Farms and Petting Zoos Around Boston: See Animals Up Close
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
Visit these Boston area farms and petting zoos for animal encounters and family fun .
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
Visit these Boston area farms and petting zoos for animal encounters and family fun .
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
There are so many fun things to do in Salem, MA with kids throughout the year. Costumes are always on in Salem, but the city truly becomes Halloween Town through October. While Halloween has historically been packed with revelers, Witch City is always a great destination for an easy day trip or weekend getaway because there's always things to do in Salem. Take the ferry from Boston to learn the history of the Salem Witch Trials, experience everything from the magical to the macabre anytime of year, and explore family-friendly, hands-on exhibitions at the world-class Peabody Essex Museum. It's easy to promise families year-round fun in this historic walkable town with our list of the top things to do in Salem with kids.
For more fun things to do this October, we've rounded up the best kids Halloween events near Boston and loaded up our Halloween Guide with the best of spooky season.
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High temps mean it's high time for picking peaches and more at Boston farms. Kids can pick late-summer produce, like pears, raspberries, plums, cherries, corn, and more—even currants! Children who enjoyed hunting for strawberries and blueberries on local farms in June and early July will have a blast plucking (and sampling) stone fruits and more at these nearby farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
For another fun u-pick experience that will lead to a beautiful centerpiece of sunflowers, snapdragons, and more for your summer table, consider a visit with kids to these flower farms around Boston. Or, pick your favorite flavor at these Boston farms with homemade ice cream. And be sure to bookmark our post on places to pick apples with Boston kids—some varieties are ripe starting late August. Happy harvesting!
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There are plenty of area beaches that are perfect for families looking to spend the day outside, but some kids prefer the warmer and calmer waters of one of Massachusetts' many swimming lakes. We’ve rounded up swimming lakes and ponds around Boston where kids can splash around in freshwater all summer long. Read on for our picks for the Boston's top swimming lakes for summer fun.
Looking to stay closer to home? These local spraygrounds and splash pads are another way to beat the heat this summer. Don't miss our summer fun guide for more fun activities, outdoors or in.
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
You know it's summertime in Boston when kids are running through splash pads, splash parks, and sprinkler playgrounds, on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and at area parks and playgrounds. When the weather heats up, the water turns on, and kids can splash around at several of the area's "coolest" spraygrounds, splash pads, and wading pools. As an added bonus, these spray parks are all free to visit. Read on for the best splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in Boston and the surrounding communities. Make sure to check with the local parks departments before heading out for any updates or changes to hours and rules.
For more fun summer ideas, check out our guide to Drive-in Movie Theaters in and Around Boston for Outdoor Movie Night with Kids. If you're looking to get out of the city for some splash time, read up on The Best Cape Cod Beaches for Families. And our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas:100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids can show you plenty of great ways to enjoy the season in your home and around the neighborhood.
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You won’t be scaling any great heights on these stroller-friendly hikes, but you will be soaking up nature and getting some exercise too. There are so many amazing places in the Boston area to walk with kids, whether they’re trekking alongside you, riding in a carrier, or even being pushed in a stroller. With so many beautiful landscapes to take in—from salt marshes and woodlands to wetlands and farms—you’re sure to find a hike perfect for your family.
Once your kids are walking, check out these short hikes for preschoolers and great family hikes around Boston. For a real adventure, see our review of mountains to climb with kids across the U.S.
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
Submitted by Elyse Andrews on
When the weather keeps you inside and your child is literally climbing the walls, it's time to head to ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour facilities in Boston. These gyms channel the TV show American Ninja Warrior. Just like the show, the indoor obstacles at these family-friendly gyms and indoor play spaces in Massachusetts require speed, agility, balance, and strength to complete. They are perfect for little monkeys who love to climb and appreciate a physical challenge. If your kids are inspired by the show, or just need a productive way to channel their energy, we've got a great list of Boston-area gyms with obstacle courses perfect for aspiring ninja warriors.
We love Boston's indoor play spaces for helping kids get their energy out. Find that and more in our Boston Indoor Fun Guide; it has great ideas for keeping kids active when it's cold or wet outside. And if your little one isn't so little anymore, see our guide to Teen Birthday Parties in Boston: Cool Party Places for Teens.