Boston Parent April 2019 by Parenting Media

APRIL 2019

School’s Out Last-Minute April Vacation Ideas

Celebrate Eart h Day

Family Calendar

Do’s & Don’ts Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

APRIL 26 - MAY 5 HUNDREDS OF CREATIVE EVENTS STATEWIDE MANY FREE! explore our event calendar at ARTWEEKMA.ORG

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

#ART WEEKMA

April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Summer

THE BEST TIME TO ADVANCE IN

Math

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Contents

April 2019 Volume 34 • Number 8

Features

School’s Out 10 Last-Minute April

What’s Inside

4 Family F.Y.I.

Vacation Ideas

• Northeast Camp Guide • Vote Family Favorites 2019 • Easter Trivia

Do’s & Don’ts 16 Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

14 Bookshelf

Celebrating Earth Day

19 Family Calendar

Directories TM

15 Camps and Summer Programs 23 Schools & Childcare Centers 25 Classes and Enrichment 26 Entertainment & Party Needs

Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 Tel 617-522-1515 info@BostonParentsPaper.com Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com

PUBLISHERS Robert and Tracy McKean ART DIRECTOR Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jean Abernathy

Boston Parents Paper is published monthly by Parenting Media Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. 60,000 copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to more than 1600 locations in the region. Past issues are available on our website, www.BostonParentsPaper.com

Send letters to the editor or article ADVERTISING SALES submissions to editor@bostonparent.com. Holly Castro, David Morney

Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/event/

April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

✼ Family F.Y.I. TM

2019

VOTE NOW

The Nominations Are in!

pril is the time to vote for the top nominations for this year’s Family Favorite Awards. Each year, we poll our readers for their top picks of places to shop, dine and play and we need your input! Head online to BostonParentsPaper.com to vote for your favorites today. We’ll publish the winners in our annual Best of the Best publication this summer.

Calling All Patriots

EDICATION, DETERMINATION, PERSEVERANCE AND ENDURANCE –all values we want to teach

our kids. On April 15, Marathon Monday, head out to show your family’s support for the 30,000 runners competing in the 123rd Boston Marathon, the oldest annual marathon in the world. You’ll also want to tell your kids what happened April 19, 1775, in Lexington and Concord, sites of the opening battles of America’s fight for independence, and the reason we celebrate Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts. Start out the week “Boston Strong,” then round out the school vacation week by perhaps attending one of the many special events you’ll find listed in our Calendar.

Pediatric Ingestions By Barbara DiGirolamo, Boston Children’s Hospital, Injury Prevention Program Coordinator

ediatric ingestions are on the rise in Massachusetts, especially after the legalization of Marijuana. Many cannabis containing edibles such as gummy bears, cookies and chocolate bars are being mistaken by children as every day treats. It is very important that if you have purchased these items, they are locked away the same as your medications are. Medications do not have to be prescription strength for them to be a danger to children. We see many children coming into the ED or parents calling Poison Control for children getting into things like Tylenol, cough syrup, and Vicks vapor rub. All of these should be out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a medication lock box. Along with medications, other things to be sure to lock up are cleaning products and pesticides. Children often mistake these

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

for juice and candy. Toddlers are explorers and, like eating, are beginning to learn to take things from their hand and put them into their mouths. Laundry packets, though incased in plastic, are meant to dissolve in water and sometimes all they need are wet hands to activate them. If ingested, they could become deadly for a child. All of these products should be kept in their original containers and kept in cabinets with child safe locks on them. Lastly, kids love to mock anything that you do, and that includes applying make-up. Cosmetic products, including gels, sanitizers and lotions, can be harmful for a child and should not be left out in common areas like sinks or on dressers. If you feel your child has come in contact with any of these products, you should call the Poison Help number at 1-800-222-1222.

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✼ Family F.Y.I. 2019 CAMP GUIDE

till trying to figure out where you’ll send your child to camp this summer? The 2019 digital edition of Northeast Camp Guide features helpful articles on picking the right camp, specialty programs, family camps and more. Read it on BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on the Magazine tab then on the image of the Northeast Camp Guide.

Day Camps • Sports Camps • Enrichment Programs • Camps for Special Needs

Passover Begins at Sundown April 19

assover is the eight-day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. The holiday’s name, Pesach, meaning “passing over” or “protection” in Hebrew, is derived from the instruction that tradition says were given to Moses by God. In order to encourage the Pharaoh to free the Israelites, the story goes that God intended to kill the firstborn of both man and beast. To protect themselves, the Israelites were told to mark their dwellings with lamb’s blood so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. Passover today is celebrated with family gatherings, a festival meal, and special foods.

Fun Facts About Passover • Passover is the oldest continuously celebrated Jewish festival. • Jewish people eat matzos, a flat, unleavened bread made of flour and water, during the Passover holiday. They do this to remember their ancestors who, in order to escape from slavery in Egypt, left in such a hurry that there was no time for their dough to rise.

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• During Passover, the Coca-Cola bottling company of New York makes Coke that is kosher for Passover. Sugar is used instead of corn syrup, because corn is not considered kosher for Passover. • Children play an important role in the Passover celebration. During the Seder dinner, the youngest child at the table generally asks four questions, the answers to which explain “why this night is different from all other nights.”

EASTER TRIVIA • Each year nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies are made. When it comes to eating of chocolate bunnies, the ears are preferred to be eaten first by as many as 76% of people. • Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25 and is now celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon, which happens on, or after March 21, the Spring Equinox. 8

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

• The first Easter baskets were designed as such so as to give it an appearance of a bird’s nests. • The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back from Egyptians, Gaul, Persians, Greeks and Romans, to whom the egg was a symbol of life. • Kids’ favorite Easter candy comprises of the red jellybeans.

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✼ Family F.Y.I. Discussing Body Odor with Tweens and Choosing the Right Deodorant Kathryn Holdforth, mother of two and founder of JK Naturals, provides tips for handling these delicate situations.

ne of the most challenging aspects for parents to deal with as their child transitions into a teen is the body developments that seem to occur overnight, especially body odor. The tween years are an ideal time to speak with your child about sweat and odors as well as introducing and getting them in the habit of wearing deodorant. But some of the most common ingredients found in deodorant and antiperspirant such as aluminum, parabens (a preservative) or synthetic ingredients including fragrance oils are known toxins and can be harmful to your tween’s body. Below are some tips from Kathryn Holdforth for approaching this sensitive subject with your children and deciding on the right deodorant for them to use.

Talking to Your Tween about Body Odor: • Be proactive and respectful. This is a discussion your tween or teen needs to have with someone who has their best interest at heart. How you talk to your child about body odor will depend a lot on your relationship with your child. If your child is used to you being direct, simply telling them they need a shower and to use deodorant can do the trick. However, if your child is more sensitive or easily embarrassed, choose your words carefully. Parents can act subtly by leaving a deodorant on their bathroom counter or by opening up the conversation during a shopping trip while picking up deodorant for themselves. How you approach the subject will depend on your child and his/her personality. • Explain the changes and reassure them it is normal. It is important that parents take the time to explain to their children about the different changes that are and will be taking place with their body. There are plenty of helpful books and websites that can help assist parents with this difficult and sometimes uncomfortable talk; one of my favorites is Teen World Confidential. Throw in a personal experience in the discussion so that your child knows this is a common situation that everyone will have to go through at some age. For more information on the how bodies change and what causes that lead to body odor, check out this blog post. • Tips, tricks and tools. Explain how taking baths or showers every day can help keep bacteria off their body, which will help reduce body odor. Sometimes just knowing there is a purpose to washing can help encourage them to not cut corners in the shower. Introduce clean personal care products, like deodorant that eliminates body odor when used regularly. Or better yet, allow them to choose one for themselves following the guidelines below.

What to look for when choosing a deodorant: • Check the label. Ignore what it says on the front of the label, this is all marketing to get you to buy it.

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Instead, read the ingredient deck on the back of the label, that’s where the truth lies. • Look for clean ingredients. Products that contain organic and 100% natural ingredients are ideal. Avoid products that contain synthetic chemicals, colorants and fragrances. These ingredients can get into your bloodstream and a large number of them are considered ‘hormone disruptors’. • Buy deodorants rather than antiperspirants. Deodorants do not contain aluminum, which is a controversial ingredient that may have many negative effects on one’s health. Its job is to stop the body from sweating, a function that is necessary to eliminate toxins and cool the body down. Clean deodorants, on the other hand, simply stop odor-causing bacteria. There are no clean antiperspirants. • Trial and error. Sometimes the first couple of deodorants your children try might not work out for them for various reasons such as the scent or allergic reactions. Remind them to keep an open mind and not get frustrated while searching for the right deodorant. Once you are able to find the one your child will use regularly, buy a small supply to keep on hand and for stashing in gym or sports bags. • Beware of delicious-sounding aromas. Avoid scents like bubblegum, melon, tropical fruits like mango, papaya, etc. or any kind of berry such as plum, strawberry and blueberry. These are synthetic fragrances created in a lab and can contain up to 300 chemicals in one fragrance. Stick with products that use pure, steam-distilled essential oils if you like scented products. These fragrances are the pure essences found in the leaves, bark, and/or flowers of botanical plants and the peels of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, etc. Not only do they smell great, they can offer many beneficial properties that can improve one’s health and mood.

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School’s Out

Last-Minute April Vacation Itineraries By Alyson Gregory

et’s face it—a great slice of the pie that is the busy life of working parents with young children despite a (very) marked up central calendar organizer with a lot of helpful stickers seems often unplanned, hectic, and well—last-minute. But the good news is it’s never too late to plan a family escape that comes with its own advantages like finding better deals, getting a whack at being spontaneous, and even being able to better plan for activities because you have an up-to-date weather forecast! Check out these close-by family itineraries for an impromptu escape that keeps the planning and the packing light.

Vermont

April 1 kicks off daily summer hours and a day of free ice cream at Billings Farm & Museum, a famed and fully operational Jersey dairy farm and outdoor heritage museum. The extensive farm life exhibits and hands-on programs for all ages is the perfect way to play outside with your kids and horse around. In addition to the livestock barns and daily activity schedule, you can meet the farm’s newest additions and visit the open dairy bar at April Vacation Week’s special event weekend. April 19, 20, Baby Farm Animal Celebration; www.billingsfarm. org

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Woodstock

A pretty stroll from the farm takes you into the charming village of Woodstock, quintessentially tucked into the Green Mountains where you can explore local craftsmanship and farm-to-table restaurants, and purchase Vermont made gifts to take home. Stay at the destination Woodstock Inn & Resort for a cozy and elegant stay in the heart of town then soak up the April sky at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park, VT’s only national park. Learn a thing or two about sugarhouses and buy some of Vermont’s purest at the Cheese & Maple Syrup Sugarbush Farm before you head out, and traverse at least a few miles on the Crossroad of Vermont Byway even if it’s the wrong direction. Make a last deliberate stop at Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon, and one of New England’s most visited natural wonders.

Cape Cod

One of the Cape’s best-kept secrets is Spring, and April vacation is the absolute perfect time to explore its hidden gems sans beach stickers! Reserve a spot at the Family JAMboree and learn how to cook jam together with your child in the 1903 kitchen at Cape Cod’s Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen. April 18,19.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, EAST SANDWICH

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Breathe in the salty air and let loose on the tidal flats at Paines Creek in Brewster, then head to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History down the road to explore the indoor and outdoor nature education center. Secure your child’s spot for a free-hand silhouette profile created by artist Marcella Comerford hosted by the museum for visiting families. Portraits in Silhouette, April 19.

Brewster

Wow your kids with a stop at the Eat Cake 4 Breakfast bakery before you leave Brewster and stay at the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club featuring two indoor pools. Take your wet and wild up a notch with a stay at the Cape Codder Resort, action-packed with an indoor water park.

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KENT FALLS STATE PARK, CONNECTICUT Surprise your kids on the way with a stop at the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange at exit 41, and experience 4,000 square feet of PEZ-orama, including the world’s largest PEZ dispenser and memorabilia dispenser collection. Which one will be their favorite? Of course, everyone needs a free day to explore built into their itinerary, and spring is the perfect time to behold Connecticut’s most visited waterfall at Kent Falls State Park. Choosing from all the delicious food and treats in the charming town of Kent full of specialty shops and cafes won’t be easy, but finding a perfect picnic spot will! How about near one of CT’s last covered bridges? Bulls Bridge also makes for an inspiring family photo backdrop. Looking for one more stop on the way home? Make it Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, where there’s always something happening and scavenger hunts you can print out for the kids ahead of your trip. Bridgeport, CT www.beardsleyzoo.com Continued next page >>>

Connecticut

Book a room at the newly renovated Hilton Mystic with an indoor pool and visit Mystic Seaport’s Pirate Days, April 16, 17, www.mysticseaport.org, for a memorable stop and home to an authentic whaling and shipbuilding village. Keep cruising down I-95 the next day to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, New England’s #1 aquarium featuring the largest IMAX theatre in the state! Check out the schedule and take a family vote before you go! Norwalk, CT www.maritimeaquarium.org

SOUTHDOWN SHEEP, BILLINGS FARM April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

<<< Continued from page 11

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April 13th–Opening Day Join this historic village on opening day for a truly unique and delightful outdoor experience visiting the farm and gardens, living history interpreters, and the cherished hands-on children’s Discovery Barn. Baby Animals special event kicks off the April season so you can take a first look at the newborn animals on the farm— and even schedule a behind-the-scenes tour for your whole family to meet the barn babies close up. With woodworking, weaving, pony rides, balloon art, and more, this is the place to ring in spring! www.hancockshakervillage.org

April Coop Kids

1400 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 617-499-2000 SATURDAY, APRIL 6 at 11:00 AM www.TheCoop.com CELEBRATE NATIONAL POETRY MONTH www.facebook.com/TheHarvardCoop With poems and a fun craft!

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Celebrate April Showers with Rain Stories & Craft!

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Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Petting Zoo with Baby Animals Local Author Sara Levine Featuring Her New Book Flower Talk - Readings at 1:30pm and 2:30pm - Earth Friendly Crafts - Outdoor Activities - Join us for a fun filled afternoon to celebrate Spring! Ages 1-8 Registration Required www.HarvardCoop.eventbrite.com Every Tuesday - Storytime @ 11am. Children ages 1 to 6 and their caregivers are welcome to join us for stories and snacks. All events are free and open to the public.

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Old Sturbridge Village

April 13, 14, 20, 21 Family Farm Fest days in April invite you to join the Village to kick off the season with the snuggly newborn heritage breed of lambs, chicks, and other barn animals. Families will learn about 19th century agriculture, try their hand at old-fashioned chores, and enjoy a countryside wagon ride at this largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast. Start reading the Little House series if you haven’t already because “Laura Ingalls Wilder” will be in character and on hand to answer all of your questions about life on the prairie! www.osv.org

Sessions Grades K-8 Grades 9-12

summer arts for children and teens

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Registration for Grades K-8 and 9-12 is currently open. This summer at the Danforth, children will enjoy experimenting with a wide variety of materials, creating sculptures, drawings, paintings, and other artwork. Our weekly, full-day program includes a tour of the Danforth Art Museum, mid-day breaks outside, and curbside drop off and pickup. Our three hour classes for teens allow for concentrated study taught by professional artists and university professors.

DANFORTH ART more F ASCHOOL M I L Y A D V ELearn NTU R E and register online: danforth.framingham.edu AT FRAMINGHAM STATE Meet a dozen heritage breeds of baby animals (and their moms), under a tent UNIVERSITY on museum grounds. A family-friendly opportunity to learn more about typical domestic livestock on New Hampshire farms from the 1600s to today.

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✼ Bookshelf

By Mary Ann Scheuer

Celebrating Earth Day

uild on kids’ curiosity and explore the natural world as you celebrate Earth Day. These terrific books will help young readers learn about the environment and how we can all do our part to protect it. “Boom! Bellow! Bleat!: Animal Poems for Two or More Voices,” by Georgia Heard, illustrated by Aaron DeWitt (Wordsong / Highlights; ages 4-8; $17.95, 32 pp.) This playful collection of poems are created for two readers, making it perfect for kids to join in as they join in the twaang, growl, and chhhhhchhhhh-chhhhh of the animal world. “Daniel Finds a Poem,” by Micha Archer (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Random House; ages 5-9; $16.99; 32 pp.). A curious boy with dark curly hair and wide wondering eyes, explores the meaning of poetry as he wanders through his local park and neighborhood, watching and asking different animals for their views on what poetry is. A perfect invitation to explore the natural world. “Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table,” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Eric-Shabazz Larkin (Readers to Eaters; ages 5-9; $9.95; 32 pp.). “Will Allen can see what others can’t see. When he sees kids, he sees farmers.” To bring

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

“Seashells: More Than a Home,” by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen (Charlesbridge; ages 4-8; $16.99; 32 pp.). Did you know that seashells can help animals rise and fall like a submarine? Or sink and stay steady like an anchor? This book is perfect for developing enquiring minds, helping children think about design and engineering in nature.

this vision to life, Allen created Growing Power, an innovative urban farm in Milwaukee. Readers will come away energized to create their own gardens, whether it’s in patio pots, a window sill or a neighborhood plot. “Fly Guy Presents: Garbage & Recycling,” by Tedd Arnold (Scholastic; ages 5-9; $3.99; 32 pp.). In this nonfiction companion to the ever-popular Fly Guy series, Fly Guy and Buzz visit a landfill and a recycling plant to discover where their garbage goes. Readers will learn about garbage trucks, trash sorting, bacteria, and the recycling process. Engaging and informative.

“The Garden” (Confetti Kids), by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Shirley NgBenitez (Lee & Low; ages 5-7; $5.95; 32 pp.). New readers will enjoy this warmly inclusive story, centering around a young girl who volunteers at a urban community garden near her new home. Part of the Confetting Kids series, this story features a diverse cast of kids and easy-to-read text. “It’s Our Garden: From Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden,” by George Ancona (Candlewick; ages 5-9; $6.99; 48pp.). Colorful photographs and clear texts chronicles a year in the life of an elementary school garden in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Perfect to help plant dreams for communities wanting to create school gardens.

“The Tree Lady,” by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster; ages 6-10; $17.99; 32 pp.). In the late 1800s, Kate Sessions helped transform San Diego’s City Park from a barren park into today’s large urban, tree-filled Balboa Park. Kate’s can-do spirit and her commitment to urban gardens is celebrated in this uplifting biography. “When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons,” by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Jule Morstad (Roaring Brook / Macmillan; ages 7-10; $18.99; 52 pp.). Fogliano captures the wonder and joy children feel as they watch crocuses peek out “just like / a tiny blue hello” or flowers “lean / and bend toward the light” on a spring day. Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian. Find more books Mary Ann recommends sharing with children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http://greatkidbooks. blogspot.com.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling By Sarah Lyons

ransitioning your child to becoming an older sibling is both exciting and challenging. While adding another child to the family provides your older child with a lifelong friend and playmate, the soonto-be big sibling may feel reluctant to share their turf. Many parents worry about how their child will react to a new baby in the house and do their best to reassure their big kid that they are still very much loved and an important part of the family. There are some things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone. Here’s some simple do’s and don’ts for each stage of the process of adjusting to a newborn in the home.

DURING PREGNANCY What to expect: Your child may anticipate that a change is coming as they watch you prepare the nursery and get things in order. They may start to act up because they don’t fully understand what is going on and the idea of a new baby seems abstract.

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Do’s and Don’ts • Do put off big changes like potty training or transitioning to a big kid bed • Do get a baby doll for big brother or sister to practice baby care • Do read books about families who add a new baby to the house • Do take the siblings class at the hospital, if offered and age appropriate • Do spend extra time with your child and reassure them that you love them • Don’t blame your limitations on the baby or the pregnancy which can create negativity associated with the baby • Don’t promise an instant playmate

Many parents worry about how their child will react to a new baby in the house and do their best to reassure their big kid that they are still very much loved and an important part of the family. AT THE HOSPITAL

Do’s and Don’ts

What to expect: When your child visits you at the hospital expect them to be off of their routine and possibly out of sorts. Your child may feel scared because they see mom in bed and they may worry you are sick. Some kids will seem aloof, worried, or act up because they are unsure of their surroundings. They may also feel nervous about meeting the baby everyone is excited about.

• Do let them help with baby care (bring a diaper to mom, go get a clean blanket, sing a song to baby) • Do set aside time to spend time alone with your big kid • Do let them know baby loves them and looks up to them • Do set up for distractions - have some books available to read while you are nursing or busy with baby care • Do make baby wait while you help your big kid • Do show them the benefits of being a big kid - big kids eat ice cream, play at the park, watch movies, and stay up later • Do reassure them you love them • Don’t place expectations that are too high • Don’t expect things to be exactly the same as before. Whenever you add another person to the family, it is a big transition. Things will be different. • Don’t be surprised if your child has some behavior issues, try to be patient with their reaction to a new little one in the house

Do’s and Don’ts • Do greet them excitedly • Do make a big deal about the baby and the new big sibling • Do give them some undivided attention • Do take lots of photos of the big sibling moments • Do have some items to play with during the visit • Don’t frighten them when it comes to holding the baby • Don’t stay too long, know your child’s time limitations

AT HOME What to expect: It is normal for your child to feel left out and jealous. Your child may go out of their way to get extra attention in both a positive and negative way. It’s normal for your child to have a variety of emotions as they adjust - excitement, joy, and pride but also sadness, frustration, and jealousy. It takes time to adjust to a new family member.

Adding another child to the family is a huge transition for any family. In time, things do fall into a routine and you will not remember when your newborn wasn’t part of the family. Your new big sibling will soon adjust to your growing family and develop a pride in their role as the older sibling. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mother.

April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

#ART WEEKMA

APRIL 26 - MAY 5 HUNDREDS OF CREATIVE EVENTS STATEWIDE MANY FREE!

explore our event calendar at ARTWEEKMA.ORG 20

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Calendar

Earth Day Celebration April 20, 2019 Providence Children’s Museum 100 South St., Providence, R.I. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 401-273-5437 childrenmuseum.org

Celebrate the beauty of the earth and design weavings and mandalas of natural materials, using fibers, shells, stones, flowers and leaves. This extra special Earth Day weekend will feature stories and storytelling every hour on the hour, from a list of favorite children’s books collected by PCM’s staff and volunteers. Free with admission. April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

1 Monday April Fools 9am - 5pm, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. A silly scavenger hunt will have you solving riddles and finding funny objects in surprising spots. Free with admission. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org

MFA Playdates 10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries. Free with admission. 617-2679300; mfa.org

2 Tuesday Visit the Japanese House 11am, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. Experience Japanese family life, customs, ceremonies, art, architecture and seasonal events in this 100-year-old house. Free with admission. 617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

Toddler Tuesdays 10am – 2pm, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville. Special toddler activities and story time for the youngest LEGO fans. Adults, $16; youth ages 3-5, $14. 866-228- 6439; legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ boston

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Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing

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Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

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3 Wednesday Go Fly a Kite! 11am, The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. April is National Kite Month! Help us celebrate by joining us on a kite walk. We’ll take a short walk to a field in the conservation land and try flying some kites. Bring your own kite or try one of ours! Free with admission. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org

4 Thursday South Shore Conservatory Presents Performathon 2019

5 Friday

Friday, April 12—Cambridge Science Festival

CMGLEE, WIKIMEDIA

April 4-7, Times vary, Barnes and Noble at Derby Street, 96 Derby Street Hingham. More than just a performance, this event is designed to engage students, parents and faculty in raising money to support SSC’s tuition assistance program. Audience members, parents and friends of SSC are encouraged to lend their support by sponsoring a participant. 781-749-7565; sscmusic.org

the first Friday night of the month! FREE. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org

6 Saturday

First Friday Night Free 4:30-8pm, The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Join us with free admission and explore both museums— and Discovery Woods while there’s still daylight—on

Teen Birders: Woodcock Walk 6- 9pm, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln Join in for an evening hike to view a most unusual

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer STEM Programs Lego Engineering, Robotic Programming, Stop Motion Animation, and Minecraft!

WWW.LETGOYOURMIND.COM

AMUSEMENT

EV3

PARK RIDES

April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

and interesting courtship ritual. The male’s Woodcock’s display is a series of peents, twitters, and chirps as he first prances on the ground and then spirals rapidly upward, circles and drifts down. This spectacle takes place in fields and shrubby wetlands at twilight, and Drumlin Farm is a great place to view it. Registration Required 781-259-2200; massaudubon.org

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

21 months12 years

Wizarding Day at Franklin Park Zoo! 10am, Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. Join in for a magical day at Franklin Park Zoo as they bring the wizarding world to you! Attend Quidditch lessons with the Tufts University Quidditch team, The Tufflepuffs, and enjoy magic tricks. Free with admission. 617-989-3742; franklinparkzoo.org 11am, Coolidge Corner Theatre 290 Harvard Street, Brookline. Before the film, bee expert Dr. Noah WilsonRich explains why bees are important, why they are disappearing, and how backyard beekeepers can help save them. $6. 617-734-2500; www.coolidge.org

June 24-August 16: Summer Program August 19-23: Community Camp •Swimming

11am – 4 pm, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. Imagine, discover and explore a world that’s too small to see with nano-related activities such as presentations, juggling and a hands on lab. Free with admission. 617-7232500; mos.org

Science on Screen Jr.: Bee Movie

June 17-21: Community Camp

•Music & Arts

NanoDays

Special Storytime: Aaron Becker

•STEAM

•Field Trips

•Montessori Mornings •Outdoor Adventures

SUMMER 2019 www.cambridgemontessori.org

2 pm, The Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Join Caldecott Honor artist Aaron Becker as he reads from his new book You Are Light, an elegant ode to the phenomenon of light. Becker will discuss his creative process and invite guests to create their own lightinspired art project using translucent papers. Book signing to follow program. Free with admission. 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org

1,137 ACRES OF ADVENTURE

1/18/2019 12:18:18 PM

University invites Boston-based audiences to attend community concerts just down the street from Symphony Hall, taking advantage of the Fenway Center’s outstanding acoustics and location. Adults $20, up to 4 children 18 and under are free with an adult. 888-266-1200; bso.org

JOHN PHELAN, WIKIMEDIA

Boston Marathon® Activities Noon – 3 pm, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. Do you like to run? Know someone who likes to run? Or do you just like to learn about the science behind endurance running and training? Come visit us and learn more about what it takes to train for a long distance race like the Boston Marathon®. Free with Exhibit Halls admission. 617723-2500; mos.org

The Yo-Yo People Saturday, April 13—Sheep & Wool Festival, Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary

The Amazing Nano Brothers Juggling Show 1pm & 3 pm, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. Fun for the whole family, this comedy show is all about the mysteries of matter — including atoms, molecules, and nanotechnology. Join brothers Dan and Joel as they juggle everything from potted plants to tennis rackets, sometimes from atop seven-foot unicycles. Free with Exhibit Halls admission. 617-723-2500; mos.org

11am, The Center for Arts in Natick, 14 Summer Street, Natick. As three-time Guinness World Record Holders, this husband and wife duo know how to impress a crowd with their yo-yo feats. $12 Adults, $10 Children. 508-647-0097; www.natickarts.org

Opening Day: Swan Boats 10am – 5pm, Public Garden, Boston. A sure sign of spring, Boston Public Garden’s famous swan boats make their first appearance of the year. Adults $4; youth, $2.50. swanboats. com

Big Night Amphibian Adventure! 6-8:30pm, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. Tour the lantern-lit trails with a guided group and encounter costumed characters waiting to teach you about amphibians through their stories and songs. Inside we›ll have live specimens from vernal pools, make crafts, and view a slide show about the animals that live in these «wicked big puddles.»$5. 508-528-3140; massaudubon.org

7 Sunday South Shore Conservatory Presents Performathon 2019 April 4-7, Times vary, Barnes and Noble at Derby Street, 96 Derby Street Hingham. More than just a performance, this event is designed to engage students, parents and faculty in raising money to support SSC’s tuition assistance program. Audience members, parents and friends of SSC are encouraged to lend their support by sponsoring a participant. 781-749-7565; sscmusic.org

12 Friday Cambridge Science Festival Various locations, Cambridge. An annual showcase of science, technology, engineering and math, featuring dozens of events, many of them free. The Science Carnival and Robot Zoo is a family favorite. Through April 21. cambridgesciencefestival.org

13 Saturday BSO Family Concert Noon, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston. The BSO’s Community Chamber Music Series at Northeastern

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS Our mission is to create an early childhood program that fulfills the cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs of what is known to be the most significant period of human development. Friends Childcare offers an exciting, creative curriculum, as well as fun and stimulating learning activities for all age groups. Tailor-made schedule 7AM-6PM, 5 days a week. Regular in-house enrichment programs such as nature exploration, music, gross motor program, and baby massage are included in the tuition.

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Patriots’ Day Weekend Various locations, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington. Parades, pancake breakfasts and historical reenactments fill the weekend leading up to this holiday commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Through April 15. FREE. www.battleroad.org

Sheep & Wool Festival 1 - 4pm, Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. Meet the flock, learn how sheep are sheared and how the fleece become hats and mittens. Registration required. Adults, $10; youth, $5. 978464-2712; massaudubon.org

14 Sunday Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk 11:30am – 3pm, Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS Ū

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Little People’s Playhouse

Ave., Newton. A one-mile race, up and down famed Heartbreak Hill. Rather walk? Join the Family Walk at 11:30am. Adults $15, Child $12. newtoncommunitypride. org

15 Monday – Patriot’s Day Patriots’ Day in Lexington The re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington will be held on the Lexington Green starting at 5:30am, the time of the original battle held on April 19, 1775. Followed by the Patriot’s Day Parade at 2:00pm. FREE. lexingtonhistory.org

Patriots’ Day 9am – 4pm, Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord. After the Patriots’ Day parade, stop by the Museum to enjoy patriotic crafts, try on colonial clothing and more. Free with admission. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

17 Wednesday Wingmasters 10 am - 2pm Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Meet and learn about majestic birds of prey such as a glorious golden eagle, a tiny owl, a redtailed hawk and a falcon. Free with admission. 401-2735437; childrenmuseum.org

Mad Science 11am-2pm Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Mad Science puts on an exciting show that explores, balance, energy, chemistry, physics, and so much more…all while being presented in a dynamic and interactive way to captivate and educate curious young minds! Free with admission. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org

19 Friday Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic! 2 pm, Agganis Arena at Boston University, 925 Commonwealth Avenue Boston. Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street! Introducing an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in

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Sunday, April 21—Celebrate Earth Day at Stone Zoo

Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

Party for the Planet 10am – 3pm, Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. Celebrate Earth Day by some of the birds that call Boston home. $20. 617-989-3742; franklinparkzoo.org

Celebrate Earth Day at Stone Zoo 10am, Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham. In celebration of Earth Day, learn about the zoo’s conservation initiatives and meet an animal up close at the Education Station located across from the flamingo exhibit. Free with admission. 617-989-3742; www.zoonewengland. org

Earth Day 10am – 5pm, various locations, Concord. Giant puppets, stilt walkers, dancers and more will parade from the Old Saturday, April 13—Opening Day: Swan Boats, Boston Public Gardens

the neighborhood. Through 4/21. $25 and up. www. sesamestreetlive.com

MetLife Family Friday – Free at Five! 5pm, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. The Museum is open free from 5:00 - 8:00 PM for “MetLife Family Friday – Free at Five!,” sponsored by MetLife Foundation. Stay out late and splash, play, explore and discover! FREE. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org

arrives a barnyard full of wide-eyed baby animals. Adults $10, Child $5. (781) 740-7233; ttor.org

21 Sunday – Happy Easter Easter Egg Dash Noon, Paragon Carousel 205 Nantasket Ave., Hull. Kids can join in on the popular Easter Egg Dash before a ride on the carousel, which opens Easter weekend. 6 and under. 781.925.0472; www.paragoncarousel.com

20 Saturday

CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT

Baby Animals – Heritage Breeds at the Banke April 20-28, 10 am-5 pm, Strawbery Banke welcomes Spring with the annual Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke, showcasing a variety of more than a dozen heirloom breeds of Barnyard Baby Animals (and their moms) that would have been familiar to earlier generations. $10 for adults; $5 for children 5-17; free to those younger and active military and their families. 603-433-1100; strawberybanke.org

Happier Family Comedy Show

GET THE BEST REPORT CARD YET! GET AHEAD IN MATH & READING. Join us as we play math games, read books and apply our studies to our daily lives. Call in today to reserve a slot! TM

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3 pm, The Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Their Happier Family Comedy Show is all about letting creativity flourish in an accepting atmosphere. Each improv show is an hour-long, all new, and created on the spot based on audience members’ suggestions and participation. $5 with admission. 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org

Making a Difference One Skater at a Time

Earth Day Celebration 11 am - 3pm Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence, R.I. Celebrate the beauty of the earth and design weavings and mandalas of natural materials, using fibers, shells, stones, flowers and leaves. This extra special Earth Day weekend will feature stories and storytelling every hour on the hour, from a list of favorite children’s books collected by PCM’s staff and volunteers. Free with admission. 401-273-5437; childrenmuseum.org

Open Barnyard - Weir River Farm

BP201819

10 am– 2 pm, Weir River Farm, 140 Turkey Hill Ln, Hingham. Spring has arrived at the farm – and with it April 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Manse to The Umbrella Arts Center, followed by an Earth Day celebration. FREE. 978-371-0820; theumbrellaarts.org

23 Tuesday Peek a Blue Hike

Saturday, April 20—Open Barnyard, Weir River Farm

Does your child exhibit the tics that deﬁne

Tourette syndrome? Let’s paint a different picture for

Tourette syndrome.

25 Thursday Baby Animals – Heritage Breeds at the Banke April 20-28, 10 am-5 pm, Strawbery Banke welcomes Spring with the annual Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke, showcasing a variety of more than a dozen heirloom breeds of Barnyard Baby Animals (and their moms) that would have been familiar to earlier generations. $10 for adults;

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Boston Parents Paper | April 2019

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JOHN PHELAN, WIKIMEDIA

11am, Houghton’s Pond, 840 Hillside St., Milton. A free, one hour guided hike for kids, including a simple scavenger hunt and refreshments. FREE. 781-828-1805; friendsofthebluehills.org

and tales around the campfire. Adults, $10; youth, free. 781-740-7233; ttor.org. Family Owl Prowl, 7pm, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. Practice owl calls and meet some of the museum’s resident owls before going on a night hike to search for them. Registration required. $10. 617-983-8500; massaudon.org. Stargazing: Jewels of the Night, 7pm, North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main St., Marshfield. Join astronomy enthusiast Peter Reed as he guides you through the constellations. Registration required. $13. 781-837-9400; massaudubon.org.

with refreshments by the fire. $10 per car. 978-886-5297; ttor.org.

31 Tuesday WEST Backwards Storytime, 10am, The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Celebrate National Backwards Day with silly stories and activities. Free with admission. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org.

JOHN PHELAN, WIKIMEDIA

ENTERTAINMENT & PARTY NEEDS Celebrate everything in 2017 at

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9am - noon, Sites along the Charles River and its offering tributaries. More than 3,000 volunteersNow will pick up litter, GLUTEN-FREE items remove invasive species and assist with park maintenance. Cakes, Cookies, FREE. 781.788.0007; crwa.org

DCR Park Service Day

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HUNTERS HAVEN FARM 9am, Houghton’s Pond, 840 Hillside St., Milton. Friends 1356 Beacon St., Brookline 104 King St., Groveland, MA of Blue Hills to help clear the trails. Activities may 617-566-3330 978-373-1300 involve raking, digging out water bars and culverts, www.partyfavorsbrookline.com HuntersHavenFarm.com cutting branches or removing invasive plants. Includes a hike to theParents work Paper sites. |Wear long 34 Boston January 2017pants and gloves. Tools, water, snacks and lunch provided. FREE. 781-828-1805; friendsofthebluehills.org

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28 Sunday Art in Bloom Community Day 10am - 4pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. View floral arrangements inspired by the MFA’s collection. Special family programs on April 29. Free with admission. 617-267-9330; mfa.org

2016 2018 TOP 10

Parents Choice Award er ner nne Win Wiinn W

Gore Place Sheepshearing Festival 10 am - 5 pm, Gore Place, 54 Gore Street, Waltham. one of the great New England festivals enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Those attending will see demonstrations of sheep shearing and herding dogs and shop in one of the region’s biggest and best craft fairs. Adults, $20; youth under 12 are free. (781) 894-2798; goreplace.org

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April Vacation Week Kids Get in Free! Tuesday–Friday, April 16–19 Make art, see performances, and join a story hour at Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures.

Photo courtesy Tony Rinaldo

Don’t miss Junior Artists, free drop-in art making every Saturday at 10:30 am.

mfa.org/vacation