Summer Fun in Boston’s Parks: Your Guide to Outdoor Adventures

Boston, with its beautiful green spaces and vibrant community events, is the perfect city to enjoy summer fun in the park. From picnics and playgrounds to concerts and outdoor fitness classes, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to making the most of Boston’s parks this summer.

Boston Common

As America’s oldest public park, Boston Common is a hub of activity during the summer months.

Picnics and Relaxation: Spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the park’s historic trees. The Frog Pond Café offers refreshments if you prefer to grab a bite on the go.
Frog Pond: The Frog Pond turns into a wading pool in the summer, providing a perfect spot for kids to cool off.
Shakespeare on the Common: Enjoy free performances by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and experience world-class theater under the stars.

Boston Public Garden

Adjacent to Boston Common, the Public Garden is a serene and picturesque escape.

Swan Boats: A ride on the famous Swan Boats is a must-do. These pedal-powered boats have been a beloved Boston tradition since 1877.
Botanical Beauty: Take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautifully landscaped gardens, vibrant flower beds, and majestic weeping willows.
Make Way for Ducklings: Visit the charming bronze statues inspired by the classic children’s book. It’s a perfect photo opportunity for families.

Charles River Esplanade

The Esplanade is a beautiful park along the Charles River, offering stunning views and a variety of activities.

Biking and Walking: Rent a bike or simply take a stroll along the scenic pathways. The Esplanade’s paths are perfect for an active day out.
Esplanade Playspace: This state-of-the-art playground is a hit with kids, featuring innovative equipment and a splash pad for hot days.
Outdoor Fitness: Join free outdoor fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, and boot camp sessions, hosted by the Esplanade Association.
Hatch Shell Concerts: Enjoy free concerts and movie nights at the iconic Hatch Shell. The Boston Pops’ Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is a highlight of the summer season.

Arnold Arboretum

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is a must-visit.

Tree and Plant Collections: Explore the vast collection of trees and plants from around the world. The arboretum’s winding paths are perfect for a peaceful walk.
Guided Tours and Events: Participate in guided tours, workshops, and family-friendly events that provide insight into the arboretum’s diverse flora.

Franklin Park Zoo carousel. Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Franklin Park

As the largest park in Boston, Franklin Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions.

Franklin Park Zoo: Spend a day at the zoo and meet animals from around the world. The zoo’s playground and splash pad are perfect for young visitors.
Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf at the William J. Devine Golf Course, one of the oldest public golf courses in the country.
Sports and Recreation: Take advantage of the park’s sports fields, hiking trails, and picnic areas for a day of outdoor fun.

Jamaica Pond

Jamaica Pond in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood is a peaceful oasis perfect for water-based activities.

Boating: Rent a rowboat, sailboat, or kayak and spend the day on the water. The boathouse offers rentals and sailing lessons.
Fishing: Try your hand at fishing. The pond is stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for local anglers.
Walking and Running: The 1.5-mile path around the pond is ideal for a leisurely walk or jog.

Activities for the Elderly

Boston’s parks offer plenty of accessible activities that the elderly can enjoy. Take some time off to bring your elderly loved ones or hire a home caregiver to accompany your loved one.

Accessible Walks: Many parks, like the Boston Public Garden and the Arnold Arboretum, have smooth, paved paths that are perfect for leisurely walks or wheelchair strolls. The beautiful scenery provides a calming environment for relaxation and conversation.
Outdoor Concerts: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. These events are a wonderful way to enjoy live music in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Picnic Areas: Many parks have shaded picnic areas with accessible tables. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors. Parks like Franklin Park and the Boston Common offer plenty of quiet spots for a peaceful lunch.
Gardens and Horticulture: Visit the Boston Public Garden or the Arnold Arboretum to explore beautiful gardens and plant collections. These locations offer a sensory-rich experience with the sights and smells of various flowers and trees.
Boat Rides: The Swan Boats in the Boston Public Garden are a gentle and scenic activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, providing a serene way to experience the beauty of the garden from the water.

Tips for a Perfect Park Day

Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and snacks to stay comfortable and hydrated.
Check Event Schedules: Look up park events and activities ahead of time to make the most of your visit.
Respect the Environment: Follow park rules, clean up after yourself, and respect the natural surroundings to keep Boston’s parks beautiful for everyone.

Boston’s parks offer endless opportunities for summer fun, from relaxing picnics to exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re exploring historic Boston Common, paddling on Jamaica Pond, or enjoying a concert on the Esplanade, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in this vibrant city. So take time out from work, laundry and other household chores, pack your picnic basket, grab your sunscreen and insect spray, and head out to experience the best of summer in Boston’s parks!

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Boston: A Perfect Family Day Out

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the incredible women in our lives. Boston, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery, offers a plethora of activities for families to make this day memorable. Here’s a guide to enjoying a delightful Mother’s Day in Boston with the whole family.

Morning: Brunch with a View

Start your Mother’s Day celebration with a delicious brunch. Boston boasts numerous family-friendly restaurants that offer special Mother’s Day menus. Some top picks include:

City Table: Located in the Lenox Hotel in Back Bay, City Table offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
The Friendly Toast: This quirky spot in Back Bay serves up hearty and creative breakfast dishes that both kids and adults will love.
Stephanie’s on Newbury: Known for its comfort food, Stephanie’s offers a cozy atmosphere and a lovely outdoor patio for enjoying the spring weather.

Late Morning: Stroll Through the Boston Public Garden

After brunch, take a leisurely stroll through the Boston Public Garden. The garden is in full bloom in May, making it a picturesque spot for a family walk. Don’t miss the famous Swan Boats, a beloved Boston tradition since 1877. A ride on these pedal-powered boats offers a peaceful and scenic view of the garden’s lagoon.

Boston Public Garden. Bob Linsdell, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Fine Arts or the New England Aquarium

Depending on your family’s interests, you have a couple of great options for the afternoon:

Museum of Fine Arts: Spend a few hours exploring the vast collection of artwork. The museum often hosts special exhibits and activities for families. Be sure to check out the Art of the Americas Wing and the stunning contemporary art galleries.
New England Aquarium: If your family loves marine life, the aquarium is a must-visit. From the mesmerizing Giant Ocean Tank to the playful penguins and touch tanks, there’s plenty to see and do.

If your mom is elderly and has a home caregiver who often takes her for walks, this is the perfect opportunity to take her somewhere special. Spend the afternoon exploring a museum like the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. These cultural institutions offer a peaceful and enriching experience that she will surely appreciate.

Late Afternoon: Charles River Esplanade

Head to the Charles River Esplanade for some outdoor fun. This picturesque park along the Charles River is perfect for a family bike ride or a relaxing picnic. You can rent bikes, paddleboats, or simply enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air. There are also playgrounds for the kids to enjoy.

Evening: Dinner and a Sweet Treat

End the day with a lovely dinner at one of Boston’s family-friendly restaurants. Consider:

Legal Sea Foods: A Boston staple, Legal Sea Foods offers fresh seafood and a kid-friendly menu.
North End: For Italian cuisine lovers, head to the North End. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, each offering delicious pasta, pizza, and other Italian delights.

After dinner, treat mom to something sweet. Visit Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry in the North End for a famous cannoli, or stop by J.P. Licks for some homemade ice cream.

Evening: Catch a Show or Relax

If you’re up for it, catch an evening show. Boston’s theater district often features family-friendly performances. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter evening, head back home and relax with a family movie night or play some board games.

Take a Load Off Mom

So instead of laundry, cooking, and cleaning, take a load off mom. Get laundry pickup and delivery from your local Boston dry cleaner and eat out so that you can take mom on a shopping spree and help her find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Treat her to a day of relaxation and pampering, letting her know just how much she is appreciated.

Tips for a Smooth Mother’s Day Outing

Plan Ahead: Make reservations for brunch and dinner to avoid long wait times.
Dress Comfortably: Boston’s weather in May can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Capture the Moments: Don’t forget to take lots of photos to remember this special day.

Mother’s Day is all about making mom feel cherished and appreciated. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Boston offers the perfect setting for a memorable family celebration. Whether you’re exploring the city’s landmarks, enjoying delicious meals, or simply spending quality time together, Mother’s Day in Boston is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Things to do on Mother’s Day in Boston

Spring has sprung in Boston. As flowers bloom and birds tweet, we know that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. How can we honor and show appreciation for the mothers in our lives, women who work tirelessly day in day out and make significant sacrifices to ensure that their children are healthy, happy, and successful? Here are some ideas:

Go shopping

Is that a surprise? Women love shopping. So instead of laundry, cooking and cleaning, take a load off mom. Get laundry delivery service from your local Boston dry cleaner and eat out so that you can take mom on a shopping spree and help her find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Take a stroll in the Boston Public Garden

Mothers with young children frequently take their children to the local park playground to play and teach them social skills. A stroll in the park will let your mother enjoy it for herself. The Boston Public Garden is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend some time with your mother. You can take a leisurely walk around the park, admire the flowers, and enjoy the scenery. If your mom already has a home care companion who takes her to walks, then you can take her to a museum.

Visit a museum

If your mother is an art lover, the Museum of Fine Arts is the perfect place to spend the day. You can check out the latest exhibits, admire the works of famous artists, and even take a guided tour. How about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum? This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. The museum has a vast collection of art, including works by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Raphael. Besides art and culture, Boston has a variety of other museums that can be of interest to mom. Take her pick!

Take a cooking class together

Many cooking schools in Boston offer classes where you can learn to make a delicious meal with your mother. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend some quality time together and learn some new culinary skills. Well, if your mother loves food but not cooking, then you can simply treat her to a special Mother’s Day brunch and enjoy some quality time together.

Take a day trip

Mother probably stays home a lot and spends most of her time in the neighborhood. How about taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard? It’s just a short ferry ride from Boston. Spend the day exploring the island’s quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes. Or take a Boston Harbor cruise. Enjoy the beautiful Boston skyline and the scenic harbor with a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner cruise.

Enjoy a show or concert

If your mother loves Broadway shows or live music, dance and theatre performances, treat her to a night out and enjoy a Boston Pops concert, Boston Ballet, comedy club or jazz performance.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank mothers for their hard work, dedication, and unconditional love. It is also a chance to celebrate the special bond that exists between a mother and her children. By taking the time to show our gratitude and appreciation for our mothers, we can strengthen our relationships and create meaningful memories.

Everyone’s Irish on St Patrick’s Day in Boston

Boston has a little something for everyone when it comes to celebrations and holidays, but none tops St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time resident looking for new experiences, St. Paddy’s has it all– even if you don’t like to drink.

Why Boston?

For those uninitiated, Boston has a massive Irish population (about 23% of its citizens identify as Irish!). Originally emigrating from persecution in the colonial era, Boston’s had a long-standing history of Irish origin. Immigrants escaping the potato famine in the 19th century further built the Irish population, and Boston quickly became a hub for Irish Americans.

Things To Do on St. Patrick’s Day

So, what can you do on St. Patrick’s Day in Boston? We’ve got 5 great ideas for you to get the most out of our rich Irish culture.

The Southie Parade and Road Race

Whether or not you are Irish, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race are great ways to celebrate Irish heritage and enjoy the area. This is a fun activity, away from the familiarity of the slides and swings at the playground, that children will enjoy. This year, the parade and the road race take place on Sunday, March 19th. The parade starts at 1 pm, and the road race starts at noon.

Both events are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to grab yourself a good spot by getting there early! While you are there, be a good neighbor and shop local. Visit the local drug store, gift shop, bakery or book store and buy a little souvenir or whatever.

If you want to run in the race, we recommend registering early. All proceeds from the Southie St. Patrick’s Day Road Race go towards the Boston Boys and Girls Club.

Enjoy Irish Culture

If you’re not too keen on parades and would rather enjoy some more traditional Irish celebration, why not check out some traditional Irish dance and enjoy some Celtic music? Enjoy some music, food, and drink any day of the week during Lansdowne Pub’s St. Patrick’s Week, or catch some traditional Irish music at The Burren. If you’re looking for dance, Ned Devine’s hosts step dancers at 1 pm. Be sure to wear green — some Boston dry cleaners in the North End may offer special discounts for dry cleaning or alterations for your green costume.

Get Some Traditional Irish Food

It’s not Paddy’s without some good Irish food and a Guinness! Boston’s extensive selection of traditional Irish pubs offers some of the best Irish food you can get in the States, and enjoying a pint with a good meal is essential on St. Patrick’s Day! Alongside great entertainment, sit and relax with some great food and beer from Lansdowne Pub, The Black Rose, The Kinsale, or J.J. Foley’s Cafe. Alternatively, you can organize a cookout in the backyard, weather permitting. A propane heater might be needed.

Explore Heritage Trails

For a calmer daytime experience, Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail celebrates the city’s rich Irish history and provides a beautiful scenic experience bound to enchant anyone looking for a relaxing stroll through time. Visit Irish monuments, buildings, and other historic locations on a guided tour, or walk the city yourself to peruse each location at your own pace. It’s perfect for those with senior loved ones — rather than hiring home care services, you can take your elderly loved one to a walk down memory lane. Tours cost roughly $15 for adults and $12 for students, children, and seniors.

Stop by a Celtics Game

Of course, it wouldn’t be Paddy’s in Boston without celebrating our local basketball team– the Celtics! While St. Patrick’s Day games are usually sold out, feel free to enjoy a game any time of the year to show off your inner Celtic spirit. Just make sure you wear plenty of green!

Back to School: Tips for Parents in Boston

As the end of the summer break approaches, it’s natural for students and their parents to start planning for their return to school. Starting a new school year can be exciting, daunting, challenging, and nerve-wracking for children, so as parents, we need to help them get ready for the new school year. Here are a few back-to-school tips.

Organize Your Home

Over the break, it’s normal for your home to have become somewhat messier than normal. Make a team effort with the whole family to clean up, de-clutter and get organized. Not only does this put everyone back into work mode and set the scene for being back in school, but it also means your kids have no excuse for not being able to find their gym kit or book bag the night before going back in school. If you’ve got lots of junk to get rid of, save time by renting a dumpster. It’s so much easier to be able to toss things away as you’re sorting, rather than maneuvering around piles in your home and making multiple trips to the local recycling center.

Clean Out Your Closets

Linked to above, make sure you sort through your closets while getting your home in tip-top order. If your child has had a summer growth spurt, it’s better to know beforehand instead of finding out they have nothing suitable to wear for their first day in school! It also helps your child find everything they will need for their schooldays. Get rid of clothes and shoes that no longer fit or are showing signs of wear and tear. You can donate items in good condition and discard the rest. In case you open the closets and discover a huge pile of hidden laundry, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed — get practical time-saving help from your local laundry or dry-cleaning service.

Get Vaccines

School can be a veritable breeding ground for germs. When kids start mingling again in school, you might find that your child comes home with colds, sore throats and earaches more frequently than when they’re off school. Head to your local pharmacy to get the family updated with their flu shots. While you are there, you can also conveniently pick up various school supplies and other back-to-school items like backpacks.

Check School Updates in Advance

Nobody likes being surprised on the first day back to school. Put your mind at rest and check for pertinent updates on your school’s website and prepare accordingly. Are there any special supplies your child needs for the next academic year? Give yourself plenty of time to make any necessary purchases. Confirm the actual first day back and read up on your school’s most recent COVID policy. Get any required COVID supplies like masks while you are at the drug store as well.

Arrange Activities

It doesn’t need to be all work and no play when the kids go back to school. Keep your kids engaged and motivated outside of the classroom by making sure they have plenty of fun with their peers in the evenings and on weekends. It can be as simple as arranging with other Boston parents for kids to meet up in the neighborhood park or playground. Alternatively, take a look at your town’s library calendar to find diverse activities and events geared toward youngsters.

Set those school year daily routines in motion, like school transportation, lunches, study habits, bed time, etc. Finally, give your child a good pep talk, a pat on the back, hugs and kisses, and send them off to a good start!

Enjoying Summer Safely

As you head outdoors, don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray, clinicians urge

RACHEL COPPOLA | COVERAGE, NEWS SERVICE OF BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS

As summer vacation season kicks off, taking commonsense precautions to avoid sun, heat and insect-borne illnesses can help ensure a fun and safe season.

Follow these summer safety tips:

Stay sun safe
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection on all exposed skin, and reapply it every two hours regardless of SPF rating or more if you are swimming or sweating. “Consider a mineral-based sunscreen instead of a chemical-based one because it reflects UV rays away from the skin, and make putting it on part of your everyday routine like eating breakfast and brushing your teeth,” says Dr. Ashley Yeats, a family physician and VP of medical operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Wear sunglasses, a broadbrimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt or clothing with built-in sun protection, and try not to go outside midday when the sun is most intense. Yeats also advises doing monthly skin checks according to the ABCDEs to help identify concerning moles: Asymmetry (half of the mole doesn’t match the other), Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), and Evolving size, shape or color.
Keep critters away
Yeats advises applying insect repellant with EPA registered active ingredients such as DEET that are appropriate for the age of the person to ward off ticks and mosquitoes that can carry and transmit Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and to bathe before bed to wash it off. Yeats also recommends wearing pants tucked into long socks, especially if you will be hiking or walking in high grass, and avoiding activities at dawn and dusk. When you come in from the outdoors, check your skin for ticks and a bullseye rash that can indicate a tick bite. “Symptoms of Lyme disease, West Nile and EEE are fever and lethargy — unfortunately the same as COVID-19,” Yeats says. If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor and discuss your recent activities.
Stay cool and hydrated
As temperatures and humidity climb, Yeats notes it’s important to guard against dehydration and heat stroke by staying cool. “The very young and very old are less capable of dispersing body heat than others,” she said, so special care should be taken to keep babies and the elderly cool. Drink plenty of water: “If you are thirsty, you are past the point when you don’t have enough water in your body.” Make sure you have a fan or air conditioner or cool down by putting a cold washcloth on your neck. Additionally, she recommends checking in on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors, especially now, when many of the climate-controlled places these folks used to go to, such as the mall or senior center, may be closed because of the pandemic. Yeats says to be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses, including a rash, fever, nausea, light-headedness and fatigue.

If you have a medical concern, Yeats says, call your primary care provider as a first step.

“It’s important to be prepared and take these necessary precautions,” Yeats says. “But the good news is that many of these conditions, including moles, rashes and bug bites, are highly amenable to being evaluated and screened through telehealth.”

“We want you to get outside with your family and go for runs and hikes and bike rides,” Yeats says. “But we also want you to be safe.”

PICTURE OF DR. ASHLEY YEATS BY MICHAEL GRIMMETT

Coverage is a news service of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Celebrating Dads and Grads

Whether you’re a city native or a visitor, there’s much to enjoy in the Boston area at any time of the year. But with Father’s Day and graduation around the corner, you’re likely gearing up to celebrate, Boston-style. Here are a few tips to help you plan a happy and memorable Father’s Day or graduation celebration.

Dine at One of Boston’s Many Fine Restaurants

Whether you’re celebrating graduation day or hosting a Father’s Day event, you, your family, and your loved ones will enjoy having a night out and eating a nice dinner. And with many restaurants offering al fresco dining, you may even consider reserve an outside table.

Make it memorable by getting a makeover, dressing up in your favorite dresses and best evening wear, and taking lots of pictures. Before you go, take these fine garments to a Boston dry cleaner to get them cleaned and conditioned. Be sure to dry clean them again afterwards to remove any food stains and keep them in shape for the next wearing.

Enjoy an Outdoor BBQ

Or, instead of going out for dinner, why not stay in and host an outdoor BBQ party for your Grads and Dads celebration? Not only does BBQ make for a quintessential American party, it is also the best way to enjoy the early summer weather. (But if it’s going to be hot, you can always opt for some shade in your backyard or deck, or take your party to the local park picnic shelter.)

And when it comes to BBQ, you might want to invest in a propane grill if you don’t already have one. Propane is a clean fuel and propane grills are easy to start, easy to control the flame, and easy to clean. Just don’t forget to fill your propane tank or get propane delivery from a trustworthy provider.

Because of the warm weather, you can expect to work up a sweat and maybe get food on your clothes. If you are too tired after the party to do laundry, just call your local wash and fold delivery service!

Bonus Tip: Where to Buy Gifts

Every dad and new grad deserves a gift on their special day. If you had been too busy with party preparation and either forget or can’t spare time to shop for a gift, you can find gifts suitable for both dads and grads at the local drug store. For example, you could put together a gift bag of bathing products including bar soap, bath soaks, cologne, aftershaves and more.

If all that great food at the restaurants and BBQ gives you a bad case of indigestion, you can also rely on your local pharmacy for digestive help.

Hope you find these ideas useful and wish you a great Father’s Day or school/college graduation celebration with your family and loved ones.

Celebrate Easter with These Traditions

Easter is this Sunday, April 17 — just a short bunny hop away! Whether you’re celebrating this holiday for a religious reason or because of certain traditions your family holds, check out the following ideas that can help you plan for a fun and memorable Easter this year.

Have an Easter Egg Hunt

Easter egg hunts are one of the most popular traditions held on Easter. What could be more fun than running around outside on a beautiful, spring day and searching for colorful eggs that have prizes or candy inside?

Looking to add something extra special to your Easter egg hunt this year or just want to change it up? Try writing activities such as “go for a bike ride together as a family” or “family game night” on pieces of paper and put them in the eggs. Let the kids redeem the activity they’ve found and enjoy spending some quality time together as a family!

If you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt for your kids outside, don’t forget to purchase some bug spray so that you can keep those pesky bugs away. Also, be sure to grab some allergy medication in case anyone struggles with spring allergies.

Dyeing and Decorating Easter Eggs

Another popular tradition that has been a part of Easter celebrations for decades is dyeing or decorating hard boiled eggs. Whether you’re using an Easter egg dyeing kit or prefer to use your creativity by using items from your kitchen or home, your family and friends are sure to make memories with this fun tradition.

Want to get extra creative this year? Purchase some pretty spring stickers to place on the outside of your eggs to give them that extra pop! You may be able to buy them from a nearby community pharmacy, where you can conveniently get some Easter gifts and cards as well.

Spend Time Outside

Invite your family members or friends over for a barbeque. If you are cooking on a propane grill, make sure to have a propane tank handy so that you are able to heat the grill and cook your food.

If you have kids, head over to your community park playground and have a picnic under a tree or picnic shelter! Whip up some traditional Easter food such as ham, deviled eggs, candied carrots and your favorite vegetable.

Whether you’re planning to have people over your house or meet up at a local park, make sure your table linens are clean and ready to go. If you’re short on time, or just prefer to have a professional clean your table linens, schedule a laundry delivery at your local dry cleaner in Boston.

Enjoy spending time with your family this Easter and getting outside for some fresh, spring air!

Back to Normal for St Patrick’s Day: Tips for Celebrating in 2022

With a pandemic raging, the last couple of years have been some of the strangest in modern times. From school and work closures to the banning of large gatherings, people have not been able to socialize and have fun!

With people getting back to work and school, what better way to get back into the swing of things than to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Parades are a traditional way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Boston’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade is back for 2022 on March 20th at 1:00 pm.

If you can’t make it to the parade, why not do a celebration of your own? Here are a few things you can do!

Take It Outside

Invite some guests for a backyard BBQ. Don’t forget to make sure you have a full propane tank for your grill! If you want to serve traditional Irish food, make some corned beef and cabbage or beef stew. It’s also fun to make as many green foods as you can, like green soda bread, cookies, cupcakes, candy, etc. Serve a great Irish beer like Guinness and your St Paddy’s party would be perfect! Make sure to have some digestive aids on hand for the next morning!

Green Balloons

Helium balloons are always a crowd-pleaser. Get yourself a helium tank and some green balloons for the St. Patrick’s Day decorations. Attach the green balloons to the mailbox, a post in the yard, and even in the house.

Balloons always create a festive atmosphere and once the party guests arrive, don’t forget to play some Irish music.

Have a Park Party for the Kids

Kids always love to play on the swings and slides at the park. Even if you’re not Irish, you can still load up on some green snacks and drinks, bring a few green balloons, and dress yourself and your kids in green tee shirts for an impromptu St. Patrick’s Day party at the park playground.

While the kids rest after playing, pass the snacks around and tell them the story of St Patrick:

St. Patrick lived during the fifth century and is the patron saint of Ireland. Although he was born in Roman Britain, he was captured and taken as a slave to Ireland. The Catholic Church credits St. Patrick with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

There are several legends surrounding St. Patrick. One of the most well-known is how he taught the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of the Shamrock (Irish Clover).

When is St. Patrick’s Day? People celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th — the day of St. Patrick’s death. Although the celebration falls in Lent, the Church waives the requirement for abstinence from meat if the day falls on a Friday.

Amid the not-so-perfect weather of March, St. Patrick’s Day offers a fun respite from the dreary days of the pandemic. Do take advantage of it!

Hiking in the MetroWest

It depends on who you ask but I personally think hiking is best in New England during the summer and fall months. However, if you’re the adventurous type and have the right gear, winter can be perfect too, especially if you’re craving solitude. Having gone through the pandemic for a whole year with nothing much to do except hiking, we’ve explored some hikes that we think you’ll really enjoy too at any time of the year.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick, MA. Image from Sdkb

For something close to home, we love going to Broadmoor in Natick and actually go hiking here year round. You can buy a membership and enter for free or pay a fee as a non-member. While it is currently operating under timed ticket entrances, it has worked well. Some days I’ve literally booked a few hours before going. The trails are clean and range from easy to rugged but I would say that one of the big perks of this hike is the universally accessible boardwalk. Seniors in wheelchairs or with walkers or walking canes can access the boardwalk without much fuss, although they are usually accompanied by friends or family or a professional caregiver. You can even download an audio interpretation to listen to the 12 stops along this .06 mile boardwalk trail and rest on a bench when you want to take in the view of the frogs croaking or the turtles coming up for air. There are a total of 9 trails with many intersecting each other and interesting sights to see along streams, marshland, open fields and ponds. You’ll want to bring bug spray and sunscreen if you plan to be there for more than an hour as some areas by the fields will be more open and sunny and areas by the marshland may be buggy and humid.

Although dog parks with hoops, hurdles, tunnels, planks and pods are great fun for your canine baby, one place that we’ve discovered that is popular with dog owners is Ashland State Park. The trail goes around the perimeter of the Ashland Reservoir and can be done in about 2–3 hours depending on how fast you go. Both dogs and humans get a great workout and on hot summer days, you’ll often see dogs taking a dip in the water. This is a huge park but it does tend to get crowded on weekends. A few points of interest include a beach with picnic areas, a boat launch and a few ropes swinging from trees that kids and teenagers take advantage of when they are feeling like Tarzan.

Lastly we go to the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury when we want to make a day out of it and really get off the grid. It’s great if you’re looking for more solitude. There are over 15 miles of trail on wetlands and forested areas. One neat thing you’ll see are the old abandoned World War II era ammunition bunkers. Over the years, moss and vegetation have covered the top of the bunker but yet they remain visible remnants of the past. For these longer hikes, I’ll carry a daypack stocked with snacks and drinks for the hike and usually also carry a little medical safety kit consisting of band aids and bandages, whistle, compass, and pocket knife. The wonderful thing about being out in nature is the opportunity to teach kids how to navigate their surroundings and be ready for small emergencies.

There’s usually quite a bit of clean up to do after hiking, soil in the car, shoes, and even clothing. Here are some tips to treat mud stains and grass stains. If those fail, just take the soiled clothes to a professional laundry service nearby.