Brookline & Cambridge

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. I have enjoyed watching their confidence, composure, and decision-making skills grow.

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.

Updated: May 2013

Taking full advantage of Boston’s location - the Charles River to the west and Boston Harbor to the east - community boating programs provide numerous opportunities for kids and families to learn to sail in Boston. Look a little further to the north and south, and options multiply. From annual memberships to five-day passes to one-day rentals, the following sailing centers offer packages that will fit your budget and schedule. Note that many of the lesson and camp programs fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead.

- Updated April 2013

On Monday afternoon, inspired by the runners in the Boston Marathon, I started a Couch to 5K running program. When I got home after my first training session, I heard the terrible news of the tragedy at the marathon. At first, I thought about giving up on the 5K program. But then I made a completely different decision: Although I am in the worst shape of my life – I can’t even run a mile (seriously, but please don't judge) – I am going to start with a 5K, and then keep going all the way to next year’s Boston Marathon. Every race I run will be for all the people who are no longer able.

Races have always been a family affair for us. Over the years, my kids have done several fun runs and kids races  while one of the adults in the family runs the “big race”. I plan to continue our tradition. If you’d like to give a race a try, either just for fun, or in honor of the Boston Marathon runners and their loved ones, take a look at my round up of upcoming family-friendly races in Massachusetts this spring.