Boston Parent July 2018

JULY 2018

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

1

At The Carle!

Paddington™ Comes to America Through October 7, 2018 The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is proud to present the first American exhibition to celebrate Paddington —and just in time for the 60th anniversary of the classic book that started it all.

This exhibition is generously supported by HarperCollins Children’s Books, global publisher of the Paddington Bear books since 1958 and YOTTOY Productions, long term toy partner of Paddington in the US since 1995. R. W. Alley, Illustration for A Bear Called Paddington, HarperCollins, 2007.

Courtesy of the artist. © R. W. Alley 2018.

125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA

413.559.6300

www.carlemuseum.org

2

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

Contents July 2018 Volume 33 • Number 11

WINNER Animals and Nature Summer Camps: Mass Audubon

16 What’s Inside

11

4 Family F.Y.I.

Yankee Doodle Pedestrian Safety Hot Diggity Dog

8 Bookshelf 9 A Summer’s Day in Concord 31 Calendar of Events 38 Highland Street Fun Fridays

Directories 13 Entertainment

and Party Needs 33 Classes, Camps and

Summer Programs 34 Schools, Preschools & Childcare

TM

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

100 Free Destinations

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/

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

3

✼ Family F.Y.I.

Yankee Doodle

Fun Free Fridays

T

he Highland Street Foundation is providing its tenth annual Free Fun Fridays initiative, a summer program that offers visitors nocost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. One-hundred destinations, from art museums to zoos, will join the program, an increase from the 84 venues that took part in 2017. This summer, each week for 10 consecutive Fridays — beginning June 29th and continuing through August 24th—multiple venues will welcome visitors, free-of-charge.

Over the course of the past decade, the Newton-based Highland Street Foundation, a family-directed organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for Massachusetts children and families, has invested $6.2 million in cultivating a game-changing opportunity for families and the state’s cultural institutions, both small and large.

“When we started Free Fun Fridays, the goal “Now in its 10th year, was simple: make it free, make it fun and make it happen on Friday,” Highland Street Foundation Free Fun Fridays are here to offer enrichment, Executive Director Blake Jordan said. “Now in its 10th year, Free Fun Fridays are here to offer entertainment and education in every region enrichment, entertainment and education in every of the state. In 2018, we region of the state. In 2018, we are proud to offer the most extensive list of participating venues ever. are proud to offer the It is going to be a great summer.” most extensive list of “It is very important to keep our children active participating venues ever. and productive during the summer months,” Boston It is going to be a great Mayor Marty Walsh said. “Free Fun Fridays are a summer.” great opportunity for kids and families in Boston and throughout the commonwealth to spend time together participating in fun activities while learning at the same time.”

Free Fun Fridays is one of many programs created and supported by the Highland Street Foundation to increase access and opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts..

For a complete list of dates and participating museums see page 38 in the calendar in this issue or to learn more about the Free Fun Fridays and Highland Street Foundation, visit www.highlandstreet.org or connect on facebook.com/HighlandStreet and Twitter @HighlandStreet.

4

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

As we celebrate our country’s independence this month, here’s an interesting fact: “Yankee Doodle,” the beloved ditty we know as a patriotic tune, was originally sung before the American Revolution by, wait for it, British military officers.

They were poking fun at the Yankees who they believed to be disorganized and, in modern terms, a hot mess. Joke was on them in the end

2,500,000 In 1776, the year the United States was born, the country clocked in at just 2.5 million residents living through the initial 13 states. In 2016, however, the Census Bureau estimated our population to include a whopping 326.8 million folks across the current 50 states. Pretty crazy to think that’s a 12,972 percent increase in 240 years! That’s a lot of people celebrating on the 4th of July

at n u F r e Summ cket Ja d e R ! s t r Reso

CAPE COD OCEANFRONT RESORTS PRIVATE BEACHES KIDS’ CLUB | GOLF | SPA Enjoy family fun activities including: Magic Shows, Outdoor Movies, Circus Workshop, Marshmallow Roasts and more!

Our 2 night package includes: 1 Admission per guest to the Whydah Pirate Museum 1 round of miniature golf per guest at Skull Island Adventure Golf Fun Pirate Bounty OFFER CODE: PIRATE

• • •

BUY TICKETS AT BOCHCENTER.ORG BOCH CENTER BOX OFFICE 800.982.2787

Boch Center is a trademark of The Wang Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

800-227-3263

RedJacketResorts.com July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

5

✼ Family F.Y.I. Pedestrian Safety

By Deirdre Walsh Trauma Center Boston Children’s Hospital

Things That Go Pop!

S

ummer means warm weather and that means more walks.

Whether it’s to a park or just a casual stroll, injuries can occur if you are not careful. Surprisingly, 40,000 children are injured each year as pedestrians. The good news is that most of these injuries are easily preventable. Eighty percent of child pedestrian deaths occur at non-intersection locations so make sure to teach children to cross at intersections or a street corner and to never cross between parked cars. When getting ready to cross the street, it is important for children to look left, right and left again, they should also make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Children should keep watch for cars turning or backing up and should never dart out into the street.

A sidewalk or established path is preferable but if that isn’t an option, teach your children to walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. If your child has to walk at night, make sure to dress them in bright clothing and/or reflective gear.

Distracted walking is very common for children and adults. Set an example by putting your phone down and keeping your head up while walking. Headphones should not be worn as they could cause you to miss a car horn or other warning signal that a vehicle is approaching. If you do wear them, turn the volume off or pull down from ears while crossing the street. Teach your children that it is ok to speak up if they see a distracted pedestrian who might be in danger.

Bikers are becoming more common, especially in the city.

Though many use hand signals and follow the rules of the road, some may not. Teach your child to check for bikers before crossing the street as they may not stop at red light like a car will.

Walking, especially in the nice weather, can be a fun and relaxing experience. By teaching your children a few simple rules, it can be a safe activity for the whole family to enjoy.

6

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

Attending the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th should be on every Bostonian’s bucket list, but did you know the orchestra is the most recorded in the country? Currently in their impressive 133th season, the name Boston Pops came from the term “Popular Concerts,” which is what their performances were called back in the late 1800s.

Hot

Diggity Dog! July is National Hot Dog Month and Ameri-

cans are eating ’em by the boatload. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council we purchase 350 million pounds of hot dogs at retail stores annually, the equivalent of 9 billion wieners.

And there’s even “hot dog etiquette.” For example, never put toppings between the dog and the bun – you should “dress” the hot dog itself and you are never supposed to use ketchup on your hot dog after age 18. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.

Who knew?

I-Scream, U-Scream

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan crowned July as National Ice Cream Month.

If you’re trying to keep your snacks healthy and low-cal, try this easy DIY frozen banana treat. Simply slice a few bananas and place them in a plastic baggie, then toss it in the freezer.

Once frozen, pour the slices into a food processor or blender, whiz until creamy and voilà – you’ve got a healthy and delicious take on ice cream without the dairy.

IN NETWORK PROVIDER TM

TM

2014 TOP 5

TM

2015 TOP 5

TM

TM

2016 TOP 5

TM

2017

2018

TOP 5

WINNER

2018 WINNER

Providing exemplary service since 2003

Results that make a difference...

Specializing in...

• Speech Therapy • AAC • Social Skills Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Sensory Integration Check Our Website For Monthly Educational Seminars

– New Office – Canton, Mass 781.335.6663 Weymouth, MA | Pembroke, MA | Canton, MA

www.southshoretherapies.com

usscm.org | 617-426-1812

“The best hands-on Museum I’ve seen.”

• Interactive exhibits for all ages!

• Open 7 days a week • Admission by donation July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

7

✼ Bookshelf

By Mary Ann Scheuer

Humor Hooks Developing Readers

W

e all like doing the things we have fun with. Psychoanalysts might call this the “Pleasure Principle,” but I call it common sense. So how do we help our kids discover the fun in reading?

At a recent book festival, I sat down with three local authors to talk about how humor hooks readers.

Megan McDonald writes the Judy Moody and Stink books, bringing shenanigans and hijinks, along with real -life struggles, to every chapter. Travis Nichols combines word play, comic book panels and crisp, clever capers into punchy picture books like “Betty’s Burgled Bakery.” LeUyen Pham illustrates the “Princess in Black” series with Shannon Hale.

Travis and LeUyen both started drawing from a very early age, using pictures to tell stories. Drawing was really important to both of them as they tried to find their place in the world.

Uyen talked about how she was very shy and realized that her classmates really liked the drawings she could do. She even started selling her drawings of popular movie characters to classmates!

I especially loved how Megan talked about the humor in Judy Moody stemming from how readers can relate to Judy. In the very beginning of “Judy Moody Was in a Mood” readers know just how awful it is to be in a bad mood and so we can relate to how Judy’s feeling. But we can also

8

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

laugh at how grumpy Judy gets. So while we’re empathizing with her, we’re also laughing at ourselves in a safe and gentle way.

A large part of humor is in the timing. With picture books, illustrators really work at using the page turn to create tension and set up the punchline. They also really play with kids’ expectations and then turn the tables. We had a blast listening to some of the kids’ jokes!

I also loved how they all agreed on the importance of pictures in creating the humor that hooks kids. LeUyen emphasized how reading the pictures and seeing the funny setups there were just as important as reading the words. That’s a really important message to share with young kids who are struggling with decoding.

They bring so much to the story by figuring out what’s happening in the pictures!

Travis talked about how his newest book, “Betty’s Burgled Bakery,” started from a failure. He was struggling with the follow up to “Fowl Play,” trying to focus the story on idioms, when it came to him how alliteration might be funnier and easier for kids to get.

This makes me think about the way LeUyen described incorporating her mistakes in artwork. She really likes doing artwork by hand and not just the computer, because the mistakes make her more creative and bring even more out of her drawings.

Favorite Funny Books ESPECIALLY FOR DEVELOPING READERS (AGES 6-10)

PICTURE BOOKS

• “The Bear Who Wasn’t There,” by LeUyen Pham • “Betty’s Burgled Bakery,” by Travis Nichols • “The Book With No Pictures,” by B.J. Novak • “Disgusting Critters” series,

by Elise Grave • “Fowl Play,” by Travis Nichols • “Guess Again!” by Mac Barnett • “Niño Wrestles the World,”

by Yuyi Morales

CHAPTER BOOKS

• “The Bad Guys,” by Aaron Blabey • “Bad Kitty Gets a Bath,” by Nick Bruel

• “Dory Fantasmagory,” by Abby Hanlon • “Charlie & Mouse,” by Laurel Snyder • “Judy Moody Was in a Mood,” by Megan McDonald • “Princess in Black,” by Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham • “Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid,” by Megan McDonald • “Unicorn Rescue Society,”

by Adam Gidwitz

GRAPHIC NOVELS

• “Astronaut Academy,” by Dave Roman • “Babymouse,” by Jennifer Holm • “Bird & Squirrel,” by James Burks • “Dog Man,” by Dav Pilkey • “Dragon Beware!” by Jorge Aguirre • “Hilo,” by Judd Winick • “Phoebe & Her Unicorn,” by Dana Simpson • “Real Friends,” by Shannon Hale

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

North Bridge, Concord

W

hat better place to daytrip in celebration of Independence Day than to the inaugural grounds of the American Revolution? Just 20 miles northwest of Boston, Concord is rich with Revolutionary War history, a famous little pond known as Walden you can take a dip in, and streets named for its famed 19thcentury authors and philosophers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau. And yes, it is also home of the Concord grape. Your kids will get a leg up on their history lessons, and you’ll learn more about the reasons you have a day off on Patriot’s Day, all while standing where “‘the shot heard around the world” came from. Choosing postcards to send from this prettiest small town of New England won’t be easy, and there is the promise of a tuckered-out return home. But what else could you ask for from a summer’s day? Check out this list of the notable, and grab your travel planner. Oh, and there’s ice cream.

By Alyson Gregory battle of the Revolution, April 19, 1775, comes to life here at the North Bridge, where the “shot heard around the world” at the start of the war was fired. Walk across the bridge and explore the Battle Road Trail after first visiting the visitor center in Lexington. 174 Liberty Street, Concord

Walden Pond State Reservation

Pack your pocket Thoreau and head for Walden Pond to commune with nature and get a firsthand view of what inspired the Walden experiment.

Enjoy a hike through Walden Woods and take the Pond Path to visit the replica of Thoreau’s single-room cabin, where he lived for two years

South Bridge Boat House

A sunny afternoon spent rowing tranquilly along the scenic shores of the Sudbury and Concord rivers will have you feeling as if you have sprung to life on a Renoir canvas.

Rent a canoe or kayak (doubles available) by the hour or day, and let your worries drift away. The fact that no motor vessels are allowed enhances this dreamy trip. Route 62 (496 Main Street), Concord

Bedford Farms Ice Cream

Minute Man National Historical Park

Standing in the very place the fight for independence began is aweinspiring. The day of the opening

and penned Walden. The 102-footdeep kettle pond was formed from a melting glacier and makes the perfect summer watering hole. Parking is limited; the early bird gets the worm.

915 Walden Street, Concord, walden.org

British soldiers in Concord, MA during the commemoration of Patriot Day.

Concordians agree this once-upona-time dairy farm is one sweet spot not to be missed! Bedford Farms is prized for its homemade ice cream and adventure in flavor (can you say Cherry Bomb?), so the line that seems to span a generation will be well worth the wait. The homemade ice cream sandwiches will forever elevate your idea of a Chipwich and have you wishing you were driving a freezer truck home. 68 Thoreau Street, Concord. www.bedfordfarmsicecream.com

July / August 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

9

Historic Homes and Museums The Old Manse

Steps from the North Bridge, this national historic landmark hosts guided tours portraying the Revolutionary War’s backyard beginnings and its literary residents’ magical pasts in a bucolic setting. A transcendent step back in time. Not to be missed. thetrustees.org

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

Literary home of the author of Little Women, with many authentic artifacts and family pictures and possessions.

Guided tours bring the stories and characters to life, and will surely inspire a reread of all things Alcott. Children will enjoy the garden in summer. louisamayalcott.org

Concord Museum

Americana relics, period rooms, and literary treasures with hands-on family activities. concordmuseum.org

Birthplace of Henry David Thoreau. Tours are optional.

You’ll want a picture in front of the sign if you are a Thoreau enthusiast. thoreaufarm.org Alyson Young Gregory is a native New Yorker, Bostonbased freelance writer, and mother. She has a passion for finding inspiring local activities for families.

Get Ahead this Summer with Brain Training

The kids can surely occupy themselves in this family residence whilst you take a few adult moments to admire the architecture of Bauhaus school founder Walter Gropius. This national historic landmark is a nice change of pace from the surrounding architecture and is full of surprise elements using landscape and innovative materials that will challenge notions of modern design perhaps not clashing with nature in historic New England. historicnewengland.org

Summer bounty! y!

Raspberries, blueberries, ies, heirloom tomatoes and veggies, and fresh baked ked goods every day.

Jolene Ross, Ph.D., Director

Check the website for statuss on pick-your-own raspberries raaspbbeerr erriies es and and blueberries. blu bl ueberries u uebe ue b i 143 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, wich MA Summer Summeer hours: 8-7 8 7 daily! dail

781.444.9115 • Needham

www.RussellOrchards.com facebook.com/russellorchards @russellorchards

Licensed Psychologist | Over 30 Years of Experience

www.AdvancedNeurotherapy.com

SSppAhead eeeecchh--LLThis aanngguuSummer! aa gg ee Get

H H ee aa rr ii nn gg

Speech-Language

Associates H e a of rofofiGreater n g Boston, Associates Greater Boston, PC Associates Greater Boston,PC PC Associates of Greater Boston, PC

TM

2018 TOP 5

• •Hearing tests •••Hearing services • Hearing tests •Hearing Hearing aidaid services Hearing tests aid services Hearing tests Hearing aid services • •Hearing tests • Hearing aidand services • Speech-Language Therapy for children adults • ••Speech-Language Therapy for children and adults Speech-Language Therapy for children and Speech-Language Therapy for children and adults • Occupational Therapy • Educational Therapy/ABA based • Speech-Language Therapy for children andadults adults • ••Occupational Occupational Therapy Educational Therapy/ABA based OccupationalTherapy Therapy •••Educational EducationalTherapy/ABA Therapy/ABAbased based

• Occupational Therapy • Educational Therapy/ABA Based We are in-network for most insurances Certifi ed by ASHA • Open 6 Days a Week • Some Services covered by insurance MEDFIELD • 5 North Meadows Road 508-359-4532 PLAINVILLE • 30 Man-Mar Drive 508-695-6848

Dr. Maura G. Marks,

Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A/SLP Director

WeSpeechLanguageAndHearingAssociates.com are for most insurances We are insurances We are in-network for most insurances Wein-network arein-network in-networkfor formost most insurances eded • •Open 666Days Services covered by Certified Certifi by ASHA •ASHA Open 6 Days aaaWeek Some Services covered by insurance Certifi Days Week Some Services covered by insurance Certifi edbyby byASHA ASHA • Open Open Days aWeek Week• •••Some Some Services covered byinsurance insurance

MEDFIELD • 5 North Meadows Road 508-359-4532 Dr. Maura G. Marks, MEDFIELD • •5• 55North Road 508-359-4532 Maura G. MEDFIELD North Meadows Road 508-359-4532 Dr. Maura G. Marks, MEDFIELD NorthMeadows Meadows Road 508-359-4532 Dr. Dr. Maura G.Marks, Marks, PLAINVILLE • 30 Man-Mar Drive 508-695-6848 Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A/SLP Director PLAINVILLE Ph.D., PLAINVILLE Man-Mar Drive 508-695-6848 Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A/SLP Director PLAINVILLE• •30 • 30 30Man-Mar Man-MarDrive Drive508-695-6848 508-695-6848 Ph.D.,Au.D., Au.D.,CCC-A/SLP CCC-A/SLPDirector Director

10

Children of all ages will delight in this spun-to-life Charlotte’s Web working farm complete with hayrides, a seasonal farm stand, and a fragrant learning garden jam-packed with beds of herbs. Hiking trails will afford a view of Mt. Wachusett on a clear day if you’re fixing to climb, and fresh air is in abundance. Parents applaud the clean bathrooms.

Massaudobon.org/drumlinfarm

RUSSELL ORCHARDS FARM & WINERY

Troubled by executive function struggles, ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learning/behavioral problems? We provide safe, effective, drug-free treatment that starts with a quantitative EEG brain map. Once we pinpoint discordant rhythms in the brain, our neurofeedback sessions correct brain imbalances and promote sustained improvements in function, resulting in a substantial reduction or elimination of symptoms.

We host free educational workshops: visit us online for details!

TOP 5

Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Gropius House

Thoreau Farm

2017

Stop here first to see “The Road to Revolution” multimedia presentation depicting the opening battles of the American Revolution and Paul Revere’s infamous Midnight Ride. The knowledgeable park rangers will answer all of your questions in detail, then direct you to the Battle Road Trail—a five-mile connector for biking or walking through historic sites and fields to the national park in Concord.

Open-air sculptures promise not only to miniaturize but mesmerize you with their scope and size. Spread around the stunning grounds along Flint’s Pond, these internationally acclaimed outdoor works of art make the perfect backdrop and conversation piece for your family’s picnic lunch. Remember to bring a blanket! decordova.org

Author’s house museum located across the street diagonally from the Concord Museum. ralphwaldoemersonhouse.org

TM

Minute Man Visitor Center

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Ralph Waldo Emerson House

ow Call N ree F a r o f lt Consu

Nearby Lincoln

SpeechLanguageAndHearingAssociates.com SpeechLanguageAndHearingAssociates.com SpeechLanguageAndHearingAssociates.com SpeechLanguageAndHearingAssociates.com

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

The Math Club REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER & FALL Inspiring preparation for the Mathematical Olympiad Contest and Applied Mathematics Challenge - 2019 for elementary and middle school students.

22 year program with high success rate • Fun and supportive learning environment • Builds strong math foundation • Critical thinking techniques TM

2018

781-860-9012 www.TheMathClub.com

TOP 5

Birthday outings in Boston that take the cake!

By Brian Spero

When you’re a kid, birthdays are special.

No matter the age or stage, it’s a child’s big day to feel loved and appreciated and to simply celebrate being young and alive. A birthday also provides the opportunity for parents to throw a party that marks the anniversary of one of your most momentous events while showing your child just how much she means to you.

Every child deserves at least one great birthday party that makes a memory your family will cherish forever. When you’re worn out on house parties and can’t bear another trip to the local birthday factory, head out on a destination party in Boston that totally captures what your kid’s all about!

Taking Your Party on the Road Elisabeth Accardi, founder and owner of Upon A Star Events with 18 years experience planning parties, says a local abundance of things to do is just one reason why destination birthdays make good

sense. “In Boston, you’re limited with space. Normally, people don’t have sprawling backyards or they have apartment-style homes,” she explains. Bringing the party out opens up a world of options no matter the size of your group, age of the kids and activities they’re into.

Director of marketing and sales with Boston Duck Tours, Bob Schwartz agrees Boston is the

ideal city to plan a birthday outing.

“Boston’s known as America’s walking city. It has a lot of fun things for kids to do in a small area. Basically you can walk from one side of the city to the other with no problem,” he says.

Schwartz says Duck Tours, the city’s most popular sightseeing tour, is a great fit for birthday parties. In addition to letting the kids drive a World War II-style vehicle on the

Every child deserves at least one great birthday party that makes a memory your family will cherish forever.

Charles River, they offer a customizable experience parents appreciate.

“If you want to spend a little more time in the water we can do that,” he says. “They can have cake and lunch while they’re doing the tour, and they can sing happy birthday out on the river.”

According to Schwartz, Duck Tours is one of a number of unique experiences in Boston that offer something different from being cooped up in a pizza place or gymnasium.

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

11

also provides the adults some time to relax and enjoy the day.

As for keeping kids engaged, Schwartz offers a page out of the Duck Tour driver playbook in recommending bringing along stickers and prizes as incentives for behavior and participation. You may also organize a party-themed scavenger hunt as you travel from place to place, or prepare game-showstyle trivia questions to test your group’s knowledge of the theme and what they’ve learned along the way.

Make it an Unforgettable Outing An integral part in planning a successful birthday party is keeping the focus on the guest of honor, something Accardi says often falls short despite best intentions. “When we do events, we try to understand what that kid’s about and what [his or her] friends like to do,” says Accardi.

Once you have a clear vision of the type of activities your group will enjoy best, the world is your oyster for weaving together a plan for a legendary birthday.

Choose a Theme While themes aren’t absolutely necessary, they’re effective for creating an environment that captures and holds the attention of your group. Accardi believes it’s important to choose themes that bring everyone together, whether you have a group of boys and girls or a wider range of ages. Schwartz agrees, adding Duck Tour drivers are always dressed as different characters in order to get their guests energized. They’ll do their best to match the driver’s character to the theme of a birthday party, understanding the difference it makes in keeping the children engaged.

What’s on the Menu?

Plan the Entertainment Depending on the size of the group and age of your guests, you could easily choose a few of the most iconic venues to visit in Boston, hit Tasty Burger for lunch, bring along a birthday cake and have a wonderful day. However, booking a guided tour, show, game or activity is highly recommended. “Some sort of entertainment is probably key,” says Accardi. “[Kids] want an activity.

They want to know they’re going to have a really fun time.” Not only does it take the onus of entertaining a rambunctious pack of party revelers temporarily off your shoulders, it

Boston Duck Tours

12

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

Nothing slows down a daytrip faster than a pack of hungry kids.

So bringing along a healthy supply of snacks is always wise, in addition to planning a well-timed meal break. But according to Accardi, it’s better to find a convenient fit for food rather than letting it take centerstage. “Parents focus on the food, but the part kids could really care less about is the eating,” she says.

Schwartz’s advice is to choose restaurants that are kid-friendly, flexible and fun. Along with proven stand-bys such as Hard Rock Café and Max Brenner, he recommends a lively spot in the Back Bay called Fire + Ice. “It’s sort of an all-you-can eat restaurant [where kids can] build their own meal,” he says. With a dazzling variety of food choices and a crowd-pleasing ice cream bar, kids (no matter how specific or limited their tastes) get exactly what they want. And if they don’t like it, they can choose something else.

An often more relaxed, costeffective option (especially in summer) is to plan a picnic or pickup some casual food to bring out on Boston Common. “We sell box lunches you can eat on the duck or take with you. There’s also a lot of places around the Common to get food,” says

PARTY FUN BIG JOE THE STORYTELLER Amazing birthday parties and shows for all ages featuring cool stories, props, audience participation, and special features and surprises. Also great for schools, libraries and events.

617-713-4349 bigjoe.com

Your NEW museum is ready!

TM

BONKERS FUNHOUSE Under new ownership, Bonkers has updated the fun with new games, six lanes of Bonkers Bowling and an all new menu!

Our Giant Play Maze offers loads of fun for the kiddos and our NEW party packages makes Bonkers THE place for birthday parties. We do all the work while you have all the fun. Great for groups, team celebrations and camp outings, too!

978-535-8355 bonkersfunhouse.com EXXCEL GYMNASTICS & CLIMBING Make your child’s birthday special and unforgettable with either a gymnastics or a climbing party. We entertain the birthday child and friends with tons of fun, including an obstacle course, foam pit, trampoline, games and much more.

Experience for yourself what everyone is talking about. Exxcel is the perfect place for your child’s birthday party.

617-244-3300 exxcel.net

2018 TOP 5

The all-new Discovery Museum combines the best STEAM exhibits—for little kids, big kids, and their adults—and many exciting new experiences!

177 Main Street, Acton 978-264-4200 discoveryacton.org

FRAN FRIEDMAN Celebrate your child’s party with music and fun by Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner, Fran Friedman! Lots of participation with special toys during the songs, and musical instruments for a fun parade! Perfect for children 2-7years. Also great for schools, libraries, and other events!

508-358-1614 www.franfriedman.com JAM TIME INDOOR PLAY & ENRICHMENT CENTER Jam Time is the ultimate birthday party destination for kids ages 1 through 6.

Full service parties include everything you need to make the bounciest, most imaginative and jammin’ fun birthday ever!

Now with locations in Maynard, Natick and Norwood. Mention “BPP15” to get $20 off your next party!

978-897-2917 jamtime.com

Menu Items

Birthday Packages Air Conditioning!

535 LOWELL ST PEABODY, MA 01960 July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

13

Schwartz. While you’re there, tie in an activity that fits your theme or just let the kids burn off some energy on the ball fields and playgrounds.

Party Favors While Accardi feels opening presents during a kids’ birthday party often gets lost in the shuffle, she does encourage goody-bag type gifts. “But not something that’s junky the parents are just going to throw away. I usually partner an activity the kids can do at the event with a take-home,” she says. Whether

R

you’re visiting a museum, touring historic sites or attending a ball game, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to pick up keepsakes your young guests actually get excited about.

Of course, a great birthday party isn’t contingent on how much you spend and the gifts you give or receive. It’s about having an unforgettable group experience that marks a milestone in your child’s life and forges memories so powerful they’re sure to last forever.

eady to break free from the same-old birthday routine pop-up studio and use the supplies you found in the museum gift shop on an extraordinary destination party in Boston? Read to put your party’s artistic talents on display. on for a few sample itineraries inspired by our experts Culture Club to help get the ball rolling.

Sports Fanatic

Head to Fenway Park for an exclusive tour of the centerpiece of Boston sports culture. While there, stop at Game On for a tempting menu of stadium-inspired favorites and let the kids get the competitive juices flowing at Blazing Paddles ping-pong lounge. Finish by taking in a Red Sox game (schedule permitting) for an over-the-top sports experience that hits it out of the park!

Party Tip: Make T-shirts for the kids as keepsakes complete with names and numbers on the back to get your group feeling like one big team. It’ll make it easier to keep track of them, too.

Options: Try the TD Garden Tour of where the Bruins and Celtics play.

Or in place of a Sox game, take your party over to the Emerald Necklace by Clemente Field for a game of wiffle ball in the park.

Art Enthusiast

Fuel up on the imaginative, chocolate-centric bill of fare at Max Brenner on Boylston Street before embarking on an art-themed Duck Tour of the city’s most inspiring locations. Have your driver drop you off at the Boston Children’s Museum to enjoy hands-on exhibits and interactive programs specially designed for inquiring young minds.

Party Tip: Hit the gift shop for crafty take-homes that further fuel the children’s interest in the arts.

Options: Substitute in the Museum of Science or Museum of Fine Arts, Boston depending on your group’s age and interests. Instead of sitting down to eat, grab burgers or box lunches and hit the nearest park. Set up a

14

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

Catch a matinee at the Wheelock Family Theatre, coupled with one of their family-friendly workshops or customized birthday packages available before or after the performance. Following the show, walk along the Emerald Necklace to the Gazebo at the Chapel Street Bridge for a dramatic setting to a picnic lunch.

Party Tip: Entertain the kids in the park with theatrical trivia questions for prizes, such as acting props and movie scripts, they can take home as party favors.

Options: See a show in the theater district (Blue Man Group is always popular) and couple it with a Trolley Tour of the famous theaters lining Tremont and Boylston Streets. Finish with a gentle ride on the historic Swan Boats and cake in the Public Garden.

Heated Historian

Hop on the Freedom Trail from Bunker Hill toward Faneuil Hall, picking up souvenirs, such as three-cornered hats that put the kids in a patriotic mood, along the way. You’ll find plenty of quick food options near Faneuil Hall Marketplace before joining the ruckus that’s revving up at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum’s interactive Meeting House Experience. There, live actors depicting the Sons of Liberty will whip your group into a frenzy, dress you up in your very own Mohawk disguises and lead you out to dump tea overboard just like they did back on December 16, 1773!

Party Tip: Abigail’s Tea Room in the museum provides a sweet finish with a nice selection of souvenirs and treats to celebrate the birthday.

REE.

d

d St., ean

m ting.

ls e.

a 10.

ENTERTAINMENT AND PARTY NEEDS

J & J Pony Rentals WEST Valentine Card Making Party, 10am, The Eric Carle Boston Children’s Museum Museum, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Pop in to make special valentines for your family, friends or classmates.

Registration recommended. $12 per pair or trio.

413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org.

en

s

s& ds!

ine

.com

Rosalita's Puppets

www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832

29 Sunday The Enchanted Forest, 10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Artbarn, a youth community theater company, presents the tale of a family vacation gone wrong. Adults, $13; youth, $10.

617-734-2501; coolidge.org.

NORTH Ward Winter Fest, noon to 3pm, Ward Reservation, Andover. Explore the property on a guided hike, or bring your snowshoes and sled to play. Then warm up Options: Book a by history-themed Tour978-886-5297; and have them drop with refreshments the fire. $10Duck per car. ttor.org. you off near the spot along the Freedom Trail best suited for a historic

adventure. Do the opposite of the trip above, starting at Faneuil Hall and ending up in Boston Common for cake and colonial-era games such as ring toss, marbles and ninepins bowling.

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.

Lead a crew of your child’s closest friends down Newbury Street for a 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org.

Future Fashionista

fantasy day of window-shopping and tasty treats followed by a surprise fashion photo shoot at Copley Square. Bring along fun accessories, such scarves, visual props and hand painted signs (even silly string ENT as &hats, PARTY NEEDS and confetti), for an energetic pictorial that rivals the real thing.

Party Tip: Use the photos you take to make individual mini fashion s hand out later as party favors. entcan Paryou portfolios Children’s Musician & Instructor Award ice Cho Options: Book er a spa party at MiniLuxe on Boylston Street featuring ner nne inn Win Wi W Parties, TeenyLuxe manicures for guests 10 years Birthday old and younger.

Then bounce Schools, Concerts, over to Robin’s Candy on Newbury for a dizzying array of ice cream, Libraries fudge, chocolates and classic novelty candy to put a cherry on the top of Preschool & Elementary lable a perfect day.

Music Specialist

rty

• Quiet, gentle, lovable ponies; large and small available for any occasion.

• Pony parties at your place or at the farm.

• Customized packages at reasonable rates

HUNTERS HAVEN FARM 104 King St., Groveland, MA

978-373-1300

HuntersHavenFarm.com

Celebrate everything 2018 at Online Ordering Available

Host your next party in our new Decorating Kitchen

Fran Friedman

Brian Speroof is Participation a contributor to Boston Parents Paper.

Lots & Fun for All!

508-358-1614 • www.franfriedman.com

BIG JOE the Storyteller

Original & classic stories Props, puppets, & surprises Birthday Parties Schools Libraries Special Events

www.bigjoe.com Parents Choice Award er ner nne Win Wiinn W

• • • •

LLeett’s’sy! t !

Pa arrty P

617-713-4349

TM

2018 Now offering GLUTEN-FREE items

1356 Beacon St., Brookline 617-566-3330

Preschool & Elementary Peabody, MA Music Specialist 978-532-5868 TM

2016

BostonBounceParty.com

Lots of Participation & Fun for All! 508-358-1614 • www.franfriedman.com TOP 10

Call

617.522.1515

www.partyfavorsbrookline.com

Fran Friedman

Open Bounce & Family Fun Birthday Parties Field Trip Programs Glow & Rock Star Parties

Advertise Here!

Cakes, Cookies, Candies, Gift Baskets & All Your Party Needs!

Children’s Musician & Instructor Birthday Parties, “Come Bounce Off Our Walls” Schools, Concerts, Libraries

Enrollment Down?

WINNER

• • • •

LLeett’s’sy! t !

Pa arrty P

“Come Bounce Off Our Walls”

100% Private Birthday Parties Open Bounce & Family Fun Field Trip Programs Glow & Rock Star Parties

TM

2018 TOP 10

Peabody, MA 978-532-5868 BostonBounceParty.com

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

15

CAMPS Academic Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Empow Studios, Lexington • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Russian School of Mathematics, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Thacher Montessori School, Milton THE WINNER Empow Studios 1776 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington 617-395-7527 • empow.me

Animals and Nature Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Buck’s Rock, New Milford, CT • Camp Howe, Goshen • Coastal Discoveries Marine Program, Newburyport 16

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

• Mass Audubon, Multiple Locations • New England Zoo Camp, Boston THE WINNER Mass Audubon 781-259-9500 • www.massaudubon.org

Arts and Crafts Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Charles River Creative Arts, Dover • JCC Kaleidoscope Arts & Science Camp, Newton • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Steve & Kate’s Camp, Cambridge and Boston • The hive at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln THE WINNER Charles River Creative Arts 56 Centre St., Dover 508-785-8250 • www.crcap.org

Circus Arts Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Air Craft Aerial Arts, Somerville

• Buck’s Rock, New Milford, CT • Circus Smirkus, Greensboro, VT • Dedham Health, Dedham • Esh Circus Arts, Somerville THE WINNER Circus Smirkus 1 Circus Road, Greensboro, VT 802-533-7443 • www.smirkus.org

Culinary Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge • Create a Cook, Newton • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Maker Farm, Westford • Steve and Kate’s Camp, Mulitple Locations THE WINNER Maker Farm 5 Gould Rd., Westford 978-995-7002 www.themakerfarm.com

Dance and Ballet Summer Camps

General and Traditional Summer Day Camps

THE WINNER JCC Grossman Camp 294 Powissett St., Dover 617-244-5124 • www.bostonjcc.org

THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • Boston University Camp Terrier, Boston • Brookline Ballet School, Brookline • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Tony Williams Dance Center, Jamaica Plain

THE TOP 5 • Coastal Discoveries Marine Program, Newburyport • Everwood Day Camp, Sharon • Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Mulitple Locations • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Nobles Day Camp, Dedham

Foreign Language and Cultural Immersion Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • French Cultural Center, Boston • German International School, Allston • International School of Boston, Cambridge • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham

THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Faith Based Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Camp Gan Israel, Brighton • Camp Tel Noar, Hampstead, NH • JCC Grossman Camp, Dover • JCC Kaleidoscope Arts & Science Camp, Newton • Mount Hope Christian School, Burlington

THE WINNER Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Mulitple Locations 844-306-4736 • www.gsema.org/

Gymnastics Summer Camps

THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, Needham, and Newton 617-294-5542 mybilingualpreschool.com

THE TOP 5 • Canton Parks and Recreation, Canton • Energy Fitness & Gymnastics, Natick & Newton • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton • Gymnastics Express, Natick • My Gym Children’s Fitness Centers, Multiple Locations

TM

2018 WINNER

Ages 15 months - 5 years Brookline • Newton Highlands Brighton • Porter Sq. • Kendall Sq. South End • Needham • West Newton Jamaica Plain (two locations)

TM

2017 WINNER

School Year and Summer Programs Full and Extended Day

Give your child the gift of bilingual education!

Come visit and see why we were voted Family Favorite 5 years in a row!

TM

TM

WINNER

2015 WINNER

TM

TM

2016 WINNER

2017 WINNER

TM

2018 WINNER

EnrollmentPVP@gmail.com 617-416-7763

www.MyBilingualPreschool.com July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

17

THE WINNER Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing 88 Wells Ave., Newton 617-244-3300 • exxcel.net

THE WINNER YMCA Camp Takodah 55 Fitzwilliam Rd, Richmond, NH 603-239-4781 • www.camptakodah.org

THE WINNER Empow Studios 1776 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington 617-395-7527 • empow.me

Health and Special Needs Summer Camps

Performing Arts Summer Camps

Sports Summer Camps

THE TOP 5 • Camp Howe, Goshen • Fuse School & Program, Lexington • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Learning Solutions, Norwood • The Bridge Center, Bridgewater

THE TOP 5 • Creative Arts at Park, Brookline • Kidstock Creative Theater, Winchester • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley • Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston

THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

THE WINNER Wellesley Theatre Project 219 Washington St., Wellesley 781-235-1550 www.wellesleytheatreproject.org

Martial Arts Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Alpha Martial Arts, North Chelmsford • Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts • DMA Martial Arts • Metro West Academy of Jiu-Jitsu • Revolution Martial Fitness THE WINNER Metro West Academy of Jiu-Jitsu 19 Willow St., Natick 508-315-3251 www.metrowestacademy.com

Music and Singing Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • All Newton Music School, West Newton • Berklee College of Music, Boston • Buck’s Rock Performing Arts Camp, New Milford, CT • Jammin’ with You!, Newton • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley THE WINNER Wellesley Theatre Project 219 Washington St., Wellesley 781-235-1550 www.wellesleytheatreproject.org

Overnight Camps THE TOP 5 • Camp Birch Hill, New Durham, NH • Camp Frank A Day, Newtonville • Camp Runnels, Pelham, NH • Fleur de Lis Camp, Fitzwilliam, NH • YMCA Camp Takodah, Richmond, NH

18

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

Preschool Age Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Chikki Plaza, Woburn • Everwood Day Camp, Sharon • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Tenacre Day Camp, Wellesley THE WINNER Everwood Day Camp 125 Lakeview St, Sharon 781-694-5829 • everwooddaycamp.com

School Vacation Camps

THE TOP 5 • Babson Sports Camp, Babson Park • Boston University Camp Terrier, Boston • Dedham Health Camps, Dedham • Hale, Reservation Camps, Westwood • LINX Camps, Wellesley THE WINNER Babson Sports Camp 231 Forest., Babson Park 781-239-5727 www.babson.edu/summercamps

Teen Focused Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Circus Smirkus, Greensboro, VT • Dedham Health Camps, Dedham • Everwood Day Camp, Sharon • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley THE WINNERS Everwood Day Camp 125 Lakeview St, Sharon 781-694-5829 • everwooddaycamp.com

CLASSES

& ENRICHMENT THE TOP 5 • Boston University Camp Terrier, PROGRAMS Boston • Empow Studios, Lexington Art Classes • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton THE TOP 5 • Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, • Brookline Arts Center, Brookline Multiple Locations • Draw to Grow, Burlington • Mass Audubon, Multiple Locations • Kidcasso Art Studio, Wakefield THE WINNER • New Art Center, Newton Empow Studios • Studio Art for Children, Watertown 1776 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington THE WINNER 617-395-7527 • empow.me New Art Center 61 Washington Park, Newton Science Technology and Digital Arts Summer Camps 617-964-3424 • newartcenter.org THE TOP 5 • Code Wiz, Westford • Einstein’s Workshop, Burlington • Empow Studios, Lexington • ID Tech, Multiple Locations • Let Go Your Mind, Multiple Locations

Ballet Classes THE TOP 5 • 4 Star Dance Studio, Dorchester • Boston Ballet School, Multiple Locations

Learning Differently

®

COMMONWEALTH LEARNING CENTER

Arnold I Weiss, DDS Wesley Barton, DMD Danya Mermelstein, DMD Ronen Krausz, DDS Carmen Brambila, DMD Myles Clancy, DMD Roger Taylor, DMD

Teaching Differently

TM

2018

Succeeding

TOP 5

TUTORING & ASSESSMENTS 1 to 1 Instruction

The Center for PEDIATRIC Dental Care and Orthodontics

l

All Subjects

l

All Ages

Specializing in ADHD, Dyslexia, Executive Dysfunction, Language-Based and/or Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

Caring for Children in Brookline, Newton, and Greater Boston for over 40 Years!

TM

Needham ( 7 81 ) 4 4 4 - 519 3

Danver s ( 9 7 8 ) 774 - 0 0 9 4

commlearn.com

C ENTRE P EDIATRIC ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Caring for patients and their families for over 35 years!

Specializing in a collaborative approach utilizing physicians and nurse practitioners including electronic medical records to provide better continuity of care to our patients.

Efficient care while maintaining our high quality standards.

Personal attention and extra time spent with patients and their families is one of the factors that makes us stand out.

NCQA Recognized.

TM

All pediatricians at Centre Pediatric Associates have staff privileges at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel d Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children’s Hospital.

TM

2015 2016 TOP 5

TOP 5

TM

TM

2017 2018 TOP 5

TOP 5

A perennial family favorite!

Centre Pediatrics trics

One Brookline Place, Suite e 327 Brookline 617-735-8585 All insurances accepted.

www.centrepediatrics.org

TM

2018 WINNER

2018

Dentist

Orthodontist

TOP 5

• Quality care in a professional, friendly and fun environment.

• We will create a legacy of positive dental experiences.

• Exceptionally trained, warm and friendly staff.

• Braces and Invisalign for teens and adults.

“Each child is treated as an individual and as a member of our family.”

“Our team’s attention to detail is uncompromising…”

Call for your child's first Dental or Orthodontic visit!

1560 Beacon Street | Brookline, MA 617-731-KIDS (5437)

www.PediatricDentalCare.com July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

19

• Boston University Children’s Dance Classes, Boston • In Sync Center of the Arts, Quincy • Paulette’s Ballet Studio, Newton & Medfield THE WINNER Boston Ballet School Locations in Boston, Newton and North Shore 617-456-6333 • www.bostonballet.org

Dance Classes THE TOP 5 • Boston University Children’s Dance Classes, Boston • Creative Steps Dance Studio, Newton • The Dance Academy at Siagel Productions, Newton • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley • Starline Academy, Stoughton THE WINNER The Dance Academy of Siagel Productions 94 Rowe St., Newton 617-614-5438 www.thedanceacademynewton.com

Gymnastics

Enrichment and AfterSchool Programs

THE TOP 5 • Boston University Children’s Gymnastics, Boston • Energy Fitness & Gymnastics, Multiple Locations • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton • Massachusetts Gymnastics Center, Multiple Locations • South Shore Gymnastics Academy, Rockland

THE TOP 5 • Empow Studios, Lexington • K2 Enrichment Program, Newton • LINX, Wellesley • The Virtual High School, Maynard • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley THE WINNERS Empow Studios 1776 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington 617-395-7527 • empow.me

THE WINNER Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing 88 Wells Ave., Newton 617-244-3300 • exxcel.net

Foreign Language Immersion Programs THE TOP 5 • French Cultural Center, Boston • French for Kids, Lexington • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Yak Academy, Arlington

Hip-Hop Classes THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • The Dance Academy at Siagel Productions, Newton • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley • Tony Williams Dance Center, Jamaica Plain • Urbanity Dance, Boston

THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool 617-294-5542 mybilingualpreschool.com TM

2018 TOP 5

CAMP BIRCH HILL

JULY COOP KIDS

SATURDAY, JULY 7 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Have fun with your imagination with stones and a craft SATURDAY, JULY 14 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Ocean stories and a fun craft SATURDAY, JULY 15 at 2:00 PM Fun for Bastille Day with French inspired stories and craft SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Snow in July! Take a break from the heat with snow stories and a craft

Classic Overnight Summer Camp Experience We are proud to be a Family Favorite again.

Thanks to all of our families who voted for us!

Boys & Girls – Ages 6-16 – Two, Four & Six Week Options

TM

Summer Camp for Ages 3 1/2–14 Weekly sessions (two week minimum) AM and PM extended day options

20

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

781-320-1320 camp@nobles.edu 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA

noblesdaycamp.org

2018 TOP 5

WWW.CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM SUMMER@CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 28 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Night Sky Day! Stories and crafts about the night sky EVERY MONDAY AT 11:00 AM STORYTIME Come enjoy hearing your favorite children’s stories outdoors on the Science Center Plaza. Children and families are welcome. Outdoor event is shine only EVERY TUESDAY AT 11:00 AM STORYTIME Children ages 1 to 6 and their caregivers are welcome to join us for stories and snacks. All events are free, open to the public and are held in the Children’s Book Department.

THE

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 1-4 PM WHERE’S WALDO IN HARVARD SQUARE? Join us for a search party and Where’s Waldo activities. Celebrate 30 years of Where’s Waldo? For tots to teens! For details, http://harvardcoop.eventbrite.com

COOP H A R VA R D

1400 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 617-499-2000 www.TheCoop.com www.facebook.com/TheHarvardCoop

THE WINNER 4 Star Dance Studio 614 Blue Hill Ave., Dorchester 617-474-7002

• Woods School of Irish Dance, South Boston • Sullivan School of Irish Dance, Newton & Watertown

Ice Skating Lessons

THE WINNER Sullivan School of Irish Dance Locations in Newton and Watertown 617-763-0903 • sullivanirishdance.com/

THE WINNER Bay State Martial Arts 338 W Cummings Park, Woburn 781-787-2086 • www. baystatemartialarts.com

Jazz Classes

Math Programs

THE TOP 5 • Babson Skating School, Wellesley • Bay State Skating School, Multiple Locations • FMC Ice Sports, Multiple Locations • Sharper Edge Skating School, Concord • Skating Club of Boston, Multiple Locations THE WINNER FMC Ice Sports Multiple locations 888-747-5283 (888-74-SKATE) fmcicesports.com

Irish Step Dancing Classes THE TOP 5 • The Forbes School of Irish Dance, Quincy • The Harney Academy of Irish Dance, Walpole • Tir Na Nog Irish Dance, Cumberland, RI

THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • The Dance Academy of Siagel Productions, Newton • JCC of Greater Boston, Multiple Locations • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley • Live Love Dance Studio, Carver THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Martial Arts Classes THE TOP 5 • Alpha Martial Arts, North Chelmsford • Bay State Martial Arts, Woburn • LINX, Wellesley

• Metro West Academy of Jiu-Jitsu, Natick • Revolution Martial Fitness, Natick

THE TOP 5 • Kumon, Multiple Locations • The Math Club, Lexington • Mathnasium, Multiple Locations • Russian School of Mathematics, Multiple Locations • Y3K Tutor in Your Home, Needham THE WINNER Russian School of Mathematics Multiple Locations 855-628-4855 [855-MATH855] russianschool.com

Music Classes

THE TOP 5 • Community Music Center of Boston, Boston • Jammin’ With You!, Wellesley and

TM

2018 WINNER WINNER

BP201718 July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

21

Science & Technology Programs

South Shore • Little Groove, Multiple Locations • New School of Music, Cambridge • Suzuki School of Newton, Newton

THE TOP 5 • The Code Wiz, Westford • Empow Studios, Lexington • Penguin Coding School, Lexington • Science Club for Girls, Cambridge • Virtual High School, Maynard

THE WINNER Jammin’ With You! Wellesley and South Shore locations 781-237-1511 • www.jamminwithyou.com/

Mother’s Helpers Real Babysitters ~ Real Easy

TM

2016 201 8 2017

Qualified, pre-screened, adult babysitters for children of all ages.

We offer temporary, permanent, full-time, part-time, or occasional care in your home.

TM

TM

TOP 5

TOP 5

TOP 5

Sports Classes THE TOP 5 • Boston University Children’s Sports Classes, Boston • Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing, Newton • Mass Premier Volleyball, Foxborough • Olympia Fencing Center, Cambridge • Viking Sports, Mulitple Locations

Mother’s Helpers is a professional babysitting service, offering the finest talent to meet your babysitting needs.

MHBoston@mothers-helpers.com 508-881-2200 | www.mothers-helpers.com

JAZZ

all that DANCE STUDIO

THE WINNER The Code Wiz 9 Cornerstone Square, Westford 978-496-1053 • thecodewiz.com/

THE WINNER Olympia Fencing Center 127 Smith Pl, Cambridge 617-945-9448 • olympiafencingcenter.com

Swim Lessons THE TOP 5

Come Discover the Joy of Dancing! • Boston University FitRec Swim School, Boston CLASSES START AT AGE 2 AND ARE OFFERED 7 DAYS A WEEK Register now for Summer & Fall TM

Ages 2 and Up

2018 WINNER

• Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Contemporary • Fairy Princess Dance • Musical Theater Triple Threat • Street Jazz and Lyrical • And More!

THE WINNER Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC 333 Nahanton St., Newton 617-558-6522 • bostonjcc.org

TM

2017 TOP 5

TM

2016 TOP 5

Tap Dancing Classes 2016

2017

330 Watertown St., Newton • 617-641-0784 www.AllThatJazzNewton.com

TM

2018 TOP 5

TM

2017 TOP 5

TM

2016 WINNER

TM

2015 WINNER

Strengthening Social Learning Together • Social Learning Groups and Services • Experienced, licensed clinicians • Hands-on, interest-based social learning • Small group or individial • Center-based behavioral therapy • Community social outings

TM

2014 TOP 5

22

• School, Community and Family Consultation • Social program & curriculum development • Consultation and support strategies • Social learning training for staff at all levels • Parent workshops e-training • Executive function coaching • Social Fit® Therapeutic Program Development

49 Walpole Street, Suite 1, Norwood, MA 02062 • 781-762-3750 info@learningsolutionsforme.com • www.learningsolutionsforme.com

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

• Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, Dedham • Goldfish Swim School, Multiple Locations • Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy, Newton • YMCA, Multiple Locations

THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • 4 Star Dance Studio, Dorchester • Karrie Stang’s Gotta Dance, Chelmsford • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley • Miss Maria’s School of Dance, Watertown THE WINNER All That Jazz Dance Studio 330 Watertown St, Newton 617-641-0784 • allthatjazznewton.com

Theater Classes THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Theatre, Boston • Kidstock Creative Theater, Winchester • LINX Theater, Wellesley • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley

• Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston THE WINNER Boston Children’s Theatre 41 Berkeley St., Boston 617-424-6634 • bostonchildrenstheatre.org

Tutoring or Educational Support Programs THE TOP 5 • Commonwealth Learning Center, Needham • Learning Solutions, Norwood • The Peter Pan Center, Boxborough • Prepped and Polished, Natick • Russian School of Mathematics, Multiple Locations

• International School of Boston, Cambridge • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Torit Montessori School, Boston THE WINNER International School of Boston 45 Matignon Rd., Cambridge 617-499-1451 • www.isbos.org

Faith-Based Elementary Schools THE TOP 5 • Jackson Walnut Park School, Newton • Mount Alvernia Academy, Chestnut Hill • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School, Boston

THE WINNER Prepped and Polished 21 Eliot St., South Natick 781-753-9951 • preppedandpolished.com

CHILD CARE

Kidstock!

Child Care Facilities

THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, Needham, and Newton • 617-294-5542 • mybilingualpreschool.com

Creative Creativetheater theater

TM

Now g rin registe for

2018

DRAMA CLASSES

TOP 5

for ages 4-12

Ninja Camp

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

(Summer-time & vacation)

After School Program Adult & Parent Classes Teens & Kids Classes

MAINSTAGE SHOWS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Special Needs Child Care Facilities THE TOP 5 • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Charles River Early Intervention, Waltham • Integrated Center for Child Development Services, Canton • Learning Solutions, Norwood • South Shore Therapies, East Weymouth

KIDSTOCK!

THE TOP 5 • Children’s Playhouse Daycare, Everett • The Children’s Workshop, Multiple Locations • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers LLC, Weston & Woburn

TM

2018 TOP 5

www.kidstocktheater.com

781-729-5.KID

THE WINNER South Shore Therapies Multiple Locations 781-335-6663 • www.southshoretherapies.com/

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Bilingual Elementary Schools THE TOP 5 • Amigos School, Cambridge • German International School of Boston, Allston

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

23

• St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary, Brookline • St. Peter School, Cambridge THE WINNER Jackson Walnut Park School 1 Walnut Park, Newton 617-969-1537 • www.jwpschools.org

Independent Elementary Schools THE TOP 5 • Jackson Walnut Park School, Newton • International School of Boston, Cambridge • Leslie Ellis School, Arlington • Mount Alvernia Academy, Chestnut Hill • Thacher Montessori School, Milton THE WINNER International School of Boston 45 Matignon Rd., Cambridge 617-499-1451 • www.isbos.org

Montessori Elementary Schools THE TOP 5 • Cambridge Montessori School, Cambridge

• Newton Montessori School, Newton Centre • Norwood Montessori School, Norwood • Summit Montessori School, Framingham • Thacher Montessori School, Milton

Frozen Yogurt Outlets

THE WINNER Newton Montessori School 80 Crescent Ave., Newton Centre 617-969-4488 • www. newtonmontessori.org

THE WINNER Pinkberry Multiple Locations pinkberry.com

THE TOP 5 • Holliston Frozen Yogurt, Holliston • Moozy’s Ice Cream, Belmont • Pinkberry, Multiple Locations • Truly Yogurt, Wellesley • Yogurt Beach, Multiple Locations

Ice Cream

FOOD Cupcake Shops THE TOP 5 • Cupcake Charlies, Multiple Locations • Cupcake Mojo, Weymouth • Guilty Bakery, Plymouth • Montilio’s Baking Company, Brockton • Party Favors, Brookline THE WINNER Party Favors 1356 Beacon St., Brookline 617-566-3330 partyfavorsbrookline.com

THE TOP 5 • Bubbling Brook Ice Cream, Westford • Crescent Ridge Dairy, Sharon • Erikson’s Ice Cream, Maynard & Carver • J.P. Licks, Multiple Locations • Kimball Farm, Multiple Locations • Lil Duke’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Pembroke THE WINNER Lil Duke’s Ice Cream Shoppe 254 Church St., Pembroke 781-924-1407 • www.lildukes.com

Discover Montessori TM

2018 WINNER

TM

2018 WINNER

NURTURING BOUNDLESS CURIOSITY

Toddler through 8th Grade OPEN HOUSE Discover Thacher

The Tobin School

Saturday, January 16 Limited Spaces for Preschool - Elementary 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Snow Date: January 23

LEADERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

1425 Blue Hill Avenue | Milton, MA 02186 Milton, MA | | www.thacherschool.org 617-361-2522 www.thacherschool.org

THE TOBIN SCHOOL offers NAEYC Accredited Morning Preschool and PreK programs, our innovative Junior Kindergarten option, and 2018 full day, private Kindergarten.

TM

WINNER

NURTURING BOUNDLESS CURIOSITY

24

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

508.655.5006 • www.TheTobinSchool.org

Pizza

Places to Buy a Birthday Cake

THE TOP 5 • Bill’s Pizzeria, Natick and Newton Centre • Cafe Vesuvius Pizza, Marblehead • Comella’s, Multiple Locations • Papa Gino’s, Multiple Locations • Stoked Wood Fired Pizza, Brookline

THE TOP 5 • Hazel’s Bakery, Needham • JP Licks, Multiple Locations • Party Favors, Brookline • Veronica’s Sweetcakes, Marshfield • Whole Foods, Multiple Locations

THE WINNER Cafe Vesuvius Pizza 18 Bessom St., Marblehead 781-639-8120 • cafevesuvius.com/

THE WINNER Party Favors 1356 Beacon St., Brookline 617-566-3330 partyfavorsbrookline.com

Places for Dinner with the Family

FUN & ATTRACTIONS

THE TOP 5 • The Fours, Multiple Locations • Full Moon, Cambridge • Ninety-Nine Restaurants, Multiple Locations • Not Your Average Joes, Multiple Locations • The Local Wellesley, Wellesley

Birthday Party Venues THE TOP 10 • Altitude Trampoline Park, Billerica • Boston Bounce, Peabody • The Discovery Museums, Acton • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton • Inside Playground, Watertown • Jam Time, Maynard, Natick & Norwood

THE WINNER Full Moon 344 Huron Ave, Cambridge 617-354-6699 www.fullmoonrestaurant.com

• Legoland Discovery Center, Somerville • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, South Deerfield • Tumble Beans Cafe & Play, Medway • VinKari Safari, Woburn THE WINNER Jam Time Maynard, Natick and Norwood Locations www.jamtime.com

Bowling Alleys THE TOP 5 • Kings, Multiple Locations • PiNZ, 110 S Main St., Milford • Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream & Bowl, Hyde Park • Sacco’s Bowl Haven, Somerville • Wamesit Lanes, Tewksbury THE WINNER Sacco’s Bowl Haven 45 Day St., Somerville 617-776-0552 www.flatbreadcompany.com/sacco/

Farm Mazes THE TOP 5 • Connors Farm, Danvers TM

2018

Boston Baby Nurse

WINNER

Overnight Newborn Care & Nanny Placements • Overnight Newborn Care • Nanny Placements • Daytime Newborn Care • Sleep Coaching • Lactation Consults

781-444-4063 | info@bostonbabynurse.com

BostonBabyNurse.com July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

25

• Davis Farmland, Sterling • Hick’s Family Farm, Charlemont • Mike’s Maze, Sunderland • Wilson Farm, Lexington THE WINNER Davis Farmland 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling 978-422-6666 • davisfarmland.com

Farms for Family Tours THE TOP 5 • Belkin Family Lookout Farm, Natick • Davis Farmland, Sterling • Drumlin Farm, Lincoln • East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • Natick Community Organic Farm, Natick • Wards Berry Farm, Sharon THE WINNER East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St, Troy, NH 603-242-6495 • east-hill-farm.com

Farms for Picking THE TOP 5 • Cider Hill Farm, Natick • Connors Farm, Danvers • Davis Farmland, Sterling • Honey Pot Hill, Stow • Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm, Millis • Tougas Family Farm, Northborough THE WINNER Tougas Family Farm 234 Ball St., Northborough 508-393-6406 • tougasfamilyfarm.com/

Historic Sites & Tours

• Inside Playground, Watertown • Jam Time, Maynard & Natick • Launch Trampoline Park, Watertown • Legoland Discovery Center, Somerville • Loch Ness Playcenter, Chelmsford • Play Union, Somerville • Tumble Beans Cafe & Play, Medway • VinKari Safari, Woburn THE WINNER Jam Time Maynard & Natick and Norwood 978-897-2917 • www.jamtime.com

Live Theater THE TOP 5 • Blue Man Group, Boston • Boston Children’s Theatre, Boston • Open Door Theater, Acton • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley • Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston THE WINNER Wheelock Family Theatre 180 Riverway, Boston 617-879-2300 wheelockfamilytheatre.org

Museums THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Museum, Boston • The Discovery Museums, Acton • Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston • Museum of Science, Boston THE WINNER Museum of Fine Arts 465 Huntington Ave, Boston 617-267-9300 • mfa.org

THE TOP 5 • Adams National Historical Park, Quincy Parent-Friendly Playdate • Duck Tour, Boston Spots • Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge THE TOP 5 • Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth • deCordova Sculpture Park and • USS Constitution, Charleston Museum THE WINNER • Jam Time, Maynard & Natick USS Constitution Museum • Legoland Discovery Center, Somerville Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown • Tumble Beans Cafe & Play, Medway 617-426-1812 • VinKari Safari, Woburn ussconstitutionmuseum.org

Indoor Playspaces THE TOP 10 • Boston Bounce, Peabody • Imajine That, Lawrence

26

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

THE WINNER Jam Time Maynard & Natick and Norwood 978-897-2917 • www.jamtime.com

Places for Ice Skating THE TOP 5 • Boston University FitRec, Boston • Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square, Cambridge • FMC Ice Sports, Multiple Locations • Flynn Rink, • Skating Club of Boston, Multiple Locations THE WINNER FMC Ice Sports 888-747-5283 (888-74-SKATE) fmcicesports.com

Summer Resorts for Families THE TOP 5 • Great Wolf Lodge, Fitchburg • The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • Red Jacket Resort, Cape Cod & North Conway, NH • Smugglers’ Notch, Smugglers’ Notch, VT • Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Edgartown THE WINNER The Inn at East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St., Troy, NH 603-242-6495 • east-hill-farm.com

Winter Resorts for Families THE TOP 5 • Great Wolf Lodge, Fitchburg • The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • Red Jacket Resort, Cape Cod & North Conway, NH • Smugglers’ Notch, Smugglers’ Notch, VT • Stowe Mountain Lodge THE WINNER The Inn at East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St., Troy, NH 603-242-6495 • east-hill-farm.com

Zoos, Aquariums or Nature Centers THE TOP 5 • Capron Park Zoo, Attleboro • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, South Deerfield • Mass Audubon, Multiple Locations • New England Aquarium, Boston • Zoo New England, Boston & Stoneham THE WINNER Zoo New England Locations in Boston and Stonehame 617-989-2000 • zoonewengland.org

HEALTH Family Dentists THE TOP 5 • The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, Brookline • Connors Pediatric Dentistry, Norwood • Greater Boston Smiles, Quincy • The Pediatric Dental Group, Milford • Waban Dental Group, Newton

• Learning Solutions, Norwood • Norwood Behavioral Health • South Shore Therapies, Weymouth

THE WINNER Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center 755 Washington St, Boston 617-636-8100 • floatinghospital.org

THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

Learning Disabilities Specialists

THE TOP 5 • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Center for Children with Special Needs, Tufts Medical Center THE WINNER The Center for Pediatric Dental Care • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Learning Solutions, Norwood and Orthodontics • NESCA, Neuropsychology & Education 1560 Beacon St., Brookline Services for Children & Adolescents, 617-731-5437 • pediatricdentalcare.com Newton

Hospitals

THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston • Children’s Hospital in Waltham, Waltham • Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston

THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

Mental Health Practices THE TOP 5 • Advanced Neurotherapy • Franciscan Children’s

Orthodontists THE TOP 5 • The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, Brookline • Noxon Orthodontics, Wayland & Wellesley • Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, Multiple Locations • Starr and Glick Orthodontics, Medfield • Waban Dental Group, Newton THE WINNER Starr and Glick Orthodontics 16 Park St., Medfield 508-359-2576 starrandglickorthodontics.com

Pediatricians

THE TOP 5 • Centre Pediatrics Associates P.C., Brookline

Boston The Skating Club of EMY SKATING ACAD

LEARN TO SKATE!

Campuses throughout the Boston Area

Figure Skating & Hockey Year-Round Classes Kids & Adults TM

2018 TOP 5

Photo by Mark

Hunt

SkatingAcademy.org July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

27

• Framingham Pediatrics, Framingham • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Longwood Pediatrics, Boston • MVPediatrics, Quincy THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

Speech-Language Therapy THE TOP 5 • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Let’s Talk Speech & Language Therapy Services, Easton • Metrowest Speech Language & Literacy Associates • South Shore Therapies, Weymouth • Speech-Language and Hearing Associates of Greater Boston, Medfield • Speech-Language Pathology Center, Norwell THE WINNER Speech-Language Pathology Center 99 Longwater Cir., Norwell 781-792-2700 • slpcenter.com

Sports Medicine Practices THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine, Boston • Boston Sports Medicine, Multiple Locations • High Point Chiropractic, Burlington • New England Hand Associates, Framingham • Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, Boston

28

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

THE WINNER Boston Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine 319 Longwood Ave, Boston 617-355-3501 www.childrenshospital.org

HIGH SCHOOLS Faith-Based High Schools THE TOP 5 • Fontbonne Academy, Milton • Mount Alvernia High School, Newton • St. John’s Preparatory School, Danvers • St. Sebastian’s School, Needham • Ursuline Academy, Dedham THE WINNER Mount Alvernia High School 790 Centre St, Newton 617-969-2260 www.mountalverniahs.org

Independent High Schools THE TOP 5 • Belmont Hill School, Belmont • Brimmer and May School, Chestnut Hill • International School of Boston, Cambridge • Massachusetts Mayflower Academy, Online • Thayer Academy, Braintree THE WINNER International School of Boston 45 Matignon Rd., Cambridge 617-499-1451 • www.isbos.org

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Faith-Based Middle Schools THE TOP 5 • Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsborough • Mount Alvernia High School, Newton • Park Street School, Boston • St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary, Brookline • St. Peter School, Cambridge THE WINNER Mount Alvernia High School 790 Centre St, Newton 617-969-2260 www.mountalverniahs.org

Independent Middle Schools THE TOP 5 • Atrium School, Watertown • Brimmer and May School, Chestnut Hill • International School of Boston, Cambridge • Leslie Ellis School, Arlington • Thayer Academy, Braintree THE WINNER International School of Boston 45 Matignon Rd., Cambridge 617-499-1451 • www.isbos.org

Montessori Middle Schools THE TOP 5 • Cambridge Montessori School, Cambridge • Newton Montessori School, Newton Centre • Norwood Montessori School, Norwood

• Summit Montessori School, Framingham • Thacher Montessori School, Milton

Large Preschools

THE WINNER Thacher Montessori School 1425 Blue Hill Ave., Milton 617-361-2522 • www.thacherschool.org

THE TOP 5 • The Children’s Center at Milton Academy, Milton • The Children’s Workshop, Multiple Locations • JCC Early Learning, Multiple Locations • The Learning Experience, Foxboro • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations

PRESCHOOLS Bilingual Preschools THE TOP 5 • German International School of Boston, Allston • International School of Boston, Cambridge • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Teddy Bear Club, Lincoln & Newton THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool Multiple Locations 617-294-5542 mybilingualpreschool.com

Faith-Based Preschools THE TOP 5 • JCC Early Learning, Multiple Locations • Jackson Walnut Park School, Newton • Jewish Creative Preschool, • Mount Alvernia Academy Preschool, Chestnut Hill • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School, Boston THE WINNER JCC Early Learning Multiple Locations • 617-558-6522 www.bostonjcc.org

Independent Preschools THE TOP 5 • Bowen Cooperative Nursery School, Newton • Cambridge Montessori, Cambridge • International School of Boston, Arlington • Thacher Montessori School, Milton • The Tobin School, Multiple Locations THE WINNER The Tobin School Multiple Locations 508-655-5006 • thetobinschool.org

(Total Capacity 31 Children or More)

THE WINNER The Children’s Workshop Multiple Locations 401-334-0100 • childrensworkshop.com

Montessori Preschools

THE TOP 5 • Cambridge Montessori, Cambridge • Jackson Walnut Park School, Newton • Newton Montessori School, Newton Centre • Norwood Montessori School, Norwood • Thacher Montessori, Milton THE WINNER Jackson Walnut Park Montessori 47 Walnut Park, Newton 617-969-9208 • www.jwpschools.org

Small Preschools

(Total Capacity 30 Children or Less) THE TOP 5 • Community Nursery Kindergarten, Pembroke • Echo Falls Preschool, Newton Lower Falls • JCC Early Learning, Hingham • Kelly’s Unique Kids, Medford • St John’s Nursery School, Westwood THE WINNER Kelly’s Unique Kids 254 Salem St, Medford 781-874-1387 www.kellysuniquekids.com

RETAIL Baby Gifts & Gear THE TOP 5 • Buttons and Bows, Acton • Hatched, Jamaica Plain • Magic Beans, Multiple Locations

• Maziply Toys & Collectibles, Kingston • Tadpole, Boston THE WINNER Maziply Toys & Collectibles 101 Kingston Collection Way, Kingston 781-582-8697 • www.maziply.com/

Bike Shops

THE TOP 5 • Bikes Not Bombs, Jamaica Plain • Dedham Bike, Dedham • Ferris Wheels Bike Shop, Jamaica Plain • Landry’s Bicycles, Multiple Locations • Wheelworks, Belmont THE WINNER Landry’s Bicycles Multiple Locations www.landrys.com

Book Stores THE TOP 5 • The Blue Bunny, Dedham • Brookline Booksmith, Brookline • The Coop, Cambridge • Porter Square Books, Cambridge • Wellesley Books, Wellesley THE WINNER The Coop 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 617-499-2000 • thecoop.com

Consignment Events THE TOP 5 • Boston Babies Clothing Swaps, Multiple Locations • Chelmsford Mothers’ Club Tag Sale, Chelmsford • Fancy Pants, Chestnut Hill • LexFUN! Consignment Sale, Lexington • The Children’s Clothesline, Hanover THE WINNER Boston Babies Clothing Swaps Multiple Locations meetup.com/clothing-swaps

Consignment Stores THE TOP 5 • Apple of My Eye, Melrose • Buttons and Bows, Acton • Children’s Orchard, Billerica • Two Little Monkeys, Somerville THE WINNER Apple of My Eye 377 Franklin St, Melrose 781-662-2149 • appleofmyeye.us July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

29

Family Shoe Stores THE TOP 5 • The Barn Family Shoe Store, Newton • Michelson’s Shoes, Lexington & Needham • Pisini Shoes, Franklin • The Red Wagon, Boston • Shoe Market, Hingham THE WINNER Michelson’s Shoes 1780 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington 1082 Great Plain Ave., Needham 781-449-2753 • michelsonshoes.com

Kids’ Casual Wear THE TOP 5 • Kodomo, Boston • Michelson’s Shoes, Lexington & Needham • The Nutshell, Milton • Tiny Hanger, Brookline & Wellesley THE WINNER Tiny Hangar Brookline & Wellesley 617-487-5501 • tinyhanger.com

Kids’ Special Occasion Wear THE TOP 5 • GoodHearts Children’s Shop, Reading • Kodomo, Boston • The Nutshell, Milton • Tiny Hanger, Brookline & Wellesley THE WINNER Tiny Hanger Brookline & Wellesley 617-487-5501 • tinyhanger.com

• Dick’s Sporting Goods, Multiple Locations • Modell’s Sporting Goods, Multiple Locations • Natick Outdoor Store, Natick • Play It Again Sports, Multiple Locations

Kids Party Entertainment

THE WINNER Natick Outdoor 38 North Ave, Natick 508-653-9400 • www. natickoutdoorstore.com

THE WINNER Empow Studios 1776 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington 617-395-7527 • empow.me

Toy Stores THE TOP 5 • Buttonwood Books and Toys, Cohasset • Catch A Falling Star Toys, Winchester • Lilah Rose, Melrose • Magic Beans, Multiple Locations • Maziply Toys & Collectibles, Kingston THE WINNER Maziply Toys & Collectibles 101 Kingston Collection Way, Kingston 781-582-8697 • www.maziply.com

FAMILY SERVICES Baby Massage THE TOP 5 • Cambridge Center for Families, Cambridge • Infant Massage at Wellesley Tree House, Wellesley • Jennifer Edmunds Massage, Arlington • Perfect Baby Massage, Boston • South Boston Community Health Center, Boston

Shopping Malls or Shopping THE WINNER Areas Cambridge Center for Families THE TOP 5 • Burlington Mall, Burlington • CambridgeSide, Cambridge • Kingston Collection, Kingston • Legacy Place, Dedham • Natick Mall, Natick THE WINNER CambridgeSide Cambridge www.cambridgeside.com

Sporting Goods THE TOP 5 • Brine’s Sporting Goods, Concord & Sudbury 30

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

70 Rindge Ave, Cambridge 617-349-6385 • www.cambridgema. gov/DHSP/programsforfamilies/ centerforfamilies.aspx

Family Photographers THE TOP 5 • Bellini Portraits, Bridgewater • Courtney Hizey Photography, Weston • CP Photography, Waltham • Creative Images Boston Photography, Bedford • Maura Wayman Photography, Wellesley THE WINNER Maura Wayman Photography Wellesley • www.maurawayman.com

THE TOP 5 • Big Joe, Brighton • Empow Studios, Lexington • Sky Zone, Multiple Locations • The Teapot Fairy of Norwell • VinKari Safari, Woburn

Nanny Services THE TOP 5 • Boston Baby Nurse, Multiple Locations • Boston Nanny, Newton • Cass & Company, Boston • Mother’s Helpers, Boston & Metro West • Sitter City, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Boston Baby Nurse 781-444-4063 • bostonbabynurse.com

Kids’ Haircuts THE TOP 5 • Fast Phil’s Barber Shop, Cambridge • Lulu’s Kids Cuts, Cambridge • Snip-its, Multiple Locations • Stylin’ Kids, Mansfield • Troy Anthony’s Barber Shop, Woburn THE WINNER Snip-its snipits.com

Calendar Boston Harborfest – July 1, Saturday Various locations, Boston. The country’s largest Fourth of July festival includes historical reenactments, fireworks, outdoor movies, live entertainment and much more. Through July 4. 617-439-7700; bostonharborfest.com PHOTO BY ERIC KILBY, MA

JULY 1 Sunday Boston Harborfest Various locations, Boston. The country’s largest Fourth of July festival includes historical reenactments, fireworks, outdoor movies, live entertainment and much more. Through July 4. 617- 439-7700; bostonharborfest.com

Wildlife Detectives 10:30 am, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. Join in for a hike through this urban oasis as we investigate forests, wetlands, and meadows that are jampacked with wildlife. They will explore and discover a variety of animal homes and even build one! Adults, FREE; youth (4-12) $7.

617-983- 8500; massaudubon.org

Meet Beach Creatures 10am–3pm, Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. The 110-gallon tide pool touch tank is open for fun hands-on learning, Thursdays through

Sundays, 10:00am–3:00 pm. Volunteers interpret the amazing animals you may or may not have seen on your own beach visits, answering all the questions that all ages want to know. Program themes centered on local ecology and wildlife change every day, offering crafts, games, and two daily family presentations at 11:00 and 1:00. For all ages. FREE; suggested donation $2/child. 978-462-9998; massaudubon.org

2 Monday Meet Harriet, Daughter Paul Revere 1, 1:45 & 2:30pm, Paul Revere House, 19

All events are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend calling first to confirm and purchasing tickets in advance whenever possible.

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

31

North Square, Boston. Diane Lent brings to life Harriet Revere, one of Paul Revere’s 16 children. Join her in reminiscing about her father’s dramatic life, the adventures of her many siblings, nieces, and nephews, and growing up in the historic North End. FREE with admission. 617-523-2338; paulreverehouse.org

Preschoolers in the Park 10am, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby Street Salem. Join us for crafts and stories as we explore and discover what makes our National Parks so special!

Then walk out onto Derby Wharf to see a real lighthouse. FREE. salem.org

3 Tuesday Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs 1-3pm, Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments. FREE with admission. 617-5232338; paulreverehouse.org

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Preview Concert 8:00pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Get a preview of the Fourth of July show with a full concert, minus the fireworks. FREE. july4th.org

4 Wednesday Independence Day Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular 8pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Rachel Platten and Indigo Girls are featured in the annual concert and fireworks show. FREE. july4th.org

Salem’s July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza 4pm, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby St., Salem. Children’s activities start at 4pm, followed by live entertainment and an orchestra-accompanied fireworks display. FREE. salem.org

Salisbury Fourth of July Celebration

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts

7pm, Salisbury Beach, Salisbury. Live music followed by fireworks over the ocean.

FREE. beachfests.org

July Fourth in Plymouth Plymouth Waterfront, Plymouth. A parade kicks off festivities at 9:30am at Mayflower Business Park. Fireworks begin at 9pm on the waterfront. FREE. july4plymouth.com

7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band. Walk the grounds, visit the gardens, or relax on the lawn. $30/car. 978-810-5892; ttor.org

6 Friday

Ice Cream and...Frogs

Various locations, Newton. Kids celebrate from 10am to noon at Newton Centre Playground with parades, games and ice cream, the fun continues all afternoon at Albermarle Field, ending with fireworks.

FREE. newtoncommunitypride.org

7:30pm–9pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. What’s better than ice cream on a summer night? Why not add a little fun outdoor exploration? Join the adventure as they listen for the songs of frogs and katydids.

For families with children ages 6-16.

Registration required. Adult $15/Child $9.

508- 655-2296; massaudubon.org

5 Thursday

7 Saturday

In the Yard: Twilight at Bunker Hill Evening Tour

Hammered Dulcimer Concert

July Fourth Celebration in Newton

6:30-8pm, Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 1, Boston. Join a ranger and walk in the steps of the British soldiers as they advanced on the colonial stronghold during the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Tour concludes with a special sunset climb to the top of the Monument. FREE. 617-242-5601; nps.gov/bost/index.htm

Meet Beach Creatures 10am–3pm, Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island.Turnpike, Newburyport. The 110-gallon tide pool touch tank is open for fun hands-on learning, Thursdays through Sundays, 10:00am–3:00 pm. Volunteers interpret the amazing animals you may or may not have seen on your own beach visits, answering all the questions that all ages want to know. Program themes centered on local ecology and wildlife change every day, offering crafts, games, and two daily family presentations at 11:00 and 1:00. For all ages. FREE; suggested donation $2/child. 978-462-9998; massaudubon.org

1-3pm, Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels, and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed. FREE with admission. 617-523-2338; paulreverehouse. org

Star Gazing Nights 9pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Join local astronomers for a look at the stars and other night objects through big telescopes.

The event is on-going, so drop in for all or just some of the evening. FREE. 781-7845691; massaudubon.org

8 Sunday Fun with Butterflies & Dragonflies 1pm–2:15pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. Discover the amazing number of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies that make Broadmoor home! Come learn all about these beautiful winged creatures and how

Run+Ride at CambridgeSide Do you love to ride your bike and run? Compete in the ninth annual, kids only FREE duathlon with biking and running around CambridgeSide! For kids ages 5-13 years old, with prizes, race T-shirts, giveaways, entertainment and more. Pre-register today!

Sunday, August 5, 2017 | 8:30am – 1pm | FREE 32 Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

URL for event: CambridgeSide.com

One World

to help our local butterflies this summer!

For families with children ages 5-16.

Registration required. Adult $14/Child $8.

508-655-2296; massaudubon.org

Helping Wildlife: Hummingbirds 1pm–3pm, Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. The small size and fast flight of hummingbirds may make them seem like beautiful visitors we never quite get to know. In fact, there are easy methods to increase our observations and improve hummingbird habitat in our own backyards and in other landscapes. Join us for a hands-on introduction to rubythroated hummingbirds-the only hummingbird species found in Massachusetts. For families with children ages 8 and up. Registration required. Adult $9/Child $5. 978-464-2712; massaudubon.org

10 Tuesday Peter Pan-North Shore Music Theatre Times Vary, North Shore Music Theatre 62 Dunham Rd, Beverly. This high-flying Tony© Award-winning musical, follows the adventures of Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, as they visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night. Thru – July 22. $59 and up, Kids 50% off. Ages 4 and up. 978-232-7200; www. nsmt.org

10am to noon, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. A series of FREE arts and cultural events, each week exploring a different corner of the globe.

FREE. 617- 450-7000; marybakereddylibrary. org

11 Wednesday Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Curious Creatures (animals). FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

South Shore Conservatory Presents Karen K & the Jitterbugs 10am, South Shore Conservatory, One Conservatory Drive, Hingham. Wacky Wednesdays family concert series starts its 2018 season with Karen K & the Jitterbugs.

Adult $15/Child $5. 781-749-7565; calendar. artsboston.org

ParkARTS Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets 11am, Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury. A whimsical puppet show that will delight the child in everyone. FREE. 617-6354505; boston.gov/parks

Wednesday Night Concert Series 7pm, City Hall Plaza, Boston. Boston’s longest-running outdoor concert series.

FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

12 Thursday In the Yard: Charlestown Navy Yard Family Days 1-5pm, Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 1, Boston. Enjoy, play, and learn at the Charlestown Navy Yard during our family days this summer! Various family-friendly activities include rope making, block & tackle, monkey’s fist throw, and knot tying stations. FREE with Admission. 617-2425601; nps.gov/bost/index.htm

In the Yard: Swinging Summer Nights Concert Series with Beya 6pm, Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 1, Boston.

All concerts will be on the Commandant’s House Lawn and begin at 6 pm. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks, but feel FREE to bring a blanket and picnic! Activities will also be available for our younger visitors during the concert.

FREE. 617-242-5601; nps.gov/bost/index.htm

Eco-Art: Nesting Time 9am–11am, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Examine our collection of bird nests to study how they’re

CAMPS, CLASSES AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

FIND MORE ENTERTAINERS ONLINE AT: BostonParentsPaper.com/ entertainers

Convenient & Affordable Piano lessons at your school

Making a Difference One Skater at a Time

Private in-home lessons available

TM

2018 WINNER WINNER

Contact Molly Howard at 617-999-8794 pianoplaytime@yahoo.com www.pianoplaytime.com

Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing TM

2018 WINNER

SUMMER STARTS HERE! Summer Camp June 25 – August 30

BP201718

Pre-School Gymnastics– ages 3-5

Half, Full, Extended Day – Full or Partial Weeks

Gymnastics Camp – ages 5+ Rock Climbing/Sports Camp – ages 7+ Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm, AM/PM Extended Day Available Fun indoor/outdoor activities including Zip Line, Bungee, Foam Pit, Trampoline, Obstacle Courses, Water Slides, Crafts and more!

Call us about our flexible Summer Class Schedule!

Air Conditioned Facility 5 years as a Family Favorite Winner!

Where kids matter most!

88 Wells Avenue • Newton 617-244-3300 • www.exxcel.net

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

2016 TOP 5

32 South Fairview St., Roslindale, MA

617-323-2566 SPACE AVAILABLE

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

33

built and what materials were used in their construction. We’ll explore the trails looking for nests and places where birds might build them. On our return, we will create our own nests using natural materials. For families with children ages 4-12. Registration required. Adults $11/ Children $10. 978-887-9264; massaudubon. org

Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Davey the Clown. FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts 7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band. Walk the grounds, visit the gardens, or relax on the lawn. $30/car. 978-810-5892; ttor.org

13 Friday In the Yard Boston Navy Yard in the Civil War Tour 6pm, Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 1, Boston.

Discover how the Boston Navy Charlestown helped defeat the South during the Civil War. FREE with Admission. 617-242-5601; nps.gov/bost/index.htm

Heidi-Presented by WGBH FunFest Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre 10am – 4pm, WGBH studios, 1 Guest St., 10am $ 1pm, North Shore Music Theatre 62 Dunham Rd, Beverly. A wondrous tale of the charming Swiss miss who captures the hearts of everyone she meets, from her stern mountain-man of a grandfather to the nasty governess Miss Rottenmeier. $12 all seats. 978-232-7200; www.nsmt.org

14 Saturday Second Saturday Storytelling 11am & 1:30pm, ICA, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Connect with family and friends at the ICA Watershed through the art of storytelling. Look, listen, and participate while making connections to artworks through movement, music, poetry, and readings. Get ready to share your artinspired stories with others! Activities recommended for children ages 3–8. FREE. 617-478-3100; icaboston.org

Patriot Fife and Drum 1-3pm, Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. Enjoy a lively concert of music that accompanied colonists as they marched, danced, wooed their beloveds, and waged war. David Vose and Sue Walko provide fascinating insight into each selection they perform. FREE with admission. 617-5232338; paulreverehouse.org

Boston. Meet some of your favorite PBS characters as you enjoy ice cream, games, music and more. $15; family of 4, $39.99.

617-300-2000; wgbh.org

The Green River Festival Greenfield Community College, Greenfield.

A music festival with more than 40 acts, hot air balloon rides and kid’s activities.

Through July 15. Adults, $35 and up; kids under 10. FREE. 413-341-3317; greenriverfestival.com

Bastille Day Party 6pm, Marlborough Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon). Bastille Day returns to Marlborough Street for a celebration of Francophone cultures. The street party will fill the entire block with a stellar concert, dancing, festive food and drinks. Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, commemorates the birth of French democracy. $33, children under 10. FREE. Frenchculteralcenter.org

15 Sunday Help Wanted: Becoming a Servant at Castle Hill 2pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Learn about your many duties and responsibilities while

SCHOOLS 2016 National Winner for Curriculum and Instruction in STREAM

TM

2018 WINNER

• STREAM programs starting in the full day, year round preschool/child care • 1:1 Chromebooks for grades 4 through 8 • 3D printers in the STREAM Lab • Hands on programmable Bee-bots in our STREAM preschool/child care • Lego Mindstorms • Art, music, foreign language, technology and gym classes • Diverse community of learners Currently enrolling for Fall of 2018.

Call us today to set up your tour!

Sacred Heart School Boston 1035 Canterbury Street, Roslindale, MA 02131 • 617-323-2500 Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts and Math = STREAM

www.sacredheart-boston.org 34

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

seeing the back-of-the-house spaces and hearing what it is like to be a servant of the Cranes. Adults, $20; 978-356-4351; ttor.org

MAKEmobile 1-3pm, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln.

Activities will explore artistic and material processes through amusing prompts and challenges. FREE with admission. 781-2598355; decordova.org

Nature Story Hour 10am–11am, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan. Listen to a nature-themed story and then join the Teacher Naturalist for a short walk around the trails to learn about the resident animals and plants at the BNC. This experience is designed for toddlers and young children to experience the outdoors through sensory adventures. For families with children ages 0-3. Adult FREE/Child $5.

617-983- 8500; massaudubon.org

16 Monday Steve Songs – Libraries Rock!

6:30pm, Newton Culteral Center, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton. Steve Songs heats up the summer stage in Newton Center with cool stories and sing-along songs. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org

MFA Playdates 10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time, art making and looking activities in the galleries. FREE with admission. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

17 Tuesday ParkARTS Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets 11am, Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury. A whimsical puppet show that will delight the child in everyone. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

One World 10am to noon, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

A series of FREE arts and cultural events, each week exploring a different corner of the globe. FREE. 617- 450-7000; marybakereddylibrary.org

Playhouse in the Park 11am & 6pm Elma Lewis Playhouse in Franklin Park, Boston. Stop by at 11am for a children’s show and 6pm for family entertainment and performances. FREE. 617-442-4141; franklinparkcoalition.org

18 Wednesday Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Ben Rudnick & Friends. FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org Wednesday Night Concert Series 7pm, City Hall Plaza, Boston. Boston’s longestrunning outdoor concert series. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

BLO’s FREE Summer Concerts 7pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents Music for a Summer Evening). FREE. 617-987-2000; landmarksorchestra.org

19 Thursday Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Treasure Island. FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts 7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band. Walk the grounds, visit

SCHOOLS

Think Differently Learn Differently • Private K-8 special education school • Serving Complex Learners who struggle in a traditional classroom • Unique Immersion Model© integrates OT and Speech support throughout the curriculum • Financial Aid available

the Wolf School

To learn more visit thewolfschool.org 215 Ferris Avenue • East Providence • Rhode Island • 02916 • 401-432-9940 July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

35

the gardens, or relax on the lawn. $30/car. $10, under 4 FREE. abbadiamarefestival.

978-810-5892; ttor.org com

Eco-Art: Life of the Forest Floor Family Camp Out 9am–11am, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield.

Turtles like to live in ponds surrounded by cattails, reeds, and shrubs. We’ll take a walk to a pond and observe the different types of turtles living there, and then create our own turtles out of clay. For families with children ages 4-12.

Registration required. Adults $11/Children $10. 978-887-9264; massaudubon.org

6pm-9am, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Bring your tent, food and family, they’ll provide s’mores, campfire and the rest. A great opportunity for novice campers. Family, $50. 781-784-5691; massaudubon.org

In the Yard: Swinging Summer Nights Concert Series with Retrovisor

3pm, Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Carson Beach.

Boston’s only triathlon is inviting youth throughout Greater Boston to suit up for the annual Splash and Dash event, combining running and swimming Youth 7-15; www.bostontri.com

6pm, Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 1, Boston. All concerts will be on the Commandant’s House Lawn and begin at 6 pm. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks, but feel free to bring a blanket and picnic! Activities will also be available for our younger visitors during the concert. FREE. 617-242-5601; nps.gov/bost/index.htm

20 Friday Ice Cream and...Fireflies 7:30pm–9pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. What’s better than ice cream on a summer night? Why not add a little fun outdoor exploration? Join the adventure as we look for flashing fireflies, listen for the songs of frogs and katydids and use a “bat detector” to find our local bats.

For families with children ages 6-16.

Registration required. Adult $15/Child $9.

508- 655-2296; massaudubon.org

Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival Revere Beach, Revere. View the awesome creations at one of the country’s largest sand sculpting festivals, then stay for music, rides and fireworks. Through July 22. FREE. reverebeachpartnership.com

Family Dusk Paddles: River Mammals 6pm–8pm, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield.

Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. For families with children ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Adults $20/Children $18. 978-887-9264; massaudubon.org

22 Sunday Boston Splash and Dash

Nature Walk 1pm, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. Come on over to the BNC and stretch your legs with a walk on our trails, and your mind with lots to discover in our forests, meadows, and seasonal wetlands., $7. 617-983-8500;

25 Wednesday

36

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

6pm, Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 1, Boston. All concerts will be on the Commandant’s House Lawn and begin at 6 pm. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks, but feel free to bring a blanket and picnic! Activities will also be available for our younger visitors during the concert. FREE. 617-242-5601; nps.gov/bost/index.htm

27 Friday Family Fun Fridays 10am – 5pm, Heritage Museum and Garden, 67 Grove St., Sandwich. Enjoy a day at Heritage that features fun for the whole family, including a performance by Wayne Potash and the Music Fun Band, outdoor games, and family challenges.

FREE with admission. 508-888-3300; heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

28 Saturday Play Date: Creating Hope Together

7pm, City Hall Plaza, Boston. Boston’s longest-running outdoor concert series.

FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

10am – 4pm, ICA, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Kids rule the ICA the last Saturday of every month, when the museum fills up with fun, creative, and even zany activities for kids and adults to do together. FREE. 617-478-3100; icaboston.org

BLO’s FREE Summer Concerts

Glass Harmonica Concert

Wednesday Night Concert Series

7pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents Boston University Tanglewood Institute. FREE. 617-9872000; landmarksorchestra.org

1-3pm, Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. Vera Meyer plays early American melodies on an intriguing instrument that Ben Franklin invented.

FREE with admission. 617-523-2338; paulreverehouse.org

26 Thursday

Boston Area Beekeepers Association Open Hives

Berklee Summer Sessions Concert 1:30pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. Middle school Day Sessions students from Berklee College of Music travel to the Museum to present a live performance, showcasing the creative talents of the students and encouraging interaction and creativity among children.

FREE with admission. 617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

Eco-Art: Life of the Forest Floor

9am–11am, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield.

Explore a meadow to observe flowering plants, and learn how butterflies and bees help them. Then, design Abbadia Mare Festival a decoupage vase using tissue and pressed flowers to hold your summer 11am – 5pm, Hammond Castle Museum, flower arrangements. For families with 80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester. Live music, children ages 4-12. Registration required. magic, comedy, knights, storytelling, Adults $11/Children $10. 978-887-9264; human chess, tours of the castle and more. Repeats Sunday. Adults, $15; youth, massaudubon.org

21 Saturday

In the Yard: Swinging Summer Nights Concert Series with Retrovisor

10am–12pm, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan. Drop in at the Boston Nature Center Saturday mornings from June to August and learn all about honey bees from the Boston Area Beekeepers. Learn how they make honey, how they survive the winter, and much more! For ages 4 and up.

Registration required. FREE. 617-9838500; massaudubon.org

FIGMENT Boston Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston. An annual celebration of participatory art and culture. Expect art and activities in every medium available. Through July 29.

FREE. boston.figmentproject.org

Houghton’s Pond Fish Festival 10am – 1pm, Houghton’s Pond, 695 Hillside St., Milton. Take lessons in casting, knot-tying and fish identification, then cast a line into the pond. FREE. 617-698-1802; friendsofthebluehills.org

29 Sunday

back into the 1920s during this season’s monthly Open Houses at The StevensCoolidge Place. $10. 978-356-4351; ttor. org

Summer on the Emerald Necklace 5pm, Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain. Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy Metropolitan Wind Symphony.

Knucklebones offers a kids play space pre-concert. FREE. emeraldnecklace.org

Sunday Concerts on the Green 6:30pm, Newton Center Green, Newton.

Enjoy a festival of cultures reflecting the rich diverse heritage of Newton’s population. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org

Stevens-Coolidge Place Open House

Living History Labs at the Gables 10:30am – 1pm & 2-4:30pm, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 115 Derby Street, Salem. Try your hand at history! The Living History Lab hands-on history program at The House of the Seven Gables allows the young and young-at-heart to learn about history through a unique set of experiments. FREE with Admission. 978744-09914; 7gables.org

31 Tuesday One World 10am to noon, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

A series of FREE arts and cultural events, each week exploring a different corner of the globe. FREE. 617- 450-7000; marybakereddylibrary.org

10am – 2pm, The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover. Step

SCHOOLS, PRESCHOOLS & DAYCARE 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.

Daycare & Nursery School - Belmont

Christ Lutheran Childcare and Nursery School

2, 3 or 5-days per week

• Full time or part time • Agest 1 month - 5 years • Seasoned staff - well educated • Nurturing & Developmentally Appropriate

597 Belmont Street • Belmont, MA 02478 • 617-489-3071 clintod@verizon.net • www.clcbelmont.org

• Infants

(Birth to 15 Months)

• Toddlers

(15 Months to 33 Months)

• Preschool/ Pre-Kindergarten (33 Months to 5 Years)

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Full Time Part Time

Brookline • 617-731-1008 • 617-739-0854

Call or email us to schedule a tour • friendschildcare.brookline@gmail.com www.friendschildcare.net

Little People’s Playhouse

Educating and caring for your child like their own!

15 mos. to 6 yrs. • Pre K • Kindergarten Before & After School Ages 6-12 • 7am - 6pm Part-time Preschool • 7am - 1pm ♦ Literacy based academic program focusing on the whole child ♦ Tutoring available ♦ Catered hot meals included

ONGOING ENROLLMENT

www.peopleplayhouse.net

nel 20% Off and Fire Person e, lic Po , rs he Teac neonline.com www.thelearningzo

Kindercam in every classroom!

We have cameras in every classroom that parents can log onto throughout the day and watch their children at the center!

• Structured curriculum beginning at 15 months • All staff members are infant/child CPR and first aid certified • Weekly visits from The Story Teller, Music Man, My First Yoga,The Tumble Bus, and Happy Feet

Framingham (508) 872-3600 63 Fountain St.

Owner operated since 1994 Very competitive rates

www.thelearningzoneonline.com Belmont (617) 489-1161 279 Belmont St.

Beverly (978) 969-6679 600 Cummings Center

32 South Fairview Street ♦ W. Roxbury/Roslindale Line ♦ 617-323-2566 4019 Washington Street ♦ Roslindale/Jamaica Plain ♦ 617-323-6144 July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

37

JUNE 29

• Lyric Stage Company of Boston • MIT Museum • Berkshire Theatre Group • Nantucket Whaling Museum • The Mount: Edith Wharton’s Home • Concord Museum • Worcester Art Museum • Clark Art Institute • Children’s Museum in Easton • Edward Gorey House

• The Gardens at Elm Bank (Mass Hort) • Chatham Shark Center • New Bedford Whaling Museum • Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association • Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History • Springfield Museums • Discovery Museum • The Hall at Patriot Place

JULY 27

• Boston Children’s Museum • Peabody Essex Museum • Cape Cod Maritime Museum • Battleship Cove • Amelia Park Children’s Museum • Gore Place • Falmouth Museums on the Green • Hancock Shaker Village • Pilgrim Hall Museum • New England Quilt Museum

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum • Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood • Commonwealth Shakespeare Company • JFK Hyannis Museum • Fitchburg Art Museum • Old Colony History Museum • Boston Athenæum • Sandwich Glass Museum • Arnold Arboretum • Museum of Russian Icons

JULY 13

AUGUST 3

JULY 6

• Edward M. Kennedy Institute • Charles River Watershed Association • Larz Anderson Auto Museum • Chesterwood • The Telephone Museum • Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum • The Sports Museum • Children’s Museum at Holyoke • International Volleyball Hall of Fame • Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

JULY 14

• Edward M. Kennedy Institute • The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum • Harvard Museums of Science and Culture • Larz Anderson Auto Museum • Provincetown Art Association & Museum • Edward Gorey House • Museum of Russian Icons • Cape Ann Museum

JULY 20

• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston • Gloucester Stage Company 38

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018

• Franklin Park Zoo • Cape Cod Museum of Art • Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River • Davis Museum at Wellesley College • Naumkeag, The Trustees • Worcester Historical Museum • Osterville Historical Museum • Historic Deerfield • The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art • Paragon Carousel

AUGUST 10

• Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park • The Institute of Contemporary Art/ Boston • Jacob’s Pillow • Cahoon Museum of American Art • Nichols House Museum • Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists • Wenham Museum • Fuller Craft Museum • The Greenway Carousel • Freedom Trail® Foundation

AUGUST 17

• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum • Plimoth Plantation • Commonwealth Museum • Lynn Museum • New England Historic Genealogical Society • Fort Devens Museum • Fruitlands Museum, The Trustees • Old State House • Berkshire Museum • Museum of the First Corps of Cadets

AUGUST 24

• Harvard Museums of Science & Culture • Buttonwood Park Zoo • MASS MoCA • Heritage Museums & Gardens • Cape Cod Children’s Museum • Smith College Museum of Art • The Old Manse, The Trustees • Emily Dickinson Museum • Hull Lifesaving Museum • Museum of African American History

AUGUST 31

• Old Sturbridge Village • EcoTarium • Norman Rockwell Museum • Cape Cod Museum of Natural History • Chatham Marconi Maritime Center • USS Constitution Museum • Cape Ann Museum • Griffin Museum of Photography • Provincetown Art Association and Museum • The Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium Many thanks to the Highland Street Foundation for their continued support of this outstanding program.

We make best efforts to update information, but it changes frequently, so we cannot warrant it. Please call to check FREE FUN FRIDAYS 2018: Highland Street Foundation schedules, fees, and directions before making the trek. 617-969-8900 or highlandstreet. org

Summer Program Classes for Pre-K to Grade 12 One and Two Week schedules through August 20

wheelockfamilytheatre.org 617-353-3001

DOMESTIC PLACEMENTS Live In or Out

Nannies • Housekeepers House Managers • Estate Managers Couples • Mother’s Helpers Special Needs • Chefs/Cooks Eldercare • Drivers TM

Personal Assistants

2018 TOP 5

Call today! 866-990-7324 smuggs.com/bpp

1-888-453-2277 www.casscompany.com placement@casscompany.com

Personal & Professional Service

For all guests 12 & under!

July 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

39

40

Boston Parents Paper | July 2018