Michael Del Llano

Latest posts by Michael

Music Classes for Kids in Boston: Toddler Music Classes, Piano Lessons, and Voice Lessons

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 10:16am

Music lessons for kids are engaging, stimulating, and fun! Photo courtesy of Groovy Baby Music

We're lucky to have great music classes in Boston. Music lessons for toddlers can aid language development, and music education can even improve test scores and increase your child’s IQ. Music classes also help kids explore their creativity and learn patience through practice. A fun music class will foster a lifelong love of music, which is why we scoured all the music classes in Boston to compile this list of the best of the best!

For more great classes for kids, including everything from dance classes to awesome classes for babies and toddlers, check out our Boston Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.

Visiting the USS Constitution with Kids: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Fri, 07/22/2022 - 11:54pm

The USS Constitution has become a symbol of Boston–and of American resilience. Photo courtesy of the USS Constitution Museum

Boston is alive with history and proud of its patriotic past. But few of the city's museums and monuments can dazzle kids like the three-masted frigate docked in Charlestown Navy Yard. The USS Constitution is a floating museum. Known as "Old Ironsides" since the War of 1812, it is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Today, Old Ironsides serves as a tribute to–and connection with–our shared history and tradition of freedom. And it has some pretty awesom hands-on activities too! Read on for our guide to visiting the USS Constitution with kids.

The USS Constitution is just one of our picks for the Top Attractions in Boston: Best Things To See and Do with Kids. For more hands-on history that's just a stroll away, check out 15 Coolest Spots for Kids on the Freedom Trail. And always check out our Boston Events Calendar for the latest exhibits, presentations, and activities in and around the city.

Free Things to Do This July in Boston with Kids

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Sun, 07/03/2022 - 8:21pm

Shakespeare on the Common photo by Michael Fein Photography

Boston families are always on the lookout for fun summer activities, and parents are usually keeping an eye out for a bargain. Luckily, the city and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to make memories this July without spending a small fortune. From the city to the seashore, these free things to do this July in Boston with kids are sure to please.

Be sure and check out our Best of July: 22 Top Things To Do with Kids for all our picks for family activities this month. And don't miss our Summer Fun Guide for all our tips for things to do with kids in and around the city.

Free Boston Summer Concerts: Best Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Sun, 06/19/2022 - 1:45pm

Free Boston summer concerts happen all season long. Photo courtesy of the ParkARTS concert series, Boston Parks and Recreation

Boston takes pride in its culture, from the sophistication of world-class museums to the roaring crowd of beloved sports venues. And the music scene is a vital part of this vibrant city. Summer brings some of the best outdoor music festivals for families to Boston. These shows feature a diversity of genres and styles, but they all get you moving and shaking in a fun, community-driven atmosphere. So read on for our guide to free Boston summer concerts and the best outdoor music festivals for families.

6 Little League Baseball Drills You Can Do at Home

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Tue, 05/03/2022 - 12:00pm

Little League baseball is a quintessential childhood sport.

Youth baseball is an iconic part of childhood for millions of American families, whether it’s Babe Ruth Leagues, PONY baseball, or Little League baseball. And there are plenty of good reasons for parents to get their kids into baseball or softball. For many of us, baseball gets children outside just as spring lands on our doorsteps. Kids learn to succeed as individuals and as part of a team. They get activity away from screens. And baseball and softball remain two of the safest sports in terms of injury according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Read on for tips, resources, and simple Little League baseball drills you can do at home with your little slugger. For more at-home exercises for kids, check out our push-up challenges for kids and our ultimate list of exercise games and indoor activities.

Family-Friendly Spa Resorts and Hotels Near Boston

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Mon, 04/11/2022 - 2:39am

Find family-friendly resorts within an hour's drive from Boston. Photo courtesy of Seacrest Beach Hotel

New England is known for its history and natural beauty, but Greater Boston is also home to some amazing, family-friendly resorts and spas. Whether you're in the mood for beachfront relaxation or sweeping mountain vistas, we've got you covered. These hotels and resorts have the right amenities for families with kids. Many also have the luxurious spa treatments that overworked parents could use any time of year!

The following resorts are some of New England's top family-friendly staycation spots. Some are within an hour of Boston. These resorts combine the amenities parents need with the relaxed atmosphere they want. If you're looking for a little more adventure and excitement in your family vacation, check out our guide to the 40 Best Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation. You can also find year-round rsort ideas in our 9 Best Florida Beach Vacation Destinations for Families. And our Guide to the Best Indoor Water Parks for Easy Family Getaways can point you to some fun destinations around New England.

25 Things To Do in the Merrimack Valley with Kids

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Sun, 04/03/2022 - 10:27pm

Step into family fun in the Merrimack Valley. Photo courtesy of the Salisbury Beach Partnership.

From the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Atlantic Coast in Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley offers families a range of fun activities. The region affords year-round and seasonal attractions, with a vibrant mix of natural splendor amid plenty of modern amusements. Everything from hands-on history to thrill rides comes with a visit to the Merrimack Valley. These things to do in the Merrimack Valley with kids can be found within a 90-minute drive from Boston. Many of these communities even have stops along the MBTA’s commuter rail.

New England Sleepaway Camps Where Kids Completely Unplug

Submitted by Michael Del Llano on Mon, 03/14/2022 - 4:11pm

New England sleepaway camps get kids out into nature. Photo courtesy of Farm and Wilderness Camp.

With mountains, lakes, and coastlines to offer, New England sleepaway camps take kids away from devices and out into nature. After a full year of school and screens, the unplugged experience of a wilderness overnight camp helps kids get back to the basics of having fun and exploring the environment. Time at camp means making new friends, learning new skills, and maybe having an adventure or two. And the memories made at a sleepaway summer camp last a lifetime.