Lucie T

Latest posts by Lucie

Boston Toy Stores and Bookstores with Delivery or Curbside Pickup

Submitted by Lucie T on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 10:55am

Grab a game or craft kit from Buttonwood Books and Toys.

Great toys and new books are a godsend for busy parents looking to keep kids busy. Luckily, many Boston toy stores and bookstores that are closed for in-person shopping now allow online and phone orders for delivery and curbside pickup. Here's our round-up of local stores families can support while stocking up on birthday gifts, grabbing a few great school or bedtime reads, or just keeping children entertained while you work from home.

Give a boost to more Boston businesses by ordering from these local grocers and farmers who deliver, and check out our favorite board games and virtual entertainers for more gift and fun ideas.

Mother's Day Brunch or Dinner Delivery and Takeout in Boston

Submitted by Lucie T on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 10:30am

Brunch or dinner is on the takeout menu at City Winery. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Mother's Day may look different this year, but there are still plenty of ways to make moms in Boston feel loved—starting with a decadent, restaurant-made brunch or dinner! Boston-area restaurants are preparing Mother's Day meals for delivery and curbside takeout, from cocktail kits to breakfast burgers to surf 'n turf favorites. Here are our picks for takeout brunch options to enjoy in the comfortable and safety of your own home on May 10th.

Along with a special morning or midday meal, homemade Mother's Day cards are sure to complete mom's special day.

Connecticut Dairy Farms that Deliver Milk, Eggs, and More

Submitted by Lucie T on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 12:51pm

Oakridge Dairy milk is bottled and delivered within 24 hours. Photo courtesy of The Modern Milkman

Got milk? Sure, you can pick up a plastic jug at the supermarket, but for health and convenience reasons, farm-fresh local milk delivery is popular once again. Connecticut is known for its dairy farms, and many now deliver milk as well as other groceries (eggs, yogurt, and more) right to your doorstep.

When ice cream stands open again, you can sample more local dairy treats at these Connecticut farms with homemade ice cream and other activities for kids.

Easter Brunch and Dinner Takeout and Delivery Options in Boston

Submitted by Lucie T on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 6:00pm

From prime rib to strawberry cheesecake, Del Frisco's has your Easter meal covered. Photo courtesy of Del Frisco's

Your Easter or Passover table may not include as many friends or family as usual this year, but plenty of Boston-area restaurants are doing their best to make the spring holidays as festive as can be for local families. Spiral hams, leg of lamb, and Easter treats like carrot cupcakes are available for takeout or delivery in Boston and surrounding Massachusetts towns, taking cooking off your plate.

Decorate the table with Easter crafts and dyed eggs, connect with loved ones via Zoom or FaceTime, and savor your holiday!

What's Open in Coronavirus Shutdown: Story Walks, Hikes, Art You Can Do While Social Distancing

Submitted by Lucie T on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 11:27am

The bunnies are still out and about in Walpole Park. Photo courtesy of Wayne Fitzpatrick

Family life as we know it has changed dramatically in the past week, and those of us with restless children are definitely feeling the stress (and in some cases, boredom) of it all. Be sure to check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, which we have filled with hundreds of activities and ideas to try out with the kids. With everyone housebound and turning to the Internet, there is also an abundance of quality virtual experiences worth streaming and some cool podcasts kids will love.

However, many of us could use some fresh ideas for getting outdoors while social distancing, or connecting to the outside world in screen-free ways. We have some ideas for safe and meaningful family time, from playing a hide-and-seek game with spring "bunnies" in Walpole to picking up take-out art supplies in Wellesley. Please check in with these spots and with local restrictions before heading out, and remember to observe social distancing guidelines of keeping yourself (and kids) 6 feet away from non-family members. Have fun—and hang in there!

Best Podcasts for Kids Staying In: Funny, Smart, and Scientific Podcasts

Submitted by Lucie T on Thu, 03/19/2020 - 12:03pm

There's never been a better time for podcasts. Prepare to download.

We've all been stuck somewhere with young children for long stretches of time—road trips, airport layovers, or, more recently, sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. When all the movies have been watched and all the books have been read (and we still can't leave the house), what are families to do for entertainment?

Enter the podcast. Not just for news updates and politics anymore, many podcasts cater specifically to younger audiences. We've rounded up our favorite kid-friendly podcasts that provide quality content the whole family can appreciate. All of these are easily accessed through smart phone, tablet, or computer, so get ready for hours of entertainment and even some learning opportunities. Most are even free!

For more entertainment ideas during this challenging time, check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents.

Things To Do and What's Canceled in Boston this Weekend: Flower Show, St. Patrick's Day at the Zoo, Celtic Sojourn

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 03/11/2020 - 8:43pm

Get a taste of spring. Photo courtesy of the Boston Flower and Garden Show

We're seeing green this weekend! A Little Bit of Ireland is bringing some Irish cheer to the Boston area along with a St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan. Speaking of music and dancing, Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music is in town all weekend.

Want to see how animals celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Check out St. Patrick’s Day at the Zoo! Need some spring in your step? The gorgeous blooms on display at the Boston Flower and Garden Show will get everyone looking forward to warmer days.

Due to coronavirus, some activities planned for this weekend have been canceled, postponed, or modified. We will do our best to keep our weekend picks up-to-date with any changes made by event organizers. Stay well, everyone.

Things To Do in Boston this Weekend: Family Concerts, Women's Day, Maple Syrup Breakfast

Submitted by Lucie T on Wed, 03/04/2020 - 8:21pm

See how sugaring is done the old-fashioned way at Maple Days. Photo courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village

It's feeling—and sounding—like spring! Celebrate with some great family music around Boston this weekend. After enjoying the music of Which Animal Are You? A Circus of Sounds, kids can play around with a variety of instruments. The Playhouse is back with it's popular series with Music of Phish for Kids, and the annual Israel Folkdance Festival is sure to have everyone on their feet and dancing along to their performing troupes.

Celebrate women at International Women’s Day at the MFA with special activities for all ages, and take a deep dive into marine life at the Boston Sea Rovers Sunday Kids Day. And treat yourself: It's maple sugaring season! You'll find us at the Sap-to-Syrup Farmer's Breakfast at Drumlin Farm.