners “Kids Club” (ages 4-13, see http://www.lowellspinners.com/kidspage.html ) and he/she/they will receive: a membership Card with a neck lanyard, a monthly in-season newsletter, free use of the “Kids Area” inflatable play equipment at every Sunday home games and access to exclusive baseball clinic & autograph sessions!! 450 Aiken Street, LOWELL MA. (FAVORABLY REVIEWED, ALL AGES)
The Official Website of MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL is at http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL KIDS’ WEBSITE is at http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/kids/mlb_kids.jsp
THE NEW ENGLAND
COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE is similar to the Cape Cod League in that it uses
REAL WOOD BATS and is a summer league for college players hoping to make it to
the pros. NECBL starts its 14th
season in 2007 with a dozen teams in six states, including teams in LOWELL MA,
PITTSFIELD MA (owned by former Sox GM Dan Duquette),
HOLYOKE MA, NORTH ADAMS MA & NEWPORT RI.
For more about the NECBL, including links to all of its teams, see http://www.necbl.com
Minor league action has returned to LYNN MA!!! Catch THE NORTH SHORE SPIRIT!! The Spirit are an “Independent Team” that plays essentially Single A-level baseball in the Can-Am League along with the Brockton Rox and the Worcester Tornados (for information about this league, see http://www.canamleague.com ). Tickets run only $4 - $8 (as of 5/2003), with all sorts of special family, season & multi-game ticket plans available. The SPIRIT play at the recently renovated Fraser Field, 385 Western Ave, LYNN MA. For tickets, call the box office at 781-592-0007 or, to find out all about the SPRIT, see http://www.northshorespirit.com
For Triple A baseball excitement, check out the PAWTUCKET RED SOX at http://www.pawsox.com or call 401-724-7300. Tickets run from $8 for reserved seating to only $5 for general admission (or only $4 for under 12 and seniors) as of 5/2003. McCoy Stadium is just off Interstate 95 and Pawtucket is a very easy drive from the South Shore, most anywhere along Route 128 or Metro West suburbs. The stands were completely rebuilt several years ago and now seat 10,000 in a much more comfortable setting than Fenway. Also, PawSox KIDS’ CLUB MEMBERSHIPS ARE FREE to boys and girls 14 and under, so be sure to sign up online at http://www.pawsox.com/kids Club members will receive: an official membership card, free admission to three designated KIDS CLUB PawSox games, an autograph session with a PawSox player prior to KIDS CLUB games, an invitation to private instructional and autograph sessions with PawSox players & coaches AND a free subscription to the "PawSox Patter" newsletter.
THE PORTLAND SEA DOGS – Take a little road trip and check
out the BoSox’s Double A affiliate at Hadlock Field, 271 Park Ave, PORTLAND ME. For more information, call 207/ 874-9300 or
see http://www.seadogs.com
Minor League Baseball has returned to WORCESTER MA after a 70-year hiatus with the WORCESTER TORNADOES. The Tornadoes are an “Independent Team” that plays essentially Single A-level baseball in the Can-Am League (for information about this league, see http://www.canamleague.com ) along with The North Shore Spirit of Lynn MA and the Brockton Rox. Tornadoes games are played at the recently renovated 3,000 seat Fitton Field ballpark on the College of the Holy Cross campus. Tickets run $8 to $18. College St, WORCESTER MA. Call 508-792-2288 or see http://www.worcesterprobaseball.com or http://www.worcesterprobaseball.com
George Z would like everyone to know about the ARTS BOSTON JR website. This site is a part of Arts Boston, a cooperative association of over 165 Massachusetts’ theatres that lists all sort of upcoming performing arts events as well as offers online ticket sales with a “reasonable” fee as well as often at a discount. Also note that one can sign up for ArtsBoston’s snail and email lists. To see what’s up, check out it out at http://tickets.artsboston.org/peo/artsbostonjr.asp?Category=Family&SortOrder=
A female baby giraffe was born at the Franklin Park Zoo on 10/25/2007 and she was named SOX in honor of the Red Sox’s latest World Series title! Check the website below for more information as to when SOX will be available for viewing. Also note that SEAMUS, the new baby Tapir born on St. Patrick’s Day 2007, is already out on display after his recovery from a life-threatening illness along with various other recent zoo babies. To find out what all is “Gnu” at the zoo, see http://www.zoonewengland.org
Ahoy sailors!!! Go on an overnight adventure aboard ship at BATTLESHIP COVE. Sample life at sea and learn!! Check the website for details, fees and schedule information. 5 River Street, FALL RIVER MA. Call 508/678-1100 or see http://www.battleshipcove.org/camping.htm
THE BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM has reopened after completing a major expansion of its facilities!! JACQUE says two thumbs way up on the remodel and Bill agrees! 300 Congress St., BOSTON MA. Call 617/491-2382 or see http://www.bostonkids.org
Also, don’t forget about $1 FAMILY NIGHT admissions from 5 pm until 9 pm on FRIDAY evenings at the Boston Children’s Museum!
BUTTERFLY PLACE in WESTFORD MA is said to have pleasant and knowledgeable staff as well as excellent facilities. Also see a well-done educational movie about butterflies, walk among them, etc. Also, when the weather is nice, enjoy a picnic outdoors in a beautiful garden. Open daily year-round from 10 am – 5 pm. Tickets (as of 2/2005) are $8.50 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for ages 3 to 12 and children under 3 are FREE. 120 Tyngsborough Road, WESTFORD MA. Call 978/392-0955 or see http://www.butterflyplace-ma.com (FAVORABLY REVIEWED as a good for a couple hour outing).
Get out and about!! THE DEPARMENT OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (formerly better known as the MDC) hosts numerous events every week at parks across the Commonwealth AND essentially all of them are FREE!! With the arrival of spring, the number of events offered by the DCR explodes! For complete upcoming event listings to see what’s up near you, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm to access lists of activities by region.
Also, be sure to check the BOSTON GLOBE’S Calendar section for a $2 off per person coupon for regular admission to EDAVILLE USA.
Enjoy and LEARN at the MIT Museum’s FAMILY ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (F.A.S.T.) programs ON THE LAST SUNDAY OF MOST MONTHS between 2 pm and 4 pm (A SPECIAL NOTE: the Thanksgiving F.A.S.T. program on the FRIDAY after Thanksgiving is the most spectacular and best attended one of the year!). Participation in this EXTREMELY popular and usually hands on programs is included with a regular museum admission (only $5 for adults, a mere $2 for seniors, students w/ID and those under 18 and FREE for children under 5, MIT ID holders and teachers with a MA Teachers Association membership. These events tend to be geared for grammar school age kids and up, depending on the program. Call 617/253-5927 for more information about F.A.S.T. and for all other museum programs, see http://web.mit.edu/museum/programs/family.html
Participate and LEARN at THE EARN-A-BIKE CLASSES FOR TEENS. Bikes not Bombs offers classes just about year-round for kids to learn about all about bikes, including riding and safety tips, as well as fix up a used one TO KEEP. Check the website for the next available session as well as other information. $25 enrollment fee (as of 2006). 59 Armory St, ROXBURY MA. Call 617/442-0004 or see http://www.bikesnotbombs.org
See FENWAY PARK up close and personal via hour-long guided tours that include a swing through the stands, the Red Sox Hall of Fame, the Press Box and, weather permitting, a walk out on the warning track to touch the FABLED GREEN MONSTER!!! Knowledgeable tour guides tell all about the history of the park, its folklore and its many legends. Tours leave from the Souvenir Store across Yawkey Way hourly seven days a week from 9 am to 4 pm or until three hours before game time, whichever is earlier. No tours will offered on closed Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $11 seniors and $10 for children 15 and under (as of 1/2006). AN IMPORTANT FYI: Go on a dry day or you won't be allowed on the field if it’s wet. ALSO, A VITAL WORD OF CAUTION: The tour ALSO exits through the SOUVENIR SHOP….. Call 617/236-6666 or see http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/ballpark/bos_ballpark_tour.jsp (FAVORABLY REVIEWED, ALL AGES)
David S would like to share a great low cost entertainment idea: at home FILM FESTIVALS!! Most local libraries have a wide assortment of classic movies available to check out for free in either/or VHS and DVD formats. With a little research, thoughtful planning and perhaps a little reliance on your local video rental shop, one can work up great and EDUCATIONAL film line-ups. For example, ponder classic Westerns as the Great American Morality Play by screening and then discussing afterwards such classics as STAGECOACH, the McCarthy era denouncement HIGH NOON, John Ford’s classic revisionist western FORT APACHE or Clint Eastwood’s dark masterpiece THE UNFORGIVEN. Other options include exploring the Russian Revolution with DR. ZHIVAGO and REDS; early science fiction with METROPOLIS and the original FRANKSTEIN; aerospace with THE RIGHT STUFF, 2001: A SPACE ODESSEY and APOLLO 13; and, war with Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant trilogy of PATHS OF GLORY, DR. STRANGELOVE and FULL METAL JACKET along with Francis Ford Coppola’s APOCALYPSE NOW, Robert Altman’s movie version of MASH, Mike Nichols’ CATCH 22, John Ford’s THEY WERE EXPENDABLE, PORK CHOP HILL and Stephen Speilberg’s SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.
In short, show your kids that movies can be much more than DUMB AND DUMBER…..
For something really fun to do at most any time of the day or night, Steve W strongly suggests checking out “GEO CACHING,” an internet-based scavenger hunt/hidden treasure game. Check out things online, use GPS technology in a fun and educational way, ponder clues and such before going out into the field to look for hidden treasures, add your own, keep a log of all your searches and so on. There are a number of geo caching sites but Steve prefers http://www.geocaching.com It’s free to participate and a blast to go on a search per Steve, but you will need a GPS unit – however, units are readily available used or small money on, say, Craig’s List.
See the Stars! THE GILLILAND OBSERVATORY at the Museum of Science in BOSTON offers free viewing on Friday evenings on a first-come, first-served basis, however, BE SURE to confirm that a regular museum admission is not required. Viewing times typically run from 8:30 pm until 10 pm, weather permitting – call 617/589-0267 for weather information. Visitors are encouraged to attend the Friday 7:00 pm planetarium showing of THE SKY TONIGHT as a preface to the viewing – if you wish to see this show, be sure to check with your local library for discount pass information. Call 617/723-2500 or see http://www.mos.org
There’s always something GNU AT THE ZOO. For example, a baby gorilla was born at the Franklin Park Zoo just before Thanksgiving 2004 and she is a still a tiny package of peanuts as well as cute as could be. Please also note that mother Kanga and father Pascal are the proud parents of three new baby Jaguars that were born at the Stone Zoo in the spring of 2006 and Jacq wants everyone to know that these are VERY cute and playful cubs can be viewed in daily at the Stone Zoo in STONEHAM MA!
To find out what else is up at the Stone and Franklin Park Zoo’s, see http://www.zoonewengland.com
Children’s singer RICK GOLDIN and his puppet friends perform just about every weekend in the Greater Boston area. Rick’s shows are geared towards younger children. To see where he might be this week, see http://www.rickgoldin.com
Enjoy FREE admission to the HARVARD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY on SUNDAYS from 9 am to noon year-round and on WEDNESDAYS from 3 pm to 5 pm from May to September. See dinosaurs, truly amazing rocks and gems as well as all sorts of other spectacular natural phenomena. 26 Oxford St, CAMBRIDGE MA. For more information, see http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/information/index.html Jacque and Bill approved as interesting several hour educational adventure!
Expose your kids to stand up comedy at the IMPROVBOSTON FAMILY SHOW most every SATURDAY at 6 pm. $12 adults, $10 seniors and only $7 for students & children. 1253 Cambridge St, Inman Square, CAMBRIDGE MA. For more information, call 617/576-1253, click on the underlined show title or go to http://www.improvboston.com
BILL rates the
IMPROVBOSTON FAMILY SHOW as a fun outing for outgoing kids of ALL ages who are
readily willing to participate and who also enjoy being, well, silly. Parents will also find this show fun too,
however, pre ‘tween JACQ didn’t quite get the humor of a rap featuring the
refrain “Sweaty Gym Socks.” Regardless
of your own family’s views on improvisational comedy, everyone who likes
sandwiches will LOVE the ALL STAR SANDWICH BAR next door at 1245 Cambridge St –
to check out the affordable menu, see http://www.allstarsandwichbar.com
IT’S TOOL TIME!! Frequent Activity List contributor and now-honorary Assistant Editor Nancy K strongly recommends checking out The Home Depot’s KIDS’ WORKSHOPS for children ages 5-12 that are offered for FREE on THE FIRST SATURDAY every month between 9 am & noon. Children accompanied by an adult will enjoy a great time constructing projects from pre-fabricated kits – for but two recent examples, a coat rack and a butterfly house. In addition to the newly constructed project, each child also will receive a kid-sized orange Home Depot work apron and a project completion achievement pin. For more information, see http://www.homedepot.com Kid’s Workshops are also JACQUE & BILL APPROVED as a fun and FREE way to start a Saturday!
After several years off exhibit given his ill-advised and most unfortunate adolescent escape from the zoo, see LITTLE JOE THE GORILLA and the rest of his clan at the completely rebuild, secure and expanded gorilla exhibit at the Franklin Park Zoo. For reasons obvious, Joe would really like to reacquaint himself with his zoo patron friends. For more information, see http://www.zoonewengland.org
“Either you are looking for a thrill or you are not…” says Karen Egan. Strap on your helmet and hit the trail on your MOUNTAIN BIKE at any or all of the following top-rated sites: LYNN WOODS on the Lynn/Saugus line features “The Skulls” and other rides for more advanced riders; MIDDLESEX FALLS spanning Medford, Winchester, Malden, Melrose & Stoneham is ideal for cross country riding; THE BLUE HILLS RESERVE spanning Milton, Quincy & Canton features something for just about everyone; “VIETNAM” in Milford & Holliston, along with adjacent open space, may be smaller in acreage but it’s a favorite of more extreme riders; and, THE LOWELL-DRACUT-TYNGSBORO STATE FOREST features trails for riders of all levels. For more information on riding venues, upcoming events, riding safety and more, be sure to check out the website for the NEW ENGLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCATION at http://www.nemba.org
For MOVIE REVIEWS from the PARENTAL POINT OF VIEW for current releases, as well as reviews on music, older films and even books, be sure to check out http://fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-MOVIE-Reviews-Aug-2004-2.htm for links to a wide assortment of “parent-centric” entertainment media review websites.
Have fun and learn at an OCEAN DETECTIVES program at the New England Aquarium program. Children work and learn with parents and peers to learn secrets of the sea while also applying their literacy math and science skills. Programs offered regularly, check for dates and times. $13 per parent/child team (NOTE: the $13 does not include regular museum admission). Central Wharf, BOSTON MA. Call 617/973-5200 to make a reservation as this program is not (readily found) on the aquarium’s website or see http://www.neaq.org for general information.
Ed C strongly recommends catching Native American POW WOW’s as an enjoyable, interesting and affordable outing opportunity. To find out about upcoming Pow Wow’s, see http://members.tripod.com/~Luchs32/powwow.html
Children’s singer BEN RUDNICK and his friends perform somewhere in the Greater Metro Boston area just about every week. Ben’s shows are geared for younger children. To find out where Ben is playing next, see http://www.benrudnickandfriends.com
Check out SCARY, a 23-foot long python, at THE SLITHER INN, an exhibit inside the giant tropical rainforest “tent” building at the FRANKLIN PARK ZOO in BOSTON. For more information, see http://www.zoonewengland.org Note: Jacque’s not wild about Scary, but her lifelong buddies Marc & Max think that Scary’s wicked cool.
Go on a SNORIN’ ROARIN’ SLEEPOVER at the ZOO! Both the Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo host overnight fun AND educational safaris YEAR-ROUND! Go behind the scenes with zoo staff, feed some of zoo’s residents and enjoy hands on education sessions! Also note that Zoo SLEEPOVERS ARE JACQUE AND BILL APPROVED as a both a great time and an ideal first time camping experience. For ages 6 and up. $35 zoo members, $45 non-members (as of 2006). A small word of warning: some of the animals at the zoo arise (much) earlier and (considerably) more noisily than do children on Christmas morning….. For complete information, see http://www.zoonewengland.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=573&parentID=569&nodeID=1
Children’s favorite and award winning STEVESONGS perform somewhere in the Metro Boston area most every week. To see when a show might be coming your way, see http://www.stevesongs.com
Enjoy a FREE STORY & CRAFT HOUR most every SATURDAY at the COOP. Geared for preschoolers and feel free to bring your camera! In addition to story time, these events often include seasonal theme craft activities. Harvard COOP, 1400 Massachusetts Avenue, CAMBRIDGE MA. To confirm that a story hour is planned for this week, BE SURE to call 617/499-2000 or see http://store.thecoop.com
Be sure to note that both the Franklin Park and Stone Zoo’s regularly offer great educational programs for small money (typically $10 to $15 for zoo members). For example, Jacque recently attended the TIGER TRAINING program and, among things, LOVED seeing Chris the Lion roll over, stand up and more for his trainer so that she could do a quick visual examination of him literally while she was within but a mere couple of feet away from him. For more information, see http://www.zoonewengland.org
Also note that the Franklin Park Zoo is (rightfully) proud of its now year-old TIGER TALES exhibit. See Bengal mix Anala and white male tiger Luther. These tigers were rescued in a sting operation by US Fish and Wildlife Special Agents! See http://www.zoonewengland.org A SPECIAL NOTE FROM JACQ: Anala is very curious and often comes right up to the fence to check out visitors as well as that both are MAGNIFICENT Big Cats.
Teach Your Children Well!! Rich S. STRONGLY recommends VOLUNTEERING AT SHELTERS as something to consider as a regular and extremely POSITIVE parent/child activity. For but a few shelter suggestions, consider the Boston Rescue Mission in BOSTON MA, see http://www.brm.org or FATHER BILL’S PLACE in QUINCY MA, see http://www.fatherbillsplace.org or ROSIE’S PLACE in BOSTON MA, see http://www.rosies.org or for THE ST. FRANCIS HOUSE in BOSTON MA, see http://www.stfrancishouse.org Also, for a listing of South Shore shelter and food bank operations, see http://www.sharingweb.org/agencies/index.htm
Check out THE WILD PLACE, a new Outdoor Learning Center, at the Children’s Museum in Easton. $6, members admitted free. 9 Sullivan Ave, NORTH EASTON MA. Call 508/230-3789 or see http://www.childrensmuseumineaston.org
To find out what’s up at MASSACHUSETTS STATE PARKS, be sure to go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm to see lists of upcoming activities & special events by region.
You are never too old to enjoy a day at a ZOO! For Franklin Park and Stone Zoo’s see http://www.zoonewengland.org For Roger Williams Zoo in PROVIDENCE RI, see http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org
Also note that a second and much longer list of Get Outside suggestions follows below, so be sure to check it out as many of the listed venues will be hosting special programs with the return of warm weather!
Danny T wants everyone to consider signing up for Boston Central & GoCityKids. Both of these sites e-publish FREE weekly family activity guides that, while more commercially-focused than this activity guide, list just about everything sent into them that is happening in the Greater Boston area as well as also offers information and links for many museums and so on within their respective sites. Also note that GoCity publishes lists for a number of cities around the country and is thus a great reference when traveling! To find out more as well as to sign up, see http://www.bostoncentral.com and/or http://GoCityKids.com
OTHER ONGOING SUGGESTIONS FOR THINGS TO DO!!!
Don’t forget to check out the HUGE lists in the ONGOING ACTIVITIES menu that are also posted at http://fathersandfamilies.org/site/famevents.php Literally HUNDREDS of (mostly indoor) venues and their websites are listed at this link with MANY offering special events and thus all but guaranteeing that something GREAT to do with your kids can be found for most any day of the year.
To make things even easier to check out these lists, following are the direct links to each of them!!!
For ideas on just plain old FUN THINGS TO DO – ranging from apple and other farm produce you-pick-it operations, to beaches, boating & canoeing, bowling, hiking and other related and mostly outdoor activities as well as indoor activities such as railroad clubs to roller-skating – see http://fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-FUN-Sept-2004.htm
Need a little help with reviewing MOVIES & TV from the PARENTAL perspective and/or suggestions for good books to read, INCLUDING DAD-POSITIVE ONES!?!?!? If so, then be sure to check out http://fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-MOVIE-REVIEWS-AUG-2004-5b.htm for links to family-oriented film review websites.
For information on and links to MUSEUMS (and more!!), see http://fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-MUSEUMS-Jan-2005.htm
Thinking about getting a PET or perhaps volunteering at an animal shelter? If so, then be sure to check out http://fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-PETS-2006-update.htm
SPORTS FANS will LOVE what all is listed at http://fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-SPORTS-Jan-2004-3.htm
For hot tips on “affordable” community theater presentations, be sure to surf an online directory of New England small theater presentations at http://www.theatermirror.com/openings.htm to see what’s showing in your area!!!
Looking for a fun but low key social activity? If so, Bernard Ussher would like everyone to know about his monthly BOSTON ZYDECO/Cajun dance parties. Have fun with a friendly dance community, enjoy LIVE music and learn to how dance if you need to – in addition to hosting a good time for all, Bernard’s extraordinarily challenging personal mission in life is to help dancing impaired males learn to dance…. Children are always welcome to come along for free, bringing along a dance partner is NOT mandatory as well as do remember to come early and contribute to the always tasty potluck supper!! Most of these soirees are on the fourth Saturday of the month but not all of them – also note that the event sites vary. See the website for details. Events typically run a very reasonable suggested donation of $12 (some special events run extra) and only $10 for Fathers & Family affiliates if you note this to Bernard. Call 617/460-4213 or see http://www.bostonzydeco.com
Whenever the weather is nice, GET OUT & ABOUT! Many of the venues listed below offer special programs throughout the year – so do check out their websites for upcoming events!!
For the online website that lists the MANY recreational offerings and all but invariably free special activities hosted by the DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, formerly better known as the MDC, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm for lists of upcoming offerings.
For spectacular flora (and some mostly unexpected fauna….), check out THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, BOSTON MA. Call 617/524-1718 or see http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu
THE BOSTON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK is actually a set of historical sites and museums that offer great insights into Boston’s important role in our nation's history. Most of the Park's sites are connected by the Freedom Trail, a 3-mile walking tour of 16 sites of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown, including the Charlestown Navy Yard, home of the USS Constitution. See also Boston’s African American National Historic Site on Beacon Hill; and, in South Boston, be sure to visit Dorchester Heights, significant for its role in forcing the evacuation of the British from Boston during the Revolutionary War (and so facilitating that St. Patrick’s Day is a legal holiday in the Suffolk County!!) Most sites are FREE to visit. For more information, see http://www.nps.gov/bost/bost_lographics/home.htm
Enjoy beautiful grounds as well as many special events year round at THE CASTLE HILL ESTATE, adjacent to beautiful Crane’s Beach in IPSWICH MA. FREE, but plan on paying $5 for parking. 290 Argilla Rd, IPSWICH MA. Both Castle Hill AND Crane’s Beach are Trustees of Reservations properties. Call 978/921-1944 or see http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/123_events_search.cfm for the complete list of upcoming Trustees events!!
And now for something completely different: THE FOREST HILLS CEMETERY offers informative tours, concerts, lectures and special exhibits throughout the year, especially during the warm time of year. Explore the cemetery’s beautiful 275 acres, learn about all the many famous people buried at Forest Hills or maybe just visit great grandma’s plot. Most FHC events are FREE!!! 95 Forest Hills Ave, JAMAICA PLAIN MA (BOSTON MA). Call 617/524-0128 or see http://www.foresthillstrust.org
Hike FRANKLIN PARK in BOSTON MA. In addition to the zoo, the golf course and the park in general, the park also has THE WILDERNESS, a 65 acre wooded area designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and which features convenient trail access for urban adventurers! See http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks
Other hiking options include BELLE ISLE RESERVATION in EAST BOSTON, THE BLUE HILLS RESERVATION in MILTON MA, MIDDLESEX FELLS in MELROSE MA and POPE JOHN PAUL II PARK in DORCHESTER MA (a great kite park, by the way!!). For more information on these parks and many others, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm
TAKE A WALK AT GORE PLACE and explore the grounds of this 45-acre estate year-round! Children ages 3-9 with accompanying adults can visit the farm animals as well as explore the gardens brook and open spaces while using binoculars, a magnifying glass and other items provided in a backpack. Depending on the time of year, backpacks and/or snowshoes are available for very modest fees mostly on weekdays from 9 am until 3 pm Also, the docent-led tours of the Gore Mansion ($7 adults, $5 children as of 9/2002) are very well done and your children WILL learn from them. Picnics welcome, weather permitting, as well as that baked goods and drinks are often available on site and especially at the many musical performances offered and frequent family events. 52 Gore St., just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line, WALTHAM MA. Call 781/894-2798 or see http://www.goreplace.org (NOTE: GORE EVENTS ARE FAVORABLY REVIEWED FOR ALL AGES)
HALE RESERVATION – Explore over 1,200 acres of woods, ponds & meadows via 20 miles of trails, frequent educational events and guided hikes, fishing and non-motorized boating. 80 Carby St, WESTWOOD MA. Call 781/326-1770 or see http://www.halereservation.org
HALIBUT POINT STATE PARK features spectacular scenery as well as hosts many nature programs on natural history, including wildflower walks and tide pool programs during the summer and seabird walks during the winter. Gott Avenue, ROCKPORT MA. FREE!! Call 978/546-2997 or try http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm
THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY – see http://www.massaudubon.org – has over 40 sanctuaries scattered from Nantucket to the Cape to inside the City of Boston to Western Massachusetts. Mass Audubon is also much more than just bird watching as it offers frequent guided nature hikes, special wildlife and nature presentations as well as all sorts of special events for adults, families and children just about every weekend, so be sure to surf its website!!! Also, some sites have indoor exhibit facilities. Admission is typically free to but a moderate cost, depending on which location, parking fees and/or for some special events. See also the Audubon’s special site for children at http://www.massaudubon.org/Kids/index.html
Go fly a kite – no, seriously, be sure to check out the KITES OVER NEW ENGLAND website at http://www.kone.org KONE hosts many fun events during the warm time of the year throughout New England as well as lists its recommendations for the best places around Metro Boston to go fly a kite!!!
MASSACHUSETTS STATE PARKS. Did you know that Massachusetts has THE EIGHTH LARGEST STATE PARK AND FOREST SYSTEMS IN THE NATION?!?!?! Explore over 2,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians as well as enjoy numerous camping, beaches, boating, swimming and picnic venues. While the use of many of these facilities is free, whenever a fee is required, it is usually between a mere $2 to $7 for parking, with an unlimited season parking pass available for only $35 (as of 3/2003) for MA residents – talk about a bargain!!!! To find out more, see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm (FAVORABLY REVIEWED, ALL AGES)
THE MDC is now “The Urban Parks & Recreation Division of the Department of Conservation & Recreation” (phew – so much for Government downsizing….). Name change notwithstanding, it’s well worth a web surf of the DCR’s site to see what’s up at the Metro Boston area parks (e.g., the Blue Hills, Charles River, Pope John Paul II and MANY more) at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm Whatever the current name of Metro Boston area parks department, there is usually at least one fun and usually FREE event to enjoy just about every week at most venues during the summer as well as many events to choose from most ANY weekend year round at selected venues!!
FYI: MEMORIAL DRIVE in CAMBRIDGE MA is closed to traffic every Sunday from April until mid-November between 11 am and 6 pm. Bring your bike, inline skates, running shoes, or walking feet to take enjoy an outing on this magnificent parkway and its spectacular views of the Charles!!!
MIDDLESEX FALLS RESERVATION – check out over 2,000 acres of natural space, join ranger-led programs and enjoy the free use of kayaks, canoes, rowboats & sailboats (some skills certification is required for certain boats/call for further information). Spot Pond, Reservoir, 4 Woodland Road, STONEHAM MA. Call 617/727-5380 or see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm
Take a walking tour of historic SALEM!! Tours daily at 2 pm and 4 pm. $5 to $8. 175 Essex St, SALEM MA. Call 978/745-0666.
THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS oversee and protect over 90 nature and open space reserves throughout the Commonwealth. Sites include working farms, scenic parklands, environmentally important land and grand former estates. Specific site access admission fees tend to be modest (with members admitted free) and the Trustees offer many family-oriented events throughout the year as well as usually host at least a couple of nature and/or general interest events just about every weekend!!! To see all of many Trustees sites, events offered as well as find out about its affordable membership programs, be sure to surf http://www.thetrustees.org
THE BLUE HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM offers two or three great children-friendly nature presentations sponsored by the Massachusetts Audubon Society just about every SATURDAY and SUNDAY year round. Enjoy STORY TIME in the morning with LIVE ANIMALS participating and targeted for the 3 – 5 set, meet THE LIVE MYSTERY ANIMAL OF THE DAY, geared more for the 6 – 12 crowd, after lunch with a third presentation – if one is offered on the day you visit – mid-afternoon. Also enjoy nature exhibits, live animals on display (wild turkeys, owls, a fox, otters and a few other small animals) as well as be sure to pack a picnic and/or plan a hike during your visit. Admission runs $3 for adults, $1.50 for children (and be sure to pack plenty of quarters to buy bird feed for the ducks & turkeys!!). 1904 Canton Ave (take Exit 2B off of Route 128 to Route 138 North), MILTON MA. For more information, call 617/333-0690 or see http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Blue_Hills/index.php (FAVORABLY REVIEWED – A nice low key 2 to maybe 3 hour outing for younger children)
THE BOSTON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK is actually a set of historical sites and museums that offer great insights into Boston’s important role in our nation's history. Most of the Park's sites are connected by the Freedom Trail, a 3-mile walking tour of 16 sites of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown, including the Charlestown Navy Yard, home of the USS Constitution. See also Boston’s African American National Historic Site on Beacon Hill; and, in South Boston, be sure to visit Dorchester Heights, significant for its role in forcing the evacuation of the British from Boston during the Revolutionary War (and so making St Patrick’s Day a legal holiday in the Suffolk County!!). Most sites are FREE to visit. For more information, see http://www.nps.gov/bost/bost_lographics/home.htm
Discover all of the beauty as well as the books of the BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY on Copley Square on an Arts & Architecture!! Tours ongoing and usually offered on MONDAYS at 2:30 pm, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS at 6 pm, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at 11 am and SUNDAYS at 2 pm. FREE. 700 Boylston St, BOSTON MA. Call 617/536-5400.
Also note that all of THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARIES are continually hosting all sorts of special events. Essentially all of these events are FREE, but pre-registration is REQUIRED for some of them. To see what all is up at both the Main Library as well as at the many Boston Public library branches, see http://www.bpl.org or http://www.bpl.org/news/upcomingevents.htm or http://www.bpl.org./kids/index.htm
The LE GRANDE DAVID MAGIC SHOW FINALLY has a website after 30 years of continuous performances. Shows are usually at 3 pm most every SUNDAY with the occasional added show on THURSDAYS at 7:30 pm – check the website for these extra shows. The show features illusions both LARGE and small performed by a troupe of 30 magicians, with the shows constantly changing depending on who is performing. $18 adults, $12 for ages 11 and under (as of 5/2006). 286 Cabot Street, BEVERLY MA. Call 978/927-3677 or see http://www.legranddavid.com
For BOSTON's TWO ZOO’s, THE FRANKLIN PARK ZOO and THE STONE ZOO, see http://www.zoonewengland.com for either or both!!!!
THE BUTTONWOOD PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY in NEW BEDFORD MA – Call 508/991-4556 or see http://www.bpzoo.org
THE CARON ZOO in ATTLEBORO MA – Call 508/222-3047 or see http://www.capronparkzoo.com
Take the short drive down to PROVIDENCE and visit THE ROGER WILLIAMS ZOO. Also enjoy the beautiful grounds of the surrounding park, rent a canoe (a word to the wise: avoid renting a paddle boats and go with a canoe instead unless you enjoying suffering leg cramps), play a little miniature golf and/or ride on a classic merry go round. In short, the whole of the park offers a great place to spend an entire day. Note: The Roger Williams Zoo offers Zoo New England cardholding members free admission (and vice versa!!). Call 410/785-3510 or see http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org
Ignore the moans and groans from the kids & consider the following FREE admission opportunities to local art museums as outing ideas.
THE DECORDOVA MUSEUM & SCULPTURE PARK in LINCOLN MA offers both special free admission days as well as host frequent special children and family events. Check the website for days and times for its special events and free admission dates (regular admission runs $6 for adults, $4 for children 6 to 12 and children under 6 are FREE as of 2/2003). Open Tuesday thru Sunday year-round and on some Monday holidays. 51 Sandy Pond Road, LINCOLN MA. Call 781/259-8355 or see http://www.decordova.org
Discount passes to THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS in BOSTON MA are available at many local libraries for library cardholders. Check with your local library for details!! Also note that the MFA typically offers GREAT special programming during school vacation weeks and on many other dates throughout the year via an often reduced or even free admission basis.
The SACKLER, BUSCH-REISINGER & FOGG MUSEUMS at HARVARD in CAMBRIDGE MA frequently offer free admission from 10 am to noon on SATURDAYS!! For more information, see http://www.harvard.edu/museums
And, for really recalcitrant progeny, consider backing into real art with an initial stop at the MUSEUM OF BAD ART in DEDHAM MA to see “ART TOO BAD TO BE IGNORED!!!” Let’s just say that a little humor can go a long ways towards building a true appreciation of the “Fine Arts.” Open 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 10:30 pm most weekends. As this utterly not serious museum is located in the Dedham Community Theater, be sure to consider catching a better quality flick afterwards (as my cousin Vickie always says when facing hopelessly recalcitrant progeny, “when all else fails, bribe….. ”). 580 High St, DEDHAM CENTER MA. See http://www.glyphs.com/moba
For more museum listings, be sure to check out the many listings online under ongoing activities at http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/site/famevents.php Most area museums offer special family and youth focused events throughout the year as well as that many offer special admission programs (e.g., free admission before noon every first Sunday of the month, discount passes available at your local library, etc.).
Check out the following observatory programs. Also note that winter time is an especially good time for observing the heavens, however, BE SURE to wear VERY WARM clothes if you go observing during the winter months!!!!
OBSERVATORY WEDNESDAYS at BOSTON UNIVERSITY – Enjoy a FREE astronomy program at 7:30 pm (8:30 pm during summer months) on Wednesdays so long as the weather is clear and the stars are cooperating. Also, be sure to wear warm clothes during winter months – it’s cold outside!!! College of Letters & Science, 725 Commonwealth Ave, BOSTON MA. Call 617/353-2630 after 5 pm on the Wednesday you plan to attend to confirm that the weather is cooperating the day and that there will be a program that night and/or see http://www.bu.edu/astronomy/opennight.html
OBSERVATORY FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at THE CHARLES HAYDEN PLANETARIUM in the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, BOSTON MA. For times and ticket prices, call 617/723-2500 or go online at http://www.mos.org or http://tickets.mos.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showvenue&Category_ID=4&dt=2003%2F02%2F24
OBSERVATORY THURSDAYS at THE HARVARD-SMITHSONIAN CENTER FOR ASTROPHYSICS are held (most every) the third Thursday of every month throughout the year. These FREE programs on astronomy are open to the general public and usually include an informative lecture and always include telescopic observing from the roof, weather permitting. Also, BE SURE TO CATCH Sci-Fi Movie Nights on the first Thursday of most months!! This series features a classic science fiction film as well as often presents pre-film talks that explore the idea that “everything we learned about science, we learned from the movies!!” Phillips Auditorium, 60 Garden Street, CAMBRIDGE MA. Oh, and it’s best to call ahead as well as plan on arriving early!! For more information, call 617/495-7461 or see http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/events.html
OBSERVATORY FRIDAYS at WHEATON COLLEGE in NORTON MA. Enjoy FREE program from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on clear-skied FRIDAY nights during the school year!!! NINE COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPES available for viewing. The Science Center, Main Street, NORTON MA. Be sure that you call 508/286-3937 on the Friday you plan to visit to confirm that the weather is cooperating the day and that there will be a program that evening. Also see http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/calendar
Regardless of your views about the current situation in Middle East, OUR TROOPS DESERVE OUR SUPPORT. For a new listing of ways to help make life a little more bearable for those facing mortal peril on a daily basis, check out ADOPT A PLATOON at http://www.adoptaplatoon.org Make adopting a platoon a project with your children, their school(s) and/or your place of worship.
For additional listings care of Art from Culver City CA – a single custodial father, an ex-Marine and, more recently, a proud first time grandfather – consider contacting one of the following so that you can make a difference in the life of someone who is facing mortal peril on a daily basis.
Making a phone call from Iraq or Afghanistan is an expensive luxury. As such, prepaid phone cards are a HUGE hit. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) runs OPERATION UPLINK that distributes prepaid phone cards to military personnel and hospitalized veterans. See http://www.operationuplink.org
HELP OUR TROOPS CALL HOME is a similar program operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. You can designate that your gift of a phone card be sent to a service member in Iraq, a wounded and/or hospitalized service member or for distribution via one of several relief services that service specific branches of the military. See http://www.operationhomefront.org
If you have an old cell phone lying, around, donate it to CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS, see http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com This organization sells old cell phones to a recycling company and then uses the process to buy prepaid phone cards for distribution among our military personnel.
You can also give of yourself. If you have the time, nothing beats corresponding directly with an individual. ANY SOLDIER will help pair you up with troops who want to be “adopted” by listing their names, a brief description of where they are stationed, etc. You can search for a pen pal by name, service branch and/or the country in which they are stationed. This site also notes that you are welcome to send care packages, however, all service members are grateful just to receive letters. See http://www.anysoldier.com
SOLDIERS' ANGELS at http://www.soldiersangels.org is another organization that connects you to a service member with whom you can correspond.
Finally, be sure to consider volunteering with OPERATION STEPHEN'S TOUCH. Offered thru Stephen's Ministries, this service gives people who have lost loved ones someone with whom to talk. Mostly, Stephen volunteers – who do receive training – are asked to simply listen. See http://www.stephenstouch.org
For much larger and wide ranging collection of parenting information, be sure to check out http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/Publications/0001-PARENTING-INFO-JAN-2005.htm This web page features hundreds of articles and links ranging from basic such as toilet training to learning disabilities to many divorce-specific topics.
Need tips on how to prevent TV from becoming a BABYSITTER FOR YOUR KIDS? While joint “family” viewing and high quality videos can make for great quality time, limiting TV time is a good idea. For tips on what to do instead, ranging from exercise to reading, see the Boston Public Health Commission’s suggestions at http://www.bphc.org/gethealthy
Is your daughter having, well, “BODY IMAGE” ISSUES (e.g., an eating disorder or premature sexualization)? If so, consider reading a somewhat recent Boston Herald column by Margery Egan at http://news.bostonherald.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=190091&chkEm=1
Need tips on how to prevent TV from becoming a BABYSITTER FOR YOUR KIDS? While joint “family” viewing and high quality videos can make for great quality time, limiting TV time is a good idea. For tips on what to do instead, ranging from exercise to reading, see the Boston Public Health Commission’s suggestions at http://www.bphc.org/gethealthy