Boston Parent January 2021

JANUARY 2021

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pg. 11

pg. 12

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8 TIPS for Keeping Kids Healthy All Winter

PRODUCT ROUND-UP

pg. 8

POST-HOLIDAY TOY OVERLOAD

pg. 10

WE LOVE IT! Toys, Games and More

pg. 16

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2020

CONTENTS

January 2021 • Volume 36 • Number 1

Summer Camp Adventure 11

It’s never too early to start planning for summer fun!

11 3 Reasons That Camp is Crucial in 2021 12 10 Questions to Ask When Starting Your Camp Search 13 5 Life Lessons Learned at Camp 14 Day Camp or Overnight Camp?

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

6 Family F.Y.I.

• 2021 Virtual Camp and Summer Expo • Celebrating Dr. King • Keeping Kids Healthy All Winter

10 Post-Holiday Toy Overload How to Unclutter the Toys 16 Product Round-up Toys, Games and More

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Be a Winter Warrior

Indoor and Outdoor Winter-friendly Family-safe Activities TM

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

PUBLISHER | Parenting Media, Inc ART DIRECTOR | Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Jean Abernathy ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney

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.

Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@bostonparent.com.

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

Copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to locations throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Past issues are available on our website, www.BostonParentsPaper.com January 2021 | Boston Parents Paper

3

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2021 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo Saturday, January 23, 2021

e h t e v Sa e Dat

Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.

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January 2021 | Boston Parents Paper

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Family F.Y.I. LOOKING FOR A SUMMER CAMP?

TOP BABY

L

Names in 2020

iam and Charlotte top the list of the most popular baby names in 2020, according to BabyNames. com. Here’s the top baby names from ssa.gov.

Don’t miss the Boston Parents 2021 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo on Jan. 23. This year we are doing a virtual program for camps.

Please register to receive you customized package of camp information: https://bostonparentspaper.com/summer-camp-expo.html

Driving Safety in the Days of Endless Distractions

By Tracey Sutherland, MSN, cPNP Trauma Center, Boston Children’s Hospital

T

oday’s drivers are faced with so many more distractions in today’s tech-obsessed world than in the past. Mobile phones and other portable devices create background noise from every corner of the vehicle. Even if you avoid the temptation of calls from your own phone, competing noises of the radio, dueling video games and Tiktok videos streaming through the car lead to an overwhelming amount of constant noise all unknowingly, distracting the driver. Most drivers believe they are good drivers, but they might be driving while distracted, so you must be acutely aware of those driving around you! How can you stay in control of the chaos within your own car and drive safely amidst the distractions? Here are a few tips to keep you alert to the road ahead.

Place your phone on Do Not Disturb!

The temptation to steal a glance at the text that just pinged your phone can be deadly.

Reading a text while driving can

6

take your eyes off the road for 4-6 seconds. If you are traveling at 55MPH, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field blindfolded. Avoiding that temptation altogether could save your life.

Remain “Hands Free”, in most places, it’s the law.

Start your drive with your device secure. If you use your device for GPS or streaming during your drive, make sure to set it up prior to starting out on your journey. If you need to make a change, pull over to a safe location, prior to adjusting your applications.

Limit the amount of background noise within the car.

Try allowing only one noiseemitting device at a time. If the car radio is on but, your passengers are watching videos, ask them to refrain from doing so on the drive. An alternative would be to ask your passengers to use headphones. Keeping the volume low so as easy conversation can be heard, will help you keep the focus on the road ahead.

Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

Limit conversation to easy topics.

A long drive is not the time to start discussing points of contention. Having heated discussions or disagreements can lead to aggressive driving, unknowingly. Before you know it, your attention has turned away from the road. As your blood pressure rises, so too does the speed of the vehicle. Save those discussions for another time.

Keep your own behavior in check.

Aggressive drivers are everywhere. It’s easy to get upset with the driving of the cars around you. Keep calm! Alter your own driving to stay safe and move out of the way to keep your vehicle safe from other cars driving too close or too fast. Take a deep breath and keep your focus.

Driving can be dangerous but, keeping these tips in mind will help keep you and your passengers safe so you can all enjoy the ride!

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Celebrating Dr. King

Martin Luther King Memorial, Washington DC

W

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Family F.Y.I. <<< continued from page 6

New Learning Tools from National Geographic Society

D

uring a time of immense disruption in the education space, parents are looking for innovative ways to engage with and educate their children from home. In response, the National Geographic Society developed a Learn Anywhere Family Guide that connects parents and families with innovative resources and materials to keep children, of all ages, engaged while learning continues in a socially distant world. The Learn Anywhere site has tons of free resources including Explorer Classroom, a live YouTube show that connects young learners with Explorers around the world where they can interact in real-time and ask questions about their work. These resources are a wonderful way to keep students engaged outside of the classroom. www.Natgeoed.org/learnanywhere

8 TIPS for Keeping Kids Healthy All Winter

W

hat parent doesn’t want to arm themselves with some extra protective health rituals during cold and flu season?

Cold weather and shorter days mean spreading germs around the close quarters we share with our families and then inhaling the general populations’ viruses and mucus whenever we leave the house! So short of not breathing or moving to a warmer and more humid climate where the influenza virus isn’t as happy, what can you really do to keep your kids healthy? Make sure everyone has their flu shot (No-September’s not too early, and Yes-January is still better late than never), remember your own self-care is an integral part of parenting, then give your kids an immunity boost with these practical tips!

1. Maintain Routine Keep sleep and mealtime rhythms

consistent, regardless of what they may be. Following cyclical patterns that repeat regularly allow every system in the human body to stay in balance and assimilate, absorb, and utilize food for optimal nourishment.

2. Go Out and Play Getting bundled up and outdoors in win-

tertime is invigorating for mind and body, essential for exercise and reducing lethargy, and the perfect time to soak up some sunshine and increase those falling vitamin D levels naturally so you don’t end up with decreased winter immunity and a deficiency in March.

3. Aromatherapy Stimulating and spicy aromas promote

overall well-being and are the perfect antidote to cabin fever and too many snow days. A few drops of essential oils like juniper, clove, and orange in a home diffuser will go a long way. Or surprise your kids with a fizzy bath bomb or scented shower tablet!

Want to add a little more life and style to your home? Grab some eucalyptus leaves next time you visit your local florist and scatter them in vases to naturally scent rooms throughout your house.

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

By Alyson Gregory

4. Wash Hands You know why. The research is irrefutable—this is the single most effective way to protect your kids from getting or spreading infections and illnesses. So pick a song they should hum while lathering up and scrubbing underneath their fingernails if they need a refresher course, and don’t forget to dry: damp hands spread a thousand times more germs than dry ones according to research.

5. Humidify the Air Studies show the flu virus thrives in cold,

dry air and that humidity levels above 40% will actually deactivate influenza virus particles. Humidifying the air at home can decrease chances of infection, make the air feel warmer inside, and replace some much needed moisture to heal those cracked lips your kids keep licking!

6. Spice Things Up According to Ayurveda, adding winter

warming herbs and spices like ginger, clove, turmeric, fennel, or cinnamon to porridges and hearty soups and stews will boost immunity, cut down on mucous production, and keep the digestive fire burning strong. Ayurvedic spiced milks before bedtime are deeply nourishing, promote sleep, and the perfect way to treat your child before bed.

7. Hydrate Tired of finding your child’s water bottle full at the

end of the school day? Making sure your kids stay hydrated is allimportant in wintertime when dehydration can be less noticeable, but can be challenging during the week. Try herbal teas like peppermint at breakfast or as part of an after-school snack to boost fluid intake, and enjoy a little quality time preparing them together!

8. Ditch the Ice Avoid anything iced as it extinguishes agni, or

your digestive fire. According to Ayurveda, once this happens, there is not a strong enough “fire” to properly digest food and transform into the deep nourishment that kids especially need. So, ditch the ice in those smoothies, drink fluids warm or at room temperature, and replace treats like ice cream with a homemade or best ingredient baked good! ²

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• • • HOW TO HANDLE • • •

Post-Holiday Toy Overload

By Laura Weiler

T

he holidays are filled with celebration, food, family... and toys. So. Many. Toys. If dolls, Legos, art supplies, and games have taken over your house, fear not—it can be reclaimed!

As a mom of two girls and someone who organizes other people’s homes for a living, I have seen lots of playrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms that are overrun with toys.

And I’ve noticed that having too many choices seems to overwhelm kids. It’s more fun to play when there’s space to spread out. And you’d probably enjoying sitting down in your living room without seeing toys strewn about. So how do you unclutter the toys?

REMOVE TOYS YOUR KIDS HAVE OUTGROWN. If they’ve aged past it, it’s time to go. If it’s an absolute treasure worth saving for future grandkids, pack well and move to the attic. Anything else can be passed on to friends or family with younger kids, the library or doctor’s office, or donated to charity.

LOOK FOR TOYS WITH BROKEN PIECES AND MISSING PARTS. Game or puzzle missing multiple pieces? Headless Barbie doll? Car with three wheels? Say goodbye. When you have a surplus of toys, broken ones are unlikely to be played with.

LOOK FOR THINGS THAT NEVER GET USED. If it never leaves the shelf, it probably won’t be missed.

INVOLVE THEM IN THE PROCESS—OR DON’T. If your kids are old enough and receptive, ask them to choose things to donate. Knowing their rarely used toys will make another kid happy can be really motivating. Or maybe your kids don’t want to part with anything, played with or not...it’s very common! If that’s your situation, declutter when they’re not home, or sleeping, to make it less of a battle.

ROTATE TOYS. This works best for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Instead of all toys out all the time, split them in half and after a couple weeks swap them out. It’s almost like getting new toys, but your house stays uncluttered.

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

CREATE A TEMPORARY HOME IF YOU’RE UNSURE ABOUT GETTING RID OF SOMETHING. If you’re worried your kids might miss something you declutter, move it out of sight. If they ask, get it out— but if they don’t mention the toy in the time frame you determine (1 month, 3 months, etc.), pass it on.

THINK OF CRAFTS AS AN EXPERIENCE AND NOT SOMETHING THAT MUST BE SAVED FOR ETERNITY. Craft kits are great...until there’s a year’s worth of slime, jewelry, and painted rocks in your living room. The fun is in making the craft—they’re not all keepers. Ask your kids to choose a few favorites to keep...or smuggle things out under the cover of darkness once they’re asleep.

You can always take a picture of it first.

MAKE IT EASY FOR KIDS TO CLEAN UP—AND KNOW WHERE THINGS BELONG. Think about classrooms and day cares. Every single toy, game, art supply, etc. has a home, and when kids finish using it, that’s where it goes. The shelves, bins, etc. are labeled so everyone knows where things belong. Kids play with one thing, then clean it up before switching activities so the mess doesn’t get too big. You can use these strategies at home—I use them when I organize toys. Though I’ll admit the “clean up as you go” part is MUCH harder to implement at home... Sort the toys (i.e. Barbie dolls, baby dolls, Legos, Magna-Tiles) and designate a container for each category. Label it—if your kids aren’t reading yet, use pictures. Sturdy plastic bins can be cleaned, labeled, and easily carried around. Woven baskets are a great way to camouflage toys kept in the living room. Tossing toys into a bin is an easy way to clean up. It’s the rare kid who will color-code their Legos at clean-up time—keep it simple and you’re more likely to get them on board.

So there you have it!

Declutter those toys and enjoy easier clean up and a neater house. ²

Laura Weiler is a home organizer and founder of An Organized Start, a professional organizing company based in Easton, MA.

Camps and Summer Programs 2021

3 Reasons That Camp is Crucial in 2021

By Bud Copeland Director of Membership & Engagement, American Camp Association, New England With that in mind, here are three reminders of why camp is crucial in 2021.

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ince 1861, countless children and young adults from across the country have called camps throughout New England “home” for the summer. Unfortunately, that was not possible for too many in 2020.

Camp in New England has faced unprecedented challenges before.

Each time, true to the brand, camps and the professionals who run them have shown resilience, and they are eager to take what we’ve learned this year and prepare for a successful run in 2021.

Michele Rowcliffe, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, New England, sees camp as crucial to helping campers, staff and families thrive moving forward, “Because of the pandemic, young people face unique challenges to their mental and emotional well-being in ways we’re not used to. Camp has always been a safe place for personal development, overcoming challenges, making friends and trying something new. On the heels of such disruption in 2020, camp is exactly what we need in 2021.”

Soft Skills: Talk to any

camp director, and they’ll tell you the wonderful stories of success they’ve witnessed over the years for both campers and staff. You’ll hear about beating homesickness, learning new skills, or meeting someone from a totally different state or country. These experiences lead to increased confidence, resilience and independence, and the American Camp Association’s 5-Year Camp Impact Study can back that up with their phase II findings. According to the study, the following are the most essential and lasting outcomes of the camp experience: improved relationship skills, independence and responsibility, appreciation for living in the moment, perseverance, and willingness to try new things.

Any potential teacher, coach or employer would love that profile.

explore in ways and with friends not usually available at home.

is healthy for the 3Camp whole family:

In 2020, we all hunkered down and enjoyed more quality time together than probably most of us had in quite a while. That said, time apart is also critical for healthy development, and camp can play a role. We know how important and impactful camp is for the camper and counselor, but what about the family NOT at camp. Camp is an important element in their development too. It’s difficult to relax when sending children away for a day, week, month, summer.

But by sending campers and counselors to play and work at ACA, Accredited camps, families create healthy, safe opportunities for families to grow while spending time apart. ² For more information about camp including helpful tips on finding the right camp, contact the American Camp Association or visit www.aca.org.

2Opportunity:

From lockdowns to quarantines, many are suffering from COVID fatigue and champing at the bit for a chance to get out and play! When the time comes, whether focusing on a single, specialty activity or looking for a general experience, camp provides opportunities to hone skills and try new things.

There aren’t too many homes with archery ranges or pottery kilns or climbing towers, so camp gives children the chance to play and January 2021 | Boston Parents Paper

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Camps and Summer Programs 2021

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How does your camp handle special diet or physical needs?

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In what way may I communicate with my child while they are at camp? With the staff?

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Are there family visiting days?

Can you provide references that I may contact?

IF LOOKING AT A DAY CAMP:

TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK When Starting Your Camp Search

S

election a camp for your child can be exciting. You know that camp is the right choice. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. The following is a list of questions designed to help you steer your search:

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3

2

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Is the camp Accredited by the American Camp Association? What other regulations or licenses does the camp follow?

What kind of training does the staff receive on safety, supervision, mental health

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Is transportation available and what are the specifics?

CAMPS

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

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Is before/after camp care available? If so, who cares for the children, and what activities are offered? Is Is the price all-inclusive, or there an additional cost? are there extra charges for Are meals provided? At uniforms, specialty programs, what cost? ² transportation, tee shirts & trips?

For more information about camp awareness, problem solving, and other areas pertinent to working with children?

including helpful tips on finding the right camp, contact the American Camp Association New England or visit www.acanewengland.org.

Camps and Summer Programs 2021

5 LIFE LESSONS Learned at Camp

TAKE A RISK. One way to build confidence is to try something new. Camp is rife with safe, healthy opportunities for children to take a chance. This could mean climbing a 30-foot wall, trying out for the camp production of Peter Pan, riding a horse, or trying broccoli for the first time. At camp, young people learn how to take risks and learn from their outcomes.

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IFE LESSONS. These are moments where the lightbulb goes off over child’s head. They understand the concept of two plus two.

They see something they can’t un-see or learn something they’ll never forget. Over the last 150plus years, camp has provided opportunities for children and adults to discover or further develop many life lessons. Here are just a few.

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and no one can do this alone. Just like a classroom, children have opportunities at camp to share experiences with peers, develop friendships, and learn the ups and downs of getting along with others. By the nature of co-existing in the same space and enjoying similar experiences, camp encourages children to develop and maintain skills necessary to relationship building.

I CAN DO THAT! Confidence! Camp thrives on self-efficacy in young people. Enjoying success in a healthy manner and learning to overcome obstacles or even failure are hallmarks of a camp experience. For both campers and staff, camp allows young people to feel proud when things go well and encourages resilience when they don’t.

IT’S A GREAT BIG WORLD OUT THERE. When a child goes to camp, they interact with peers and adults from places they might have never seen or even heard of. Campers might hear a new song or accent. They may meet someone from another state or country, and sometimes they run into people from home who become lifelong friends at camp. Camp is an opportunity to both try new things and meet new people.

NOT ALL LEARNING HAPPENS IN A CLASSROOM. Last but certainly not least, campers discover that school does not have a monopoly on learning.

Campers develop new skills, learn about their own passions and interests, and are exposed to ideas and experiences that don’t normally sneak into a formal classroom.

Without knowing it, campers are learning every day by simply getting out and going to camp. ² For more information about camp and the benefits of the camp experience, contact the American Camp Association New England or visit www.acanewengland.org.

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CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Camps and Summer Programs 2021

Should They Stay or Should They Go?

D 2021 Session Dates:

2020 Session Dates: 2 Week Session June28 27–– July July 10, June 11,2021 2020 4 Week Session July 12 – July 25, 2020 July 11 – August 7, 2021 July 266 Week – August 8, 2020 Session June 27 – August 7, 2021

DAY CAMP OR OVER-NIGHT CAMP?

eciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.

This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the following questions can help guide that conversation:

• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?

• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?

• What’s your budget for camp?

• Can your child bath and dress themselves independently?

• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?

• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?

These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you.

The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship. ²

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

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Product Roundup

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

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MindLabs Energy and Circuits A magical STEM learning tool combining a digital app, physical cards, and augmented reality in a fun and exciting approach to learning core science concepts. $24.95, ages 8-11, www.exploremindlabs.com

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

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Evereden Foaming Baby Shampoo and Wash Pediatrician created to be safe enough for a newborn, from head to toe. Features naturally-derived oat amino acids that function as an ultra-gentle yet efficacious surfactant to cleanse. Hydrates and calms skin with coconut juice and coconut water. $17, ages newborn+, www.ever-eden.com

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In KidZ AMERICA BOX, BLACK HISTORY EDITION Full of interactive activities and games to expand kids learning. Part of an educational subscription series box. $50/monthly OR $49/per box, ages 2-11, www.inkidzco.com

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LASER X REVOLUTION A laser tag arena in your own backyard!

Blast opponents up to 300’ away – inside or out, in darkness or bright sunlight. Blaster beams go through windows and strategically bounce off walls and mirrors. $39.99, ages 6+, www.getlaserx.com

A Little Something For Baby

Matatalab Coding Set (Home Edition) Kids can create simple programs by combining tangible blocks and controlling the robot to complete a challenge. Includes supporting storybooks, free online courses and activity videos. $149, ages 4-7, Matatalab Coding Set (Home Edition)

Preschool Label Pack

A bundle of travelsized organic herbal favorites including Organic Diaper Balm, Sweet Orange Castile Baby Wash and Lotion, Calendula Baby Oil and Organic Baby Face Nose & Cheek Balm. $25.99, birth+, www.earthmamaorganics.com

This selection of 34 personalized labels are ultradurable and will help stop the spread of germs by always ensuring that your little one’s things do not get mixed up or misplaced. $21.00, www.mabelslabels.com

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Loop Lab STEM Subscription

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We know Mad Science from fun after-school enrichment programs and now you can bring home the hands-on experiments with their new STEM subscription boxes.

Different theme for each box include Gross Science, Spy Science and Senseational Science. $32.99/ box, ages 8-12, www.shop. madscience.com ²

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but Boston’s indoor and outdoor winter-friendly and family-safe activities are oh, so delightful! The city and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of recreational options to keep families inspired and moving together throughout New England’s chilliest season. The best way to stay warm!

With the changing nature of Covid-19 restrictions please check ahead before visiting and make required reservations and observe safety measures in place. At the time of publication all attractions where opened.

CANTON – Head to the place known to make winter happen in Boston where families have gone since 1950 to embark on their skiing and riding adventures. Learn to ski or snowboard with rentals, programs, and packages designed for all ages and levels seven days a week. No snow? No problem! Blue Hills continues to increase its snowmaking capacity so you can play all winter long! Don’t miss the state-of-the-art induction lighting on a number of trails for nighttime skiing with a fabulous view. Canton; www.bluehillsboston.com 18

continued on page 21 >>>

Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

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TOBIN CHILDREN’S SCHOOL Infants – PreK 71 Cottage Street • Natick, MA 01760 508-653-6300 • www.tobinchildrensschool.org TOBIN SCHOOL WESTWOOD PreK & Junior K 1054 High Street • Westwood, MA 02090 781-329-7775 • www.tobinschoolwestwood.org WESTWOOD CHILDREN’S SCHOOL Infants – Preschool 808 High Street • Westwood, MA 02090 781-329-7766 • www.westwoodchildrensschool.org www.thEtobiNFAmilYoFsChools.org

January 2021 | Boston Parents Paper

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DOMESTIC PLACEMENTS

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Live In or Out

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Pamela S. Milman, Esq. Daniel Mikolajewski, Esq. Ashley R. Waxman, Esq. Nicole Metsisto Mazer, Esq.

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Personal Assistants

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Personal & Professional Service

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the Wolf School

Private K-8 Special Education School | Open House February 11th | thewolfschool.org 20

Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

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BOSTON –­ It’s that time of year again! A winter wonderland of seasonal activities awaits at Boston’s magically transformed Seaport…into Snowport! Catch a complimentary electric, openair “sleigh” ride into Seaport, then take a Winter Wonder Walk through the Courtyard or Seaport Common. Follow a trail of festive holiday trees, look for Betty the Yeti, and try your hand at curling and other winter games. Download a map and book curling lanes free of charge online. www.bostonseaport.xyz

LITTLETON – Bundle up for a ride in the fast lane through a winter landscape with your family at Nashoba Valley’s snow tubing park and experience the season’s fastest-growing recreational sport! Multiple tubing lanes serviced by four lifts provide groomed tubing conditions for nonstop fun on the slopes. Want to elevate the thrill factor? Head out after dark when the lanes are illuminated for the ultimate one-of-a -kind winter adventure! Advance purchase online tickets only. Must be six years old and 42’ inches tall. 179 Great Road, Littleton; www.skinashoba.com

VARIOUS LOCATIONS – Discover what it feels like to practically float atop your favorite, fluffy white stuff while you explore a serene winter landscape at one of these wildlife sanctuaries. No

snowshoes? Rent or borrow equipment when you visit Blue Hills, Boston Nature Center, Broad Meadow Brook, Oak Knoll, Pleasant Valley, or Wachusett Meadow. Want company? Check the website for a list of upcoming programs and guided winter snowshoe walks! www.massaudubon.org

TROY – Looking for a change of scenery?

Treat your family to an all-inclusive winter weekend getaway at East Hill Farm nestled at the base of Mt. Monadnock in Troy, NH. Winter Fest highlights include free cross-country ski, snowshoe, and skate rentals, campfire s’mores, a snow sculpture contest, and supervised sledding. Delicious home cooked meals, a barnful of friendly animals to visit, and a nonstop cold-weather activity schedule make this the perfect departure for the whole family! www.east-hill-farm.com

BOSTON – This world-class art museum makes time for kids. The Family Art Cart here is full of interactive activities created for children ages 4 and up – sending them off among the museum’s masterpieces to piece together puzzles and sketch favorite art works. Avenue of the Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., 617-267-9300; www.mfa.org. continued on page 22 >>> January 2021 | Boston Parents Paper

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BOSTON – Put on your game face and enjoy a safe, clean, and fun Boston Bowl experience where you and your family can bowl to your hearts’ content on the 30 Tenpin and 14 Candlepin lanes open until midnight! All of the lanes have the option of adding bumpers if you’re playing with the smaller set just learning the ropes (or simply want to keep your scores extra high!). Ditch the Wii Bowling and get out there and experience the real thing. Feeling lucky?

Everyone’s a winner at GWIZZ arcade, Boston’s best game room with over 80 interactive prize games and a prize center that will bowl the whole family over! Full onsite restaurant menu available at DW Food and Brews. 820 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston; 617-825-3800; www.bostonbowl.com

SHREWSBURY – With over 8o years of teaching experience from beginner skiing and snowboarding techniques to racing instruction, Ski Ward’s snow school offers private and bubble lessons to build confidence and get everyone outside together and active all winter long.

Less than an hour from Boston, the intimate Ski Ward destination has something for everyone including up to 10 Tuba Slide lanes to hit with your friends and family with over 200 tubes. Nine trails with four lifts and 45 acres of terrain make this a winter family sweet spot.

Rental shop and restaurant onsite; www.skiward.com

ENTERTAINMENT AND PARTY NEEDS

BIG JOE

J & J Pony Rentals • Pony parties for all occasions at your place or at the farm.

• Riding lessons for all ages and abilities • Summer Camp

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Is your enrollment down?

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HUNTERS HAVEN FARM 104 King St., Groveland, MA

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HuntersHavenFarm.com

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Boston Parents Paper | January 2021

Call 617.522.1515

Birthday Parties Schools Libraries Special Events

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Fran Friedman

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Preschool & Elementary Music Specialist Lots of Participation & Fun for All! 508-358-1614 • www.franfriedman.com

FOXBORO – Do you love solving puzzles and exploring new spaces? Do you daydream about being the star of your own action movie? If this sounds like you, grab your friends and family and set out to explore Espionage and 20,000 Leagues – two life-sized and entertaining adventures at 5 Wits. Train as a spy and take down an evil corporation in Espionage, or go to the depths of the ocean in 20,000 Leagues and discover what happened to Captain Nemo’s ship Nautilus. Each attraction offers hands-on interaction, thrills and challenges that will keep you guessing until the very end. Open by appointment only. 202 Patriot Place, Foxboro; 508-698-1600; www.5-wits.com.

NORTH CONWAY – Water play in the New England winter is crazy talk, you say? Not at Kahuna Laguna, an indoor water park full of splashy year-round fun, located at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway, N.H. Water slides like the Bamboo Blast and Super Tsunami will make adventurous kids giddy while the Little Kahuna Play Area is great for the smaller set. Or take a break from water play by shooting some hoops over on Kahuna Court. 2251 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH, 603-356-5411; www.kahunalaguna.com ²

CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT TM

2020 WINNER

Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing Ongoing Winter Class Enrollment

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Exxcel adheres to all MA and CDC guidelines regarding mask requirement, social distancing, and disinfecting protocols

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Bay State Skating School LEARN TO SKATE CLASSES for Recreational • Figure • Hockey As Skating Skills featured on Over 50 Years Experience Chronicle Children (4-18 years)

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2020 WINNER

Applied Behavioral Applied Behavioral Learning Services Learning Se

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