G-rated events and websites for children on the internet
Each year sites accumulate in browser bookmarks and special email folders on the computer after a google search of useful parenting resources. Pop up emails for subscriptions to newsletters or ads for home products appear weekly.
Here is a list of the 2012's best of' for young children:
Sites for Everyday
NickJr covers 'games and activities' from birthday parties to preschool printable lesson sheets and downloads. Family life, story time, miles stones with health tips and family trip ideas; recipes, video's and a variety of our child's favorite Nickelodeon original shows all cram packed into this site. Spongebob and Dora the Explorer. are included, but of course so are all the shows your children have come to love originally Nickelodeon.
Switch Zoo Play animal games at this virtual Zoo. Animated puzzles, musical videos of singing animals are a real treat for youngsters. How about making a "new" zoo animal? Now that would be interesting!
PBSKids Uses mobile apps, games and video's for parents, teachers and children. A "school readiness" program and tips for "talking abut scary news" is a special feature that isn't publicized on the internet but is available on the site. PreK to 12th grade educational resources are included. Making this a well rounded site to continue using as your child grows.
Scribblit has your child 'writing their own stories into a book, fun tablet or special occasion card. Illustrate just about anything, design and "Play Itt" all with your child's originally designed avatar. Play Itt uses word puzzles and activities to further English and art skills. A wonderful way to increase fundamental brain power and creativity at the same time.
Time for Kids features Kid Reporters who bring the news to your family and the community. Photo's, video's, mini sites from around the world add to the sitemap. A homework helper, for when their brilliant minds go past our own understand of what is journalism and appropriate informative news are cohesively put together and wating just for kids.
Up and Coming Event Sites
Examiner.com is one of the best resources for any venue use the sitemap to find events, entertainment and resources for every day, this week ahead or special monthly events and news. By plugging in any topic within the search bar you've opened the door to not just local but national writers with ample amounts of ideas and information for your family to consider.
The library in your area is one of the best stops a family can make. It's not just a building full of books.
BPL or any one of your local libraries keep up to date on activities, events and classes in and around Metro Boston. Make a suggestion to the librarian on what you would like to pursue and don't be surprised when that topic becomes the next focus of the month.
Just a reminder: Boston museum and other event passes are free for families at the front desk although there usually is a waiting list. Transportation to YMCA's or Boys and Girls Clubs are available at some locations.
Ask to take home an activity kit from the children's room. These kits are based on wonderful books including stuffed animals, puppets, or games that bring the book to life and expand their knowledge beyond reading.
Parents Connect is a vast site of just about every thing and anything you can think of (or haven't thought of yet) for your family. It is truly best to take a gander at this site when you have more than a few minutes to spare. Fun sweepstakes freebies are included in their monthly newsletter. (Unlike other free for you sites flooding your email.) All you need is to share your own experiences in the comment box to be eligible for some wonderful products, tickets or gift cards.
Boston Central Parents does the ground work for you by loading their pages with up-to-date events, activities, free fun, classes, even restaurants that are family friendly. BCP also has a newsletter that lists most of Boston's family events, weekly or monthly your choice. It's event listings are split into regions of Boston.
Free for Fridays says it all. We all like free events or activities to help introduce the world of art and entertainment to our children. Bookmark this page to peruse at anytime. Free events don't just happen in the summer. The author of this site has managed to find free hotel offers, travel vouchers and the like.
Children's Specialty Entertainment
There are always private birthday parties and family gatherings to prepare for, here are only a few to get the ideas rolling:
Pump it up, Ramisalami, Magic Castle Puppet shows, Princess Tea Parties, Stacey Peasley
Boston is cram packed with talent, regardless of ethnic background, it is too easy to find these types of children's entertainment. Most open air event shows are also available for private parties and functions, or just to surprise the kids on a special day. because they are local talent.
Family Nights
Picture a sleeping bag or comfy blanket, a pig pile on the couch and popcorn or pizza while the whole gang watches a movie or concert together, I do!
Redbox is the newest and least expensive way to rent DVD's an Blu rays, and is probably only a few blocks from home. Although the site asks if you'd like to reserve a movie, it's not necessary. Looking over the site helps to find the movies that will be available to you, and give you locations in your area to pick up a DVD and surprise your loved ones.
Just in case the weather is not what you've expected or cabin fever has stopped your creative mind from flowing normally. Try any of these indoor winter activities on for size.
Comments