Elyse Andrews

Latest posts by Elyse

Free Swimming Pools in Boston for Families

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/15/2022 - 11:10pm

Dive into summer fun at free Boston swimming pools. Mirabella Pool photo courtesy of Boston Centers for Youth & Families

When the temperatures soar in Boston, families can always stop by a sprinkler park or splash pad to cool off a little. But sometimes, a refreshing swim in a traditional pool is in order. Sure, there are some swanky hotel or membership pools inside city limits where you can pay a pretty penny to swim. But with kids and diaper bags in tow, you don't need much more than a safe stretch of cool water to feel happy. Here, we’ve rounded up eight great swimming pools in Boston where kids and parents can splash, float, or practice strokes all summer long, without breaking the bank. So read on for our guide to free swimming pools in Boston for families.

Looking to find ways to stretch your summer budget without skimping on family fun? Check out 50 Free Things To Do with kids in Boston this Summer. For even more ways to beat the heat check out our full summer guide and visit our events calendar.

Father's Day in Boston: 20 Things to Do

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 06/05/2022 - 11:50pm

Show dad a classic time in Boston this Father's Day. Photo courtesy of the Larz Anderson Museum

With Father’s Day nearly upon us, it’s time to plan a day of family fun in Boston to celebrate dad. The perfect recipe ideal activities include a balance of something guys really want to do with the rest of the family will also enjoy. Sure, you can scour our summer fun guide for ideas, but trust us (and the dads in our lives who we tapped for approval): These 20 things to do this Father's Day in Boston are sure to make dads feel extra special and make memories for kids at the same time.

Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 9:06pm

Remnant Brewery at Bow Market provides a family-friendly space, Photo courtesy of Merritt Chase.

Boston breweries are a part of the city's landscape; the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain has attracted tourists and locals for decades. Boston has seen an absolute boom in beer gardens (or biergartens) in the last few years. Craft brewing has flourished as well. Luckily for anyone with kids, many of these establishments are welcoming to families. If you like to sip a craft brew outside, these are the places to go with little ones in tow: Many have live music, lawn games, and great views. From the heart of the city to the suburbs, there’s likely a beer garden near you that's open from summer through fall. Sip—and play!

Check out our guide to 10+ Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free for more locations to step out with the family. Be sure to explore our list of 15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax). And our guide to Easy Recipes for Kids provides some wonderful ideas for those nights you stay in.

Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 04/15/2022 - 10:02pm

Bring out the smiles by visiting Boston's best tot lots and toddler playgrounds. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Ringgold Park, Facebook

When the weather turns warm and sunny, it's time to get your little ones to the best tot lots and toddler playgrounds in Boston. Toddlers can't wait to get out and explore, and last fall's newborns are just about ready for a bucket swing! But not all playgrounds cater to the sub-preschool set. Luckily, there are several in and around Boston that do have sandboxes, swings, and smaller play structures built with the littlest kids in mind. Here are some of our favorite local "tot lots" with special features that are perfect for older babies and toddlers.

Explore our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Boston to find the right spot for kids of any age. Our list of 12 Awesome Boston Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car is full of ideas for family excursions. And if the weather isn't helping play time, check out our guide to the Best Free Indoor Play Spaces.

15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax)

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 12:00pm

Pizza and bowling are up everyone's alley in Somerville and Salem. Photo courtesy of Flatbread Pizza Salem/Facebook

It’s one thing to go to a kid-friendly restaurant, where you know you won’t get any dirty looks from the proprietors or other patrons. But family dining heaven might just be a place that also allows kids to play—the idea being that you can actually enjoy your meal after they wolf down theirs. We decided to round up of the best Boston-area restaurants where kids can play, choosing those that serve up truly good food along with activities or entertainment for kids. We call that a win-win!

If the weather is nice, take advantage of these outdoor restaurants around Boston that are great for families. And explore our guide to Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens.

12 Awesome Boston-Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 07/25/2021 - 8:20am

Robbins Farm Park's side-by-side slides are a major draw.

Having a playground in your neighborhood is ideal. It’s a nice break from playing in your own yard and a great place to meet up for playdates. But going to the same playground over and over can get tiresome for adventurous kids. Luckily several special playgrounds near Boston are worth packing up the snacks and strollers and getting in the car. Here are 12 of the best that are ready to host your kids’ summer adventures.

Looking for more incredible playgrounds near Boston? We've rounded up our favorite theme playgrounds, brain-boosting playgrounds, and the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Boston.

10 Flower Farms Near Boston Where Kids Can Pick Blooms

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 2:12pm

Pick sunflowers, tulips, and more flowers at Boston-area farms! Photo by Ally Noel

With ample room to roam around, these flower farms near Boston are a great place to bring kids on a nice spring, summer, or early fall afternoon. The pretty sunflower fields, lavender farms, and rows of tulips ready for picking are also a nice backdrop for a family day trip out of the city.

Check out these top 10 flower farms near Boston for your next excursion, and don't forget to pack your own scissors! You can also likely do some strawberry picking, blueberry picking, or apple picking to add to that custom bouquet.

12 of the Best Picnic Spots for Families in Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Thu, 05/27/2021 - 10:38am

As the days get longer, sunnier and warmer, you’ll probably long to take some of your meals outside. Picnicking is a classic summer activity that’s perfect for the whole family. Instead of just heading to your neighborhood park, pack your basket and bring it to one of Boston’s best picnic areas. Some have deep roots in Boston’s history or water views, and all are beautiful and provide a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city.