2 min read
Whether you’re a working mom or just a busy one, it’s more than likely that even two weeks into school vacation you’ve already tired of typical summer activities like splashing around a pool, bike riding and playdates at the playground.
No fear: We’re here to help you, your mom or your sitter break up the monotony. We’ve rounded up a few fun — and educational — activities the kiddos will love.
Live While You Learn
Harvard Museums of Science & Culture Summer Programs: What could be more educational than summer camp at Harvard? The Harvard Museums of Science and Culture host weeklong summer day programs through mid August. Children from first grade through eighth grade soak up STEM knowledge and focus on a different theme each week, for example prehistoric history, life underwater and space.
Boston Harbor Islands: For those who don’t mind playing educator and tour guide, take the kids to one or more of the Boston Harbor Islands, which are packed with family friendly activities. They’re easy and inexpensive to access via ferry from Boston or the South Shore. Kids can become a Junior Ranger and earn a badge by picking up a booklet at any park visitor center and exploring the islands’ natural and man-made environments. Special events, including historical reenactments, art installations, tide-pooling and more are also guaranteed to please.
Community Boating Junior Programs: Take the seas a la pirates of the Caribbean with the Community Boating Junior Programs where youth learn sailing, paddling and windsurfing, or they can perfect their game with STEM-specific programs using robotics to engineer new sailing techniques. The Junior Program Race Team offer competition and camaraderie on the open water. Programs are also open for registration all summer long.
Boston Children’s Museum Summer Fun: Don’t underestimate an old standard. The Boston Children’s Museum ramps up its activities for summer with events like family yoga and a how-to fishing course conducted outside in the Boston Harbor. Children can try their own hands at rhythms at a drum circle bucket drumming workshop, or simply relax at an afternoon concert conducted by Berklee College musicians. Adult supervision is required for all activities, but some are supported by teen mentors and volunteers to ease the burden on weary mamas.
Tenacity Summer Tennis and Reading Program: Athletic kids don’t have to rely on pickup games to get through the summer months. Tenacity’s Summer Tennis and Reading Program blends fitness with mental exercise in public parks around Boston. The free, three-hour sessions are spent both on the court and in the books teaching valuable skills on both ends, and is available to ages 6 to 16. Moms will need to stick around, but Tenacity mentors will be engaging the kids so you can enjoy a book or sift through your inbox in the park.
