North Point Park

A beautiful spot for a family outing, picnic, or just relaxing, North Point Park in East Cambridge is a hidden spot.  The location offers views of the Charles River, Museum of Science, and Zakim Bridge.  It is tucked back from the river, but trails and walks take the pedestrian or cyclist along the river in either direction.  There are a number of benches and some picnic tables in the playground area.  The Duckboats enter and exit the water just next to the park, which offers additional entertainment for the little ones, as well as friendly exchange if you're in the mood for quacking or interacting with tourists.  The playground area offers structures that are age appropriate for toddlers through younger elementary school age children, as well as a little spray park area.  Landscaping around the park is lush and well maintained, in addition to the views in most directions, makes for a very pleasant spot.  The only drawback to this area is that 93 runs directly to one side of you, which can be noisy and detracts from the rest of the environment. However, if your little ones enjoy the sight of trucks and cars, and the sound of sirens, it can add to the experience.  The park is typically quiet earlier in the morning and has parking available.  The pictures below don't really do it justice.

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl Boston

The annual ice-cream festival will hit City Hall Plaza this year from Tuesday June 5- Thursday June 7.  This event is held daily for the three day stretch from 12- 8pm and features ice-cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet from nationwide vendors.  Beginning 30 years ago as a National Dairy Association event, it has now become the largest all you can eat ice-cream festival in the nation.  Ticket prices vary- children under 3 are free, kids from 3-9 are $5, and from there on up tickets are $10 each, for an all you can eat event. (Group rates and 3 day passes are also an option).  Part of the proceeds go to the Jimmy Fund for cancer research at Dana-Farber.  Easily accessible on the Red Line or Green Line to the Government Station stop, public transportation is probably the easiest way in.  There is a calendar of entertainment, with the Red Sox wives serving ice-cream and various musical acts, as well as the mayor kicking off the event.

Scooper Bowl 2012

Museum of Science

One of Boston's best resources and venues is the Museum of Science in Cambridge.  The museum offers a wealth of information and exhibits, most of which are interactive.  It provides information and entertainment for primarily school age children through teenagers and adults, but also has a small area for the younger preschool/toddler age kids.  There are presentations that run everyday that are free after the admission fee is paid, as well as an Omni Show, which is an additional cost.  The presentations vary from animals to weather and the ever popular electricity show, but are all engaging and given by knowledgeable presenters.  Much of the museum staff are volunteers, many of whom have been there for years and know the museum inside and out.
Exhibits cover topics from optics, to health, force and motion, rocks and minerals, to local issues like the Big Dig.  There is a Butterfly Garden and Planetarium in addition to the other exhibits.  The museum has a cafeteria and a gift shop.  During the school year the museum is often overrun with field trips, so moving through it with younger kids can be tricky.  The is enough space and if it you time it correctly you can work around the large groups.

The museum is also located on the Charles River and is convenient by public transportation or the highway.  It can be rented out as a venue for private events also, and if you are an educator, offers a discount and has an educator's library. 

Museum of Science

En Ka Fair

Every year, during the third weekend in May, the Winchester En Ka Society holds it's annual fair.  Complete with rides, booths, and food, it is a good size local carnival.  Part of the proceeds go to the En Ka Society, who in turn provide grants for students, work with the mentally challenged, and provide services within the town.  The En Ka fair runs on the Friday from 11-midnight and kicks off with a parade on Saturday morning at 9 am.  The parade leaves from Winchester High School on Skillings Road.  The fair opens on Saturday at ten and runs again until midnight.  Parking is available on the streets that intersect at Skilings Road and Mt. Vernon Street.  Tickets are available on Thursday evening for slightly cheaper than on Friday and Saturday.

En Ka Fair

Full Moon Cafe

A great little restaurant in Cambridge, that is well known locally, but advertised primarily by word-of-mouth, is Full Moon Cafe.  This cafe was originally recommended to us by friends with young kids and is one of our favorite spots when we are meeting other families out.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though closed between the seatings, so it's helpful to check the hours before going (we did learn this the hard way).  It is located in Huron Village in Cambridge and street parking is almost always available and convenient.  It is also on the bus line.
Full Moon was opened over a decade ago by two moms and features beautiful artwork.  There is a small dining room, and tucked back is a little play area for younger children.  They have a train table set up with numerous miscellaneous trains, a few trucks to push around, a kitchen set up, and a few other random toys.  They also have some books and will bring a bucket of toys to the table for kids to play with.  Full Moon is also well equipped with high chairs, kiddie cups, and white paper "tablecloths" to draw on.  Changing tables are available in the bathrooms.
The portions are huge, especially the meals brought for toddlers.  The menu prices have increased slightly lately, but the food is worth the price, particularly when the kiddies are entertained.  The menu is somewhat limited, but vegetarian options are available and there is choice enough (maybe ten selections) for everyone to be satisfied.  They also offer a decent selection of beer and wine, are friendly and accommodating.  At peak times (think early for dinner hour, like 5:00), on the weekends, the noise level and chaos becomes apparent and some adult facilitation may be needed at the play area.  At a quieter time, it can be relaxing and if you are seated near the play area, you can almost pretend that you are at home.


Full Moon Restaurant