Play dates!

Fun play date locations in Boston, Massachusetts

I created this resource list of recommended play date locations that new moms can enjoy together. New moms know that it is difficult to get together as a group, but getting out of the house is very important for you and your baby. New moms need to connect with other new moms in a safe and supportive environment and I hope this list will be helpful to you.

Here are some places where I have met other new moms for play dates in Boston, Ma:

The Children's Museum:
There is a wonderful play space that is located on the second floor for children ages 0 - 3. You can read about it here:
http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/exhibits-programs/exhibits/playspace

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston:
'MFA Playdates' : http://www.mfa.org/programs/kids-and-family-programs

Class begins: 10:15 am –11:00 am 
(Be aware that activities actually start at 10:00 AM!!! Get there early!!!).

With Frank walking to MFA playgroup!

FREE with Museum admission. Meet at the Visitor Center. MFA Playdates are on the first Mondays and third Saturdays of each month, (next class: June 5, June 17, July 3, July 15, August 7 and August 19) **Please note that the MFA only lists the Saturday classes) Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by art making. Each month focuses on a specific theme. Recommended for children age 4 and younger, however, the audience age also allowed is age 2 to age 5!  No registration required.

However, there are fun activities that start at 10:00 AM!!! 
Get there early!!! These activities are not listed on their website!!!).

Her crown made at MFA Playdates!

Playing with textured wall, MFA Playdates!

You can leave your stroller in the area where the early fun activities are held at 10:00 AM!  The MFA staff are more than happy to watch your stroller and baby gear.

Stay after the program to explore the Museum, enjoy snacks or lunch in the Garden Cafeteria or Calderwood Courtyard and enjoy the child-friendly options from any of the dining venues. Parking is discounted (up to 40% off!) with Museum membership.

There are also FREE Family Days, check out Programs/Special Events here: http://www.mfa.org/programs/special-event

For a list of the FREE admission days, check out "Free Days" here: http://www.mfa.org/visit

***My daughter and I appeared on MFA's Instagram site (I'm in yellow, my daughter is in pink!): http://instagram.com/p/gTpZHKGHl3/

The Institute of Contemporary Art:
Play Dates events are held on the last Saturday of each month, the ICA comes alive with activities especially for families. On these days, admission is free for families (up to two adults per family with children 12 and under).


Play Dates may include films, performances, art-making activities, gallery tours, and more. https://www.icaboston.org/calendar/kids-families

Prudential Mall, Atrium area: Meet and hang out in the Atrium area across from the Olympia Sports store at the Prudential Mall in Boston. There are chairs and tables available as well as quick access to the outdoor park area. http://www.prudentialcenter.com/
You can also check out their events here: http://www.prudentialcenter.com/entertain_events.html

The New England Aquarium: www.neaq.org  
Sea Squirts program ages 12-24 months and ages 2 - 4 years old: http://www.neaq.org/learn/for-families-teens/programs-by-age/
General Information: 617-973-5200

With Daddy at the Aquarium, 1-28-12.

Winthrop Square Park: (Minot Rose Garden, between St. Paul and Still Streets) in Brookline, MA has brand new playground equipment as well as a beautiful rose garden at the opposite end of the park.

This park was under construction back in 2010 and you can read about the re-opening of the park in 2011 here: http://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline/ev--winthrop-squareminot-rose-garden-re-opening-celebration

The Museum of Science: has an infant/toddler play area (ages 0 -3) in the Discovery Center in the Red Wing of the Museum (just past the Cafeteria).  They provide comfy floor mats for you to sit on and play with your little one. There are toys provided and a small activity area for children under 1 year old to learn cause and effect. http://www.mos.org/discoverycenter/

For children 3+, the Science in the Park area is a permanent exhibit, in the Blue Wing on Level 2, that has a park-like setting where children can run, jump, swing and use familiar objects, like playground equipment and bicycle wheels to investigate the pushes and pulls of everyday life. Free with admission: http://www.mos.org/exhibits/science-in-the-park  1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114  phone: 617-723-2500

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA

Peabody Essex Museum:
If you are interested in a play area outside of Boston, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA has the Pop-Up Art and Nature Center for children.
The new, redesigned Center opened on October 19, 2013 and includes interactive activity stations, a reading area, a play zone for toddlers/preschoolers and a room for nursing mothers. http://www.pem.org/learn/families/art_nature_center


Some of my mom friends suggested the following as well:

Franklin Park Zoo:, 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA,
(617) 541-5466.
Stone Zoo:, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180.  For more information, please call 781-438-5100.
www.zoonewengland.org 
The Stone Zoo is small, but quiet and enjoyable especially during the week. Make sure to bring sunscreen since all of the exhibits and the eating area are outside.

Castle Island Beach: Day Boulevard, South Boston
617-727-5290, Open year-round. There is also a children's playground available:
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-boston/castle-island-pleasure-bay-m-street-and-carson-beach.html

My play date at the Museum of Science with CJ and Caden!

If finding friends with babies in the right age range is difficult for you in your neighborhood, www.meetup.com is a great way to meet other moms in your area that meet for group play dates.  Meetup.com is available in every state, just search your area to find a meet-up baby group or create a play date and have others sign up! 

I am excited for the warm weather so that I can get together with some other moms for play dates at more places or share a pleasant afternoon with my husband and daughter at some of these places. Any suggestions? Please feel free to e-mail me at JoyE@NetworkforMoms.org and let me know if you are located outside of the Boston, Massachusetts area.

 - Joy E.

My play date at the Museum of Science at lunchtime!

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