School’s out! Keeping the kids occupied is no small feat, but luckily there are lots of free family activities in the Boston area. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Visit the library. In addition to tons of books to borrow for free, libraries have free children’s programs. You already know about our Read to Ride program (www.DependableCleaners.com/read-to-ride if you haven’t signed up already), but many local libraries offer daily activities. At Pratt Memorial Library in Cohasset, crafts, a puppet story hour, a sing-a-long and a Lego Club are among many events in the weekly line-up. Pratt also offers a summer reading program with prizes. Libraries are also a great rainy-day destination!
Take a hike. Start slow with the little ones and make it a game: create a scavenger hunt, looking for items on a list (a pinecone, acorn, a snail). Count how many different flowers or trees you can find on a stroll. Introduce children to the wonderful world of birds and learn to identify them by sight and sound. Venture near (within walking distance of home) or far (public recreation areas like The Fells Reservation in the Malden area or The Chinatown Park at Surface Road and Beach Street—the latter holds a serpentine walkway edged by bamboo within bright red sculptures, and a unique fountain).
Walk the Freedom Trail. OK, it’s vacation, we get it! But history can be fun, and knowing that the American Revolution started in our backyard is a reason to follow the red brick trail that passes by 16 important sites in U.S. history. And there will be no test. Plus, there are sprinklers to help you cool off at the Rose Kennedy Greenway at the end of the trail.
Go to the beach. Nantasket Beach in Hull is one of the most popular South Shore beaches, as evidenced by the hoards of people in summer—but with 39 acres, you can find a place of your own to explore the extensive tidal flats. Pack a picnic.
Free movies. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and some popcorn and watch a movie under the stars at various city locations.
