Childcare Co-op in Cambridge

An alternative childcare arrangement for playdates and community building:

Advertisement below:

https://www.kidsclub.io

• The way it works is you sign up to host one “playdate” a month. It can be as simple as “pizza and a movie,” or if you have a special talent like singing, yoga or robotics, you can offer an enrichment activity like a “coding workshop” or "improv class." 
• Then, you invite your friends and child's classmates to your playdate. In order for their kids to attend, they need to host their own playdate and invite you! You can invite as few as 2 friends, but if you want more childcare and activities, we suggest inviting as many friends as possible. You earn one playdate for every child who attends yours. So if 3 kids come, you earn 3 playdates! If 10, 10 playdates, etcetera...
• You can also make new friends by booking playdates with people you don’t know yet. On the website, you can see who lives near you, message them to meet up for a parent-accompanied playdate or invite them to your playdate. If you see someone you're interested in sharing care with but haven't met yet, we recommend you find a time to meet up for a parent-accompanied playdate or a parent mixer so you can get to know them first. 
• Parents with babies are welcome too! If you have a baby, you can offer something like a daytime playgroup or a caregiver & me playdate.

Our aim is for it to be a great way to share childcare with your friends and child’s classmates - and hopefully to make new friends too! If you're interested, you can sign up here to be part of our first group of families to try out the website and give us feedback! (IT'S FREE)
It takes a village to raise a child so let’s make it easier by helping each other out!  To learn more or sign up, visit : https://www.kidsclub.io

Imagine Indoor Playspace & Art Center

A two floor indoor playground opened in Cambridge, just outside the Fresh Pond rotary, last fall.  The space is large and aesthetically pleasing with artistic touches throughout.  There are paintings by various artists hang in on the walls and a little library area for kids to relax and have some down time.

The play area is divided into a library, snack area, sensory table, small climbing structure and ball pit, and a small bouncy house.  There are various toys throughout, Magna tiles, blocks, push and ride on toys, kitchen areas, etc.  Downstairs at this point is a more open space for running.

The space is also creating clubs for children and running some classes, such as CPR.  They are open for open play from 9-6 every day.

Upstairs at Imagine.

Ball pit and climbing structure.

It is $7 per child, with discounted passes and sibling rates.  Great space and art center!

Link to Imagine

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.

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

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