Fiona Haley

Latest posts by Fiona Haley

Boston's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 7:52pm

Kids birthday parties get festive and fun at these parks and playgrounds around Boston! Photo courtesy of Brookline Recreation

Greater Boston has so many great parks and playgrounds for kids birthday parties If your child was born in late spring, summer, or early fall, hosting their birthday party at a local park or playground is an easy, fun, and super-affordable option. Fortunately, there are a number of green spaces from Waltham to the waterfront where kids parties' are possible. The best part of all? Most are free (or nearly free). Just be sure to call or email each park in advance to reserve a spot to spread out (if necessary) and find out what kind of food and extras—like bounce houses or live entertainment—are allowed.

For more celebration ideas, see our Birthday Party Guide for Boston Kids. And our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Boston is full of our expert picks for the best of outdoor fun!

Swimming Pools and Spraygrounds with Day Passes or Memberships for Families Around Boston

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sun, 06/25/2023 - 9:00am

Cannonball! Make some fun summer memories at swimming pools and spray grounds around Boston this summer. Photo courtesy of the Waltham YMCA

We all could use a dip in an outdoor swimming pool during Boston's humid summertime. If you're looking for more of a swim than a splash pad will allow, consider paying for a day pass or a seasonal membership to one of these kid-friendly swimming pools featuring spraygrounds, kiddie pools, slides, and more. Here are some gloriously refreshing options that will keep kids entertained all day. On a scorcher of a long day, the fees—and even the drive—will feel well worth it.

For more ideas for summer activities, our Ultimate Boston Kids Summer Vacation Guide is packed with our top picks for fun in the sun. And check out 15 Swimming Lakes Near Boston You Need To Discover for more of our summer fun ideas.

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Fri, 01/06/2023 - 1:58pm

Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England

The best indoor water parks in New England are the perfect cure for the bad-weather blues. Getting tired of the heavy, layered winter coats? Have your kids have already lost all of their gloves for the season? We get it. There are places within a couple hours right here in New England (and beyond) where you can splash around with the family—no outer gear required! Some are large with lots of amenities like multiple slides and arcades. Others are small, manageable and convenient. These water parks are all within a one- to five-hour drive from Boston and Connecticut.

New England is home to plenty of water fun, either with a quick drive from Boston or a weekend escape. The best indoor water parks fit the bill when outdoor pools are closed.

If you live closer to New York (or are up for the trip) these indoor water parks in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey are worth checking out, too. No matter where you go, be sure to check with each park directly about special rates and current safety policies. Also, consider planning a trip for a weekday or weeknight outside of school vacation to steer clear of crowds.

Boston Zoos: There's More Than Just the Franklin Park Zoo!

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Fri, 04/08/2022 - 10:49pm

Peek inside a rainforest at Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Zoos are a popular destination for families with kids of all ages—who doesn’t love to gawk at giraffes and roar like a lion? While Franklin Park Zoo is a popular (and wonderful) option, there are six others within a 90-minute drive of Boston that each offer something unique for animal aficionados. Whether it’s Franklin Park’s sister zoo in Stoneham or York’s Wild Kingdom in Maine, there is an option for you within day-trip distance, offering entrance to another world of miraculous and mysterious creatures not normally seen around Boston.

11 Hayrides Near Boston: From Bucolic to Bone-Chilling

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sat, 09/04/2021 - 11:00pm

Just outside of Boston, brave families can get on haunted hayrides at Hanson's Farm every Friday and Saturday night in October. Photo courtesy of Hansonfarmframingham.com

Hayrides are a fall ritual for many families. Depending on the age of your child, you might be in search of a gentle meander through fields or a spine-chilling adventure that sparks Halloween excitement. Tons of Boston-area farms offer hayrides, and we’ve rounded them up for you here. The best part? Most of these farms also offer other activities to entertain your family, like apple picking, corn mazes, and delicious cider doughnuts. Happy—or spooky—trails!

For more seasonal fun for Boston kids, explore our Fall Fun Guide.

13 Top Boston Playgrounds To Visit for Brain-Boosting Fun

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sun, 04/18/2021 - 9:14am

Mattapan's Hunt Almont Playground has tricky ladders, balancing toys, and more. Photo by Ed Wonsek

Boston kids are ready to get outside and play! Even if you live outside the city, consider a day trip to one of these innovative Boston-area playgrounds, which feature nature-inspired layouts, brain-boosting equipment, and wheelchair-accessible structures that promote inclusivity. These new-school playgrounds—two of which are also on our "destination playgrounds" list—are beautiful, safe spaces for kids of all ages and abilities to entertain and challenge themselves, so parents can watch from a distance as kids do what they were born to do: play.

If it's an especially warm day, consider a day trip to one of these Massachusetts spraygrounds and splash pads, too.

8 Special Family Campgrounds near Boston with Extras for Kids

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Fri, 04/16/2021 - 9:27am

Camp in comfort in a yurt at Pinewood Lodge. Photo courtesy of the campground

Camping is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors while spending serious quality time with your family—and you can do it all for much less money than you'd spend at a Boston-area hotel or vacation rental home. While Massachusetts is home to many campgrounds and campsites, we have selected eight that go out of their way to create a kid-friendly experience that combines adventure and creature comforts.

Whether you are camping in a fancy lakeside yurt or a pop-up tent in your backyard, make downtime and evenings fun with these camping games to play with kids.

Zip Lines and Ropes Courses near Boston for Outdoor Family Adventures

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 10:07am

Kids will love to zip between the trees in Canton. Photo courtesy of TreeTop Adventures

Do you have a child who loves adventure—or who can often be found scaling walls or scrambling up trees? While a family hike is always a great outlet for these high-energy kiddos, you might want to up the ante with a day trip to an outdoor zip line course or ropes course around Boston. Massachusetts is home to a number of zip line courses with a range of age-appropriate challenges that will excite thrill-seekers young and old.

What if the weather is cold or wet? Kids can monkey around at these Boston-area indoor obstacle courses instead.