Never mind yesterday’s snow, there’s still plenty of fall fun to be had. And in my latest monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine, I share my favorite ways to enjoy frugal fall fun for the whole family, each followed by a bonus tip rooted in the spirit of giving. Enjoy!
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If you don’t feel like fighting the crowds at Head of the Charles this weekend, consider one of these family friendly fall festivals: Auburn Fall Festival (Auburn), Fall Fun Festival (Boston), New England Wild Flower Society Fall Family Festival (Framingham), Green Meadows Farm Harvest Festival (Hamilton), Homestead Hayfest (Newton), and Rockport Harvest Festival (Rockport).
Back in March I gave myself a really excellent gift and started making self-care a priority. And after embarking on various challenges of the shredding and yoga variety, I decided to test my longstanding belief that I'm not built to run by trying the Couch-to-5K running plan. Miraculously, here I am, on Week 8 of the plan and now signed up for the Thanksgiving Day Gobble, Gobble, Gobble run in Davis Square (which, by the way, I thought was a 5K but actually is a 4 miler...gulp).
I’d like to invite you to come run (or walk or wheelchair) with me (and the lovely Sharon and Paige!). I'm giving an early heads up on this in case you want to start training (and also because there are a limited number of spaces for the run), but however you cross the finish line, it will be pretty awesome to give yourself the gift of fresh air and self-care before the Thanksgiving festivities begin. Let me know if you plan on coming!
As a one less car advocate and former marching band member (color guard, bass drum, and trumpet...though not all at the same time), I’m pretty tickled by the prospect of the Honk! Festival Parade leading to Oktoberfest in Harvard Square this Sunday, October 11 (12 – 6 pm; rain date October 12). After you “reclaim the streets for horns, bikes, and feet” enjoy the Square in full on party mode; Oktoberfest will be replete with entertainment, food, and vendors.
Oh how the paths open when you lose the training wheels! Tomorrow is National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at the Middlesex Fells. This free event runs from 9:30am – 1:30pm and will include rides lead by NEMBA, bike-related crafts, bike fixing services, lunch, and a bike raffle. This event is suitable for kids ages 8 and up who are able to ride without training wheels. Parents are welcome to ride along; helmets are required for all.
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Here’s a cool and unusual weekend pick: tomorrow (Aug 2) celebrate the positive messages of old school hip hop at the Peace 2008 Hip Hop Festival at City Hall Plaza in Boston. This free event runs from 4-8 pm and will feature performances by legendary hip hop group EPMD, Chubb Rock, and Das EFX. Local acts include Acrobatik, Static Noyze, Status Quo, Esoteric, and more.
The days are longer; the bedtimes are later. And come tomorrow, you and the kids can wile away the summer hours in green fashion at ArtBeat 08 in Davis Square. Beginning tomorrow at 6pm, and running through Saturday, this green festival will feature live performances, eco-conscious exhibits, craft vendors, food, and art/green activities.
When the parks get too crowded or steamy during the summer, local museums and indoor play spaces are true lifesavers. And this Thursday (July 10), the Children’s Museum in Easton kicks off their Summer Drop-In Days with Ruff Ruffman from PBS’s FETCH! Drop by between 10:30 am - 3 pm to meet Ruff and enjoy activities and cake in the museum’s new outdoor learning center, The Wild Place.
Want to win one of two 4-packs of CME tickets to enjoy the FETCH! event*? Here’s how:
*Two winners each will receive a 4-pack of admission passes to the Children’s Museum in Easton, which allows for access to the FETCH! event.
‘Tis the season for strawberries! If your kid can't get enough of these berries, be sure to hit one of the many strawberry festivals being held this weekend at Smolak Farms (Andover), Verrill Farm (Concord), Connors Farm (Danvers), Russell Orchards (Ipswich), Wilson Farm (Lexington), Ward’s Berry Farm (Sharon), and Land’s Sake Farm (Weston).
