Dream Kid Spa
Until you can take them to the Mandarin for a grownup spa outing, there's this kid-focused pampering palace, where little ones get the royal treatment with a variety of services: They'll don a plush robe before enjoying a sweet mani-pedi and any manner of add-ons, from glitter tattoos to DIY bracelets and slime. You can even book a “My Grownup and Me" package, should you want to get in on the fun, too. 15 Dana Ave., Hyde Park, MA 02136, dreamkidspa.com.
Puppet Showplace Theater
Photo by Peter Senzamici This delightfully homespun community hub showcases something completely unique in today's world of Pixar animation: the precious art of puppetry. Shows for all ages range from the classic (Three Little Pigs) to the delightfully modern (Don't Make Me Get Dressed). And with pay-what-you-can shows, puppet nights for adults and teens, and a creative residency for Black puppeteers to increase diversity in the industry, the theater is truly welcoming—and entertaining—for all. 32 Station St., Brookline, MA 02445, puppetshowplace.org.
Museum of Science
Looking for a smart way to keep them busy— sans screens—on a rainy day? Head to this museum, which has nailed the formula for making science insanely fun for kids. Nowhere else can your kiddo stand in the shadow of a triceratops skeleton, engage in an interactive exhibit that transports them to the North Pole, enjoy story time with a live animal guest, and watch a 4-D movie in one place. We're particularly big fans of the "Science in the Park" playground for its highly interactive equipment and ageappropriate physics lessons. One Science Park, Boston, MA 02114, mos.org.
Sugar Factory
There are times when a scoop of ice cream from the freezer works just fine. But for life's biggest kid moments—first days of school or big doctor visits, for instance—it pays to really sweeten the deal. That's where the Sugar Factory in Faneuil Hall comes in. Its over-the-top indulgences look like something out of Junior's most Willy Wonka–esque dream: “Insane" milkshakes are festooned with doughnuts, cupcakes, and whole slices of cake; decadent cookie and brownie skillets get amped up with Nutella, brûléed marshmallow, and just about every other sugary treat you can think of. The joy-to-cavity ratio is totally worth it. 101 S. Market St., Boston, MA 02109, sugarfactory.com.
The Happy Journey Toys
Could this quintessential old-timey toy shop, with its trinket-filled windowfront that looks like 1940s Times Square, exist in any neighborhood other than Beacon Hill? We think not. While the outside may be old-fashioned, the interior is anything but: Color-coordinated shelves are stocked with a wide selection of amusements both classic and new (solar-powered crab robots, anyone?). 73 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, thehappyjourneytoys.com.
Boston’s Winter Fest
If it seems like entertaining kids is easier in the summer than in the colder months, that's just because you haven't been to Boston's Winter Fest, which debuted last December and will return again this year. Across 2 acres in Charlestown's Hood Park, your tots can gaze up at a 32-foot Christmas tree, ice skate, visit a life-size ice castle, see live performances, meet Santa, and sip hot chocolate. Just don't tell them the festival runs from December through January, or you might find yourself spending the entire holiday season (and beyond) there. 100 Hood Park, Boston, MA 02129, winterfestboston.com.
The Tot Cafe by Little Cocoa Bean Company
Photo by Nina Gallant There are only so many coloring books and stickers you can pack in the bag—eventually, your toddler is going to get antsy when dining out, and then it's game over. That's why the idea behind the Little Cocoa Bean Co.'s Tot Café is so genius: Here families will find healthful, kid-friendly meals that parents will enjoy, too (think: rainbow waffles, squash mac 'n' cheese, “unicorn" yogurt); places to play and read; and even clean and comfy changing tables for the inevitable diaper mess. The best news of all? This summer, the Tot Café is opening a new space in the Boston Children's Museum (with public access), so they have even more reason to behave. 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, littlecocoabeanco.com.
The Robo Hub
Only in Cambridge could your future MIT scholar mark their birthday by playing drone soccer in an inflatable arena, designing and racing robots, and controlling a floor projector with his or her dance moves. It's a unique STEM adventure you won't find elsewhere—but, like any good kids' party package, pizza and juice are included. 86A Sherman St., Cambridge, MA 02140, therobohub.com.
Misha & Puff
Courtesy Fast fashion has its place, but for heirloom pieces you'll want your kids' kids to wear one day, duck into this seaside Newburyport boutique (now with a Brooklyn location) from knitter and mom Anna Wallack. With signature patterns and timeless designs, her ethically crafted rompers, overalls, and bloomers are sure to last a long time: The store even offers a mending program if your little one's clothing does get frayed. 52 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA 01950, shop.misha-and-puff.com.
Zoo New England
Photo by Michael Prince The best deal around for Boston parents? For less than the cost of two visits to the Franklin Park Zoo, a family with up to four kids can enjoy a year's worth of amazing lion roars, towering giraffe sightings, playful gorilla antics, and endless playground fun. Membership unlocks the doors to the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, too, so you have options outside the city. We also love that visitors can apply their receipt from a single trip toward a membership up to seven days afterward, turning a one-day excursion into a year of adventures. One Franklin Park Rd., Boston, MA 02121, zoonewengland.org.
Boston Athenaeum
Despite the sophisticated name and surrounds—or maybe because of them—the Athenaeum feels like a special treat for kids, with family story times but also much more: kids' chess circles, writing groups, and even sleepovers for stuffed animals (complete with a photo album of their adventures at pickup time). All in all, it's a thoughtful escape for the littlest literati. 10-1/2 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108, bostonathenaeum.org.
Robbins Farm Park
With skyline views that top anything in the city, this beloved hilltop Arlington playground and sledding hill recently got a swanky upgrade. Created with universal design principles, the outdoor space now offers lots of ways to play: hoop rings, a carousel that accommodates wheelchairs, instruments, and even funhouse mirrors—though we're thrilled that the signature 16-foot slides overlooking Boston remain. Bonus points for a stacked summer calendar of events, including concerts and movie nights. 61 Eastern Ave., Arlington, MA 02476, robbinsfarmpark.org.
The Pop Center
When the weather's too cold for playground meetups and the local jump place too full of booger monsters, frazzled parents-in-the-know head to this combined play/coworking space. The pristine sanctuary has a suite of playrooms—featuring everything from basketball hoops to jungle gyms—with a twist: limited reservations (so it's never jammed), complimentary coffee for parents (essential), and, for Pop Center members, separate coworking spaces where you can catch up on emails while Junior swings from the rafters (with supervision, of course). 1037 Chestnut St., Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464, thepopcenter.com.