Nature

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

Something small can make a big difference. Yesterday, still reeling from the news of the day before, we went to the Roger Williams Park Botanical Gardens to see the fairy gardens, and there we found solace. We missed the big event last Sunday, when kids came wearing wings and built fairy houses of their very own, but that was just fine. Sans crowds, we enjoyed exploring the greenhouses and discovering teeny tiny houses, villages, and grottos.

The fairy gardens are on display until tomorrow (Thursday) at 4 pm, and I highly recommend taking a drive down to Providence to see them. Read on for highlights from the exhibition and tips to get the most out of your visit. Even if you can’t get there before the exhibit ends tomorrow, take a look at the photos for inspiration – maybe you’ll decide to attend the fairy garden event next year, or build a miniature village of your very own with your kids.