ML Interest Tag: patriot

Welcome, Winter! 8 Outdoor Adventures to Take with Kids Now

by Allison Sutcliffe

Winter is a great time of year to plan outdoor activities around Boston with your family. Get your hat, gloves and warmest winter boots ready and find a new sledding hill, book a day on the ice or makes some s’mores by the fire. These are a slew of our favorite things to do in Boston in the winter. All you have to do is check off the activities one by one!

Editor’s note: As things continue to evolve due to the omicron variant, please remember to double check information for the most up-to-date changes before packing the kids in the car for an adventure.

See the Winterlights

iStock

It's not too late to catch the Winterlights at the Bradley Estate or at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. This weekend is the last chance you'll have until next year!

Head to Your Nearest Sledding Hill

sledding
iStock

Boston has tons of sledding hills to choose from. Whether you're after trills on long hills or easy slopes that are perfect for toddlers, you don't have to look to far to find them. So, grab your favorite sled and get ready for a day in the snow! 

Read Stories in the Red Barn

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Cows, crafts and a story are all part of this weekly time for toddlers at the Red Barn at Weir River Farm. Better get moo-ving!

Visit Chestnut Hill Farm

iStock

Chestnut Hill Farm is a great destination for the winter months as there's so much to do there. You can go on a Reindeer Quest or enjoy fire pits on Saturday afternoons. It's a bring your own camp chair situation, but they'll provide everything you need to roast s'mores and find adventures between bites.

Take a Night Hike

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World's End is where you'll find the start of this guided night hike that happens when the moon in out. Hikes are scheduled in January, February and March of this year.

Go Ice Skating

ice skating
iStock

Get ready to practice your triple axel...or maybe just skate a few wobbly laps with your tot (we won't tell). However you skate, enjoy this activity with the kids at one of our favorite ice skating rinks. It doesn't get any better (or quintessentially Boston) than skating at the Frog Pond. Enjoy it while you can! The Kelly Outdoor ice rink in Jamaica Plain is another of our favorites, and you've got through March to enjoy it. Make your way to Winter Skate at Patriot Place for a great big ice rink and amenities too.

Make a New Farmyard Friend

Appleton Farms is where kids can make a barnyard animal friend this winter. They'll soon be calling Angora rabbits, Nubain goats and the resident flock of heritage chickens their buds.

Explore Outdoor Art

boston deCordova sculpture park outdoor activitiy
Christina R. via yelp

The sculptures at deCordova Sculpture Park are just as stunning when they're surrounded by snow or cold hard ground as they are in the heat of summer. Learn about each one during a docent-led tour this winter.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

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Seeing Stars: Your Guide to Boston’s Outdoor Summer Movies

by Allison Sutcliffe

The summer outdoor movie season is underway! Boston families are flocking to nearby movies in the park to get their blockbuster fix while they can. So grab your lawn chairs, blankets and plenty of popcorn before you head out. These under-the-stars events and free summer movies are what you’ve been waiting for. Watch on!

Mayor Kim Janey’s Movie Nights

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August is all about the Mayor’s movie series that park hops around the city so families can catch one nearby whenever they choose. You won’t need to register, but you will need to bring your outdoor movie gear along—low-back chairs, blankets, snacks and drinks. Shows start at dusk so activities to keep the kids busy while you wait is another must-have on this city excursion. Here’s what’s playing and where:

Aug. 9 in Jamaica Plain - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Aug. 16 in Roslindale – Missing Link
Aug. 17 in South Boston – Onward
Aug. 19 in West Roxbury – Descendants 3
Aug. 24 in Dorchester – Raya and the Last Dragon
Aug. 26 in Roxbury – Trolls World Tour
Aug. 30 in Hyde Park – Toy Story 4
Aug. 31 in Charlestown – The Croods: A New Age
Sep. 10 in Downtown/Chinatown – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Cost: Free
Hours: Movies start at dusk
Online: boston.gov/events

Summer Flicks at Patriot Place

iStock

We couldn’t think of a better place to watch movies on the big screen than at Enel Plaza. This free outdoor movie series has a little something for everyone, including summer blockbusters you’ve seen and a few you may not have caught yet. You’ll need to pack blankets and chairs so everyone can lounge. But leave the snacks to them. Concessions will be available from Showcase Cinema de Lux for purchase.

Cost: Free
Hours: Reserve your seats starting at 6 p.m. Movies start at dusk.

Enel Plaza
2 Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA
Event details 

Drive-In Movies at MVP

iStock

Change up your movie in the park experience for an old-school drive-in with this series that’s been running strong since Memorial Day. We love that movies play Thursday through Saturdays, giving families lots of options. And the fact you can get in a round of half-price mini golf first just adds to the appeal of this two-fer event.

Cost: $25/carload
Hours: Movies start around 8 p.m.

MVP Family Fun Center
2087 Main St.
Tewksbury, MA
Event details 

Cambridge Crossing Movie Nights

This summer Cambridge Crossing is teaming up with Brattle Theater to bring you family-friendly movies on the Maria Baldwin Open Space Park. For three nights this summer, families can take in a double-feature and enjoy their favorite movie oldies. With each ticket families will get popcorn and water. If you’re thirsting for more, food trucks will be onsite to help. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to keep everyone happy and comfy while you watch movies under the stars.

Cost: Free
Hours: Doors open at 5 p.m. Movies start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Baldwin Park
222 Jacobs St.
Cambridge, MA
Event details

Friday Night at the Movies

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You bring the blankets and snacks. Leave the entertainment to The Loring Greenough House staff. They'll be playing movies on the lawn throughout the summer and you're invited. Tickets are required, as space is limited. 

Cost: $5/adult, members; $7/adult, non-members; $3/kids, ages 3-12; Free for kids 2 & under.
Hours: The curtain goes up at 8 p.m.

The Loring Greenough House
12 South St.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Event details

Monday Night Movies at the Beach

We love this series that starts your week off right, with the perfect ending to a Monday road trip adventure—an ocean-side movie. We’re talking surf and sand and a nearby playground to keep everyone busy throughout the day. Then it’s on to beach chairs and popcorn before the show starts around dusk. All movies are weather dependent and the rain date is planned the following Tuesday.

Cost: Free
Hours: Movies start at dusk

Hampton Beach
Hampton, NH
Event details

—Allison Sutcliffe

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Ben & Jerry’s Is Handing Out Free Ice Cream & BRB, Grabbing a Scoop

by Karly Wood

It’s almost time for Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s! The unofficial holiday takes place every year and you can celebrate this year on Tuesday, Apr. 9.

The tradition that started back in 1978 will run from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time and requires no other purchase. To find a participating location, check out Ben & Jerry’s website as not every shop will be handing out free ice cream.

If you’re a lucky resident of Massachusetts of New York, you can also get your free scoop of ice cream at select Showcase Cinemas locations on Apr. 9. Showcase Cinemas is reporting that Legacy Place, Patriot Place, Revere, Randolph, Lowell, Blackstone Valley, Worcester North, City Center, Island 16, Ridge Hill, College Point, Farmingdale, Jamaica, Linden Boulevard theaters are all participating in Free Cone Day this year.

In addition, you’ll enjoy a movie for the Bargain Tuesday price of $8.50 per ticket! If you’re a Starpass loyalty program member you’ll also get an additional $2 off ticket prices that day. Now that’s one sweet deal!

––Karly Wood

 

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6 Superhero Kids’ Shows Where Girls Save the Day

by Erica Loop

For many of us, we grew up with tons of male superhero leads, but for our kids, it’s a whole new world full of diverse, inclusive representation. Today’s kids’ shows are all about she-ros—and we’ve rounded up some of the best kids shows with strong female superhero leads.

Check out our picks below!

Rainbow Rangers

Courtesy of Nick Jr.

The new addition to the Nick Jr. lineup features an all-female cast of characters. Co-created by the team that brought us Disney's The Lion King, Mulan, The Little Mermaid and Frozen, Rainbow Rangers includes a diverse group of young girls, each with unique superpowers. Oh yeah, and they save the world too! Look for this fun, fearless, female-led show to debut on Nov. 5, aimed at kids 6 and younger.

She-Ra

DreamWorks TV via YouTube

Get ready for a reboot! Oh, but this isn't just an ol' reboot. This is She-Ra. Yep, your childhood female superhero is back and she's all new—and she's on Netflix too. The Princess of Power is joining up with other princesses of power in all-new DreamWorks adventure.

Marvel Rising

Marvel HQ via YouTube

Ms. Marvel, Ghost-Spider, Patriot, Inferno, Quake and Squirrel Girl star in this new animated series. Find Marvel Rising on the Disney Channel, along with the made-for-TV animated flick, Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors. 

Steven Universe

Steven Universe via YouTube

Don't let the show's name, Steven Universe, fool you: there's a whole lot of incredibly diverse female representation happening here. The popular Cartoon Network just featured a same-sex marriage proposal and wedding between characters Ruby and Sapphire. The show has been praised for its depiction of queer characters and storylines.

Star vs. the Forces of Evil

Disney Channel via YouTube

Star vs. the Forces of Evil has been praised for its animation style, as well as Star's sense of empowered agency. Marcy Cooke at The Mary Sue wrote, "The real difference is that Star Butterfly is never helpless, she runs headlong into danger to protect her friends or her wand." In early 2017, this popular series featured Disney’s first ever same-sex kiss. 

Doctor Who

bbcdoctorwho via Instagram

While not a superhero in the most traditional sense, older kids will enjoy the first-ever female in the iconic role of Doctor Who. Jodie Whittaker stars in the thirteenth incarnation of the longest-running sci-fi series in TV history. With plenty of team-work, STEM themes and of course, alien superhero awesomeness, this BBC show is can't miss TV. 

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11 Clever & Easy Kiddie Parade Decor Ideas

by Gabby Cullen

When it comes to the 4th of July, riding in the kiddie parade is as much of a tradition as the big firework show at the end of the day. With a little imagination and a few supplies, you can deck out your kids’ wagons, bikes, and trikes for the biggest and best birthday bash of the year. Get inspired with the fun and creative ideas we’ve gathered below.

photo: Jeff Youngstrom via Flickr

1. Use Your Helmet
We get it. Finding the time to whip up a parade float is the last thing on your to-do list. So, let your kid’s helmet do all the decor work while he rolls through the parade route. It’ll take you almost no time at all.

photo: la fattina via Flickr

2. A Pie for the Parade
Get yourself a plastic kiddie pool, balloons, brown paper, and a wagon, and you’ve got yourself a slice of Mom’s apple pie. Sweet!

photo: Baker County Tourism via Flickr

3. Take Flight
Send your little patriot soaring with an adorable airplane float. This version is made out of plywood, paint, rope, and stickers, but we’re betting a cardboard box will do the trick.

photo: Larry Tenney via Flickr

4. Sparkly All-Stars
Your older kids will love to be the all-stars of the Independence Day Parade. They can walk or ride their bikes!

photo: Danielle Hampton via Sometimes Sweet

5. A Ride for the Tiny Tots
You’ve got tiny tots along for the ride this year. Keep it simple with a red wagon, a few flags, and some star garlands. We love the way Danielle of Sometimes Sweet doubled up on adorable with two tiny passengers.

photo: Jim, the Photographer via Flickr

6. The Power Parade
It’s time to charge up the Power Wheels and drape it with party decor. It’ll take you all of five minutes, and you won’t have to pull anything (Make sure the battery is fully charged!).

photo: Megan Cooley

7. Take a Rocket Ride
Blast off! How about a rocket ride for the kiddie parade? Megan of Penny Carnival snapped a picture of her niece riding shotgun to the moon. You’ll need cardboard, tissue paper, a wagon, fringe, and some prep time.

photo: Jim, the Photographer via Flickr

8. Lady Liberty
This impressive float caught our eye. After all, it wouldn’t be the 4th without Lady Liberty!

photo: Rob O’Hara via Robohara

9. A Sweet Sailboat
From sea to shining sea! Rob O’Hara, of Robohara, and his hearty crew won “Most Patriotic” for their clever play on the American tribute song at the annual Freedom Fest in Yukon, Ok. The little sailors aboard helped with the stars and stripes using paint and colored duct tape. Head over to Robohara for the details.

photo: Sarah Zimmerman via Repeat Crafter Me

10. A Firetruck for the Fireworks
Firetrucks are a parade staple. How cute will your little one look in her very own red ride? Give the kids a pom-pom or two, and it’s time to celebrate! Find out how to make your own over at Repeat Crafter Me.

photo: Jim, the Photographer via Flickr

11. The Food Float
This festive kiddo decided to bring the food to the parade route, and we can’t think of a better way to say “let’s get this party started!”

Will your family be in the parade this year? Share with us in a Comment below!

— Gabby Cullen

 

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13 Signs You’re a Fairfax Parent

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Fairfax County. It’s not as nighttime cool as its pseudo-urban neighbor Arlington County and lacks the Redskins players population of nearby Loudon County, but it is the most populous county in the state. So there’s that. But none of that matters to kids who just know it as chock full of playgrounds, splashpads and a real, live space shuttle (inside the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Here are 13 signs that you’ve got a little Fairfaxian on your hands.

1. You base extracurricular activities for your kids on whether you have to take I-66.

Photo: Steve Fernie via flickr

2. You wake up at 4 am and ready a desktop, laptop, iPad and smartphone to log into your Fairfax County Parktakes account so you can get your kid(s) into gymnastics or swim lessons when registration opens at 5 am.

Photo: Binary Koala via flickr

3. You already know the ratings of your local public elementary, middle and high schools even though your kid is still in utero.

Photo: robbieraeful via flickr

4. You still have crayons in your purse from First Watch.

Photo: Brandi Jordan via flickr

5. Going to the local grocery store without kids is an escape. Because that store is Wegmans.

Photo: Wegman’s Organic Foods via flickr

6. Your kids are home from school because the school board canceled classes after two snowflakes may – or may not – have hit the ground.

Photo: enviro warrior via flickr 

7. You no longer have to plug the address into your GPS to get to Frying Pan Farm Park.

Photo: Jamie B. via Yelp 

8. You end up at the new Fairfax City interactive fountain instead of the one at Fairfax Corner, where your friends are.

Photo: A.R.P. via Yelp

9. Your kids can correctly pronounce Clemyjontri Park.

Photo: Ryan Sandridge via flickr

10. You’ve seen more Disney on Ice than actual concerts at the Patriot Center.

Photo: Miguel Discart via flickr

11. The best part of the Tysons Corner Center extension is the outdoor play area. Bonus (or curse, depending on perspective): It’s situated next to a Shake Shack.

Photo: Tyson’s Corner Center

12. In warmer months, you spend a small fortune on tickets for the mini train and mini golf at Burke Lake Park.

Photo: Kate H. via Yelp

13. You follow Rocknoceros from Dulles Town Center to Jammin’ Java.

Photo: Rocknoceros

What do YOUR think is a sign that you’re a Fairfax parent? Let us know in the comments!

—Stephanie Kanowitz

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