Boston Parent June 2019

JUNE 2019

TM

5 Ways

TO UP THE

Fun Factor

at Museums, Zoos and Aquariums

Kids

Museums

Our detailed Guide featuring

Franklin Park Zoo New England Aquarium Museum of Science

Family Events Calendar

Boston’s Ice Cream Trail

7

Sweet Spots

Massachusettes Berry Picking Guide • Father’s Day Events • Dragon Boat Festival

“We LOVE Tender Loving Care. The teachers are like family. They care for each child like their own family. They are knowledgeable in early childhood education as well as the gentle care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers!!�

Woburn - 781-281-2983 | Weston - 781-703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com 2

Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

Contents June 2019 Volume 34 • Number 10

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5 Ways to Up the Fun Factor at Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums

13 Kids

Museums

13 14 15 Franklin Park New England Museum of Zoo Aquarium Science W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

4 Family F.Y.I.

• Childcare and Preschool Guide • Festival of Dragons • Win Plimoth Plantation Tickets

8 I Scream, You Scream!

Boston’s Ice Cream Trail 10 Listen Up! Keep Your Child’s Ear Health in Check 16 Calendar of Events 26 Massachusetts Berry Picking Guide Directories TM

18 Camps and Summer Programs 22 Schools & Childcare Centers 25 Entertainment & Party Needs

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

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

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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/

June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

3

✼ Family F.Y.I. 2019-20 Edition

om BostonParentsPaper.c

From Babies to Toddlers to Preschool

ties Extracurricular Activi l Philosophies • ior Understanding Schoo t Challenging Behav What to Know Abou • Sick Day Plan • And More! ss Succe a Lunch l Making Schoo

Childcare & Preschool Guide

T

he 2019 Childcare & Preschool Guide includes articles on how to find the best school environment for your child, where to go for local enrichment activities, ways to teach gratitude and patience, and more! Read it online at BostonParentsPaper.com by clicking on Childcare & Preschool Guide in the “Our Magazines” tab.

1910

As we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day this year, keep in mind that it was the governor of Washington State that first declared the celebration on July 19, 1910. All of the hard-working papas in the country had to wait until 1972 for Father’s Day to actually become a nationally celebrated holiday in the United States (that’s 58 years after Mother’s Day was made official by President Woodrow Wilson). It was Richard Nixon who signed the proclamation into action.

1938 We bet you didn’t know that

National Doughnut Day, taking place on June 7, has origins dating back to 1938! That’s the year The Salvation Army created the sweet holiday to honor the folks who served the deep-fried treats to soldiers during World War I (they were affectionately referred to as Doughnut Dollies). For the record, National Doughnut Day always takes place on the first Friday in June. Delicious!

$188

According to a National Retail Federation study that took place in 2017, that’s how much the average consumer will spend on their Papa this Father’s Day, although we all know that nothing is better than sweet hugs, burnt toast in bed and a school-made craft to celebrate.

Celebrate Flag Day This Flag Day (June 14), bust out some facts about the American flag to impress your kids. For example, only Pennsylvania observes Flag Day as an official holiday. Each color of the flag has a special meaning.

White signifies purity and innocence, red stands for hardiness and valor, and blue is for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

Family is special.

Fenway Health is here to help you create and care for yours.

We offer supportive and sensitive care for all members of your growing family.

Our Alternative Insemination program helps the LGBTQ community and single people of any orientation expand their families.

A Festival of Dragons The Boston Dragon Boat Festival, taking place on June 9, is a day like no other, with boat race trials and the finals taking place on Saturday. Your kids will marvel at the super cool 39-foot-Hong Kong style dragon boats and will love cheering on the competitors. Enjoy a cultural festival, which boasts tons of tasty Asian foods, fun arts and crafts, and performances including Chinese Traditional Dance, Bhangra and Bollywood Dance, and Japanese Taiko Drumming. Taking place near Harvard Square, the festival commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, an ancient patriot-poet who was exiled from his home state of Chu after fighting for reforms.

For more information, visit bostondragonboat.org.

Our Obstetrics program works with Beth Israel Lahey Health to address all of your needs from preconception to post-delivery.

Our Family Medicine program treats infants, toddlers, school-age children, teens, and more!

For more information, visit fenwayhealth.org or call 617.927.6000 today.

That’s the Scoop!

T

he 37th annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl® presented by Valvoline Instant Oil Change, will take place at Boston’s City Hall Plaza on June 4, 5, and 6 from noon to 8 p.m. Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl — the nation’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival — marks the beginning of summer in New England.

Dozens of flavors will be served by top ice cream and frozen yogurt companies, including: Baskin Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Edy’s, Friendly’s, and Hood, along with Greater Boston fan favorites: Bart’s Ice Cream, Blake’s Ice Cream, Vice Cream, Beckon Ice Cream, and Yasso, among others. All proceeds benefit the Jimmy Fund and support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

5

âœź Family F.Y.I.

ENTER TO WIN. . .

4 Tickets to Plimoth Plantation

Win a family 4-pack to Plimoth Plantation, a Smithsonian

Institution Affiliate that brings to life the stories of the Wampanoag and the English colonists known as Pilgrims in 17th-century New England.

Museum exhibits include the 17th-Century English Village, Wampanoag Homesite, Craft Center, Nye Barn, historic Mayflower II and the Plimoth Grist Mill. CONTEST ENDS JUNE 27 . https://bostonparentspaper.com/promotions.html

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Cassandra Slater, Injury Prevention Specialist, Boston Children’s Hospital

A

nnually, eight hundred children drown in the United States, more than half of whom are under the age of five.

Home swimming pools are the most common site for drowning to occur for toddlers aged one to four years old, while bath tubs and large buckets are the most common place for infant drowning deaths. Preventing drowning tragedies in and out of the home takes planning and supervision, but is absolutely possible.

Home Drowning Prevention: Child-proofing is the key to home drowning prevention. As your child becomes more mobile, you will want peace of mind knowing that childresistant materials will keep them away from water sources, such as bath tubs, home pools, and toilet bowls. Safety equipment such as door knob covers, sliding door locks, toilet latches, and cabinet locks create safe barriers between your curious toddlers and hazards in and around the home.

If you are the lucky owner of a home pool or hot tub, consider multiple barriers to keep kids out of the water without supervision.

Some common safety measures include pool fencing, door alarms, and pool covers. Pool covers should be strong enough to hold the weight

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

of an adult to prevent drowning from fall-ins.

Open-water swimming: Near any open body of water, younger children should wear a Coast-Guard-approved life vest at all times in case they wander towards the water and are knocked off balance by waves. Older children may be tempted to swim in open water without a life vest because they feel comfortable swimming in swimming pools. Remind them that swimming in the ocean is much more challenging than swimming in a pool, and that they should wear a life vest in any amount of water that hits above

their waist while standing, in case they are swept further away from shore. Common pool toys such as pool noodles and inner tubes cannot be used instead of a life vest.

As always, make sure there is at least one alert adult present while children are swimming. Adults should be attentive to the swimmers and not distracted by cell phones or head phones.

Learn CPR Bystanders who know CPR are often the difference between life and death for drowning victims. Become an empowered citizen by learning CPR from the American Red Cross or a program at a local hospital.

The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics Arnold I Weiss, DDS Wesley Barton, DMD Danya Mermelstein, DMD Ronen Krausz, DDS Carmen Brambila, DMD Myles Clancy, DMD Roger Taylor, DMD

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7

By Alyson Gregory

tops the list throughout America as the trip worthy of every Best Ice Cream award inside and outside of Boston. Creative flavors like Bourbon-Gingersnap and Vienna Finger Cookie match New England classics like Grapenut Raisin scoop for scoop. Home of the micro-sundae leaves room for your next stop, and catered ice cream sundae parties may just satisfy your next craving!

Cambridge, tosci.com

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

located in Inman Square is where the smart and fashionable go for bold and daring ice cream inventions. Carrot Cake and Herbal Chai, anyone? Adzuki Bean may not be at the top of your list, but you’ll love that it’s there, along with at least 50 other flavor offerings on any given day. The seasonal sorbet menu rivals the dairy menu and will cool you off in style with flavors like Champagne and Concord Grape. Cambridge, christinasicecream.com

Toscanini’s

PHOTO BY JOHN PHELAN, WIKIMEDIA.COM

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ith Massachusetts leading the country at #4 in ice cream consumption, it’s no wonder there are plenty of sweet spots to elect favorites from all summer long that will guarantee a chill time with the family. From classic cow-fresh farm flavors to the downright funky (Jalapeño?), and more drizzles of liquid gold (hot fudge) and dollops of homemade whip you can dream about digesting, this essential will turn any ordinary day into an indulgence. Want to make it extra special? Life is better with mementos: Craft a pocket ice-creamtasting journal with your kids using stickers and rubber stamps you’ll cherish looking back at, then set off on Boston’s Ice Cream Trail!

Boston Parent 3.312" x 4.687" tall - June.qxp_Layout 1 5/17/19 2:59 PM Page

trucks throughout Boston pair hand-scooped, baked-to-perfection cookies featuring Richardson’s cow-to-cone farm fresh ice cream for the ultimate ice cream sandwich. Customize with bestseller cookies like Peanut Buttah Cup and The Buttahscotch already divinely paired for you with the perfect ice cream flavor, like Butter Crunch or German Chocolate Cake!

Sun’s out, trucks out—check the website for Boston truck schedules. Trucks available for private parties and corporate functions! thecookiemonstah.com unexpectedly delivers scratch-made, plantbased ice cream in small-batch signature flavors that will have you seriously pondering veganism before you can say “dairy”! The creamy gelato-like consistency found in every scoop elevates flavors like Chocolate Pudding and Blueberry Buckle to heavenly status, and with fun treats like FoMu Choco Tacos, there is something for everyone, allergies included. Not that you will need another reason to return if you visit once, but word on the street is Tom Brady’s a frequent flier! Check website for Boston café locations and Pop-Ups coming soon!

Boston, fomuicecream.com packs a powerful pint with messages of positivity intended to make people and neighborhoods stronger. Eat Ice Cream and Defend Vulnerable Communities is this delectable all-homemade shop’s slogan, along with their beloved motto: It is OK to cry in this place. Along with feeling right at home here, you will be guest to their signature Fluff cone and tiny-batchmade flavors like Chocolate Nilla Wafer and Salty Whiskey. Their six Always Flavors and six Sometimes Flavors are updated daily on their opening menu. Call or check the website, and watch out for Unicorn Poop!

Union Square, icecreamgracies.com

The Cape: Know Before You Go one of Cape Cod’s and America’s most praised parlours, has three locations across the Cape, making it easy to stop wherever your plans may take you. And with a #5 rating in the country, you’ll be glad you did! The sure-to-linger memory of the perfect sundae served in the perfect glass with nothing but homemade everything makes this line well worth the wait. American classics like Blueberry never tasted so good—might be the fresh steamed blueberries—and more adventurous flavors will take you to the Milky Way! Cape Cod, sundaeschool.com

is a pretty-in-pink picturesque village ice cream shop not to be missed if you’re nearby. Shaded picnic tables and the refreshing Raspberry Lime Rickey and freshly squeezed Lemonade offer an icy, dairy-free treat if you can’t stomach another cone, and original reinventions of classic favorites like the Orange Creamsicle Twist debut often. A bit pricey, but you’ll get what you pay for, and they’ll even put your scoops in a reusable mason jar if you happen to be carrying one!

Chatham, Facebook: Buffy’s Ice Cream

Vermont’s Most Beautiful Address Family First — No more “are we there yets,” Never another “how much longer?”

Everything you need for a perfect family vacation is right here.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort is New England’s most luxurious family destination.

Experience. Together.

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DON’T MISS OUT!

2019

Su m mer Ca mp s

From first-time campers and adventure lovers to history buffs and future role players, we have fun learning opportunities for every child!

For details, please visit plimoth.org/summer-camps-kids

June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

9

t’s summer! You’ve got your kids’ sunblock, goggles, hats, towels and floaties, plus a lounge chair in a coveted location near the pool. You are the picture of summer perfection … almost.

While we offer you kudos for hauling all of that gear around in style and protecting your family’s skin and eyes, there’s one thing you may have missed on the summer safety checklist – their ears. Often disregarded until it’s too late, proper ear health is especially important during the summer months as kids are swimming up a storm weekly, if not daily.

“Our ears serve an important role and if they’re not healthy, that can lead to conditions that have a significant impact on our lives,” says Jocelyn Joseph, M.D., M.P.H., chief of pediatrics at MIT Medical, Cambridge. “For example, fluid in our ears can cause hearing loss and, as a result, a child’s speech and language development may be delayed. Also, if fluid is persistent, it may lead to chronic ear infections and continued need for antibiotics.”

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

No one wants to be sidelined at camp because of swimmer’s ear, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 2.4 million health care visits are attributed to the infection annually in the United States, resulting in almost half a billion dollars in health care costs.

Swimmer’s ear (or otitis externa if you want to get fancy), specifically, is an infection of the outer ear canal and rears its ugly head when water stays in the ear canal for

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

an extended period of time, offering germs a play area to grow and infect the skin. Common in children who love to swim, symptoms can include itchiness inside the ear, redness and swelling, pain when the ear is tugged and puss drainage. The moral of the story? You want to avoid this at all costs. Joseph advises parents to prevent swimmer’s ear by wearing a swimming cap or ear plugs, but if your little one simply isn’t having it, drying the ears as best you can after swimming is helpful.

“Use a towel, washcloth or even a blow dryer on the lowest setting,” she says. “Hold the blow dryer about a foot away from the ear.”

Another option, Joseph says, is to use a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol before and after swimming. Pour a teaspoon of the mixture in each ear and let it drain out if, and only if, the eardrum is not ruptured.

In the event your child starts to complain of ear pain, Michael Cohen, M.D., a pediatric otolaryngologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, encourages parents to visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor as soon as possible.

“Swimmer’s ear is treated with ear drops; usually antibiotic or a combination of antibiotic and steroid drops are used,” he explains. “Sometimes the swelling can be so severe that drops cannot get into the ear canal, in which case an ENT doctor can put a small sponge, called a wick, into the canal to help the drops get in further. Several ear cleanings may be necessary to remove infected debris and to facilitate healing.”

Is Your Child Prone to Ear Infections?

If your child swims regularly, particularly in water with high bacterial counts at recreational water venues, chances are he is at increased risk for developing an outer

ear infection, but there are other factors to consider as well.

Joseph cites children with small ear canals as an example of kids who are more susceptible to this kind of illness, as well as those who use hearing aids or wear headphones. Even irritants like hairsprays can put a child at increased risk for infection.

When possible, ask pool operators if disinfectant and pH levels are checked twice a day. If the levels are within a normal range (which is 7.0 – 7.6 for pH), the water is less likely to spread germs.

Middle ear infections (otitis media with effusion is the technical term) is when fluid builds up in the middle ear and doesn’t offer any signs of acute infection like pain, pus or fever. According to the CDC, these infections can be caused by viral upper respiratory infections, allergies or exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke.

“Due to [children’s] anatomy, they may have more dysfunction of their Eustachian tube,” says Joseph as to why children may be more susceptible to middle ear infections. “As they grow, this tube changes its position and allows for better drainage of the fluid that naturally collects into the ear tube to drain into the nose.”

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Ear Cleaning 101

Those cotton swabs sure do look inviting to little ones, so first and foremost, keep them out of their reach. The only person who should be in charge of cleaning ears is a grown-up, and even then it should be done gently and not as often as you might think.

“The ears are generally self-cleaning,” says Cohen.

“Wax produced within the ear canal is normal and serves a protective purpose as it has both moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Wax gradually comes out on its own as the skin of the ear canal grows outward.”

So how can you safely and effectively clean a child’s ears? With great care and caution.

“Any visible wax can be gently wiped away with a washcloth, but parents should not try to clean within the ear canal using cotton swabs or other implements as this often pushes wax in further and can damage the delicate skin of the ear canal,” he explains.

Joseph concurs, encouraging parents to avoid sticking anything into the ear, even those seemingly innocent cotton swabs. It’s easy to mistakenly dive too far into the ear, which is delicate and may cause the rupture of the tympanic membrane (the eardrum). And don’t even think about trying to get creative. It should go without saying that pen caps, hair pins and the like shouldn’t go anywhere near the ears.

“Avoid cleaning the ear canal,” she says. “If a parent suspects it needs to be cleaned, please call and make arrangements for your child’s ear to be cleaned at their provider’s office.”

If your child is complaining of ear discomfort or pain, Joseph advises not to ignore it. Also, take note if they are speaking loudly or listening to the TV or radio louder than what you think is normal. These can be signs that their ears should be checked by an ENT. So as you pack up for the pool this summer and round up all of that gear to keep your children safe for the duration of the season, don’t forget about the ears. Ear plugs and swim caps may not be the most glamorous of accessories, but your kids (and their ears) will thank you.

Connors Farm

Book your “Down on the Farm” Field Trip or Birthday Party Annual 2019 Strawberry Festival

Sat., June 22 • 9am-6pm (rain date June 23) See website for details for this fun annual event!! www.connorsfarm.com New this year Putnamville Railroad

30 Valley Road • Danvers • MA • 978-777-1245

RUSSELL ORCHARDS Strawberry Festival June 22nd & 23rd • 11-4

*Strawberry Picking, Hayrides, Live Music, Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, Pony Rides and much more!

143 Argilla Rd. • off Routes 133 & 1A in Ipswich, MA Open daily, 9-6 • *Crop permitting; please check the picking status online.

978-356-5366 • www.RussellOrchards.com June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

11

5 Ways

By Cheryl Maguire

to Up the Fun Factor at Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums

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information you can use to create an appropriate scavenger hunt based on your child’s age and interests. Write a list of items your child needs to find while visiting the spot. For example, the Plimoth Plantation website has historical information and pictures. An item on the list could be as simple as “find a baby cradle.”

ho wants to go to a museum? If your family is

2 | PASSPORT STAMPS

like mine, you might get a mixed reaction to this question.

One child may jump up and down shouting, “ME, ME!” while the other child says, “Okay,” and another child says, “No thanks.”

Visiting a museum, zoo, or aquarium is a fun, educational way to entertain your children. However, it can be challenging if they are different ages and interests. Once you get there, you may encounter long lines or crowds which can cause your kids to lose interest or become frustrated. One way to engage all of your children with different personalities and developmental levels is to play a game. Here are a few games that I have found helpful to use in museums, zoos and aquariums:

Everyone loves to get their passport stamped, right? I have seen this idea used at the Boston Harbor Islands and Disney World. My kids love getting a stamp and they feel a sense of accomplishment when their book is filled with stamps at the end.

Similar to creating the scavenger hunt, you can visit the places’ websites before you visit. Create a passport book by stapling together some white pages of paper. On each page write either a place to visit such as “the lions at the zoo” or a challenge or question such as, “Who is the mayor of the 17th Century Village in Plimoth Plantation?” When your child has completed the task on the page, give them a stamp (you can bring one with you).

1 | SCAVENGER HUNTS

3 | BINGO

A great way to involve all your kids at a destination is to offer them a scavenger hunt. I first saw this used when I volunteered to go on my child’s school field trip to Plimoth Plantation. The teacher gave a scavenger hunt list to all the students.

Even though I had visited Plimoth Plantation many times, I learned new things from participating in the scavenger hunt and the kids loved it.

It was a way for them to learn and have fun at the same time.

To design your own scavenger hunt, you should visit the website of the museum, zoo, or aquarium before you visit. Most websites have

My kids love playing Bingo and they play it almost everywhere. This game is easy enough for young children to play and also entertaining for older children. By using the game at an educational location, you are helping your child to interact with her surroundings.

Before you go to the site, create Bingo game boards for the whole family. Each square could be either a picture or a written word of something you plan to see during your visit. For example, if you are going to the aquarium you could have pictures (even printed pictures from the website or online) of a shark,

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

octopus, and sea turtle. The first person to spot the shark marks off the square with the shark in it using a pencil. You win Bingo when you get five squares in a row.

4 | THE ABC GAME The ABC game is when you write down all the things you can think of that start with a particular letter in one minute. If two people have the same word, that word gets crossed out. You move consecutively through the alphabet and whoever gets the most words wins. This is a fun, easy game you can play anywhere, you only need some pens and paper (or the note pad on your electronic device).

You can play this game in the car if you’re driving a long distance to the place you’re visiting and try to think of topics related to the place for each letter. You could also modify the game at the location by saying whoever first sees something that starts with the letter A wins one point and then continues to B, etc.

5 | I SPY Even though my twins are twelveyear-olds, they still like to play “I Spy.” The great thing about this game is young children are able to play it as well. This is a fun waiting game if there are long lines or if you have to wait to get into an exhibit. You can also play “I Spy” while you’re at the museum, zoo, or aquarium. This game will increase your child’s observation skills while still being fun.

How do you help make places fun?

What are some games you play? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cheryl Maguire is a mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings,” Parent Co., Mothers Always Write, Twins Magazine, and It’s Twins. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Museums

FRANKLIN PARK ZOO

PHOTO BY ZOO NEW ENGLAND

Kids

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

The epic 10,000-square-foot playground inspired by Zoo wildlife is a main attraction for kids of all ages and an essential part of every FPZ visit! The giraffe-like tube slide is worth the climb every time, and rubberized ground cover keeps the ground soft. The Nature Play area on the pathway between the Hyena and Baird’s Tapir exhibits is another hit with the kids and brings nature and landscape to some more outdoor play.

ADDRESS: 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121

Why Parents  It

SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: Grades K-12: free school field trips, Homeschool Classes, Scout Badge Programs, Sleepovers & After Dark Programs, School Vacation Week, Birthday Parties, and community-oriented nonprofit Organization Passes.Group discounts available. zoonewengland.org/visit/group-reservations

Parents love the ease of this zoo and being able to take year-round trips. The warm indoor Tropical Forest building is an instant escape to the tropics on the chilliest of days, and the petting zoo at Franklin Farm. Learn about the animals and print games and scavenger hunts ahead of your visit at Kid’s Corner on the FPZ website.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures?

Aussie Aviary

Kids will love standing still with their feed stick in hopes one of the budgies will make a landing in this exciting free-flight exhibit where hundreds of vibrantly colored birds flutter overhead!

WEBSITE: zoonewengland.org HOURS: Open year-round! Summer (April 1-September 30) 10:00 am-5:00 pm weekdays, 10:00 am-6:00 pm weekends & holidays; winter (October 1-March 30) daily, 10:00 am4:00 pm; Teacher and Military discounts, Library Pass Program, buy online and save up to 15% or more!

ADMISSION: Adult: $19.95; Child (ages 2-12) $13.95; Senior: $17.95 MUSEUM CAFÉ: Giddy-Up Grill; Seasonal: Kalahari Kitchen (outdoor grill) CAMPS/CLASSES: oaklandzoo.org/zoocamp

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Check the schedule for Special Events like ArtWeek and daily programs & events featuring Zookeeper Chats and Mystery Animal Encounters!

Pre-registration Programs: Wild Adventure Education Programs for families & their young cubs, Breakfast with the Animals, and Behind-the-Scenes Tours.

SUMMER ZOOCAMP: Campers ages 6-11 can go wild for one-week sessions at ZooCamp featuring animal, science, and conservation-based educational games and activities, while older kids ages 12-13 interested in the professional field of animals and science can join the Junior Zookeeping Program and discover firsthand what it feels like to be a zookeeper!

INCLUSIVITY INFO: Handicap Accessible, Wheelchair rental with advance reservation, Service dogs welcome, Sensory-Friendly Guide download available online.

Gorillas Galore

Stand face-to-face with a Lowland Gorilla family at this up-close-and-personal exhibit with five glass viewing stations for an unforgettable experience! You never know what you might see as you observe this active and charming family watching you watching them!

Kalahari Kingdom

Always wanted to hear the unmistakable roar of an African lion? This king of the jungle’s habitat is made even more exciting with a mock “crashed” safari vehicle kids can climb into and peer at these majestic beasts through the glass viewing area at eye level!

June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com 13

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Museums

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

PHOTO BY NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

Kids

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

The penguins have it at this busy colony that several species call home surrounding the Giant Ocean tank.

At a count of almost 100, kids simply love peering at these little guys hopping around their easy-to-view habitat. Can you find the one with the punk-rock hairdo and donkey’s bray?

ADDRESS: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Why Parents  It The umbrella-stroller-friendly indoor/outdoor venue easily accommodates families of all ages, and the massive four-story ocean tank the aquarium was built around holds hundreds of vibrantly colored Caribbean reef animals sure to delight wherever you may be standing. The leave and return hand stamp makes connecting with friends and family in the area a breeze

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures?

Marine Mammal Center

Have you ever seen a seal “fly” through the water? How about a California sea lion “walk” on land?

Discover what these mammals do for fun at this expansive open-air exhibit space designed especially for their play and enjoyment! Don’t forget to check the daily schedule for training sessions.

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

WEBSITE: neaq.org HOURS: Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm (open weekends until 6:00 pm); Summer Hours (July 1-August 31) 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily ADMISSION: Adult: $31.00; Child: $22.00; Senior: $29.00; IMAX Tickets: +$8-$10; Combo Tickets available for value package! Military discounts; public libraries offer discounted admission of $10 per person.

MUSEUM CAFÉ: Harbor View Café; Seasonally: The Reef; refreshment carts and picnic tables on the Aquarium Plaza SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips, Traveling Education Outreach Programs, Homeschooling Program, IMAX birthday parties, On-the-Road birthday parties (they come to you!), Behind-the-Scenes Tours. Group pricing available for 10 or more.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Check the schedule daily for Seal Training, Live Animal Presentations, Giant Ocean Tank Divers, and Climate Change Activities. Marine science programs for families with young children; Teen Programs: Marine Biologist in Training (MBIT), live blue Ambassadors; Animal Encounter Program: Advance reservations required.

SUMMER COURSES: Grades 4+ combine marine science with traditional camp fun at the Harbor Discoveries Summer Camp weeks, while grades 8+ work alongside aquarium professionals in the Advanced Aquarium Summer Institute program; Summer Teen Internships available; neaq.org/get-involved/internship-programs/teen-internships INCLUSIVITY INFO: Visitors using wheelchairs or with visual impairments welcome free of charge; service dogs welcome; Sensory Processing Needs kits available at the Information Desk; Sensory Inclusive Morning Access: check website for schedule neaq. org/visit/accessibility .

Indo-Pacific Coral Reef

Shark and Ray Touch Tank

Wonder what 9,000 gallons of water looks like?

The aquarium’s newest handmade and painted floor-to-ceiling exhibit will make you feel like you’re immersed on the reef and teaches all about these “rainforests of the sea.” Discover through a bright, enhancing backdrop how thousands of species of fish, turtles, and marine life are supported by the reef habitat. Can you find the Clownfish, Butterflyfish, and Unicornfish that live here?

Kids will love getting as close as they want to a variety of rays and epaulette sharks at this crystal-clear-water, mangrove-themed exhibit where close

viewing is just as much fun as reaching out and touching them in the tank!

PHOTO BY SAM CHENGE

Museums

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

PHOTO BY CANDY KENNEDY

Kids

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

Where else can you see a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex model and fossils including footprints and even dinosaur dung? Younger kids will delight in the free-fluttering tropical Butterfly Garden and Discovery Center experiments, while elementary-aged children will gaze in awe in the Hall of Human Life and at the stars in the Planetarium!

ADDRESS: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114

The extraordinary view of the Charles River, Boston, and Cambridge from the bright and airy first-floor dining area makes refueling and rests a breeze. Bring your own brown bag lunches or choose from the healthy food options at the Riverview Café.

WEBSITE: mos.org HOURS: Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Friday 9:00 am-9:00 pm) ADMISSION: : Adult: $28.00; Child: $23.00; Senior: $24.00; Add-On Tickets: +$6.00 Omni Theater IMAX, Planetarium, Butterfly Garden, 4-D Theater Public libraries offer free or discounted Exhibit Hall passes MUSEUM CAFÉ: Riverview Café SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips, Homeschoolers, Girl Scout & Boy Scout Troops, birthday outings, and Overnights at the Museum. Group pricing available.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Live Presentations daily schedule features animals, science, technology, and Lightning demonstrations!.

SUMMER COURSES: From bugs and dinosaurs to space explorers and mini-mini med school, students in grades 1-8 can choose from science themes that will keep them inspired all summer long INCLUSIVITY INFO: Assistive Listening System, Sighted Guide Tours, ASL Interpreters, and Quiet Hours. Accessibility Coordinator available.

SCAVENGER HUNT

To the Moon PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI

Can you find these treasures?

Hands-On Laboratory

Kids will love to be the scientist as they explore the lab’s interactive learning programs using real science lab research tools and techniques to make discoveries and investigate mysteries!

Wonder what it feels like to be an astronaut? Climb into the full-size Apollo Command Module and watch the first moon landing from the cockpit. Can you find the moon rock fragments and model of Skylab, the first space station launched by NASA to orbit Earth?

Charles River Field Station

Discover what really lives in the Charles River as you explore the ecosystem’s organisms under a microscope with a Museum educator. Did you know you could tell what foods birds can eat by examining their beaks? Other activities test out your naturalist skills by examining Predator or Prey skulls of New England animals!

PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI

Why Parents  It

PHOTO BY CANDY KENNEDY

PHOTO BY NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

g

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

15

Calendar ARTfull Play

Wednesday, June 5 deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum 51 Sandy Pond Road Lincoln 10:30 a.m. 781-259-3604; decordova.org

Fill your morning with art and play through experiences in deCordova’s 30-acre Sculpture Park and Museum. Each play-based hour features a unique opportunity to engage with art, stories, materials, nature, and new friends. Ages 2-5.

Free with admission.

16

Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

PHOTO OF deCORDOVA MUSEUM BY JEFF EGNACZYK, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS TROJAN PIGGYBANK, PHOTO BY ANDY DINCHER, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PEGASUS AND VENUSVINE BY ANDREW WATSON, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

at deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum

PEGASUS AND VENUSVINE BY ANDREW WATSON, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO OF deCORDOVA MUSEUM BY JEFF EGNACZYK, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS TROJAN PIGGYBANK, PHOTO BY ANDY DINCHER, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

1 Saturday Free! Family Fun Day 10am-4pm, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox.

Join in for a day of fun and learning for the whole family. Enjoy nature exploration activities, live-animal presentations, music, and nature arts and crafts. FREE; massaudubon.org

Open Barnyard at Weir River Farm 10am-2pm, , 227 East St., Hingham. Visit the barnyard with your family to brush a goat, make a barnyard craft, pet a chicken, and more. Talk to a friendly farmer and learn more about life of the farm, and while you’re here, take a walk on one of our many farm trails and experience all that Weir River Farm has to offer!

Viewing begins at 8pm. $10. 781-740-7233; ttor.org

Cambridge Arts River Festival 11am – 6pm, East Cambridge waterfront. A vibrant celebration of the arts, with several stages of music, theater and dance, storytelling, roving performances, food, crafts and more. FREE. 617-349-4380; cambridgema.gov/arts

Once Upon a Time….Stories at the Symphony 8pm, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

The Boston Pops is pleased to offer this first time sensory-friendly concert, designed for all families with children or adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities. $30 and up. Children 17 and younger are half off. 888-266-1200; bostonpops.org

music, food and more. $20 per car. 978-887-9264; massaudubon.org

Notch Traveling Beirgarten Noon-8pm, The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover. Enjoy a four-day weekend of full pours of Notch’s session beers for sale in a family-friendly, authentic German biergarten setting Free. 978-3564351;ttor.org

Family Nature Explore Sundays 3-4pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Take time to explore the wonders of nature as a family. Our destinations won’t be too far, which will leave us plenty of time to observe, explore, and discover what is living in a new location. Ages 3 and up.

Registration required. $9. 781-784-5691; massaudubon. org

Artbarn: The Rainbow Fish Musical 10:30am, The Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street Brookline. A bubbly, energetic score and script gives stage life to the best selling children’s book by Marcus Pfister, translated into English by J. Alison James.

Adults, $13.50; Child, $10.50. 617-734-2500; www. coolidge.org

3 Monday MFA Playdates 10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time, art

National Learn to Row Day 9am to noon, Bellegarde Boathouse, 500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell. Tour the boathouse, row on the barge, try out an erg and learn about summer programs. FREE. 978-746-7023; lowellcommunityrowing.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. FREE. 781-784-5691; massaudubon.org

2 Sunday Audubon Nature Festival 10am – 4pm, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Drop in for live animals, guided walks, henna, face painting, children’s crafts and activities,

Mon., June 3, Museum of Fine Arts Playdates—Boston June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

17

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o ays iend ion. t you, ne des, e t of their ther blem ing

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Summer School: July 8 - August 16 Enroll for 2015-2016 School Year Enr Enro Enroll for 2019-2020 School Year Math classes: M 1-12, SAT-I, SAT-11, Calculus SAT-I,Physics, SAT-II, Calculus Tu Tut utMath classes: Tutoring: Math,1-12, Englishin, Chemistry Tutoring: Math, English, Physics, Chemistry

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WATERWORKS MUSEUM Interested in Science? Engineering? Architecture?

Plan a visit to the Waterworks Museum and learn about the technology and innovation behind one of the country’s first metropolitan water systems.

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FAMILY DAY ~ SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 Hands-on Engineering Activities!

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Boston Parents Paper September | June 2019 2015 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Call

617.522.1515

19

12/18/18 4:12 PM

making and looking activities in the galleries. Free with admission. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

4 Tuesday Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl Noon to 8pm, City Hall Plaza, Boston. An all-you-can-eat ice cream extravaganza raising money for the DanaFarber Cancer Institute. Through June 6. Adults, $20; youth, $10. 617-632-3863; scooperbowl.org

5 Wednesday Backyard and Beyond: Walking Sticks 11am, The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Hop out onto the Great Hill conservation land adjacent to Discovery Woods to find the perfect walking stick, then bring it back to Discovery Woods and decorate it. Free with admission. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org

Dance for World Community Festival Noon to 8pm, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Dance performances, exhibitors, food trucks and free dance classes throughout the Square. FREE. 617-354-7467; danceforworldcommunity.org

Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing

Discover Summer Camp at Exxcel Offered Weekly June 24 – August 29 Enjoy Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, Zip-Line, Bungee, Obstacle Courses, Water Slides, Group Games, Arts & Crafts, Great Weekly Themes, Fun Field Trips or Special In-House Events And Much More . . .

PreSchool – Ages 3-5 years Pre-School Campers can choose Half, Full and Extended Days Gymnastics Camp – Ages 5+ Rock Climbing/Sports Camp – Ages 6+ Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm Extended Day Available

ARTfull Play at deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum 10:30am, deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln. Fill your morning with art and play through experiences in deCordova’s 30-acre Sculpture Park and Museum. Each play-based hour features a unique opportunity to engage with art, stories, materials, nature, and new friends. Ages 2-5.

Free with admission. 781-259-3604; decordova.org

6 Thursday

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Not ready for a full week of camp?

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Themed programs for ages 4-6, 6-9, 9-14

Mouse in the Meadow 10am, Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln.

We’ll meet a mouse and discover where mice would build a house. Ages 0-8. Registration required. $16. 781259-2200; massaudubon.org

7 Friday

KIDSTOCK!

JUNE 17 thru AUG 30

“ACT UP” for a day, a week or longer!

Salem Arts Festival, Downtown Salem A family-friendly festival celebrating all the arts: painting, photography, sculpture, dance, music, film, theatre, poetry, culinary and more. Through June 9.

FREE. 978-744-0004; salemartsfestival.com

8 Saturday Brookline Porchfest Noon to 7pm, various locations, Brookline. Stroll around Brookline, watching live music on porches and lawns.

FREE. artsbrookline.org

Star Spangled Movie Stars JULY 1, 2 & 3 Star onscreen in your own RED, WHITE & BLUE Movie!

Contact us to register:

kidstocktheater.com · 781-729-5543 50 Cross Street, Winchester MA

June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

19

Topsfield Strawberry Festival

FREE, Does not include Aquarium admission. 617-9735200; neaq.org

10am – 4pm, Topsfield Common, Topsfield. Bowls and bowls of fresh strawberries, whipped cream and piles of shortcakes await, alongside artisans, games and live music. FREE. topsfieldhistory.org

12 Wednesday Hop, Slither, Slide

9 Sunday

3:30pm, Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln.

Poke about in the ponds and peek under logs and rocks looking for reptiles and amphibians. Ages 0-9.

Registration required. $16. 781-259-2218; massaudubon. org

Boston Dragon Boat Festival 7am – 2pm, MIT Boathouse, Cambridge. Watch the colorful 39-foot-Hong Kong-style dragon boats as they complete time trials for the final race. FREE. bostondragonboat.org

Concert in the Park

Bike-A-Thon, SW Corridor Park Jamaica Plain. This annual fundraiser includes a ride along a variety of scenic routes and an after party with food, music and games. 617-522-0222; bikesnotbombs. org

World Oceans Day 11am – 3pm, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston. A family friendly festival on Central Wharf focusing on environmental programs and ocean animals.

5pm, Norman B. Leventhal Park 130 Congress Street, Boston. Concert in the Park is the debut spring concert event featuring the best youth performing groups of New England’s Inspire Arts & Music. FREE. 617-268-4600; concertinthepark.org

Evening at the Beaver Ponds 6:30pm, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox.

Visit our beaver ponds with a naturalist, and search for beavers and other animals attracted to these rich wetlands. Learn about the natural history of beavers

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

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

REGISTER TODAY!

20

Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

2019

WWW.LETGOYOURMIND.COM

AMUSEMENT

PARK RIDES

EV3

and how they continue to change the valley’s landscape 85 years after their reintroduction to the area. Ages 3 & up, Adult $8.00, Child $4.00; massaudubon.org

13 Thursday Nantucket Book Festival Various locations, Nantucket. A multi-day cultural event celebrating Nantucket’s rich literary history. Children’s storytimes are a highlight. Through June 16. Many events free. 508-919-6230; nantucketbookfestival.org

14 Friday—Flag Day Waltham Riverfest Various locations, Waltham. Bands, vendors, canoeing, kayaking and a pet parade on Saturday. Through June 15. FREE. 781-856-7165; walthamriverfest.com

15 Saturday

Sun., June 16, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

family activities followed by a duck race on the river.

“Adopt” a plastic duck for $5 (or 5 for $20); nvsrotary. org

Flag Day Parade & Celebration

Duck Race on the Charles 1-3pm, Riverdale Park, Dedham. A free BBQ lunch, entertainment, face painting, pony rides and other

7pm, Pageant Field, Quincy. Pay tribute to Old Glory with a parade, flag raising and dazzling fireworks display. FREE. 617-376-1000; quincyma.gov

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

THE #1 STEM CAMP

FOR AGES 7–19

From coding and game dev to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions—all in a fun, inclusive environment. Choose from 50+ innovative courses and join our community of over 400,000 alumni. Get ready for the best summer ever!

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June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

21

Arts Fest Beverly 10am – 4pm, Downtown Beverly. More than 100 juried fine artists and crafters, music and entertainment, kids’ activities, art-on-the-spot creations and local food trucks fill downtown. FREE. 978-922-8558; beverlymainstreets. org

Scavenger Hunt Challenge 10am – 4pm, Fruitlands Museum,102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. Adults and children work together to follow clues around the grounds and museum buildings. Free with admission. 978-456-3924; fruitlands.org

Dad and Me 11am – 3pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a self-guided scavenger hunt. Ages 3 and up. Registration required. $25. 781-784-5691; massaudubon.org

16 Sunday– Father’s Day Father’s Day Bluegrass Bash 4-7pm, The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover. Beer, bluegrass and baked goods in the

garden, a perfect recipe for Father’s Day! Adults, $20, children $10. Dads are free. 978-356-4351; ttor.org

Father’s Day Bluegrass Picnic Noon – 3pm, Fruitlands Museum,102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. Play lawn games on the hillside. Explore the museum and take on the scavenger hunt challenge available in the Wayside gallery to win a prize. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and make this the best Father’s Day ever! Free with admission. 978-456-3924; fruitlands.org

Notch Traveling Beirgarten at Bird Park 1-6pm, Francis William Bird Park, 75 Walcott Ave, East Walpole. Relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our gardens, farms, historic homes, and parks throughout the summer while enjoying one of Notch’s session beers. FREE. 508.668.6136; ttor.org

Bunker Hill Day Parade 12:30pm, Pageant Bunker Hill St., Boston. A tradition since 1786, the Bunker Hill Day Parade commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill which was fought on Breed’s Hill on June 17, 1775 in Charlestown. Parade begins at

elc.ad.bpp.17.qxp_Layout 1 3/16/17 12:47 PM Page 1

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS

“I can’t wait to come back tomorrow!”

Learn, create, and explore at the JCC Early Learning Centers JCC Early Learning Center • Brookline/Brighton Godine Early Learning Center • Newton Gilson Early Learning Center • Sharon JCC Early Learning Center at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom • Hingham

bostonjcc.org/earlylearning Everyone welcome

22

Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS

Welcoming Future Leaders • Toddlers through Grade 5 • Outstanding academic achievements • Flexible Early Childhood schedules • Before school care available • After school enrichment • Summer and vacation programs

3 McGinnis Dr, Burlington www.mounthopeschool.org | 781-272-1014

Daycare, Nursery School & Pre-K - Belmont

Christ Lutheran Childcare, Nursery School & Pre-K • Full time or part time • Ages 1 month - 5 years • Seasoned staff - well educated • +EEC Certified: Nurturing, caring and joyful - come visit us!

2, 3 or 5 days/week - 7am-6pm

Sat., June 22, Strawberry Festival at Connors Farm—Danvers

the intersection of Vine and Bunker Hill St. and down Main street, and concludes on Winthrop St. by the Charlestown Militia Training Field. (Slush, ice cream, kids toy carts, cotton candy....the whole deal.) FREE. 617-376-1000; quincyma.gov

Moonlight Canoe Trips 6 pm, Buckley Dunton Lake, Becket. Twilight is an amazing time to listen and look for wildlife. Beavers, owls, loons, and other wildlife are all possible to spot at Buckley Dunton Lake in October Mountain State Forest. We’ll stealthily explore the coves and inlets of this beautiful lake, then hitch our boats together to enjoy refreshments while we listen for nocturnal wildlife sounds. Ages 10 & up, Adult $25.00, Child $25.00; massaudubon.org

17 Monday

597 Belmont Street • Belmont, MA 02478 • 617-489-3071 clintod@verizon.net • www.facebook.com/christ.lutheran.3517

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

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

19 Wednesday EurekaFest 2pm, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. See the working prototypes developed by high school and college students who are solving real-world problems through invention. High school students from across the country who participated in InvenTeams will discuss how they moved through challenges and built an invention during their school year, FREE; lemelson.mit. edu/events/eurekafest-2019

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.

• Infants

(Birth to 15 Months)

• Toddlers

(15 Months to 33 Months)

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

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

Call or email us to schedule a tour • friendschildcare.brookline@gmail.com www.friendschildcare.net June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

23

PorchFest Quincy 3-9pm, Safford Park, Beale Street, Quincy. Local musicians of many different genres will play on porches and yards in the Wollaston neighborhood. FREE. www. porchfestquincy.org

Milton Music Fest & Fireworks 3-11pm, Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Adams Street, Milton. A day of music, kids’ activities and fireworks.

FREE. wearemilton.org

Strawberry Festival

21 Friday

11am – 3pm, Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord.

Pick-your-own strawberries and enjoy music, entertainment and pony rides. Enter the strawberry dessert contest. FREE. 978-369-4494; verrillfarm.com

Rock Off Main-All Ages Show

Firefly Watch

7pm, Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. The Amazing Things Arts Center presents Diane Young Productions “Rock Off Main ” a monthly all ages show that features local bands and singer/ songwriters from middle school, high school, college or just out of college. $8. 508-405-2787; amazingthings.org

Summer Solstice: Night at the Museums 5-9pm, Harvard Museums, Cambridge. Enjoy handson activities, dance performances, live music and free evening admission to the Harvard Semitic Museum, Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology and Harvard Museum of Natural History. FREE. 617-495-3045; hmnh. harvard.edu

8pm, Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield.

Experience a magical summer light show and help us track firefly numbers and diversity through the Firefly Watch program. Learn about fireflies and how best to view or gently catch and release these mystical glowing lights of summer! FREE; massaudubon.org

Family Canoe on Wildlife Pond 3-5pm, Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton. Look for wood ducks, bullfrogs, and kingfishers and learn about wetland habitats on this guided paddle of Wachusett Meadow’s Wildlife Pond.

Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $14 Adult, $8 Child; massaudubon.org

Firefly Watch 8:30pm, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox.

Experience a magical summer light show and help us track firefly numbers and diversity through the Firefly Watch program. Learn about fireflies and how best to view or gently catch and release these mystical glowing lights of summer! FREE; massaudubon.org

22 Saturday Strawberry Festival at Connors Farm 9am to 6pm, Connors Farm, 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35) Danvers. This annual celebration includes: LIVE Music from noon to 4pm, Jumping Pillow, Farm Animals, Hayrides, Cow Train, Grain Train, Duck Races, Pedal Carts & more. New! Take a train ride on the custom built Putnamville Railroad. Also: Food, Famous Strawberry Shortcake, BBQ Food, Pony Rides (1pm to 4pm), Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate and Face Painting. $14.95. connorsfarm.com 24

Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

Fri., June 21, Summer Solstice: Night at the Museums, Harvard Museums–Cambridge

prowls , free.

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Andover. Explore the property on a guided hike, or bring your snowshoes and sled to play. Then warm up with refreshments by the fire. $10 per car. 978-886-5297; ttor.org.

31 Sunday Tuesday 23 WEST

Backwards Storytime, 10am, The Discovery Museums, Day of Portugal Festival 177 Main St., Acton. Celebrate National Backwards Day

2-8 Cambridge and Somerville.

A highlight of withpm, silly stories and activities.

Free with admission.

978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org. the Boston Portuguese Festival, the parade includes colorful floats, bands and Portuguese marching groups, as well as stands selling Portuguese delicacies.

FREE. bostonportuguesefestival.org & PARTY NEEDS

Fran Friedman ents Par 26 Wednesday Children’s Musician & Instructor Choice Award er ner nne inn Win Wi W

Birthday Parties, St. Peter’s Fiesta, Gloucester Harbor – Schools, Concerts,

Libraries Pavilion Beach, Gloucester Preschool & Elementary The celebration offers parades of statues, icons Music Specialist through the streets, Seine boat races, the blessing Lots of Participation & Fun for All! ENTERTAINMENT AND PARTY NEEDS 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

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of the city’s commercial fishing fleet, Masses, nine evenings of prayer, a carnival and the greasy pole contest. Through 6/30 FREE. 978-675-1818; www. discovergloucester.com

27 Thursday Summer Film Series 2018: A Wrinkle in Time 7pm, The Davis Museum at Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley. Take advantage of the warm summer nights and join us outdoors on the Davis Plaza for the annual summer film series. And while the Davis Museum’s galleries are closed until September, exclusive museum tours will be offered at 7:00pm before each movie. www.wellesley.edu/ davismuseum

28 Friday Free Fun Fridays Various locations. The Highland Street Foundation opens museums and cultural venues to the public for free. Today: MIT Museum, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Plimoth Plantation, , Worcester Art Museum, Cape Ann Museum and more. highlandstreet.org

Enrollment Down?

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PRINCESS ★ PIRATE ★ SUPER HERO ★ POP STAR DANCE ROCK CLIMBING ★ SPORTS PARTIES ★ POOL PARTIES HUNTERS HAVEN FARM 104 King St., Groveland, MA

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D e d h a m H e a l t h K i d s . c o m / B i r t h d a y - Pa r t i e s June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Massachusetts Berry Picking Guide

T

here’s nothing quite like the first bite of a strawberry when we enter berry season. Not only is berry picking (or even just picking up a crate at a nearby farm stand) a wonderful way to support local farmers, it gives us the ability to show our kids exactly where their produce is coming from.

Strawberries: June through July Cherries: June through July Blueberries: July through August Raspberries: July through Sept.

Hanson • The Blueberry Farm 698 West Washington St. 781-447-1584 • mcbga.com Pick Your Own: Blueberries.

Seekonk • Four Town Farm 90 George St. 508-336-5587 • fourtownfarm.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries.

Check out the list below of local farms that offer berry picking. Be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm has plenty of ripe berries to pick.

Ipswich • Russell Orchards 143 Argilla Rd. 978-356-5366 • russellorchards.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries and blackberries.

Sharon • Ward’s Berry Farm 614 South Main St. 781-784-3600 • wardsberryfarm.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries and blueberries. Minimizes chemical and pesticide use.

Acushnet • Keith’s Farm 1149 Main St. Lancaster • George Hill Orchards 508-763-2622 • keithsfarm.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries, blackberries and 582 George Hill Rd. 978-365-4331 • yourfavoritefarm.com raspberries.

Pick Your Own: Blueberries and raspberries.

Amesbury • Cider Hill Farms Millis • Tangerini’s Farm 978-388-5525 • ciderhill.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries, blueberries and 139 Spring St. 508-376-5024 • tangerinisfarm.com raspberries.

Pick Your Own: Blueberries.

Danvers • Connors Farm Natick • Belkin Family Lookout Farm 30 Valley Rd. 89 Pleasant St. South 978-777-1245 • connorsfarm.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries, blackberries and 508-653-0653 • lookoutfarm.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries. raspberries.

North Andover • Boston Hill Farm Deerfield • Deerfield Farms Route 114 218 Greenfield Rd. 978-681-8556 • bostonhillfarm.com 413-665-0277 • deerfield-farm.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries, raspberries and Pick Your Own: Blueberries, raspberries and blueberries. strawberries.

East Bridgewater • C.N.Smith Farm 325 South St. 508-378-2270 • cnsmithfarminc.com Pick Your Own: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.

East Longmeadow • Art’s Berry Farm 81 Parker St. 413-783-1909 • farmfresh.org Pick Your Own: Strawberries and blueberries.

East Taunton • Spring Rain Farm 692 Caswell St. 508-824-3393 • springrainfarm.net Pick Your Own: Strawberries.

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Boston Parents Paper | June 2019

Northboro • Tougas Family Farm 234 Ball St. 508-393-6406 • tougasfarm.com Pick Your Own: Blackberries, strawberries, cherries and blueberries. Integrated pest management practices.

Peabody • Brooksby Farm 54 Felton St. 978-531-7456 • brooksbyfarm.org Pick Your Own: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.

Plympton • Billingsgate Farm (Also W. Bridgewater Location) 6 Country Rd. 781-293-6144 • billingsgatefarm.com Pick Your Own: Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Organic.

Southampton • Birdhaven Blueberry Farm 55 Gunn Rd. 413-527-4671 • birdhavenblueberry.info Pick Your Own: Blueberries. Chemical free.

Sterling • Clearview Farm 4 Kendall Hill Rd. 978-422-6442 • clearviewfarmstand.com Pick Your Own: Blueberries and raspberries.

Stow • Honey Pot Hill 138 Sudbury Rd. 978-562-5666 • honeypothill.com Pick Your Own: Blueberries.

Tyngsboro • Parlee Farms 95 Farwell Rd. 978-649-3854 • parleefarms.com Pick Your Own: Cherries, strawberries and blueberries. Uses integrated pest management practices.

Uxbridge • Sunburst Blueberries 44 Rawson St. 508-234-9859 sunburstblueberryfarm.com Pick Your Own: Blueberries.

Whately • Nourse Farms 41 River Rd. 413-665-2658 • noursefarms.com Pick Your Own: Raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Wrentham • The Big Apple 207 Arnold St. 508-384-3055 thebigapplefarm.com/picking.htm Pick Your Own: Blueberries and raspberries.

JUNE COOP KIDS SATURDAY, JUNE 1 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Cats!!! and a cat craft

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Best Friends day! Celebrate friendship stories & make your own friendship bracelet SATURDAY, JUNE 15 at 2:00 PM STORYTIME & CRAFT Join us for Fathers’ Day stories and a craft SATURDAY, JUNE 22 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT It‘s summer! Ring in the warm weather with summer stories & make your own suncatcher

AUTISM SERVICES Your insurance pays, we provide.

DIRECT BEHAVIORAL SERVICES provides customized ABA services and social groups (funded by your health insurance) to children in Framingham, Metro West and Greater Boston.

No waiting list.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Be as colorful as the rainbow with rainbow stories & a craft

THE

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.

COOP H A R VA R D

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

We work on social skills, language play skills, self-help skills and academic skills at home, school and community.

Supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Call 508.834.8366 or email directbehavioralservices@gmail.com www.directbehavioralservices.com Now accepting Mass Health and most insurances.

A hands-on museum for families that blends

science, nature, and play.

Best Fa mily Museu -Friendly m, Wes t

177 Main Street, Acton MA 978-264-4200 • discoveryacton.org June 2019 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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