Caitlin Dowling

Latest posts by Caitlin Dowling

25 Fun Things To Do in Boston with Teens

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 4:18pm

Fun things to do in Boston with teens include seeing priceless works of art at Boston's museums. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts

Boston has so many entertaining activities for kids, but finding things to do with teenagers can feel challenging. Have no fear: From fun centers and old-school arcades to visiting Fenway Park, we've compiled a list of teen-approved activities that are whatever they're calling the opposite of lame. And these things to do with teenagers may even lead to a genuine smile and bonding moment between you and your big kid.

If you're searching for more ideas about what to do with teens around Boston, remember amusement parks and great restaurant experiences are hits for all ages. Once you've scored some cool points with your teens, treat the younger kids in your life to age-appropriate fun at these indoor play spaces or awesome playgrounds.

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Boston 2023

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 02/19/2023 - 8:14am

Kids can play, learn, and grow at these free and affordable summer camps around Boston. Camp Shriver photo courtesy of UMASS Boston

Summer camp offers engaging experiences and fun activities. But not all enriching programs have to cost a pretty penny. Free and affordable summer camps in Boston deliver sunny memories and adventures for Massachusetts kids. We’ve put together a list of inexpensive camps in the Boston area that can provide your child with everything from performing arts classes to sailing lessons. These affordable Boston summer camp options deliver the fun and engagement that kids crave.

Find more great summer camps in Boston. Be sure to bookmark our complete Boston Summer CampGuide and our Camp Directory. You can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. Explore our picks for preschool summer camps in Boston. And don't miss the best sleepaway summer camps in the Northeast,

Holiday Break in Boston: 20 Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year's Eve

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sun, 12/18/2022 - 11:00pm

Squeeze in some hands-on history activities between the holidays in Boston during school break! Photo by Michael Blanchard, from the USS Constitution Facebook page

Holiday break in Boston is almost here! When school takes a pause between Christmas and New Year's, it's nice to kick back and relax from the usual routines. But keeping kids busy over winter break can be a challenge. Thankfully, there is no shortage of fun and easy things to do around Boston during Christmas vacation week! Here are 20 enriching activities from cooking workshops to STEM crafts and nature classes. These holiday break activities around Boston will be sure to nip "I'm bored" in the bud.

For more things to do in Boston with kids over winter break, consult our Winter Fun Guide and our holiday guide. Plan to have a great time with your kids during the upcoming, and much-needed, school break. And have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Best Places for Pictures With Santa in Boston for 2022

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 11/25/2022 - 11:00pm

Get your traditional holiday photo with the top places for pictures with Santa in Boston in 2022! Santa's Wonderland photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

It's the time of year for pictures with Santa in Boston. Kids can find Santa ho-ho-ho-ing it up at lots of holiday events around the city. We've rounded up some of our favorite places where kids can see Santa in Boston and snap a Santa picture for the perfect Christmas card. Some events offer traditional shopping mall Santa pictures. Other spots let kids take pictures with Santa at Christmas tree farms, brunches, and on trains. The holiday season marks the return of local traditions, like the Enchanted Village and Zoo Lights. So explore our list and find your perfect spot for pictures with Santa in Boston in 2022.

Check out our Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events for Boston Kids for fun ways to get out and enjoy Boston this holiday season. And see our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids for family fun and holiday festivities all season long.

Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events for Boston Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 10:00pm

The top holiday activities and Christmas events for Boston kids are coming to town! We will celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the 12 Days of Christmas, all on the heels of Thanksgiving. While there are plenty of holiday events and Christmas activities near Boston to keep kids busy and feeling festive throughout November and December, we've rounded up our picks of Boston's top holiday festivities during the magical season of joy and wonder. There are beautiful outdoor light and tree displays (some are free to visit!), a cool gingerbread house-making class, and a chance to see the Polar Express in 4-D.

Keep that holiday and Christmas spirit going all season long with our list of Boston's Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows and our Holiday Fun Guide. If you are planning bigger holiday adventures, consult our 12 Best Christmas Towns in New England and the region's 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities.

Best Things to Do With Kids at Boston Children's Museum

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Sat, 06/04/2022 - 3:05pm

Just try to pull kids away from the bubbles in Science Playground .

Our city is full of family-friendly museums, but only Boston Children's Museum is designed just for kids. Whether you're looking for a few hours to kill or somewhere to enjoy an entire day with your kids, there's no better destination in Boston. This three-story museum offers endless entertainment and discovery, including exhibits that focus on science, culture, social awareness, health and fitness, the arts, and more. While the museum may seem overwhelming, we've broken it down, level by level, so you can plan your visit and make sure you see all the best exhibits.

Make sure to save some extra time to head outside before or after your visit to play, slide, and explore at Martin's Park playground, and if you want to make a full day of it, explore all that the surrounding Seaport neighborhood has to offer!

Boston-Area Farms With Ice Cream and Fun Kids' Activities for Boston Families

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Tue, 03/01/2022 - 7:32pm

Photo courtesy of Richardson's Ice Cream

Summertime is in full swing, which means the quest for the best ice cream is on! While Boston boasts many amazing shops churning out gourmet ice cream, some of the best scoops are found at old-fashioned, New England family farms. While some farms are best for picking berries, peaches, and other summer produce, others are known for their creamy dairy treats. From hayrides to petting zoos to mini golf, these farms all of have seasonal ice cream options and fun activities to help your kiddies burn off their sugar highs afterward.

30+ Things To Do over February Break with Boston Kids: In-Person and Drop-Off Activities

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 4:14pm

Photo courtesy of the Harvard Museum of Science and Culture

An exotic winter getaway may not be in the cards this February break, but families can still plan an epic staycation right here in the Boston area. Our favorite winter vacation activities include family-friendly outings and drop-off programs. The Blue Man Group bring back their popular February break week matinees; the USS Constitution's Lego Maritime Festival is back in person this winter break, and Powisset Farm has special school break campfires. You can even get a jump start on maple sugaring. And if you're still needing virtual distraction, let the kids take a p iano, guitar, or pop singing lesson. Hey, we New Englanders know how to make the most of winter, right?

Our Boston Winter Fun Guide is packed with even more ideas for outdoor and indoor activities to keep kids busy with and (since we all need a break) without mom and dad. Or if you're ready to load up the car and make a run for it, check out our Boston Getaway Guide!