MY
favorite GETTY IMAGES
THINGS
BUBBLELICK
editor’s note
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Y IM AGES
Apparently my kids aren’t the only ones who’ve tried to lick the bubble wand. Bub blelick off ers a twist on the beloved child hood activity with edible bubbles – think fl ying candy! Flavors include watermelon, cinnamon roll, cotton candy, and chocolate chip.
The annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl – the sweetest cancer fundraiser ever – moves from Boston to Patriot Place in Fox borough this year. On June 18, enjoy all youcaneat ice cream, live entertainment, games, and more, all for a good cause!
I’ve had four years of kiddie pools and pop sicles, beach days and fi reside s’mores, but I’m counting this as my fi rst real summer as a mom. That’s because for the fi rst time for me, summer ushers in more than sunscreen and slurpees – it marks the end of the school year, and the beginning of months on end with a kid at home. The reprieve from lunchbox packing and that seemingly endless afterschool pick up line is welcome, but I can almost hear him already telling me how bored he is. Though experts say there are actually benefi ts to a little boredom – unscheduled, unstructured time can help kids discover or reconnect with their imagination and creativ ity – it’s good to have some ideas for enter taining the kids up your sleeve. First, fi nd your goto place to cool off this summer. Maybe it’s a pool or sprinkler in the backyard, a town beach, or a sandy seashore. For even more playful water fun, check out the Splash Pad and Spray Park Guide on page 19, with over a dozen places to get your splash on. Part water park, part playground, these sum mer spots are a big hit with kids of all ages. And, since many are free, these cooloff spots are pretty chill with parents, too! You’ll also want some ideas for getting out side. Summer is the perfect time to explore nature, and there are some lovely, local gar dens that are worth a walk. On page 11, we’ve rounded up fi ve gardens created just for kids, including a secret spot in Shrewsbury full of whimsy and wonder, and The Ramble, in Boylston, a justopened woodland retreat at the New England Botanic Garden. Make sure you're stocked up on things to keep the little ones busy at home, too. Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are cheap, easy, and time less. On page 10, see how to take your chalk art to the next level by making ice chalk paints. Perfect for a hot summer day! The next school year will be here before we know it. Until then, enjoy the break, have some fun, and soak it all in. Amanda
Who doesn’t love a donut? June 3 marks National Donut Day and shops are cele brating with a “hole” lotta freebies. Go to baystateparent.com for a roundup of the delicious deals.
WIPEOUT
You might not even have to nag your kid to wear this bike helmet: Wipeout makes dryerase protective gear that children can draw on, wipe off , draw again. In addition to helmets and pads, they just launched a cool dryerase skateboard.
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 5
