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!

Weekend Fun: Eagles

The Massachusetts Audubon Society is hosting the 4th annual Merrimac River Eagle Festival this weekend. There will be tours, eagle demonstrations, and activities for children.

The bald eagle's name comes from its white head, but not because it appears bald (without hair), as many people assume. The word bald (Middle English: balled) used to mean "white." It is the national bird of the United States, chosen instead of Benjamin Franklin's choice of the turkey.

The MA Audubon Society also runs Drumlin farm, which BPPG mentioned a few weeks ago.

Update: Groundhog Day

I am sorry to report that Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. However, the Pennsylvania groundhog does seem happy that the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl last night.

Weekend Fun: Groundhog Day

February 2 is Groundhog Day. This is not a holiday, just a family-friendly fun way to break up the long, cold winter. According to legend, the groundhog comes out of his hole on this day to see if it is spring yet. If he sees his shadow, he will be frightened back into his hole, and we will have six more weeks of winter. If not, we can enjoy an early spring. The most famous groundhog prognosticator is Punxsutawney Phil, in Pennsylvania.

We have had so much snow this year that I hope Monday is cloudy and shadow-free.

Drumlin Farm in Lincoln is having a special Groundhog Celebration on Sunday from 9am-4pm. Activities include crafts, stories, science investigations, and hot cocoa drinking.