The 413 Mom

DEAL ALERT: Early Bird Savings for Healthy Kids Running Series ends AUGUST 18!

You've got a few days left to save even more on a crazy affordable fall athletic program for the kiddos. A program that only takes place once a week, for one hour on Sunday afternoons locally here in Southwick. Interested? Me too!

The Southwick program of The Healthy Kids Running Series will be held on five Sunday afternoons from 4-5 p.m. at Powder Mill Middle School at 95 Powder Mill Road from September 8 through October 6. It's open to kids in grades Pre-K through eighth. Cost is only $40 for the five week session and that price includes a t-shirt and a race medal for all participants. If you sign up by Sunday, August 18, the cost is only $35/child! 

The Healthy Kids Running Series has been running (literally) for 10 years with groups in 35 states. This is the second season locally here in Southwick -- their spring 2019 session had nearly 200 participants!

The program was created in 2009 by Jeff Long, founder and president of Pattison Sports Group to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. 

So run over to the registration page today and get your kiddos signed up before this deal expires. If you register by 11:59 p.m. on August 18, 2019 you'll save $5 off the already affordable price of $40/child so your kiddos can run for only $35 this session. 

Age group races are as follows:

Pre-K (ages 2 & 3) run a 50 yard dash

Pre-K (ages 4 & 5) run a 75 yard dash

Kids in kindergarten & first grade run 1/4 mile

Kids in second & third grade run 1/2 mile

Kids in fourth through eighth grade run 1 mile

Participants compete each week for a chance to earn points. At the end of the series boys and girls who accumulate the most points in their respective distances are awarded trophies. All participants receive a medal on Week 5. 

I'm excited for my girls to participate because it's a beautiful time of year to be outside, I love the low commitment of one hour per week on a Sunday afternoon, and I love that it's all ages together as a group but separated off for their own races. See you at the track! 

 

Summer 2019 List 10: FREE Swim Lessons and Pool Time

For those in the 413 without backyard pools, there are plenty of FREE ways to swim this summer. Here is a list of our local state owned public pools, which traditionally offer FREE swim lessons each summer.  **I have not yet heard back from the facilities regarding swim lessons for this year -- I will update this post as soon as I have solid information to share.** 

Agawam: Gerald J. Mason Memorial Swimming Pool, Armory Street, Agawam, Public Swim Monday - Sunday, 11:15 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Open June 22 - August 22. FREE.

Chicopee: Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Swimming Pool, Meadow Street, Chicopee, Public Swim Monday - Sunday, 11:15 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Thursdays in July until 7:45 p.m., Thursdays in August until 7:30 p.m. Open June 22 - August 22. FREE. 

Springfield: John H. Thomas Memorial Swimming Pool, Roosevelt Avenue (on Blunt Park Road), Public Swim, Monday - Sunday 11:15 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Open June 22 - August 22. FREE. 

If one of these programs is too far for you, check with your town's Parks & Recreation Department (this link will get you to your town's website, you can find the Parks & Rec link from there) or local YMCA. Many communities have clean and lovely town pools open for public swim for a small fee (our local pool charges $1/person per day). Also, many towns host YMCA sponsored swim lessons at their local pool for a fee (about $65). 

Wishing you many cool afternoons at the pool this summer!

Summer 2019 List 9: Children's Theater (Live Performance)

There are so many terrific kids entertainment series with scheduled performances this summer. Some are FREE. Others have a reasonable admission fee. Here's a rundown of the ones you don't want to miss. Use the links for performance information. 

• Franklin King Memorial Children's Series: Tuesday mornings, 10 a.m., June 25-August 6. Puppet shows, musicians, magic shows. Admission: $5/adults, $4/children, under 2 FREE. This park also has a daily parking fee of $7 on weekdays, 300 North Main Street, Florence.
• Friday Mornings for Children: Fridays from 10-11 a.m., July 5 - August 9, Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield. Some seating available, bring your own if you don't want to sit on the cement floor. FREE.
• Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out performances: Wed. - Sat. evenings at 6:15 - 7 p.m., June 19-August 24. While not child-specific, these FREE dance performances at the outdoor stage are family friendly. An excellent opportunity to expose your child to different styles of dance. Claim a seat on the benches or bring a chair from home, BYO picnic dinner or purchase food on site. 
• KidsFest: July 10, July 24, August 14 at 11 a.m., Veteran's Green, corner of School and Main streets in Agawam, FREE. Bring your own chair or blanket.  
• Majestic Children's Theater: performances in July and August, morning, afternoon, and evening showtimes. Admission: $9.50/person. This year's lineup includes: Disney's Mulan, The Cat in the Hat and Charlotte's Web. See link for dates and times, 131 Elm St., West Springfield.
• Paintbox Theater: performances in June, July, and August morning and afternoon. Admission: $10/person. This year's lineup includes: Mary Poppins, Everybody Wants to be a Pirate, and How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?. See link for dates and times, Williston, 18 Payson Ave., Easthampton. 

*Don't forget -- we'll resurrect our "What to do with the kids tomorrow" posts beginning on June 24 to help you plan FREE and low cost summer fun all season long.*

Summer 2019 List 6: FREE and low cost Arts & Crafts programs

 

There are many FREE and inexpensive ways to indulge your little crafter this summer, while not making a mess at home: 

• Michael's stores Camp Creativity offers craft classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon through July 26 for ages 3 and up in all their stores. This year the program has a different theme each week and participants can collect stickers and coloring sheets each time they visit. Cost: $3/child. Registration is required. For schedule and registration information, click here. 
• The Second Friday art program runs through the summer at the Smith College Museum of Art, July 12 and August 9, from 4-8 p.m. Kids get to make a FREE (and always very cool) art project. 
• Make It Springfield offers workshops for all ages. Every Sunday afternoon from 3:30-5:30 p.m. there is a Make It Together workshop where families are invited to create together -- projects may vary from drawing, to painting, to sewing, to crafts. Cost is $5/person, drop ins welcome. There are other workshops offered throughout the week, some are FREE. You can follow their schedule on their Facebook page. 
• All Barnes and Noble stores also offer weekly storytimes geared toward the younger set which always end with a simple craft project. They have lots of other hands-on events for all ages throughout the summer. Check the events page for your local store. 
• Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores offer the Learn with Jo-Ann program where older children can sign up for more advanced crafting classes like sewing, knitting, and jewelry making. These classes cost around $30, but kids will learn more advanced techniques and leave with a functional product like a pillowcase or jewelry set. You can find a list of classes offered at the Holyoke store here. 
• The Home Depot Kids Workshop series will also be held throughout the summer, first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. - noon, FREE. Register here. 
• Check with the children's department of your local library to find out what types of drop-in crafts programs are offered during the summer. There are usually a bunch of really cool projects kids can make for FREE. 
• Your town's parks and recreation department may also have a crafts program you can sign up for (usually for a fee).  

Wishing you a creative summer!

*Don't forget -- we'll resurrect our "What to do with the kids tomorrow" posts beginning on June 24 to help you plan FREE and low cost summer fun all season long.*

Summer 2019 List 5: FREE Bowling & Roller Skating

More FREE ways to keep kids active during summer days. We are fortunate to have several local business participating in the Kids Skate Free and Kids Bowl Free summer initiatives. These freebies are great not only on rainy days but also during those heat waves when even the die-hard outdoor kids are grumbling. 

Both of our local Interskate 91 locations are participating in the Kids Skate Free program. When you register your children (only children ages 12 and under are eligible) at the Kids Skate Free site, you will receive email coupons each Sunday evening during the summer. Those coupons may be printed and redeemed for a free skating session during these times:

Interskate North (367 Russell Street, Hadley -- passes accepted for children age 12 and under):

Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Friday, 5-8 p.m.

Saturday, 11:30-6 p.m.

 

Interskate South (2043 Boston Road, Wilbraham -- passes accepted for children age 13 and under):

Friday, 5-9:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

There is a $4/child registration fee for this program.

Skate rental is not included with the coupon. If your child does not have skates, rental runs $4.71. 

 

The Kids Bowl Free program is open to kids 15 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Similar to the skate program, you can register your child on the KidsBowlFree.com site to participate at one location. Email coupons will be sent to you each Sunday. You print and present the coupons during one of the Kids Bowl Free sessions at your local bowling center -- check each location link before you register to see which days would work for your family and your kids' ages (each location may vary participation requirements).

The following bowling centers are participating locally:

Agawam Bowl, 359 Walnut St. Ext., Agawam

Bogey Lanes, 199 North Brookfield Road, East Brookfield

Spare Time, 129 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Windsor Locks, CT

Pinz Entertainment, 367 Russell St., Hadley

Shaker Bowl, 168 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow

Spare Time, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton

You can redeem the coupon at all sites Monday - Sunday depending on hours of operation. 

There may be others worth driving to for some of you in the eastern part of the 413. You can find a complete list of participating locations here. 

Shoe rental is not included with the coupon. 

With both programs, children must be accompanied by an adult. Coupons are good only for children. Adults must pay regular admission to participate (but not to supervise). 

 

Summer 2019 List 4: Summer Reading Programs #raisingreaders

Summer reading -- Moms love it, lots of kids hate it. It's a great way to battle summer brain drain. It's also a great way to pick a fight with your kids. Fortunately, there are many good and FREE summer reading programs that offer incentives to kids for reading during the non-school months. 

One of the absolute best places to encourage summer reading is your local library. I feel so fortunate to live in a a state where libraries are so well funded and the summer reading programs in the 413 are no exception. This year's program is titled "A Universe of Stories" and is geared toward kids in grades kindergarten through 12th grade; however, preschoolers and even babies are welcome to participate. Many libraries even have adult summer reading programs so we can get in on the fun.

Registered children receive a reading log where parents sign off confirming that the child has read a certain number of minutes per day. (Reading to your child also counts). Then the kids are eligible for certificates, small rewards, and prizes throughout the summer. The libraries also offer many enriching activities throughout the summer including animal visits, performances, crafts, scavenger hunts, game nights, story times, and more. 

• You can find a link to your local library here. Then contact the children's department for summer reading program registration. The program begins the last week of June and runs through early August. 
• Barnes and Noble stores' summer reading program has already begun. Children in grades 1-6 need to fill out this reading journal answering some questions about 8 books they've read. In August, they can redeem the journal for one FREE book from the summer reading list (they have some really great picks this year!). 

• Scholastic's online Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge has also begun. Although kids do not receive tangible prizes (the prizes are all digital), they can register and log their reading minutes to compete with other schools across the country and work collectively to help get books donated to kids in need. I really appreciate that this site has great reading list suggestions for all ages.  

• Chuck E Cheese's Reading Rewards Calendar may be completed at any time of the year. Read 10 books, get free 10 game tokens. (This link offers a bunch of CEC reward calendars for all kinds of habits you'd like to instill in the kiddos).

• TD Bank is offering a $10 deposit into a new or existing Young Savers Account for readers in grades K-5. Just fill out this reading log confirming 10 books were read. Through August 31. 

• I adore The Measured Mom's Summer Reading Challenge: Read in 100 Places checklist. You can print out and offer incentives with your own prizes. 

Good Luck with encouraging the summer reading. We'll see you at the library! 

*Photograph by Live, Laugh, Photograph Studios (Chicopee, MA) 

Summer 2019 List 3: FREE and low cost Kids' Movie Schedules

Sometimes the counselor at the ever popular summer enrichment program called "Home With the Kids" needs a day off. Or sometimes it's raining. Or sometimes it's just too darn hot to plan an activity. That's where these super cheapy summer movie times come in handy. These movies usually cost $1 or may even be free with a book report. They are all rated G or PG.

There are also a lot of outdoor evening movie screenings scheduled around the area. Check with your parks and recreation department to see if they have any planned. And, of course, the movie times at the local libraries are always a hit. Some locations even allow the kids to watch alone while the caregiver can go chill in another part of the library. Check with your library for details.

Here's our Summer List 3: Cheap Kids' Movie Schedules:

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

• Enfield Mall Cinemark (Enfield, CT) on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. 
• Eastfield Mall Cinemark (Springfield) on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. 
• Hadley Mall (Hadley) on Thursdays beginning June 20 at 10 a.m. 

*Which movie is shown each week may vary by location although scheduled times will remain the same. Please check with individual theater for which movie will play at that location.* 

Chicopee's Movies in Szot Park (FREE outdoor evening showings) 

East Longmeadow Movies in the Park (FREE outdoor evening showings, see page 5 on link)

Gran-Val Scoop Summer Family Movie Nights (FREE outdoor evening showings, Granville)

Northampton's Cinema Northampton (FREE outdoor evening showings, some rated PG-13)

Pittsfield's Outdoor Movies (FREE outdoor evening showings on The Common or Durant Park)

Worcester area Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesday (FREE admission with a book report)

Local libraries also often show movies during the summer. Even though this is not the cinema experience, kids still love to get together with a bunch of their friends and watch a flick. (Best bet is to follow the library's Facebook page if applicable). 

Local parks and recreation departments are also planning a bunch of outdoor movie screenings throughout the summer. Follow your local department on Facebook for event listings. (Best bet is to follow the department's Facebook page for updates). 

*Don't forget -- we'll resurrect our "What to do with the kids tomorrow" posts beginning on June 24 to help you plan FREE and low cost summer fun all season long.*

Summer 2019 List 2: Best Splash Pads in Western Mass

Spray parks are a hot item on our summer must do list. I love spray parks because they are usually free, don't require any special equipment, are usually open all day and into the evening, and kids of all ages can enjoy them with parents being able to relax and enjoy a low-risk way to cool off. They can provide a quick stop after a morning of errands or an all-day retreat. We are lucky to have several newer splash pads in the area. I also have some updates here on when parks are opening this season, and which ones are out of commission. Here's my summer list of the best spray parks in the 413:

Agawam: School Street Park, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily, Corey Street entrance. Opens June 24. 

Chicopee: Szot Park, Lincoln Grove, Wisniowski, Garrity, Rivers and Fairview, open noon - 7 p.m., open now (Szot Park and Williams currently under repair). 

Easthampton: Nonotuck Park, Daley Field Road, open through early September, open 7 days weather permitting, $4  park entrance fee on weekends, FREE weekdays (except holidays). 

Greenfield: Hillside Park Splash Pad, Grove Street. Spray Park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., daily. Check link for updates.  

Hampden: Hampden Memorial Spray Park, Main Street, opening for the season June 22, seven days a week 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (From July 8-August 16 public hours are 3-8 p.m. Monday - Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Florence: Look Park Spray Park, North Main Street, parking fee required for park entry $7/weekdays, $9/weekends, FREE for those with military ID or handicap placard, open daily 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Holyoke: Pulaski Park, Lyman Street; Springdale Park, Main Street, Community Field, Community Field Road, brand new splash pad at Heritage State Park open daily 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., other parks will open daily after school is finished for the year.

Pittsfield: The Common, First Street. Spray park open for the season, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., 7 days a week. 

South Hadley: Beachgrounds Park, Main Street; Buttery Brook Park, Willimansett Street, spray parks open daily June 18 from 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

Springfield: Forest Park Splash Pad, Sumner Avenue ($3/in state, $5/out of state parking fee required for park entry), brand new splash pad at Riverfront Park at West Columbus Avenue and State Street, as of June 14 there is no set date for the spray parks to be open daily -- according to the Parks Department "hopefully by the end of the month."  

West Springfield: Alice Corson Water Park, 373 Main St. & Memorial Pool Splash Pad, 51 Smyrna St., open June 24-August 11, 12:30-4:15 p.m. and 5:30-7:15 p.m. SwimSplash Time for Tots ONLY at Memorial Pool Splash Pad: T, W, Th, 9-11 a.m. (ages 5 and under), pool pass required, FREE for West Springfield residents. Daily rate for non-residents, $3/children, $4/adult. 

Westfield: Westfield Municipal Spray Park, Greylock Street, June - September, daily hours 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Deals for Dads (and Grand Dads too!) #fathersdayfreebies

If you don't have special plans for Dad on Father's Day, June 16 is a great day to score him some free admission to many local attractions. Here's a rundown. 

If you want to stay close to home:

Historic Deerfield: FREE admission for all dads and grandfathers on June 19, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.,  Old Main Street, Deerfield.

Holyoke Merry-Go-Round: Dads and grandpas ride FREE with paying child, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. 

Look Park: FREE train rides and unlimited rounds of mini golf for all dads, 300 North Main St., Florence (weekend parking fee applies).

Lupa Zoo: FREE admission for Dads with paid admission for their child, 65 Nash Hill Road, Ludlow. 

Old Sturbridge Village: FREE admission for Dads on June 18, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: FREE admission for dads with paid child's admission, 14 Depot St., Shelburne Falls. 

 

If you're looking for a Road Trip: 

Canobie Lake Park: FREE admission and FREE lunch for Dads with one paid child admission, 65 N. Policy St., Salem, NH.

Connecticut Science Center: FREE admission for Dads on June 18, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT. 

Connecticut Trolley Museum: FREE admission for Dads and Grandfathers with paid child's admission, special behind the scenes tour of current restoration projects, 58 North Road, East Windsor, CT. 

Davis Farmland: FREE admission for Dads with paid child admission to Farmland and Water Spray Park and FREE massages for dads from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. 

The Dinosaur Place: FREE admission (including spray park) for Dads with paid child admission, 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT. 

Zoos: FREE or discounted admission for dads at many New England zoos including: Southwick Zoo (half-price admission for dads on June 15 & 16) in Mendon; Franklin Park Zoo in Boston (FREE for dads); Stone Zoo in Stoneham (FREE for dads). 

Happy Father's Day to all the 413 Dads!

ENTER TO WIN: 4-pack of tickets to Edaville Family Theme Park (Carver, MA)

We're teaming up with one of our favorite Massachusetts attractions -- Edaville Family Theme Park --  to get your summer started off right with chance to win a four-pack of admission tickets to the park. Also known as the "Thomas the Tank Engine" amusement park, Edaville is located right outside of Cape Cod in Carver, MA. The venue offers over 90 rides and attractions including Thomas Land, Dino Land, and some of the best classic amusement rides like a giant Ferris wheel and old timey bumper cars. Read all about Edaville in my Road Trip Worthy review post.  

To enter to win, use the comments field below and share your favorite part of the summer season here in Massachusetts. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries submitted on all social feeds of The413Mom -- you may enter up to one time on each site and right here on the blog for a total of 4 entries:

Facebook

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Theme park tickets will be valid for dates in June or July only. ARV of the prize is $148. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2019. Good luck to all who enter!