If you’re in Utah and looking for some destinations that are just as fun for mom as they are for your kids (toddlers to tweens), Vanessa from INeverGrewUp.net and UtahsNaturalKids.com has got you covered with whole week’s worth — and then some.

{Still in your rookie year with a baby? Check out Vanessa’s favorite baby spots in the Salt Lake area.}

After growing up near huge cities like Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Boston, Utah was not her first choice to raise a family. But she admits Utah has grown on her, and she has found many incredible places to explore with her girls.

Monday — history
Start off your visit to Utah exploring History, Utah’s history as well as world history. The Utah Museum of Natural History is one of our favorite places that we just recently discovered. On the first Monday of the month admission is FREE and open late to 8pm. Kids under 3 are always FREE.

Vanessa's girls enjoy the Utah Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the BEST places in the world for dinosaur bones! They put a lot of love and care into making the dinosaur exhibits educational, and we love it. The museum has hands-on exhibits including the rock & mineral hall (my girls’ favorite), bugs and creepy crawlies, and beautiful Native American artifacts. I can spend a few hours in this museum and not get bored.

If you’re not exhausted from all that natural history, This Is the Place Heritage Park is a great place to explore as a family to learn about Utah history in a visual and creative way. It is a giant step back to the pioneer days. The staff dresses in thematic clothes and lead tours of old-timey homes. There are puppet shows, craft demonstrations, and animals to pet. Also children under 3 are FREE.

The nearby outdoor Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City has fun free activities on Monday nights. In the winter they have an ice skating rink and in the warmer months they have many outdoor free concerts.

Tuesday — hiking
When in Utah you need to take advantage of the FREE and beautiful landscape and explore the outdoors no matter what the season. We are very lucky to have numerous State Parks, Canyons and the very interesting Salt Lake. Look up a hike for the ages in your family in one of the many canyons here in Utah. I suggest Doughnut Falls up Cottonwood Canyon or the Nature Trail Hike up American Fork Canyon, both great hikes for younger children. Pack a picnic and sit by one of the many little rivers in the State Parks for lunch along with a field guide to learn about the plants. Then head on up to the Great Salt Lake, it is a must see, take it a bit farther in and visit Antelope Island.

Wednesday — gardens
There are many beautiful gardens to explore in the Salt Lake City area. The International Peace Gardens are stunning very rich in diversity, culture and beauty. And did I mention FREE?

The Red Butte Gardens is a botanical garden and arboretum, full of great educational programs and outdoor concerts. Lastly, the Thanksgiving Point Children’s Gardens is fantastic year-round but is a definite must-see in Tulip Season (re-opens for the season in March). Both Red Butte and Thanksgiving Point charge admission, but it is worth it.

Thursday — Provo
Provo is an easy drive from Salt Lake City, and worth the trip. Down at Brigham Young University they have a world famous ice cream shoppe, called BYU Creamery and many cheap or free museums.

Walking around the college campus is a leisurely walk, especially at a kid’s pace. Visit the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, another excellent FREE place for children, for weekly live animal shows, collections of unique plants, and invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

The Museum of Art at BYU has beautiful exhibits that are always changing; once we saw very religious paintings and the next time they had pieces of art made from trash. Best of all, FREE.

If you didn’t fill up on ice cream, you have to stop by the famous Sweet Tooth Fairy Shoppe to pick up some of the world famous cake bites and cupcakes for the drive home.

Friday — Liberty Park
Liberty Park is a fantastic area full of inexpensive museums and FREE areas to explore. The park itself is a fun place to hang out as a family. Our favorite museum is Tracy Aviary; it is one of only two free-standing aviaries in the United States and is over 70 years old. Admission prices are reasonable.

Liberty Park also has Children’s Garden and boating pond, playground, amusement park and snack bar, tennis courts and a swimming pool and also is a great place to bike. The Utah Museum of Folk Arts is also right there.

Afterward, you can head on down to Sugarhouse Park, another beautiful walk, and browse the Mom & Pop run shops.

Saturday — farmer’s market
Downtown Salt Lake on Saturday mornings is ALIVE during Farmers Market season! My girls and I spend a good 3-4 hours every Saturday morning at the Farmers Market. We eat breakfast and lunch there, stop to watch the entertainers and love to talk to the farmers and learn more about their products.

Once you’re fueled up from the market, you can head on over to the Utah Musem of Fine Arts which has very high-profile art exhibits and still manages to be family-friendly. My girls were able to see Monet and Picasso pieces in person on one of our visits!

Every third Saturday from 2-4pm the Utah Museum of Fine Arts has a special (and FREE) kids’ art activity along with FREE admission. At the front desk ask for one of the family exhibit backpacks to explore some of the interactive features of the museum.

The nearby Salt Lake City Library is fantastic; the library has beautiful glass walls and elevators, art exhibits, shops inside. My girls love it.

Sunday — temples
Being in Salt Lake City, Utah means experiencing and exploring the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as Mormons or LDS). You will notice the church buildings, conference centers, chapels, museums and temples wherever you go in Utah.

Downtown, Temple Square is open and FREE on Sundays. You can wander through the Visitor’s Centers, walk along the outside of the Salt Lake Temple, enjoy the beautiful gardens, tour the tabernacle, and perhaps listen in on a rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You might even get lucky and run into a free concert on the grounds.

Bonus: Our Favorite Places to Eat in Downtown SLC with Kids
– Caputos Market, an Italian Deli
– My Dough Girl Cookies
– Moochies as seen on Guy’s Drive Ins & Dives
– Kneader’s Bakery
– Red Iguana
– Blue Plate Diner
– The Mad Greek
– The Pie

====
Thank you Vanessa for another amazing itinerary and the restaurant recommendations. Want more Vanessa? Check out her rookie mom tips for SLC, I Never Grew Up, Utah’s Natural Kids, or try to find her at one of SLC’s family-friendly restaurants.

Vicky, a mom of toddler boy/girl twins, blogs at TheCityCradle.com. I’m not sure when she found the time to write up her favorite spots in Las Vegas for moms and babies, but I’m glad she did.

Vegas babies: Vicky's twins at Lake Las Vegas

Vicky tells us:
While Las Vegas doesn’t carry the reputation for being the most baby friendly city around, I find it to be filled with attention-grabbing baby activities. Living here the first year of my twins life forced me to get to know the more family-friendly side of this city. Here are a few of my favorite finds from my rookie year of momhood:

Monday: Experience the Springs Preserve
The springs preserve might be one of the best kept family secrets in Las Vegas. A beautiful 110 acre park filled with nature trails, a western-themed playground, live desert animal exhibits and a learning discovery center. The whole park is super baby friendly offering stroller rentals (even double!), and enough sights to fill your kid’s senses for the day.

A cafeteria style Wolfgang Puck restaurant with outdoor highchair seating offers you a chance to experience the gourmet chef side of Las Vegas in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Spend the afternoon just crawling around the grassy amphitheater, and stay for an evening concert in the summer.

Tuesday: Walk the strip
When you think of Vegas, you think of the strip. My favorite strip spot to take the babies is the Bellagio Hotel. One of the nicest hotels right in the center of the action, the Bellagio has very clean and extra large bathrooms that all have separate sitting (nursing) areas. You’ll wish your nursing area at home was just as lovely. Walking outside the singing and dancing fountains will capture a good 15 minutes of baby bliss for you. Inside there is a flower conservatory which changes each season and is an amazing display to enjoy. While visiting why not take a quick stroll through Tiffany’s and remind the hubby what a great job you are doing as a rookie mom!

Wednesday- Hit the gym
The Las Vegas Athletic Club (or LVAC) is a truly amazing gym. If you are looking for a relaxing yoga class or a week of workouts, this is your place. With each week (or year) membership you get two hours of childcare a day for up to 2 babies included. The kid’s play area has a gigantic play structure and very gracious staff who really seem to love on the kids. Most wonderful of all they have video and sound monitors that you can plug into at any machine throughout the club. It was perfect for me as a rookie mom to check in when I was nervous about leaving our babies. The club also has a full cafe and espresso bar so you can use part of your two hours to rest, read and sip a latte.

Thursday- Enjoy Town Square
Town Square is wins the “most valued baby outing” award. This outdoor shopping area has hundreds of my favorite stores, large sidewalks and good coffee. The outdoor play area has a water pad for the hot summers, a stage with real curtains for make-believe plays, and tree houses complete with toy kitchens. Plus the whole area is gated off- a major plus for rookie moms.

There is also a tall (perfectly manicured) grass maze for older kids to explore. After playing for a while, head to one of my favorite restaurants, Yard House, which has an amazing happy hour from 3-6pm, including kids meals. It is loud, cheap and has over a hundred different kinds of beer on tap making it a great place to take your somewhat fussy babies.

Friday: Explore a boutique
Sadly, Las Vegas doesn’t have many independent baby boutiques which makes Pattycakes that much more special. It is worth a peak into for its adorable baby lines with hand crafted and unique touches. It also has a lovely princess tea room in the back where you can schedule a mother/daughter tea party complete with jeweled crowns and fancy white gloves.

Saturday: Enter into a Western
A short drive from the lights of Las Vegas proper and you will find yourself in what seems like an old Western Movie. Bonnie Springs Ranch was one of my favorite outings growing up in this city. There is an old Western town set up where they do reenactments of old fashioned gun fights and hangings. There is a petting zoo and a handful of ducks you can feed at their outdoor pond.

Sunday: Head to the Lake
End your week with a jaunt out to Lake Las Vegas. This is a private lake with a beautiful shopping area. We love the wine and cheese tastings and there is a wonderful gelato shop right on the water. They have a huge grass area with large trees for shade and small hills for the babies to practice their crawling or new-found running skills. They also host a skating rink in the winter and movies by the water in the summer to enjoy together as a family.

Traveling to the Olympics with kids? Have fun!
Shana from Wee Travel tells us the best way to spend a week in Vancouver with little ones. Wee Travel (started by two moms who are sisters living on opposite sides of the country) rents baby gear and toys delivered to your door. All equipment is like-new and safety checked and sanitized prior to every rental. They also service Victoria, BC and Toronto.

Vancouver is a gorgeous city summer and winter (even when it rains!).

MONDAY — Le Petit Spa
Start the day off right with Mondays for Mums at Le Petit Spa. You’re always running for everyone so fight the exhaustion. Try out Le Petit Spa’s amazing Mummy and Me Spa Package. They offer a Reflexology Treatment for Mum – 30 minutes, an express pedicure – 30 minutes and reflexology for baby – 10 minutes. All for $80.

TUESDAY — Granville Island
First tourist stop is definitely Granville Island. Babies will enjoy the busy sounds and sights of the market and older kids won’t want to leave the Kids Only Market. (You do this first as it’s probably a place the kids will want to go back to so you can use it as a bribe if necessary!)

There are many things to do in the market: The Adventure Zone is a great climbing activity and Camelot Kids is a wonderful toy store. They are very selective with their picks so you can select from top-notch toys.

After an exhilarating couple of hours playing, walk over to the Granville Island Market for some great eats. Lots of different foods to choose from for everyone in your family. Lee’s Donuts is a great treat, as is Terra Breads. Fresh fish, meat and poultry are in abundant supply and always fresh. There are too many great spots to name them all here. Admission is free.

WEDNESDAY — Stanley Park and Vancouver Aquarium
Stanley Park has great walks for strollers and toddlers alike. Be sure to check out the garden paths and the lovely views.

If you have time and money, the Vancouver Aquarium is a “must see”. You can watch the beluga and dolphin shows and my son’s favorite is Tag the sea lion. He is humongous and fun to watch, especially at feeding time when he is on “best” behaviour. If you stand right up next to the glass you’re sure to get wet!

There are hands-on activities downstairs and an array of beautiful fish. Another favorite area is the tropical garden where the birds fly around freely. At certain times of the year the butterflies have hatched and there are hundreds and hundreds flying about. Sometimes they will land on your arm! Children under 3 get in free.

THURSDAY — Science World [bummer: closed 'til March 8 2010]
Science World is unbelievable for every age — babies in a front-carrier will get an eyeful (not recommended for strollers) and toddlers will be in awe. Most of it is “hands-on”. We can easily spend a whole day in there. Depending on age, you can also go to the CN Imax (top floor) and check out the movie. It’s on a gigantic screen and you almost feel like you’re right in the movie. For a lunch break the White Spot, right in Science World, is a nice treat. The Triple-O burger is legendary! Their gift shop has some pretty unique items as well. Children under 4 are free.

FRIDAY — Aldergrove Zoo
Ready for more animals? The Aldergrove Zoo makes you feel like you are in another country! Lions, tigers, giraffes, and almost every animal you can think of. They have these great bike/carriages that you can rent for a family of four. The zoo is spread out over a very large area and there is a little train you can take around. Be prepared to do lots of walking- it’s worth it. The zoo is about an hour outside of Vancouver.

SATURDAY — Shopping
Perfect day for shopping! Be sure to check out Robson street, 4th ave, Commercial Drive and most certainly Main street (between 17th and 25th avenues). There are lots of unique, funky little stores for everyone to enjoy. South Granville also has a nice selection of stores and the Chapters on the corner of Broadway and Granville is a great place to unwind. You can browse through books while sipping your coffee (Starbucks is inside if you are so inclined) while your little one plays at the train table upstairs. It’s especially nice on a rainy Saturday and they often have story time in the kids’ section as well. Call ahead to confirm times.

SUNDAY — Kits Beach
You have to hit at least one beach during the week. Kits Beach is the perfect one for a number of reasons: great playground, wonderful people watching, gorgeous views, tasty food, and a really nice walk that can go on forever if you choose. The Watermark Café is there and if you want something less “restauranty”, there’s take-out at the side of the restaurant.

Shana suggests another great resource for the family-friendly happenings in Vancouver is FindFamilyFun.com.

Vanessa Brown was awesome enough to share a week’s worth of fun activities for rookie moms that are just as fun for mama as for baby. She is the busy mother of two girls that have a blast living in Utah enjoying nature and all of the wonderful attractions here. She is married to celebrity dog trainer Ty Brown and is also the mother of two dogs.

Vanessa Brown blogs over at INeverGrewUp.net, UtahsNaturalKids.com and is part of the Utah blogger review site SassyScoops.com.

Vanessa with her family. Photo by Sanae James.

Vanessa tells us:

Visiting or living in Utah provides you with a bit of an advantage for finding establishments that are friendly towards babies, breastfeeding mothers, families, etc. because we are sure the capital of BABIES! But even after having two babies right in a row, it took me a while to figure out where I could go that would work with a newborn and a 17 month old. I am afflicted with a constant sickness of “Cabin Fever” and need to be out and about. And now that I have passed this sickness on to my girls, they have to be out and about as well!

So here are some of our favorite places in the Salt Lake City area for “Rookie Moms” to test the waters and have some fun together.

Monday: Outdoors.
When living or visiting Utah you have to take advantage of the outdoors, even with your “itty bitties,” by roaming around outside and enjoying the beautiful mountains we have. Here in Utah we have quite a few canyons that can seem intimidating, but don’t be daunted! I still remember my first outing with my oldest daughter. We went up Provo Canyon with a picnic and found a spot along the river. We lay in the grass and stared at the mountains and clouds while listening to the river. Whenever we went on one of these outings, we would just venture up the canyon only a little bit. We would stop at the first park or trail that we could find so it wouldn’t be too chilly or steep if we decided to walk around.

Tuesday: Storytime.
Utah has amazing libraries that are very baby and toddler friendly. After all, most of us out here have a baby or toddler! The libraries put on great story times, lap times and singing times. In lots of the local libraries, these programs are taught by other mothers who have their own babies on their laps or by very friendly and understanding librarians. All upcoming Salt Lake County library activities are listed online; from reptile shows to story times to puppet shows to magic shows. It’s a real treat all around.

Wednesday: Stretch.
Looking for a great class for you and Baby or Tot to have a chance to relax and bond? Utah is full of Yoga Centers. The Yoga Center in Salt Lake City is an amazing place to be rejuvenated in a yoga class along with Baby.

Thursday: Movies.
Are you itching to go to the movies with your little one but afraid of being asked to leave? At the Scera Movie Theatre, they have movie times during the summer three days a week when you can bring your noisy kids! When I was a nanny watching three little ones, this was their favorite thing to do. Crying babies fit right in.

Friday: Window Shop.
The charming Mom & Pop children’s boutiques are quite family friendly and provide a good afternoon of fun window shopping. They have a large section for kids of all ages to sit and play and have very “kid friendly” displays so you don’t have to be stressed bringing your little one into the store. The Red Balloon Toy Store, Children’s Hour and Oopsie Daisy are fantastic stores where you will find hidden gems to buy for your child’s future birthdays and holidays.

Saturday: The Arts.
Want to explore art but are nervous to walk into an art museum and be shushed out immediately? Then visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts on the third Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm during “Family Day” where tons of other noisy children will be. My girls have loved to just stare at the different sculptures and paintings from the time they were only a few months old. Even if they last 30 minutes it is a nice trip for Mommy and Baby.

Sunday: Temple Square.
Take a walk to explore Temple Square which is extremely family friendly. It’s bustling every Sunday night with large families full of kids of all ages. You can visit the visitor’s centers where they have interactive displays for children. There is room to run around outside in the gardens. You can even catch an outdoor concert with your little one.

====
Thank you Vanessa for this terrific itinerary! We look forward to your jam-packed week of fun for toddlers and preschoolers next month.

Christina from A Mommy Story is a friend we met at BlogHer years ago and a mom of two impish daughters, Cordy and Mira. And if that’s not enough, she’s also a nurse with a huge heart. She tells us how to spend the best week ever with a toddler in Columbus, OH.

Cordy and Mira

Monday – The Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo was recently declared to be the #1 zoo in America, and a visit to the zoo will prove why. You can’t possibly see it all in one day, so pick your favorite animals and oil the wheels on your stroller for a day of animal spotting. Don’t miss Asia Quest, where you can see the Amur tigers, and catch a glimpse of the new baby elephant. The African jungle area features the gorillas and bonobos and provides a nice indoor area to sit down and view the gorillas. (The indoor food court is also nearby.) Also be sure to check out North America where your little one can pet the goats in the petting zoo. End your day with a relaxing train ride next to the petting zoo. In the winter, come to the zoo in the evenings to see gorgeous light displays at the annual Wildlights event.

Tuesday – Easton Town Center
Easton Town Center is the mecca of shopping in Columbus. Unlike a traditional mall, this collection of shops resembles a small town, with a small interior mall in the center and streets full of shops surrounding it. Not only will you find stores that appeal to you, but there are several places to shop for your child, including Build-a-Bear/Friends 2B Made, Pottery Barn Kids, Gymboree, and the Discovery Channel Store. There’s also Color Your World, a paint-your-own pottery store. (If you’re just visiting the city, ask them about mailing your child’s masterpiece after the necessary days of firing the clay.) The sidewalks are wide and easy to maneuver a stroller, and parking is close and plentiful.

If you’re looking for a little fun while shopping, Game Works offers a wealth of arcade games. Or stop by the Barnes & Noble to see if there is a storytime being held that day. When hunger strikes, grab a meal at Max & Erma’s or the California Pizza Kitchen, or just grab a snack at Planet Smoothie or Emilee’s Italian Ice, a good choice for families with food allergies.

Wednesday – Columbus Metro Parks
The Columbus Metro Parks are located all around the county, preserving natural areas and providing walking/biking paths to enjoy Ohio’s wildlife. Most of the parks have at least one path that is stroller/new walker friendly. Inniswood Metro Gardens is one of my personal favorites because of the wealth of paved paths and open grassland to wander. Be sure to check the monthly schedules for each park — there are several programs designed to introduce nature to older infants and toddlers.

Thursday – COSI
One of the best places to take a curious baby or toddler on a rainy or cold day is COSI. The Center of Science and Industry, the #1 Science center in the country, is full of fun and engaging activities designed to teach your child about science in a way that they don’t even realize they’re learning! While COSI features several regular exhibit areas, with topics ranging from Space to the Body to the Ocean, the real hit for the under five set is Little Kidspace.

Splashing at COSI, photo by mama Christina

Little Kidspace is full of hands-on activities designed for babies and toddlers – older kids aren’t allowed in to play, reducing the chances of your new crawler getting stepped on. Specific activities in Little Kidspace are designed specifically for babies, including a seated water play table (with raincoats!) and several other sensory activities. There is also a changing station, a nursing room, and snack area in Little Kidspace to meet your every need. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more laid back while baby sleeps, you can catch a film on the Extreme Screen theater.

Friday – Columbus Metropolitan Library
Your child has his own library card by now, right? No? The Columbus Metropolitan Library will happily give out library cards to children of any age so they can begin browsing the shelves of the bright and colorful children’s library found in this grand, historic building. Sit under the large painted tree in the middle of the children’s area and read a book together, or come for one of their many story times. The library not only has regular story times, but they also have frequent guest appearances by musicians, magicians and other children’s performers.

Saturday – Ballantrae Water Park
If you’re looking to get wet without the large body of water, try one of the local parks that has a play fountain. Our favorite is Ballantrae Park in Dublin. Ballantrae’s fountains are a lot of fun for little ones to play in – you never know when the next burst of water will be! On warm summer days, kids can run through the water-play area (complete with waterfall!) or climb the hill to get an up-close view of the statue of three dancing hares. (Look closely at the statue and see if you can find the several everyday household objects hidden in the bronze!) One tip: there’s no shade in sight, so bring your own umbrella and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Indoor option: Weather cold and gloomy? Enjoy lunch at the North Market, where you can sample foods of all kinds: organic, ethnic, exotic, homemade, and downright indulgent. During the growing season, Saturdays are also when local farmers bring their fresh-picked produce to the market — get there early for the best selection!

Sunday – Franklin Park Conservatory
In the summer the outdoor areas of the Franklin Park Conservatory are filled with gorgeous flowers and lots of green everywhere. But even in bad weather, Franklin Park Conservatory still has plenty to do on the inside. Tropical flowers bloom year round indoors, and in the spring the indoor areas transform into a butterfly haven for the Blooms and Butterflies exhibit. On gloomy days, close your eyes in one of the warm, humid rooms and forget, for just a moment, the dreary weather outside.

—-
Thanks a ton to Christina for sharing her great ideas for fun in Columbus. Next time I have some time to kill in Cleveland with the boys, I think I’ll pay her a visit.

The founder and editor of BostonMamas.com is Christine Koh. Her daughter Laurel is now in Kindergarten, but like me, she has no problem digging back into her brain to remember those first shocking months during which “going for a walk” is suddenly an activity to plan your day around.

Whether you are on maternity leave or just visiting, here are Christine’s ideas for spending a week with your babe in Boston:

One of the many reasons I adore Boston is that it’s a wonderfully family friendly place to live. Whether you desire urban or more bucolic surrounds, a variety of fun adventures are within reach. Here’s a sample itinerary that will make any rookie mom in Boston look like a pro:

Monday: Start the week off in classic Boston fashion and meander along the stroller friendly walkways of the Boston Common and Public Garden. Be sure to stop at the Make Way for Ducklings statues for a cute photo opp with baby. The Common/Garden also serves as a perfect launch point to explore Newbury Street or Charles Street.

Tuesday: After your busy day in the city, enjoy a leisurely, local day via your neighborhood public library. Many public libraries in Massachusetts have wonderful children’s rooms; investigate your library’s offering in advance to coordinate your visit with story time or sing-alongs.

Wednesday: October in Boston means ridiculously cute pictures of your pumpkin amidst pumpkins. Not too far outside the city are many wonderful farms where you can take cute photos, enjoy kids activities, and stock up on farm fare.

Thursday: When Laurel was a baby oh, how we walked. It was the only thing that soothed her. Go beyond the loops around the block and explore Boston’s Emerald Necklace – a 1,100-acre chain of parks in Boston and Brookline – which offer amazing green spaces within the city for nature walks and activities. Another wonderfully stroller friendly option outside the city is the Minuteman Bikeway. This paved bikeway passes through Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford.

Friday: You’ve made it to the end of a busy week and deserve a little restoration. Enjoy a yoga class with baby at Isis Maternity (schedules vary by location).

Saturday: If you’re longing for fine art but can’t fathom the confines of a museum with baby, consider the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln. This serene outdoor sculpture park will afford you the opportunity to enjoy art and nature in tandem (I recommend babywearing for this event so you can walk the grounds freely).

Sunday: Nothing spells Sunday like brunch. Family friendly brunch spots in the Boston area abound; no doubt there’s a good location near you, otherwise hop over to Boston Mamas for favorite family friendly dining recommendations.

Bonus Activity (urban): Does your baby like to rock? Do you miss grown up music? Baby Loves Disco gives grownups a way to enjoy the music scene with babies in tow. Rock out with baby on the dance floor, relax in the chill zone, and enjoy healthy snacks.

Bonus Activity (bucolic): One of my favorite green spots in the Boston area is the Beaver Brook Reservation on the Belmont/Waltham line. This gem for the whole family includes a spray pool and playground, plus the reservation includes 59 acres open to walking, biking, and picnicking.

—
Thank you Christine for sharing your favorite memories with us. For more current reflections, see BostonMamas.com.

For another rookie mom’s take on fun times in Boston, see Becky’s warm week in Boston post.

Our guest tour guide, Katy, is a true rookie mom who just returned to work after spending her maternity leave with baby Miles. You might think Katy is totally confident since she’s letting me post a picture of her with a nursing bra strap showing, but she wrote that she has “never, ever felt more lost or inadequate and simultaneously awesome in my whole life.” She has embraced our “get out of the house” mentality and has provided a suggestion for each weekday, should you find yourself in Pittsburgh with a little sidekick.

Monday: Schenley Park
Schenley Park, the “green gem” of Pittsburgh, has something awesome to do no matter what the season or the age of your kiddo. The public pool is just $4 in the summer, the ice skating rink is FREE! in the winter, and the Frisbee golf course always has flexible tee times. If the weather turns dreary (or even if it doesn’t), the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are a must-not-miss feature. The model train, hands-on children’s garden and interactive water features keep older kids excited while the fragrant, peaceful benches help moms chillax. Bonus: the Conservatory has lots of secluded nooks to give new nursing moms some practice at the fine art of public breastfeeding. Afterwards, get something yummy to eat in the local, organic café in the lobby (the smoothies are the bees knees).

Tuesday: Zoo
Spend the day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. It almost goes without saying that baby elephants and primate displays are a hit for pretty much everyone. The Pittsburgh Zoo has an added advantage of hilly terrain, so mom gets a pretty intense workout pushing or toting kids up to the aquarium. The recently remodeled shark exhibit now includes a tunnel—visitors can walk right up under the toothy fish en route to the penguin display.

After everyone is tuckered out, hit up the refreshment stands in the zoo or even the Zebra Station softserve stand with a great river view…OR you could drive a mere 30 blocks westward down Butler Street to Dozen Bake Shop. The bakery serves sandwiches and sweet treats, but their crowning jewels are on the cupcake menu. Flavors like vegan chai to green tea pomegranate to Earl Grey Lemon will make you glad you pushed the jogging stroller up to the petting zoo earlier.

Wednesday: Aviary
Not sure what to do with a screeching baby? Take him to the National Aviary and let the squawking, hooting birds drown him out…or perhaps make him feel better! A running list of regularly scheduled educational shows/presentations will keep even repeat visitors interested and if you time your visit right, your little one might get to feed worms to the birds in the tropical rain forest. As an added bonus, the new penguin display lets you get up close and personal to the birds in giant plastic tubes, so even if you missed the emperor display at the zoo, you can still watch these waddlers go swimming.

After checking out the birds in the captive displays, you might want to ogle one of Pittsburgh’s many flocks of wild turkeys that meander up Mt. Washington. Take a ride on the Duquesne Incline for breathtaking views of the whole city while you keep one eye glued to the foliage for your turkey hunt. When you’re at the top, the free “museum” lets kids stare at the cable car gears while moms can check out historical photos of the days when Pittsburgh really was a gritty city. Spend some time walking along Grandview Ave on Mt. Washington before you head back down.

Thursday: Take a Hike!
Hilly though the streets may be, Pittsburgh is a very walkable city. Pick out a neighborhood and spend the day recreating one of the Pittsburgh Urban Hikes. These scavenger hunts through various neighborhoods are free and fun for the whole “team” even years after the original hikes. Tackle the South Side and learn about the long gone steel with mini-breaks at REI (free climbing wall for kiddos) or the Cheesecake Factory. If you’d rather eat than learn, head to the Strip District and mange your way through Penn Ave (don’t miss the biscotti from Enrico’s…you should probably eat lunch there, too. The owner makes everything from the bread to the olive oil to the wine himself!).

If you prefer more organized adventures, you can spend the day hiking with an Urban Baby Tours. Meet up with other moms (some local, some visiting) and troll around the downtown area, check out the bridges, and let your tots run free in Point State Park. Definitely hit up Sree’s Indian restaurant for lunch. This super cheap, vegan-friendly joint is located in the triangular building at the corner of Smithfield and 7th Ave. The mango lassi is the perfect end to an active afternoon.

Friday: Carnegie Science Center
The Carnegie Science Center could easily occupy curious little minds for an entire week. Kids (and parents) can learn about dental care by climbing around a giant mouth, or settle in to the Omnimax Theater to watch marine life in 3D. The hands-down crowd favorite is the RoboWorld exhibit where real life roboticists talk about their research and sports enthusiasts can square off to play basketball against a ‘bot.

After all that stimulation, everyone will probably enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling along the Allegheny River in North Shore Riverfront Park. Take a load off near the water steps or watch the kayaks and barges glide past…if you sit there long enough and the Pirates are winning, you might see some fireworks after dark! Check out the Pirates schedule for SkyBlast dates.

Kimberly Lisagor and I are best friends once removed. That is to say, our moms are best friends. (We ourselves haven’t seen each other for about twenty years, but, you know, god bless Facebook.) Our moms have known each other since grade school and had us, their rookie babies, when they were 23.

A travel writer based in San Luis Obispo, California, Kim is mom to Wesley and author of Disappearing Destinations. She is also the author of two tweets featured in the book Twitter Wit: Brilliance in 140 Characters or Less. I allowed her more than 140 characters per day of the week in the seven-day itinerary she produced for moms in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy!

A Week in San Luis Obispo for Toddlers and their Companions

Monday: close encounters with nature
From the massive elephant seals that lounge on the beach at the Piedras Blancas rookery to the monarch butterflies that carpet the Pismo Beach grove each year, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get wowed by SLO County’s resident critters. For a hands-on experience, explore the tidepools at Montana de Oro State Park .

Kim & Wes

Tuesday: bike to the beach
Got bikes? Take them to the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail just south of SLO and ride the flat, paved path 1.5 miles to the seaside town of Avila Beach. There you’ll find one of the best playgrounds in the county next to a long stretch of sandy beach with gentle bodysurfing waves. You can rent boogie boards on the boardwalk and eat lunch at one of several cute cafes, though the hot dog and shaved ice vendors will likely get the kid vote. On the way home, stop at Avila Valley Barn for fresh produce, ice cream, amazing fruit pies, u-pick berries and a petting zoo.

Wednesday: culture club
Your kids may never appreciate the scratchy sound of vinyl on a turntable, but they can still learn to love record shops. Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 10:45, Booboo Records hosts a toddler music program with singing, dancing and instruments. Grab a healthy lunch at nearby Natural Café , then visit the recently renovated San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum. Activities for kids of all ages are spread across three floors, including a toddler area with a climb-inside train that has working bells and whistles. Older kids love the art workshops and volcanic caves exhibit.

Thursday: the ultimate Farmer’s Market
San Luis Obispo’s downtown Farmer’s Market is not your typical, small town fruits-and-veggies affair. It is a full-blown street fair that takes over five blocks of Higuera Street every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. There are local bands and street performers on every corner; outdoor grills where local restaurants barbecue tri-tip and other local fare; a bounce house; and, of course, just-picked produce from nearby farms. Ride your bike there and take advantage of the free bicycle valet parking service. You can also avoid parking hassles by taking the trolley from downtown hotels.

Friday: take a hike
SLO has hiking trails for every ambition. Challenging: Climb the steep, narrow path to the top of Bishop Peak, 4.4 miles out and back. Moderate: Walk the fire road to the top of Cerro San Luis, 2.2 miles round-trip. Easy: Stroll along the unpaved Stenner Creek Road. In the summertime, finish the day at the Mission with the free Concerts in the Plaza series.

Saturday: free-range baseball
What’s more fun for kids than a professional baseball game? A San Luis Obispo Blues not-quite-professional baseball game. Watch aspiring major leaguers play at an affordable, family-friendly venue where you can spread your picnic blanket on the grass and enjoy local barbecue and microbrews while the kids roam free instead of being confined to assigned seats. They even get to play on the field during the seventh-inning stretch.

Avila Beach, baby!

Sunday: play castaway
Rent kayaks or canoes at the Morro Bay State Park marina and paddle your crew across the estuary during high tide to the broad, uninhabited sandbar. Pull your boats ashore and walk across the lonely dunes to watch waves crash against the other side. Commune with the birds, pretend to be castaways on a deserted isle, re-enact the desert scenes from Star Wars, and enjoy having this little piece of rugged California coastline all to yourself.

Whether you are a local Central Coast mom or planning a vacation to San Luis Obispo with kids, we hope you found something inspiring on this list. Thank you, Kim!

In honor of my two-days-old niece, Stacie from NewMommyHelp.net agreed to share with us a week’s worth of favorite baby and toddler activities in her hometown of Myrtle Beach, SC. My brother and his wife moved to South Carolina from Florida a few weeks before baby Casey was born so they’re all pretty new in town.

Thank you Stacie!

As a mom of four little ones, she knows the local hotspots.

She tells us: Myrtle Beach is often referred to as family vacation land. There is way too much to do here.

This guide is designed to give you the best of the tourist attractions, while also pointing you in the direction of some lesser known local favorites. Enjoy the best of the East coast and low country charm of South Carolina!

Monday: Beach Day!
Try going at the beginning of the week, and maybe you’ll like it so much you will come back another day. If you’re looking for a less crowded area, try one of the public beach access points–head North on Ocean Blvd starting at 48th Ave N. Even your littlest one can enjoy the sound of the waves and the constant breeze you’ll find at the beach. Not to mention hours of fun for a toddler digging in the sand and jumping waves as they wash in. We have to drag our children away when it’s time to go home. Have lunch at Ultimate California Pizza (2500 N Kings Hwy).

Stacie enjoying Myrtle Beach baby-style

Tuesday: Library
Baby Storytime at Chapin Memorial Library (10:00 AM). For details call Sue Ellen or Jen at 843 918-1275. They have a large outdoor playground too. Have lunch at Magnolia’s, a much-loved favorite among locals and tourists (2605 N Ocean Blvd.)

Wednesday: Farmer’s Market
Enjoy shopping local produce at the Farmer’s Market (Mr. Joe White Avenue at Oak Street–open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Have lunch at Fiesta Del Burro Loco (corner of Mr. Joe White Ave. and Hwy 17).

Thursday: Children’s Museum
Children’s Museum of South Carolina, located at 2501 N. Kings Hwy across the street from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center ($8 per person, age 1 and under FREE). The museum has a soft area for the smallest visitors and a water and sand table too. There is plenty of fun for toddlers up to older siblings too. Be sure to visit their website to see what special events may be happening the week you are visiting. Have lunch at Croissants Bakery and Cafe, another local favorite (3751 Grissom Parkway).

Friday: Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens (Adults $12, Age 5 and under FREE). Take a short drive to Murrells Inlet to enjoy the beautiful gardens, sculpture, and zoo. If you’re up to it, take one of the many guided excursions offered. Pack a picnic lunch or take your pick of the dining offered on the grounds.

Saturday: Fun at the Farm
Indigo farms. The farm is actually in Clabash NC, but it’s a short drive (20 to 25 minutes) and a wonderful experience for a young family. You won’t find this on any brochures. Be sure to check the web site for events and “pick your own” options. They have stawberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins and more throughout the year. Experience a real barnyard for free–this is not a tourist attraction, it’s the real thing. Your little ones will love it. Don’t forget your camera. Have lunch in the Bakery and be sure to get a homemade pie, cookie or cake to take home. You can also shop in the market for fresh produce.

Sunday: Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a popular tourist attraction, but it’s worth it. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around an outdoor shopping center, stop to feed the enormous carp, and go to Ripley’s Aquarium. You could even take in a matinee if you have an infant who will sleep through it. Get a pretzel from Auntie Annie’s, an iced latte from Starbucks, or splurge for a yummy lunch at Yamato Steakhouse of Japan.

Bonus Activities:

• Barefoot Landing, another outdoor shopping, dining, & entertainment attraction in North Myrtle Beach.
• Market Common, the newest outdoor shopping, dining, & entertainment attraction. You’ll find more upscale shopping, a great theater, nice walking trails at Valor Park and wonderful food. During summer months, the theater has kids movies Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at 10:00 AM (FREE for everyone, $1 drink & $1 popcorn).
• Tanger Outlets at two locations–Hwy 501 & Hwy 17. For the best atmosphere, try the Hwy 17 location. There are a few kiddie rides for change and snack options and it is a bit more accessible for stroller shopping.
• Mommy & Me Yoga at Sacred Space Yoga Healing Arts Center. Call ahead to save your space–843-251-yoga.

——-
Thank you again, Stacie for sharing these great ideas for locals and tourists alike! I hope that little Casey gets to check them all out soon and report back to us.

Lisa Hazen is one of our very best online friends that we had never met (until we went ahead and met her a few weeks ago when visiting Chicago). She’s friend-of-friends with each of us many times over and she wrote one of the first ever guest posts of RookieMoms when our site was a baby of less than six months.

She shares her favorite baby and toddler activities in Chicago with us.

Her boys are Finn and Cormac. Don’t you just love them?!

Monday: Millennium Park
Millennium Park is pretty much my favorite city attraction, and best of all, it’s free. With nearly 25 acres smack dab in the middle of the city, you can spend an entire afternoon wandering the park’s wonders. The interactive Crown Fountain will delight, two fifty-foot glass block upon which hundreds of city residents’ faces are projected. When you least expected, one of these giant city residents will spit water at you, gargoyle-style. The Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion is a great place to picnic, and the “bean” (otherwise known as the Cloud Gate) is an ideal location for a playful family portrait. Extra fun for train lovers: you can take the Red Line directly here.

Tuesday: Nature Retreat
Chicago isn’t all concrete and skyscrapers. Just outside the city, the Chicago Botanic Gardens boasts 26 gardens on 365 lush acres. Open daily until 9pm, this destination is a great retreat all year long—the different exhibits are designed to show off the abundance of each season. Before your visit, be sure to check the Web site to see what family-friendly activities are available. And definitely make a point to see the exquisite waterfall gardens during your visit.

Wednesday: Navy Pier
Navy Pier is totally touristy, but your kids will love it. (Secretly, you will, too.) Start with a boat ride—there are a variety of options based on the age of your kids and their relative attention spans. Older kids will thrill at a ride on the 150-foot ferris wheel, and younger kids will love the musical carousel. There’s a you-can-please-everyone food court, and a variety kid-friendly sit-down restaurants to choose from. Navy Pier is also the location of the Chicago Children’s Museum, which is worthy of a day-long visit all its own. If you do end up staying the entire day, don’t miss the fireworks display, Wednesday and Saturday nights through Labor Day.

Thursday: Get Artsy (and Ice Cream) in Bucktown
Pack a lunch and bring it to Easel Art Studio for their daily open art class between 11:15 – 2pm for kids ages 2 – 5. Children will explore different mixed-media art projects in this free-form class. Afterwards, head to iCream where your kids (and you) can design their own ice cream creations, selecting a base, flavor and color to create a custom treat.

Friday: Pig Out
Devote an entire day to exploring the culinary pleasures of Chicago. Wishbone is a phenomenally kid-friendly restaurant with three Chicago locations and a menu the entire family will enjoy. For lunch, try Smash Cake. This delightful cafe has coffee, soups, salads, sandwiches, and the best cupcakes in town. (Better yet: Free cupcakes with a beverage purchase, and book readings for kids 3-4pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.) For dinner, there is really only one acceptable option if you want to chow down like a real Chicagoan. Giordano’s is the best-known name in town for pizza for good reason. Their stuffed pizza is often imitated, rarely replicated.

Saturday: Butterfly Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum boasts a number of wonderful permanent exhibits, including River Works (a waterplay exhibit that demonstrates how Chicago’s waterways work) and the Wilderness Walk that allows your family to stroll through recreated environments. But the exhibit that will thrill your kids the most is the Butterfly Haven, which allows you to walk among more than 75 species of nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter about in a 2,700 sq. ft. greenhouse.

Sunday: Lamb’s Farm
About 45 minutes outside of Chicago is one of the sweetest petting zoos you’re likely to find anywhere. Lamb’s Farm lets kids can get hands-on with the animals like sheep, goats, horses, cows, and (yes) lambs. The Discovery Center has educational exhibits, revealing facts about the farm. There’s also a miniature train, carousel, miniature golf course, and pet store. Visit the Country Inn Restaurant for a family-friendly lunch or dinner.

—
We thank Lisa so much for these excellent suggestions. Almost makes me wish I brought my kids to BlogHer. Almost. And if Lisa ever moves to another town, we hope she’ll write again with her favorite finds.

For more Lisa, visit her portfolio site or read her Week in Oakland.

For more Cormac and Finn, check out the robot t-shirt business they run with their dad.

For more of Chicago, read Jeff’s Week in Chicago.

Jamie and her friends Angie and Trish from BirminghamMommy sent us a week’s worth of fun Birmingham, Al activities to do with a baby or toddler in tow. Wondering what to do in the heat with your baby or toddler? Wonder no more.

Monday: gardens and cookie factory!
Mondays are tough, even if you are on a staycation, so let’s start off easy, shall we? Grab your coffee and head on out to Aldridge Gardens. Explore the varieties of hydrangeas with your baby as you scope out a spot on the lawn to stretch out and enjoy a picnic– the shade here is priceless in the Alabama heat. Admission is free.

After your leisurely visit to the gardens, head over for a train-ride tour of the Bud’s Best Cookie Factory. That’s right – A cookie factory. You must call ahead to set this up but it’s so worth it. Admission is also free, plus you get to take home samples – Yum.

Tuesday: splash pad
Grab baby, your swimsuit, a towel and some sunscreen and make your way over to Gardendale to enjoy the Splash Pad at Celebration Park. This free park is a delightful change of scenery when temperatures get close to 100! Baby will love it as you help her through the sprinklers and fountains. Don’t forget to pack a lunch and plenty to drink! Celebration Park’s splash pad is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed Mondays for maintenance. The park is located at 2191 Fieldstown Road.

Wednesday: stay inside
We’re staying indoors today! If baby is over the age of 1, head to the McWane Science Center. All ages are allowed, but most infants won’t get much out of this oversized kid museum. Baby will love the Just Mice Size area – water table, little ones play room and much more. The new Shark and Ray Touch Tank is opening in July, allowing kids an up-close experience with, well, sharks and rays. And don’t forget the Itty Bitty Magic City exhibit is open all summer long on the 3rd floor just for the itty bitty ones! Admission is free for members / $11 for adults, $8 kids 2-12, under 2 is free.

If baby is up for it, or if you can just bring the older kids, catch the show at the Argo drive-in. Wednesday night’s price is just $5 a carload and the kids can run around a bit to shake off those extra wiggles before the show. Show starts around 8 pm and there are concessions on site. Also, don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs. The drive-in is located at 100 Angus Street Trussville, AL 35173.

[RM note: we love the drive-in for babies! ]

Thursday: new park to explore
It’s time to discover a new, out-of-the-way park in Birmingham! Grab an early lunch at Whole Foods, and then head over to Overton Park. This park boasts a perimeter fence, well-kept play area, pavilion and a beautiful rolling lawn. I’m fond of this park since the fence allows the older kids to play at their speed while I can also keep a watchful eye on the little one. One drawback of this park is there are no public restrooms, so make sure to stop before you get there. Turn onto Overton Road off Hwy 280. Stay straight on Overton Road until you see the park on your left.

Friday: hit the farm
Here we are – it’s Friday! No time to slow down as this staycation is moving on! Friday is the perfect day for a road trip! Pack a lunch, some ice-cold drinks and head to Tuscaloosa to visit The Barnyard. This top-notch petting farm is sure to please any baby – especially those fond of Ole McDonald. I promise this will be the cleanest, happiest petting farm you’ll ever visit. You can find more information on their site, including directions. Admission is $10 per child/$5 per adult. Friday free play hours are currently 9 am -12 pm (note at this time Friday is the only day they’re open for free play).

If you’re not up for the drive to Tuscaloosa, check out storytime at Whole Foods at 10 am in the cafe. Baby gets a story, you can grab a coffee or a treat – it’s a win-win!

Friday night, grab a light dinner at Zoe’s, then head over to Free Friday Flicks at Homewood Park. Again, the kids will love being able to watch a movie under the stars, with room to spread out on your favorite blanket or lounge chair.

Saturday: farmer’s market
Pepper Place Market. At this fresh market you can enjoy the absolute best of what Alabama farmers and beekeepers have to offer. In addition to the intoxicating local produce, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the featured restaurant tents and relax as you listen to live music. My children love to people (and dog) watch here. The market is open rain or shine, every Saturday of summer, 7 am – 1 pm.

If you’d rather really hit the outdoors, put baby in your backpack carrier and head out for a soothing morning hike at Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover. The serene setting of gentle waterfalls, soaring boulders and tree-lined trails will instantly set you and baby at ease. It’s a family favorite at my house!

Bonus activities: other notable Birmingham baby-friendly spots:

• Birmingham Zoo(consider getting a membership if you think you’ll go often)
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• Oak Mountain State Park
• Gymboree (find one near you)
• Kid’s Gym and Dance Center
• Jefferson County Libraries (check for storytimes and puppet shows!)

A huge thank you to Jamie, Angie and Trish for sharing their great ideas with us! And local mums, check out BirminghamMommy.com to find out what else is going on with them!

Not in Alabama? Check out our other vacation and staycation guides! Perfect for maternity leave or spring break.

Fellow rookie mom Becky describes some of Boston’s best bets for babies especially for the Spring and Summer:

Monday — Play it Local
We live near Cleveland Circle in Brighton, Massachusetts, close to Boston College, sandwiched between the towns of Newton and Brookline. One of the delights of living in Boston is that it is so easy to walk to places of interest . We have a number of favorite neighborhood activities: playing at the Waldstein Playground, walking around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, and visiting the Brookline Public and Newton Free Libraries. While, for the adults, these may not compete in interest value with the Art Museum or the Aquarium, they are free and when you’re a new little guy or gal, probably just as stimulating.

The Waldstein Playground is between Dean Road and Clinton Path, behind the buildings on the south side of Beacon Street. It has baby and kid swings, a sandbox, a spray fountain for playing in, and other climbing equipment. My son’s favorite feature is that from the park you can see the “T” trains going by. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir, adjacent to Cleveland Circle, is about two miles around, and affords views across the water, and of the local wildlife: swans, turtles and ducks.

Both the Brookline and Newton Libraries have large children’s rooms, and each has a nice selection of board books arranged so that babies can pull out any they find interesting.

Tuesday — Make Way for Ducklings
One of America’s classic children’s stories, Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings is set in Boston. If you have read this story to your child, you must make a trip to the Public Garden (located in central Boston, at Arlington Street, between Beacon and Boylston streets).

In the spring and summer the Public Garden is alive with trees and flowers. When we visited last, much of the grass was roped off to allow for new growth, but we did find a section of grass near the duckling statues (memorializing Make Way) where Nick could crawl around. The bronze statues of mama duck and ducklings make a wonderful photo opportunity.

While you’re there, ride the Swan Boats. For just $2.75 (for adults, kids 2-15 are just $1.25) you get a tour around the shallow pond in the middle of the Garden, for a close up look at the park’s real ducks! For a longer outing, also visit the Boston Common’s Frog Pond, where you can wade in the water. Check the website for hours.

Wednesday — Enjoy the Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the Fenway, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is one of the country’s oldest art museums. It seems an unlikely destination for babies, and if you’re on a budget the admission price may be prohibitive ($15 for adults for the permanent museum collection and $22 for special exhibitions), but the Museum can be a great day’s outing. The collection is encyclopedic, including everything from Greek statues, Egyptian mummies, Asian pottery, Impressionist paintings, musical instruments, and contemporary prints and photographs. The Lane Gallery, with its colorful modern paintings, is a great place to start, as you can point out shapes and colors in the bold art works.

At one end of the hemicycle, the museum provides a small room (with changing table) for private nursing of infants, though I’ve also made myself comfortable on the second floor leather couches (adjacent to the rotunda) for this purpose. If your kid needs a break to make some noise and crawl around, the Calderwood Courtyard outside the basement level cafeteria is a wonderful spot.

This museum doesn’t allow touching, but if your child likes looking at picture books, the MFA offers lots of new subjects for examination! [If the ticket price seems exorbitant, consider a City Pass, which is just $39 and includes admission to six area attractions: Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center, Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.]

Thursday — Stroll Coolidge Corner and hit the Farmer’s Market
One of my favorite activities when Nick was a small baby was to take him to the Brookline Farmer’s Market. From my house it is about a two-mile walk to Coolidge Corner, where on Thursday afternoons the Brookline Farmer’s market is full of people, including lots of moms pushing strollers. You can get all the typical farmer’s market produce, along with flowers, local goat cheeses, and there’s an ice cream truck as well. For a long list of Boston-area farmers’ markets with opening dates and times, see here.

Coolidge Corner has a mix of great local shops and restaurants and chains: be sure to check out the award winning local bookstore, Brookline Booksmith, and a wonderful (if high end) toy store called Magic Beans. Magic Beans has a story time for kids 0-3 on Tuesday mornings at 11, and on Fridays they host Music Together classes. They have a playscape in the back of the store, with a train table and toys for kids to try out, as well as a rocking chair where I’ve nursed Nick on more than one occasion. From Magic Beans head north on Harvard Avenue to get to a kid’s park – just a block or two up on the right side of the street.

Friday — Cambridge Common and Barefoot Books
Harvard University is located in Cambridge across the Charles River from Boston. The beautiful old main campus is worth a visit, just to stroll through the brick buildings and soak up the “smart.” A short walk from the campus is Cambridge Common, which has a very nice fenced kid’s playground with sandbox, climbing equipment, and swings.

Further out on Massachusetts Avenue (a walk of about 15 minutes or a quick drive) gets you to Barefoot Books, one of Cambridge’s treasures. Located at 1771 Massachusetts Ave, this publisher’s retail store features their beautiful books, offers readings for babies and kids on Friday and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and exhibits original illustration art work for budding young gallery-goers.

Saturday — New England Aquarium
The Aquarium is another of Boston’s more pricy attractions ($17.95 for adults, $9.95 for 3-11 year-olds), but one that is cool on a hot summer day, and bound to delight all members of the party. Compared to some of its west coast counterparts, the New England Aquarium is on the small side, which is just as well for a baby. In the main hall of the aquarium you’ll find several enclosures of penguins, whose vocalizations reverberate around the building. Small tanks can be found around the perimeter of the building with different types of fish, or specific habitats. In the center of the building is a massive tank with giant sea turtles, sharks, and eels that you can walk around, up to the top. At the top of the ramp, you can look down into the tank. Additional exhibits can be found downstairs and sea lions swim in an enclosure outside (accessed through doors at the rear of the building). The Aquarium can be crowded and noisy, so plan your visit during a weekday if at all possible. [Also part of City Pass, see MFA, above]

Sunday — Get to know your resources: Isis Maternity
Isis Maternity is an organization and a group of retail stores that offer childbirth education, instructor-led infant playgroups, workshops, book signings and other events. Brigham and Women’s Hospital (where many of my friends have had their babies) contracts with Isis for their childbirth classes, as did Cambridge Birth Center, where my son was born. Isis is a wonderful place to find baby toys and goods (like slings, Boppy pillows, Robeez shoes, etc.) and is indispensable for nursing and pumping items, like replacement parts, nursing bras, milk storage bags, etc.

Isis has knowledgeable and friendly sales people, as well as lactation consultants who can be reached by phone or are available during a free drop-in “Breastfeeding Talk”. We have not yet joined one of the six-week “developmental playgroups,” but if they’re as useful and informative as the Newborn Essentials course we took before Nick was born, I can only imagine how wonderful they must be. If you join Isis ($39 for a six-month membership) you get weekly emails with information about child development and useful web resources.

Getting There and Back Again

Ride the T
My son loves trains, and for him, riding the “T” is a special treat. The “T” (short for MBTA, or Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) is a system of subway and street level trolleys, organized into four color-coded routes. The T is a great way to get around Boston, which has notoriously challenging driving, and even worse parking. When Nick was a newborn, we just took him on the train in the Bjorn.

Now that he’s stroller bound much of the time, it’s trickier. Most green-line T trains have steep steps, although some lines feature newer trains with low decks for easier access [in which case you want to board through one of the rear doors]. When I know we’ll be taking the T, I opt for the umbrella stroller, and just heft Nick, in the stroller, up the steps. As Boston is an old city, most of the T stations do not have elevators, so be prepared to carry the stroller up and down flights of steps. In the stations, the person selling tokens will release a special gate to allow a stroller to pass through the turnstiles. A moderately useful PDF brochure about accessibility can be found on the MTBA website.

A note on Boston Logan Airport
If you’re visiting Boston from elsewhere, and are flying through Terminal C of Boston’s Logan Airport, you should know about Kidport. At one end of the terminal (opposite the food court) there is a large play area for small children. With picture windows that face the runways, ample rocking chairs, and several different play stations (a model airplane to “fly,” a Lego table, a luggage ramp to slide down, a play kitchen, and a wonderful giant kinetic sculpture where balls move through a maze triggering noises as they go) it is a great place to pass some time as you wait for a flight. If your child is still too small to crawl, they may enjoy the mirrored walls at either end of the terminal.

Becky Senf is mother of one-year-old Nick and Ph.D. student at Boston University — We thank her so much for contributing and invite all of our readers to do the same!!