Farmers' markets are a great place for kids to learn – about the value of a dollar, where their food comes from (and how it looks in its natural state), money math, which fruits and vegetables are harvested during each season, how to conduct a financial transaction, and of course, making choices.

When we visit a farmers market, I give my kids a small amount of money to use as they choose, provided that they make the purchases themselves – it has built their confidence, composure, and decision-making skills.

Now that spring is here and summer is fast approaching, the local farmer’s markets are setting up their tents and filling their tables with local, whole, fresh foods. Read on for info about neighborhood institutions of hands-on learning (A.K.A. farmers markets) which are opening during the month of May.

Happy Mother’s Day!

We’re all about Mother’s Day in Boston this week, with a full calendar of special events that kids and families can do together. From the Watch City Festival that runs Saturday and Sunday, the Spring Open House at the Blue Hill Observatory and concert with Karen K on Saturday to Lilac Sunday and the Duckling Day Parade on Sunday, families can find plenty of things to do. Read on for weekend highlights, and see our calendar for more events.

Our Mother’s Day weekend coverage continued this week with some ideas for Mother’s Day day trips, and some special crafts kids can make for their moms, plus some great places to find crafts for your own projects. And for new moms - a roundup of Boston-area new mothers groups.

Enjoy!

Mother’s Day is a great excuse to get away from it all. Take a break from your routine and bring the kids along for one of these three mini-adventures that are good for little ones, but are really for Mom (because you deserve at least one day of the year when it’s all about you).