A chance to win an outfit and photography session!

Do you have a daughter, granddaughter, or niece between the ages of 2-8? Would you like a chance to win a beautiful outfit designed by one of the leading local children's designers, The Measure (www.themeasuredesigns.com)? Would you also like to win a FREE mini session from Cloutier Photography (www.cloutier-photography.com), with a print package of two 5x7, four 4x6, & eight wallets?

To enter, email Lauren a photo of your child along with a location you would like her photographed and the name of the outfit you wish to win at lauren@cloutier-photography.com Winner will be announced on 8/31.

Make sure you check out The Measure 's Etsy store for selections and liking her FB page would be nice too!

Leeny & the Eeny Meenys and a Giveaway

The Carver Music Boosters proudly present Leeny & The Eeny Meenys, the first-ever children's music act featured at their summer concert series! Head on down to Shurtleff Park in Carver  (across from the Town Hall) on Sunday, August 28th to enjoy the music…fun for the whole family!  They will have 2 sets from 2-4pm, each one running about 40 minutes.  The Carver Farmers Market will also be in the park from 12-4pm…support the local vendors!

Leeny (aka Ilene Altman) is a Parents' Choice Award-winning children's music artist based in Gloucester, MA. Her concerts are interactive, high energy, and geared toward audience participation. Leeny's catchy, funny, and sweet songs cover topics like ladybugs and penguins and dogs (oh my!), good behavior, shyness, growing up, sharing, family, and seat belt safety.

You can view the event on facebook here.  And while you’re there, “like” the Leeny & Tamara page!  To get you excited for the upcoming show, we are giving away some CD’s:  "Sharing the Same Stars" by Leeny and Tamara, and "Be Nice" by Leeny and Steve.  Leave a comment on this blog post (not on facebook) by August 24th and you could be the winner of a CD…we’re giving away 2 of each title.  =))  Make sure you leave an email so I can get in touch with you if you win.  Good luck!

Learn to Camp!

If you aren’t a camper but want to learn more about camping with your family…this workshop is for you! You will learn fishing, canoeing, hiking and meals are provided!  They will even loan you tents and sleeping bags!    Cost is $30 per person .  Click on the registration page for more info.

August 13 & 14 -- Outdoors Camping Family Weekend, Carver -- Outdoors Family Camping Weekend is focused on learning a variety of skills for a lifetime of outdoor recreation. Designed primarily for families of all kinds, (bring your grandchild, niece or nephew!) it is a great opportunity if you are a beginning camping family who wants to learn about camping or improve your skills, you would like to try some new family activities or you enjoy the company of like-minded families. This workshop, to be held atMyles Standish State Forest is a joint partnership between the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and theDepartment of Conservation and Recreation. No prior outdoor experience is necessary, this weekend is especially designed for families new to camping. We will focus on learning basic camping and recreation skills to help you and your family to enjoy the outdoors. Sign up now, deadline is August 5!

Daycare costs…looking to interview families

Received an email from Nancy at the Patriot Ledger…she’s looking to interview people for a story she’s working on.  Please read below and contact her if you’re willing to share your story.

I've been reaching out to local people connected with the local parenting community for help on a story.

I'm writing about the soaring cost of daycare in Massachusetts. I have plenty of data about just how expensive it is, but I want to talk to local families dealing with the price tag.

Would you be able to help connect me with parents? I'm looking for people who live on the South Shore and would be willing to talk to me about how much they pay for childcare -- daycare, nanny, etc -- and how they budget for it.

I'm also looking for families where one parent doesn't work and stays home because childcare is too expensive. I've heard stories about how many moms decide that their salary just isn't worth it, when most of it would go toward daycare, anyway.

If you know anyone like this who would feel comfortable sharing their story with me, I'd love your help finding out who they are.

I would need to speak with them in the next week, and a phone interview would be fine. You can reach me at this email or at 617-367-7699. Thank you!

Nancy Reardon Stewart

nstewart@ledger.com

Check us out on Facebook

Hello readers!  I’ve been quite a slacker updating this blog.  I tend to post more regularly to the South Shore Kids facebook page so please come “like” us and follow us there!

Nature Adventures Summer Day Camp

South Shore Natural Science Center is having an open house on Saturday, April 30th from 10am-2pm so you can learn about their summer camp program. 

There is 1/2 day camp for younger campers, ages 3 through Grade 2 and 1/2 and full day camps for campers entering grades 3 through 6.  For more info, download their camp brochure or contact Emily at 781-659-2559 x218.

Celebrate Earth Day with a free concert

The Hanson Children’s Museum is celebrating Earth Day with a free concert by the Toe Jam Puppet Band on Saturday, April 30th from 1-4 at the Hanson Town Hall Green.  (Raindate is May 1st)

There will also be lots of fun for the kids….face painting, tattoos, rock painting, games, raffles and more!  Mark your calendars!

Check out their website for more information.

Swimming Lessons for the under 4 crowd…

Come meet Tim Gaudreau of "Swim with Tim" at a FREE open Swim this Friday at 10 and 10:30am at the Plymouth Bay Inn & Suites in Kingston.  Space is limited and if you are interested, you must email Chris at cbcjacobs@hotmail.com asap to reserve your spot….

Although Tim teaches kids of all ages, this open house is intended for parents and their children under the age of 4.  The program will consist of songs and water adjustment for the kids and Tim will show us how to properly hold our kids in the water etc.  Please bring your child's favorite bath toy that floats and is small.  The water will be set at around 86 degrees!  Ooohhh Ahhhh!

 
Please plan to arrive on time and have your child ready to go in swim diapers.  Please no regular "pampers"-they destroy the filtration systems.  Parents with multiple Children MUST bring additional adults.  IE - there must be 1 adult per child in the pool.
The Swim open House is limited to 8 Child/parent pairs so if your plans change, please update your RSVP.

Tim is the owner and head coach of the Dolphins Swim Club, a recreational swim team, as well as a Certified Stroke Technician through the American Swim Coaches Association.  He is also a Red Cross instructor with over 25 years experience.  Instructor in Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instructor course(WSI).  Instructor Trainer in Lifeguarding and WSI, CPR,First Aid Certified Pool Operator(CPO).  Tim lives in Norwell with his wife and 4 kids.

After the Swim Open House - you can sign your child up for Swim Classes.  The Cost is $15/wk (1 class) or $25/wk (2 classes) and goes in 8 wk sessions.  Class size is limited to 8 child/parent pairs.  Additional Classes and programs are available including private, semi private, and  group lessons for older children.
For additional information on Tim's programs, please email swimwithtim@yahoo.com.  Remember, to sign up….you must email Chris at cbcjacobs@hotmail.com asap to reserve your spot! 

Weymouth Carnival

The Town of Weymouth Services is sponsoring the “Weymouth Carnival” from Wednesday, April 20th through Sunday, April 24th at Weymouth High School, 1 Wildcat Way, South Weymouth, MA 02190.

The carnival fundraiser will feature rides, games and food. Featured rides this year include the Freakout, Starship Exodus, and the Arctic Blast along with many more exciting carnival rides.

Discount ride promotions are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 2pm-6pm or 6pm-close, and Sunday 12Noon – 5pm. Purchase a wristband with a discount coupon for $17.00 and ride unlimited rides. Discount coupons can be picked up at area merchants. Additional discounts can be found at www.facebook.com/fiestashows

The Weymouth Carnival opens weekdays at 2:00PM, Saturday & Sunday at Noon.

Partial proceeds from the event will benefit the Town of Weymouth.

DCR’s April Vacation Park Passport Challenge!

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation invites families across the Commonwealth to download their passport and join the April Vacation Passport Challenge!

During school vacation week, April 16 through April 24, DCR is offering special programs in the parks and a special Park Passport opportunity. Visit five or more Passport Parks in a designated region during vacation week – OR - Join a “Park Serve”* event anywhere statewide and visit four Passport Parks in a designated region, stamp your passport, and receive a free passport T-shirt. The T-shirts, available while supplies last, can be picked up at designated regional offices by May 2^nd.  (*Park Serve participants collect a specialized Park Serve sticker at their event.)

For more information, visit their website. 

Choose your place and paint some pottery over April Vacation!

Lots of choices for April Vacation camp if your child would like to paint some pottery!

 

South Shore Pottery in Abington:

Limited to 6 painters per day. Paint two pieces of pottery each day. Additional activities may include mosaics.

Please bring lunch and snacks.

Hours 10am to 4pm

1 full day    $45
2 full days  $75
3 full days  $115
4 full days  $155
5 full days  $190

Signups required. A non refundable deposit of $20 per day holds your spot.  781-871-PYOP

 

Expressions in Duxbury:

TUESDAY, APRIL 19th:
Easter Plate Workshop:  10:45am – 12pm
Paint a special Easter Plate!  Pieces will be ready by Easter.
Ages 6 – 14 (drop- off class). $20+tax/person
Glass Fusing:   1pm – 2:15pm
Make your own glass plate or bowl! Ages 7 – 15 (drop-off class). $25+tax/person
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20th:
Painting Workshop:   10:15am – 11:30am
Choose from our special selection of Easter pieces, animals, boxes, banks, plates,
bowls or mugs! Ages 6 – 15 (drop-off class). $20+tax/person
Beading:   1pm – 2:15pm
Make your own beaded necklace! Ages 7 – 14 (drop- off class). $22+tax/person
THURSDAY, APRIL 21st:
Beading:   10:15am – 11:30am
Make your own beaded necklace! Ages 7 – 14 (drop- off class). $22+tax/person
Bubble painting:   1pm – 2:15pm
Our most popular technique class! Ages 6 – 14 (drop- off class). $20+tax/person
FRIDAY, APRIL 22nd:
Glass Fusing:  10:15am – 11:30am
Make your own glass plate or bowl! Ages 7 – 15 (drop-off class). $25+tax/person
Bubble painting:   1pm – 2:15pm
Our most popular technique class! Ages 6 – 14 (drop- off class). $20+tax/person

RSVP  781-934-8122

 

Claychick in Plymouth:

Tuesday April 19- "Feed Me": Design a personalized plate using stamps, stencils, or paper punches!

Thursday April 21- "Peace Out": Choose from a peace bank, a peace plaque, or a peace box!

Saturday April 23- "Bedroom Make-Over": Choose from an outlet cover & switchplate or a funky name plate to decorate your room!

10-11:30 am

Just $20 per painter, 10 painters per workshop

Drop off ages 8+

**Must RSVP 508-746-8296

Green Earth Festival

The South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell is having a great family event on Sunday, April 17th from 11-4.  The Green Earth Festival will demonstrate ways to a greener life thru eco-landscaping, composting, recycling, organic gardening, solar energy and more.  There will be kids crafts & games, entertainment, nature walks, live animals and so much more!  (All activities will be under cover or indoors should there be rain)

You can also check out the EcoZone while you are there, which is an interactive exhibit that showcases the ecosystems of southeastern Massachusetts.

Admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child aged 2-15.  Maximum is $20 per family and admission includes all activities!

Kids stuff at the Mill Stores

During April vacation on Tuesday, April 19th and Wednesday, April 20th, the Mill Stores will supply free paint and brushes for the kids to decorate a birdhouse when you purchase it at $4.88.  All stores from 12-3pm.

Also… This Saturday, April 9th and Saturday, April 23rd from 12-2, kids will get 2 free wooden Easter Eggs to paint and take home.

Click here to find the Mill Stores closest to you!

Fun Easter Coupons

The past few years, I’ve printed these coupons and put them in the kids plastic eggs for their egg hunt.   The coupons are good for things like “Have Dessert Tonight” and “Choose a move rental, with popcorn”.  Very simple but the kids love getting & redeeming them!  Great way to get away from candy as well!

I’m putting them up here for you to click on the picture and print if you’d like to use them!

Added some blank ones so you can make up your own!

Enjoy!

Petite Repeats Sale

Petite Repeats, a Cape Cod children's consignment event business is having their annual sale on Saturday, April 30th from 9am to 3pm.  Many items will be half off starting at 1pm!  They are also in need of volunteers  as well.  A great way to start your spring cleaning while making some money with clothes that no longer fit the kids!

Petite Repeats is offering our readers free consignor registration through April 15! (An $8 Value). Offer Expires April 15, 2011, enter "South Shore Kids" in the referral/source field during the online registration process to receive this offer.

The Petite Repeats spring event will take place in Falmouth at the PAL Community Center on Brick Kiln Road.  See their website for details.

Don’t forget to “like” them on facebook too!

Great Scituate Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, April 2, 12pm-8pm
The Great Scituate Scavenger Hunt is a non-traditional fundraiser that will benefit the Scituate Fire Department as well as many other local organizations. Teams of four will attempt to complete as many challenges as possible with the goal of scoring the highest point total. Each challenge is assigned a point value based on difficulty. The tasks with the highest point values will involve an act of community service benefiting a local charitable organization, ie. the Scituate Food Pantry. Teams will document each challenge using a digital camera and are responsible for uploading their images by the designated end time. At the end of the scavenger hunt, a panel of judges will tally the points and determine a winner. Each member of the winning team will win a 16GB iPad. These iPads have been graciously donated for this event by local business owners. Scituate High School students can earn 8 hours of community service for participating in this event.
To register for this event, please visit our website:
http://12womencare.com/12WC/The_Great_Scituate_Scavenger_Hunt.html

Tummies 2 Teens Grand Opening

On Sunday, April 3rd from noon to 4pm, Tummies 2 Teens in Norwell is having their Grand Opening Celebration!  In addition to checking out their wonderful upscale consignment items, there will lots going on!  Hanson Children’s Museum will be having an activity tent for the kids.  There will also be face painting, raffles, free chair massages and free pizza for the kids!  Much more too!

Tummies 2 Teens is at 6 Grove Street in Norwell.  Check them out on Facebook for the most up to date information!

Lil’ Red Wagon Sale

Lil' Red Wagon Sale - Spring/Summer Children's Consignment Sale & Craft Event

When: Friday April 29th 7:00pm - 8:30pm & Saturday April 30th 9:00am - 2:00pm *Half Price Sale Starts at 12:00pm

Where: Lantana's, 43 Scanlon Drive, Randolph, MA 02368

Brief Description of Event:  Children's Consignment Sale and Craft Sale event, where you can find quality items for sale at reasonable prices -- all in one place!  Shop for new and gently used baby, kids and maternity clothing, shoes & accessories, toys, games, baby gear, nursery items, and so much more!!  Shop for unique handmade treasures and vendor merchandise!!

Sellers: Clean out your closets, earn up to 85%, and shop a great Pre-Sale!
Volunteers: Get first pick on thousands of items for the very best bargains at the Volunteer Pre-Sale. Get chances to win gift certificates!
Vendors and business: Share child and family related products and services and grow your businesses with our shoppers!
New Moms & Military Family: Shop early, before the sale opens to the public!

For more information about Lil' Red Wagon Sale and our Events you can go to www.LilRedWagonSale.com

Don’t forget to “like” them on Facebook!

Lots of Fun at Claychick (and new Storytimes)!

If you haven’t been over to Claychick in Plymouth…you’re missing out!  She’s got some great pieces to paint at very reasonable prices.  You pay for your piece plus $8 for shop time and materials.  I was just there painting a super cute Easter Bunny Candy Bowl…can’t wait to get it back!

I had my daughters birthday party at Claychick a few weeks ago…can’t recommend it enough!  Cost is $75 plus the cost of the pieces you select for the guests to paint.  You get 1.5 hours of time for painting, cake, presents etc.  For more party info and specific times, check her website.  Chickie is fabulous with the kids!

And speaking of kids…Claychick has some awesome Storytimes coming up.  They are the first Thursday of the month from 10am til 11:15am and your kids can listen to Chickie read and then paint a coordinating project.  Cookies & Juice will be served too!  Cost is $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings.  The April 7th book will be the Grouchy Ladybug.  May 5th and June 2nd books to be announced…check out Claychick on facebook to stay informed.

Oh…and Claychick also has Teen Nights on the 2nd Friday of the Month plus Ladies Night every Thursday night.  See her website for more info!

Claychick is located at 34 South Park Ave in Plymouth…head on over and paint something soon!

Portrait Simple Easter Pictures and Giveaway

Are you looking to have the cutest Easter pictures done with your kids?  How about checking out Portrait Simple at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree (lower level near Lord & Taylor).  They have live bunnies for your photos!  You can see some pictures with the live bunnies on the Portrait Simple Blog.  You know your kids would all over having their pics done with these cute little bunnies! 

You can call Portrait Simple directly at 781-794-9999 and book your appointment…but call soon because Easter is very busy and appointments book fast!

There is a $25 session fee but you have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate PLUS a Free Set of 6 Easter Cards from Portrait Simple by simply leaving a comment on below!  AND…head on over to their Facebook page and “like” them, then come back here and leave another comment for an additional chance of winning!  Contest will end on 11:59pm, Friday, March 25th.  Winner be be announced Saturday, March 26th.  Good luck!

 

Live Bunnies at Portrait Simple in Braintree