Weekend Fun: Get Moving!

The snowfall last night reminded me that this can be a tough time of year for everyone, especially if this is your first New England winter. As a teacher, I love winter because it gives kids time to sit indoors, reading books. But even I have to admit that there can be too much reading and not enough playing! In January and February every year, I notice energy, attention, and grades going down for many kids. This is often because of less physical activity and less social time with friends. So kill two birds with one stone and invite a friend to go on an adventure with them.

Until May 10, the Boston Children's Museum has an exhibit that is all about moving our bodies: Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action. The New Balance Climb and Kids Power are just two more exhibits to get them moving. A word of caution: their website explains that the subway is "about a three-block walk" from the museum, but they are three long blocks which will seem even longer going home when kids are worn out from all the fun.

For older kids, a visit to the Wellesley College Greenhouses can be a fun way to get out of the house. These are working greenhouses, with rooms of seedlings and experiments, as well as the beautiful permanent displays. Neither the delicate plants nor the other visitors make this a good place to run and shout, but there are strange plants to discover and it is warm! If your child likes to draw or write, bring a notebook and enjoy the benches tucked into quiet corners. The college's website has a PDF map to take with you and virtual tour to look at on the computer. The greenhouses are free, but a donation is encouraged if you can. Be sure to read the driving directions carefully, because the greenhouses are well hidden!