This is it - the social event of the year for toddler boys! Many girls love it, too, but we all know Thomas holds a special place in the heart of boys. We took our son in June and it was an unforgettable day for all. Day Out with Thomas is held at Edaville USA in Carver, MA. It isn’t a short car trip, but it’s worth it if your kid loves trains. Don’t worry - there’s something to do for kids of every age, so you can bring the older siblings, too.
Edaville USA is a Massachusetts landmark that has been around for decades, though they are under new ownership since 2003. Your ticket into the park covers everything except for food, souvenirs, and photos. This was a surprise to us as we kept expecting additional fees for everything we wanted to do. The park is surrounded by a huge train track, and the entry is right over part of the tracks. If you wait around long enough you can see the train go by on one of its many journeys throughout the day. The train station to embark/disembark is on the opposite side of the park, so plan your train ride to allow enough time to get there. On the way you will encounter several other rides, such as a plane ride, ferris wheel, and antique carousel. Some of the lines seemed a little long, but they appeared to move rather quickly.
You can purchase your train ticket two different ways - via the internet or when you arrive. We went on a Friday, so we bought our tickets when we arrived as we figured there wouldn’t be much of a crowd. Our train ride was about an hour later, though we could have chosen a different time. Since you can see the train approaching the station, people were lining up without being called. There really weren’t any good or bad seats on the train, though you may want to think about pictures. While the train is unloading and loading, there is a separate line with a photographer taking pictures of families with Thomas. If you pick a seat that is easy to get on and off the train, you can get off the train quickly and get your picture with Thomas. The train runs every 40 minutes, so you have plenty of opportunities throughout the day to get this done. Also look out for photo opportunities with Sir Topham Hatt. Pictures by the photographer are for purchase, of course, but you can also use your own camera on both occasions.
If it is a hot day you will want a break from the outdoor attractions as there is not a lot of shade. In the main building you will find the Edaville souvenir shop as well as a Thomas souvenir area. In the Thomas area there were several train tables set up for the kids to play with and benches for the parents to sit at, which was a great reprieve for everyone. The restrooms are nearby as well as a private nursing area.
Upstairs was an additional activity area, but we were too hot to even venture up there to see it. There were two large tents set up in the park - one near the entrance and the other near the train station. The one near the entrance was HUGE and full of picnic tables, allowing you to bring your own food and sit here and eat in the shade. Here you can watch the train go by and there is a lot of grassy area for the kids to run around. The tent by the train station also had many picnic tables, but you wouldn’t be able to bring a cooler that far into the park, so the guests here were eating food that was purchased. This tent also had temporary Thomas tattoos and entertainment throughout the day. When we were there a man was reading a Thomas story, and there were instruments for the kids to play with, which we thought was a cute idea.
Although this day was a dream-come-true for our toddler, the fact that the park could benefit from some TLC did not go unnoticed to us. The ride on Thomas is the highlight of the day, though there isn’t much to see as the train goes through pine groves and cranberry bogs. These and other things were bothersome to me, but I know that my son had the time of his life, and that’s what makes it worthwhile.
Tickets to Day Out with Thomas are $18 per person, children under 2 are free. Group sales of 20 or more tickets are $14 per person. If you purchase your tickets via the web there is an extra charge, whereas that is avoided at the park entrance. Thomas will be at Edaville August 28-29, and September 3-6, 2010. Edaville has many other events, so be sure to check out their website.
My wife and I, along with Nana, took my daughter to see Nickelodeon’s Story Time Live in Providence. The show was excellent (5 Stars) and I would recommend it to anyone with children who watch Nick Jr.!!This was the first time I visited the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and was quite impressed with the venue.It was easy to get in and out of Providence and there was plenty of parking close to the theater.
The show was a musical adventure starring four of Nick Jr.’s top television shows and was hosted by Moose and Zee.First was “Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” followed by “The Backyardigans,” “The Wonder Pets,” and “Dora the Explorer.”Each of the featured shows had their own story which lasted about 20-25 minutes and there was a 20 minute intermission between Acts 2 and 3.
Kai Lan and all of her friends meet and sing with their favorite superhero, The Monkey King, and they help bring all the Pandas to his castle for a celebration!
The Backyardigans are forced to take part in Filthyham’s “Festival of Dirt” by Mayor Stinkypants and it’s up to “Robinhood the Clean” to free them of this dirty dictator. For kids who have seen this episode this one will be very familiar.
The Wonder Pets adventure was quite cool as well and I felt they had the best looking costumes.They tied in an “Alice in Wonderland” theme with their adventure as the WP’s used teamwork to gather the Mad Hatter, the Chesire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts to Ollie’s party.
The last act, and featured performer, was Dora the Explorer. She was easily the crowd favorite and had, what we thought, was the best performance of all.Boots was put under a sleeping spell and Dora had to become a Princess to save him.
All of the acts came out for the closing performance and sang a great version of “You make me wanna Shout.”They did a great job of engaging the crowd all night long, evidenced by very happy kiddos in the crowd throughout.
Situated just over the river on Congress Street, the Boston Children’s Museum is a must-visit location if you’ve got kids and are near the city. Admission is $9.00 for kids aged 1-12 and $12.00 for adults. One key tip is to check out this list to see if your town/city library participates in the Museum’s coupon program. Participating libraries have coupons that are good for 4 tickets at a reduced cost of $2.00. That’s $40.00 in savings for a family of four! Call your library to reserve tickets ahead of time as they usually have one coupon available for each day of the year. Pack a lunch and you’ve got a very inexpensive, fun, and educational day with the kids.
Lay of the Land
The museum spans 3 levels with 5-6 themed areas on each floor. It seemed logical to us to start at the top and make our way down, but the centrally located large elevator and staircase make is easy to move between levels during your visit, so order probably isn’t too important. Peep’s World on the 2nd floor is primarily a hands-on water play area. Science Playground on the 1st floor also has a hands-on bubble area. Even though there are plastic smocks for the kids, they are bound to get wet, so take that into consideration when planning your path through the museum.
The third floor has the Global Gallery, which features visiting exhibits, usually for several months at a time. Check the website to see what is currently there. Let’s Get Curious was there when we visited and we timed our stop to this floor based on a scheduled visit from George himself. Make sure you check the daily schedule on your way in. This floor also has an actual Japanese-style home which you can visit (make sure you take your shoes off!) as well as a construction zone and a room focused on Black history in Boston.
If you’ve got toddler-aged kids you will want to make sure to check out the PlaySpace on the 2nd floor. It is dedicated to kids 0-3 years old with a museum staffer guarding the door to make sure the older kids don’t sneak in. In this area are a large train track, blocks, puzzles, a play house and kitchen, bubble making area, and a special zone for little crawlers.
General Information
If you want to plan for eating during your visit, there is an Au Bon Pain connected to the eating area and you are welcome to bring your own. The map of the museum also lists some nearby restaurants if you’d like to go that route. There are a decent amount of tables and if the weather is nice, plenty of areas outside to eat. Lockers are available if you need to store any valuables without having to worry about carrying them around. Bring a few quarters to rent one of the self-service lockers. Strollers are welcome and there are plenty of ‘parking lots’ for them throughout the facility.
Other Highlights
We like that admission to the museum is all-inclusive, meaning if your kids want to take part in a special event or the frequent KidStage performances, it’s included!
We really enjoyed visiting the Japanese House, an authentic two-story silk merchant’s home from Kyoto, Japan. You have to take your shoes off to visit this one and it’s worthwhile as you’ll wonder how they got a real home into the museum. Your older kids will enjoy viewing how a different culture lives and be very happy to go home to their bed when they see the sleeping space in this home.
Kid Power is an active area focused on teaching kids about the activities that will make them healthier. There is an interactive dance floor, a rock-climbing wall, power pump seats, and other fun exercise activities.
The 3-story New Balance Climb is the centerpeice of the lobby when you enter the museum and is something your kids will want to try out. Painted, curved platforms encased with carpet seem to float around the central pole with a net surrounding the entire structure to make sure nobody falls out as the climb up. Unlike many climbing structures, parents can follow their kid’s progress on the stairs next to this structure.
The mild weather definitely has everyone thinking “Spring!” Instead of just a taste of it, try being enveloped in it at the Smith College Spring Bulb Show in Northampton, MA. Sure, it’s a bit of a ride, but when you step into the conservatory you’ll forget all about the dreary ride on the Turnpike. Even if your kids aren’t into plants or gardening, the conservatory is an oasis at this time of year and is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The conservatory is an instructional aide for the students studying botany at Smith College. You can see the map of the rooms of the conservatory on their website or wait and pick one up in the reception area when you get there. Aside from the bulb show, there are seven other rooms and a corridor lined with plants and palms. (There are several rooms that are just for the students, therefore off-limits to the public.) Some of the houses are warm, so be sure to dress in layers. The Stove House is home to the orchid collection and has a pond-like structure in the center, complete with fish and frogs. Keep your eyes peeled! This was a favorite spot for the kids. The Camellia Corridor was lined with different types of plants, but pay close attention to any plants with small white flowers – these are usually orange or citrus bearing plants. These flowers are unassuming to most people, but contain the sweetest fragrance in the world (besides the bulbs!). Those are just some of the wondrous sights and smells you’ll find hidden about the conservatory.
There are two rooms in the middle, labeled Cold Storage and Physiology House, that are used for the Spring Bulb Show. This is the main attraction; while the other houses can get a bit crowded, be prepared for a slow walk through the bulbs. The best feature about the crowd is that you don’t have to worry about taking your camera and pausing for pictures – everyone else is doing the same thing. The bulbs are cultivated and kept up by the students of Smith College and are sold the week after the show ends. As soon as you step into the room your nose is hit with the scents of hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips mixed together. It’s a fragrance that you will want to bottle and carry around with you for the next few weeks! Words cannot describe the amount of bulbs in the rooms; the flowers were literally on top of each other. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Adjacent to the reception area is the Church Exhibition Gallery, which features exhibits with a botanical theme. The current exhibit is The Inner Beauty of Flowers. The photographer uses x-rays and light to photograph flowers in a way not usually seen. You can view the exhibit online and order prints as well.
Behind the reception area is a walkway leading to the restrooms. Even if you don’t need to use them, be sure to wander up there and see the display of Woods of the World. This is a permanent exhibit of 178 different woods from numerous areas throughout the world. The wood is not stained to be the different colors that they are, which is intriguing. Guidebooks are available on the wall to research the different woods. It is a beautiful, natural display that complements the flowers and plants wonderfully.
In addition to the conservatory and all it has to offer, the grounds adjacent to the greenhouses are beautiful to walk around. We saw some crocuses and snowdrops already in bloom! The front garden, right next to the road, is lined with perennials, while the rest is classified as a “Systematics Garden,” which enables students to evaluate different plant families.
Aside from special events, the conservatory is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm daily. The Spring Bulb Show runs from March 6 through March 21, opening at 10 am and closing at 4 pm daily (members are welcome at 9 am). For two Fridays, March 12 and March 19, the conservatory is hosting special evening hours from 6-8 pm. Admission is free, but a $2 donation per person is suggested. The bulbs will be sold the weekend after closing, Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28. Parking is available along the street that the conservatory is located on, but that is only for the Spring Bulb Show.
One suggestion: walk through the bulbs a few times, check out the other houses and the gallery, then walk through the bulbs again. It’s breathtaking!!
Smith College also hosts a Fall Chrysanthemum Show, which is from November 6-21, 2010. The Spring and Fall shows are a tradition and the dates through 2014 have been determined. Check their website for more information.
The Botanic Garden of Smith College
15 College Lane, Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: (413) 585-2740 website
Check out more pictures in our Botanic Garden of Smith College Set on Flickr
This review is from our Chicago editors when George visited their city.
Whether your family reads the books or watches the cartoons, this show excels at bringing the characters to life. Curious George LIVE! is a new musical that is packed from start to finish with songs that tell the tale of George’s adventure from New York City to the streets of Rome. In this original story, George sets out to prove to the world that his friend, Chef Pisghetti, makes the best meatballs in the world. Performances of the show run between Thursday, January 28 - Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Sears Center Arena in Hoffman Estates. Tickets are priced from $15-$38.
The production successfully creates a believable translation of the characters to the stage. The Man with the Yellow Hat, Professor Wiseman, Chef Pisghetti, and the Doorman are protrayed by actors who do spot-on impersonations of the characters voices and mannerisms. Their larger-then-life costumes translate perfectly. George’s animal friends Hundley and Gnocchi are cleverly depicted through simple puppetry. Of course George is the most difficult to portray. They did a great job with the costume, and tried their best to match his frenetic movement with some pretty cool tumbling. My 5 year-old was a little disappointed though. He wanted to see more climbing and “monkey stuff,” and I would agree. Overall they did an exceptionally believable job bringing these beloved characters to life.
Our favorite musical numbers were the opening productions of the first and second acts. “Special Delivery” followed by “Big Brown Box” makes for a bustling street scene. Both song are very catchy - they were what the kids were singing during intermission. The second act opens with a super fun song, “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” There is a cute gimmick with flashlights that makes for a cool visual effect. This song revolves around George stowing away on an airplane to Italy. It started the second half of the show off on a great note.
The low point for me is the pacing of the show. Pretty much the entire story is told through song. At times this is very successful, but at other times I would have preferred some of the story to have been told through dialog to move the production along. There was a great deal of antsy-ness going around around me near the end of the first act. The show is 1 hour 40 minutes long including a 15 minute intermission. For this age group I think a far shorter running time is more successful. The 5 year-olds I was with were able to sit through the entire show, but at times they were bored.
Even with some faults this is a fun show. From the festive lobby displays, to the intermission’s strolling vendors, to the great characterizations, this is a cute show for the pre-school aged Curious George fans in your life.
If you find your family traveling through Vermont and you are near Waterbury, you’ll want to make a stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour and some free ice cream samples. On a recent excursion to Burlington, we made a pit stop to check out the ice cream making process and taste some Ben & Jerry flavors. Located about 5 minutes off of Route 89, the Ben & Jerry factory offers a 30 minute tour of the facility for $3.00 a person and kids under 12 are free. It is best to plan a visit during weekdays as they are usually not making ice cream on the weekends, but you can still take the tour.
The tour itself starts with a six minute informative short video detailing the history of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, how they started making ice cream in 1978, and how Ben & Jerry’s has become what it is today. The next stop on the tour is an enclosed walkway overlooking the production facility. Large numbered signs make identifying the different parts of the plant easy while the tour guide explains the process of making ice cream. This is the part where it’s better to visit during the week to see workers doing their craft.
After the tour your group will visit the tasting room, where you’ll get to try a current flavor of ice cream and ask any questions you might have. Everyone gets to grab a small scoop of frozen goodness, and if there are still extras they allow you to take seconds. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable and kept the tour moving at a reasonable pace. If the tasting was not enough to satisfy you, there is a counter at the front of the building to order as much ice cream as you can eat – just follow your nose toward the smell of fresh waffle cones!
During the warmer months you can also enjoy the Flavor Graveyard, as well as a picnic area with a playground and patio. Check their website for events – they run a Free Outdoor Movie Festival throughout the summer at dusk, and during the winter they offer snowshoe tours on the grounds of the factory.
This past weekend we took a trip to the New England Aquarium to check out the penguins and the massive fish tank. It had been years since we last visited, so we were looking forward to checking out any new exhibits and seeing the famous penguins, of course.
The ticket booth is outside on your left as you approach the main entrance. For the kids that don’t enjoy standing in lines (meaning, all kids), there is a harbor seal exhibit directly behind the ticket booth that will keep their attention and whet their appetite for some see creature viewing. Tickets cost $12.95 for kids 2-11 and $20.95 for adults. Combo tickets are available if you are planning to view an IMAX show or take a whale watch. Check out your local library for discounts to the aquarium.
The central exhibit at the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, which is a four-story, cylinder-shaped Caribbean coral reef tank that is 23 feet tall and 40 feet across. A circular ramp wraps around the outside providing great views from top to bottom of the tank. Be sure to take the staircase on the top floor to view the open top of the tank. At the top you can see divers feeding some of the fish or you can catch a “tank talk,” where an aquarium staffer answers questions you have about the tank or fish.
A few other highlights of our trip were the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank, Amazing Jellies, The Penguins, and the Marine Mammal Center. The Touch Tank, which is on level 2, literally gives your kids a hands-on experience as they dip their hands into the tide pool and pick up sea stars, hermit crabs, and even a lobster. This exhibit is very popular and gets crowded. It opens at 10:00am so it may be worth heading to this exhibit if you get to the aquarium early. The Amazing Jellies Exhibit spans two floors of the aquarium and is the first exhibit to your left when you enter the front doors. This exhibit features incredibly fascinating views of these amazing sea creatures. You and your kids will learn all about the brainless, spineless, bloodless jelly fish.
The Penguin Exhibit is by far one of the most popular at the aquarium, and rightfully so. Situated at the base of the Giant Ocean Tank, this exhibit gives you a birds-eye view of three different types of penguins as they sit on their rocks and swim around their large tank. There are plenty of places to view the penguins from behind glass partitions on the ground floor as well as along the entire walk-way encircling the Giant Ocean Tank. Be sure to get a copy of the daily schedule and catch the penguin presentation or penguin feeding. There seem to be at least two of each presentation each day.
The New England Aquarium can seem small at times, especially during busy hours, so watch out for the strollers and kids running about. Like any museum, it’s good to map out your course either before arriving or once you get in, but stay flexible if certain exhibits are crowded. The aquarium is small enough that it’s easy to circle back and visit any exhibits you missed on the first way through.
Oh the good old days. I’m sure you remember. You’re in those pre-teen years. Before love, popularity, college, career. You’re the Christmas Story definition of a kid. You wake up. Look out the window and say to yourself “There’s snow! Close call though…Is it enough?” If you could hear the inner thoughts of all the neighborhood kids there’d be one chant in unison – “Please let school be cancelled!!!”
You turn on the radio. Best to go with BZ-1030AM as they announce closings most often. No websites to check. No automated hotlines that call the house to notify of cancellations. Perhaps you could call the school and ask? Ha!!! You’d never get through. Those five phone lines would be lit up like a Christmas tree.
The announcement would start. “Abington, Acton… Bellmont…” I lived in Norwood. My kid logic mind wished I lived in a (first letter of the alphabet) town as the suspense was unbearable. The announcer continued “Medfield, Milton”. That was a good sign. Milton got less snow generally. Looking back, I think every New England kid could map out the winter weather patterns with precision. The announcer was entering the final turn “Needham, Newton, Norwell”, huge pause “NORWOOD!!!!” Yes!!! This was the stuff dreams were made of.
I’d make sure my room was clean. Help out with the shoveling (that’s how I remember it Mom J ). Whatever it took. Mom would say I could go play. I’d grab my sled. Make sure the rope was tied to the front and drag it to “the hill”.
My perfect hill was behind the Willett School in Norwood. It had a great drop from the sledding perspective and a little side route that made it much easier to cart the sled back up. There’d always be neighborhood kids there after a nice storm. We’d have races, trade sleds, throw snowballs, and be kids! We’d trudge up the hill all day for that 10 second rush. We’d all be lost in the moment.
I’d “forget” to go home or check in. Then I’d see the sun setting and sprint back, sled in tow. But mom wasn’t mad. Perhaps because she remembered her sledding days as well “or more likely she was too tired from all that shoveling”. There’d be post sledding P+J’s, or Fluffernutters. Always accompanied with that perfect “mom” cup of hot chocolate (little marshmallow and some cool milk to bring it to perfect temperature). Yup, few things top that memory.
Fast forward… I’m 30 something and married with a 13 and a 1 ½ year old. I’m self employed. A snow day usually means I have to bring the younger one with me to the office because our day care follows the towns’ school cancellation policy. That white stuff has taken on a new meaning.
After a recent storm I decided to take the kids over to “the hill”. I don’t know. Maybe they did some landscaping or something. I noticed two big differences. First, when sledding down the hill it didn’t seem as steep or long as it used to. Second, when pulling the sled back up it seemed to be a lot steeper. I was exhausted after 3 runs up. Half an hour in, I was saved. The police came by and said we were trespassing and had to leave. Something about a liability issue. I thought about salvaging the day by swinging by moms’ house for some hot chocolate. But I remembered she was in Vegas for the week. “Oh well” I thought while driving home. “If only there was somewhere to go that could bring that memory back”. Three words folks – I found it!
The Amesbury Sports Park is Awesome! It provides the perfect atmosphere for the entire family. You don’t need to bring a sled. They have snow tubes for all. The hill is amazing! It blows away any sledding venue I’ve been to. Getting up the hill is no problem. They have two chairlifts! They hook up to your tube and pull you to the top.
Kids ages 4-6 have to wear a helmet and be accompanied by an adult. If you don’t have a helmet they are available free of charge. Kids 7 and up are helmet optional.
What about kids under 4? The park took the suggestions and requests of the patrons for a toddler venue and just recently opened the “tiny hill for tiny thrills”. A great venue for the littlest ones.
Need to warm up? Go in the Corner Kick Pub. They serve interesting micro brews, piping hot pizza, grilled sandwiches, fresh salads, and tasty appetizers. Public restrooms, arcade games, vending areas, and ample seating are available.
Older kids into snowboarding? Send them over to the junkyard terrain park. They even have a “Big Air” competition in March.
I’d classify it as a hop away from skiing. But you don’t have to take lessons, buy a ton of gear, or wait in those nasty rental lines.
Ticket prices are reasonable. On Thursdays a 3 hour pass is $15 and a 5 hour pass is $20. Thursday hours are 3:30 to 9:00. Friday and weekend 3 hour pass is $22 and a 5 hour pass is $30. Friday hours are 3:30-9:00. Saturday hours are 10am-9pm. Sunday hours are 10am-7pm.
There is a link for a $2 discount coupon. They also have a banner on their home page that advertises a $3 discount if you bring in a canned or perishable good for donation. I’m not sure if the two promotions can be used together.
With freezing temperatures and a snowy December, one family-friendly activity that we are gearing up for is ice skating. Lacing up the skates and getting outside is a great way to get some exercise during the winter months. Whether you are an experienced skater or looking to get your kids into this winter activity, January is a great time to get to it with the holiday rush having ended. Our blog this week gives you some tips on getting started and some places to visit throughout the state.
Equipment
Ice skates are the main piece of equipment you will need to get out on the ice. If you are just getting your kids started, you may want to look at renting the first few times before making the investment in purchasing. Once you have determined that your kids enjoy ice skating it’s time to get them their own skates. This will save money over time and, if you live near outdoor skating areas, they can go any time. The same issue with buying shoes presents itself with ice skates as our kids’ feet grow quickly. For this reason, buying used is a good option for the casual skater.
Play It Again Sports is a reputable dealer offering new and used equipment with knowledge staff. Give a call to a local rink and ask where the best place to buy used skates is in your areas as well. Below are the Play It Again Sports locations in the state:
Dedham (630 Washington Street - 781.493.6796)
Leominster (814 N Main Street - 978.537.2063)
Hyannis (25 Iyannough Road - 508.771.6979)
Stoneham (62 E Montvale Avenue - 781.438.2399)
North Reading (265 Main Street - 978.664.9363)
This online guide is worth a read if you are new to purchasing ice skates.
But, It’s Freezing Outside!
With Ice Skating comes dealing with the cold. Regardless of whether you decide to visit an indoor rink or live near a cranberry bog, you have to dress appropriately. Starting from the feet up, make sure your kids wear thick, warm socks (double up if you only have normal weight) that reach at least half way up their calf. If you are venturing outside, you may consider thermal under pants and shirts as a first layer following by another layer or warm clothing with a water-proof shell on top and bottom. Falling down on the ice is inevitable, so you want to make sure your kids stay as dry as possible.
We all know how much heats escapes through the head, so cover up with a nice wool hat and get their hands into some gloves or mittens.
Where to Skate
There are two main options to look at: ice skating rinks or natural bodies of water. With rinks, there are indoor and outdoor options while ponds, lakes, and cranberry bogs round out your outdoor, natural options.
If being outside is not your thing or your kids are just getting started, indoor rinks are a great place to get started. Many rinks offer skate rentals, food options, and are much warmer than our typical New England winter day. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has put together a nice list of public rinks (linked here) throughout the state. Make sure to call ahead to confirm public skating hours and check on skating lessons.
If you and your kids are ready to brave the outdoors, you’ll need to find a local place that offers safe skating. Other than the cold, the biggest safety concern with outdoor skating is ensuring you are skating on thick enough ice to support all the skaters involved. Check out the DCR’s news release [pdf] on ice safety for more information.
Crazy Kids Picks - The following are some of our favorite places to bring the family for skating fun.
The Frog Pond is a fun place to bring your family for some skating fun in a nostalgic setting of the Boston Common.
Steriti Memorial Rink is an indoor skating rink in the heart of the North End offering free skating during public hours.
Kendall Square Community Ice Skating is a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink located in Kendall Square. An all-day pass is $5 for adults and $1 for kids under 13. Rentals are available as well.
Old Sturbridge Village has added an outdoor skating rink this year. They do not offer rentals, so bring your own skates and enjoy some hot cider or cocoa and a cookie at the Miner Grant Store or the Village Café.
The Rink at The Charles Hotel is back for another season! This 2,900 square foot ice rink is open to hotel guests and the public. Skate rentals, season passes, and lessons are available.
Director Jerry Zaks has taken Dodie Smith’s classic tale to the stage. The 101 Dalmatians Musical is the top family musical to see in Boston this Holiday season. This musical presents the topsy-turvy, inside out world of the Dalmatians from the dogs’ point of view. Dalmatian characters are portrayed by adult actors while pups are portrayed by child actors. Humans are “differentiated” with exaggerated clothing and mini stilts that make them “larger than life.”
The tale follows the lives of Dalmatians Pongo and Missis Pongo who fall in love and are married. After a brief honeymoon “in the bushes” the Pongo’s are faced with the reality of impending parenthood. It is very well played. Their first musical number together “A Perfect Family” questions how hard parenthood could be. They’re both certain that their kids will be angels. There is humor at many levels. No family member will feel left out.
Rachel York made me think Cruella De Vil had stepped out of the Disney movie and onto the stage. She was wonderful and masterful. She brought forth an incredible lust for puppy fur. Cruella kidnaps the puppies and takes them to Castleville where they will soon become wardrobe. Pongo and Missis Pongo realize that their human “pets” will not be able to get their pups in time and realize it’s up to them to find the pups and bring them home. They send out the K-9 version of the Amber Alert and are soon on their journey.
I don’t want to spoil the adventure. My family enjoyed an exciting night of twists and turns. Something was there for everyone. Leaving the theatre I heard many people singing the catchy tune “Be a little bit braver”. It’s still in my head at this point.
And let’s not forget the Dalmatians. The dogs were adorable. Making it more memorable is that many of them were rescued.
Probably best for children 4 and up (or a mature 3). Though I did see several toddlers be-bopping to the music. It’s only here until the 27th. Tickets can be purchased directly through the Wang Theatre Box Office and range from $28-$75.
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"What will I do with my Kids today?" is on the lips of every parent, every day. Once you get past breakfast, the grueling decisions start. You have done the same things a million times. Crazy Kids is the cure. We’ll provide reviews on everything Kids do and let you and other parents comment on them.
The Crazy Kids Blog will highlight a specific activity each week to give you a more in-depth look at one specific idea. We are all in this together and Parents must join in the fight against boredom and repetition. Good luck, have fun and let us know what you think.
The mild weather definitely has everyone thinking “Spring!” Instead of just a taste of it, try being enveloped in it at the Smith College Spring Bulb Show in Northampton, MA. Sure, it’s a bit of a ride, but when you step into the conservatory you’ll forget all about the dreary ride on the Turnpike. Even if your kids aren’t into plants or gardening, the conservatory is an oasis at this time of year and is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
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