Category: Activities for Kids

Activities for children in Newton, Massachusetts.

JCC Kid’s Choice February School Vacation Program

From sports and swimming to arts, dance, cooking and rock climbing, kids have their choice of activities at the JCC Kid’s Choice February Vacation Program.

Held at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton February 17-21 from 9am-4pm.

For boys and girls entering grades K-6 (and CITs in grades 7-9 at a reduced rate).

Special highlights include JCC Magic Ark performance of Josh Casey Comedy and Juggling Show, President’s Day activity, trip to see Hairspray at the Wheelock Family Theatre, Purim Carnival and Snowman Building. Special treat for Kid’s Choice participants — see the 2013 World Series Trophy at the JCC on February 20 from 10am-12pm!

Come for one day or as many as you would like.

Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations.

For more information, contact 617-558-6529 or schoolvacations@jccgb.org

February 1, 2014
Sing-Along in Commemoration of the Life and Music of Pete Seeger

Sing-Along in Commemoration of the Life and Music of Pete Seeger

Waban Library Center

1608 Beacon Street, Waban

Pete Seeger, the banjo-picking troubadour who sang for migrant workers, college students and star-struck presidents, and introducedgenerations of Americans to their folk music heritage, died this week at the age of 94.

Come celebrate his life through song at a community Sing-Along hosted by the Newton Family Singers on Saturday, February 1st, 3pm at the Waban Library Center.

We’ll sing together as a community, songs straight from Pete’s songlist – songs about freedom, equality, justice, peace, the world we love and the strength of community.

As Pete once said himself: “Participation – that’s what’s gonna save the human race.”

January 30, 2014
ReelAbilities Film Festival is coming to Boston

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is coming to Boston January 30-February 6, with three screenings in Newton! In fact, ReelAbilities Boston, and our host festival, the Boston Jewish Film Festival have our offices in Newton as well, as do some of our community partners (including Understanding Our Differences and Waypoint Adventure) and the founding partner of ReelAbilities Boston, the Ruderman Family Foundation.

ReelAbilities is the nation’s largest disabilities film festival: it promotes awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Yet the films might not be what you’d expect: a feature film at the West Newton Cinema on February 3, Come As You Are, is based on a true story of three young men with disabilities who go on a road trip from Belgium to Spain on a quest to lose their virginity. More family-friendly fare is offered on Closing Night, February 6, at West Newton Cinema, with our Shorts Program: Reel Encounters. We’re screening seven short films that will engage, challenge, and amuse audiences. Our host partner for the evening is Understanding Our Differences, who posted the following on their website:

“Join Understanding Our Differences for the closing night of Reelabilities: the 3rd Annual Boston Disabilities Film Festival. On Thurs. Feb. 6th we are co-hosting with the Festival a program of short films at West Newton Cinema at 7 pm. The film topics parallel many of the UOD units. Also screening is a new short film, and the director and actor (with an intellectual disability) will attend the reception after the film screenings. UOD will have information and activity tables at the reception as well. Save the date and plan to join us! Children ages 13 and above are welcome to attend.”

Tickets for Come As You Are and the Shorts Program: Reel Encounters are available online or at the West Newton Cinema box office.

Also, on February 5 at the Leventhal Sidman Jewish Community Center, the film Anita will be screening. It is free of charge; pre-registration is requested at bostonjcc.org/reelabilities

January 25, 2014
Upcoming teen programs at Newton Free Library

Mother-Daughter Book Club

Join us for a lively book discussion on Tuesday, January 28th from 7 to 8:30 pm! We’ll be discussing The Language Inside by Holly Thompson. The author will be visiting to discuss her book with the group! All are welcome to this special meeting!

Teen Crafternoons on Tuesday, February 4th. Get creative! We’ll be hanging out the teen area working on crafts! Drop by. Open to grades 6-12.

Get Hooked: Knitting and Crochet Group on Tuesday, February 6th from 7 to 8:15 pm.

Are you an expert with knitting or crochet needles, just learning, or want to learn? Then join us the first Thursdays of every month. We have crochet hooks and yarn and the know-how to teach the basics of crocheting. You are welcome to bring your own project, share ideas and conversation. Refreshments will be served. Open to ages 10 and up.

Finding Your Way: An Intro to the College Search and Application Process

Monday, February 10th from 7 to 8:30pm.

Please join us for a workshop aimed at students (especially Juniors) and parents, before school break and college visits begin. Students, Is there such a thing as a “perfect fit”? How do you start your exploration and what really matters as you launch the college search and application process? Parents, what role should you play on this journey? How can you provide support, knowing how important it is for your children to take charge and make the important choices for themselves? Cory Alperstein, founder and principal ofFuture Choice College Consulting, will explore these questions and discuss some specific strategies that may help your family survive the admissions process with positive outcomes for everyone involved! Ms. Alperstein will also cover stress reduction, including how making choices early about academic, extra-curriculars and social life is key to managing the stress when the application process really begins. Bring your sense of humor!

Location: Druker Auditorium

Questions? Please call Liz, the Teen Librarian, at 617-796-138 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net

January 23, 2014
Cooking Classes for Kids from Mindy’s Cooking

Mindy Sherbet, owner of Mindy’s Cooking, LLC. offers workshops, classes and private instruction in her home or in your home or venue. Mindy is a professional chef with many years experience teaching kids and adults in a variety of settings.

Currently she is offering programs to elementary school students in small groups in her home on Tuesdays from 1-3pm for a cost of $50 per week. Sign up for those is on a monthly basis. Custom classes are available so you can come with your own group of 4.

She also teaches on early release Thursdays, from 12:45-3:30.

The format of those classes is a 2 or 3-dish class where kids use a wide variety of kitchen equipment and tools and learn everything from hygiene and proper knife skills to more advanced techniques. They prepare and cook a delicious, nutritious meal where everyone is encouraged to taste everything.

Her goal is to get kids to try foods they wouldn’t normally be interested in so they increase their palate and contribute to a well-rounded diet. “Kids who prepare what they are asked to eat have a higher rate of adopting those foods into their repertoire”, says Mindy, a Newton mom of 3. “While not every child is going to ask for brussel sprouts for dinner, they may be willing to taste them when they see their friends doing it and having fun in the process”.

Mindy’s Cooking also teaches adults and is available for private parties as either a demonstration class or full-participation. Upcoming classes include a Valentine’s Day-themed edible treats class on Tuesday, February 11th, 1-3pm.

To sign up, either email Mindy at Mindyscooking@gmail.com or by cell 973-420-6190.

January 22, 2014
Garden City Soccer Camp at NNHS 2014!
Garden City Soccer Camp 2014:
- Youth soccer camp, now in its 15th year, to be held at the fields at Newton North High School
- Camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm during the weeks of July 7th-11th and July 14th-18th
- Designed for boys and girls ages 7-14
- Opportunity to learn from some of the top coaches in the city
- Directed by Brian Rooney – former Girls’ Varsity coach at Newton North and Boys’ Varsity coach at Newton North and Newton South; Assisted by Roy Dow – Head Boys’ Varsity Coach at Newton North
- Counseling staff includes current and former players from Newton North and Newton South boys’ and girls’ soccer programs
- Daily technical training (dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving, heading, etc.)
- Daily tactical training (1v1 offense and defense, 2v1 offense and defense, etc.)
- Individual and group skills competitions each day
- Competitive scrimmages or tournaments each day
- Prizes and awards given away daily
- Swimming at the Newton North Pool offered daily
- Cost per week is $280
For more information, contact Brian Rooney at brian_rooney@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-6238.

To register on-line, go to this website. It is a new registration site this year, so let us know if you have any difficulties.
January 19, 2014
Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo at NNHS
Not sure what to say to your teen about dating safety?

Want to encourage your teen’s positive self image?

Wondering what resources Newton offers for teens and families?

ALL parents/guardians and teens are invited to the

Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo
Wednesday, January 22
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Newton North High School

To learn more go to here.
- Discover community resources promoting positive decision making for teens
- Enjoy refreshments and student performances as you browse the exhibits
- The first 50 teens who bring a parent will receive a treat bag
This expo coincides with Junior Parent Night; parents/guardians of juniors are asked to come early to explore the expo.

Walnut and Lowell Street lots and Hull Street will be available for parking. Please observe neighborhood signs and restrictions.
January 13, 2014
FREE Preschool Aleph Bet Story & Music Hour
Free Aleph Bet Story & Music Hour for Preschoolers

Encourage Hebrew language development through storytelling and music with our warm and knowledgeable teachers. This program is designed to support your preschooler’s growth within a welcoming community for parents and caregivers.

All events will occur at JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School, 57 Stanley Avenue, Watertown MA from 9:30-10:30am
- Tuesday, January 28
- Tuesday, February 25
- Tuesday, March 25
- Tuesday, April 29
These free events welcome all preschool-age children and their caregivers. To learn more and to register, please visit here.
January 12, 2014
Arsenal Center’s Winter Art Classes & Workshops

Arsenal Center’s Winter Art Classes & Workshops for Children and Adults Begin January 5

The Arsenal Center for the Arts starts off the new year with a program of winter art classes and workshops for adults and children beginning the week of January 6, 2014.

Adult offerings include a range of media and techniques: Art Sampler, Digital Painting, Pastels, Watercolor, Printmaking, Ceramics, Drawing, Glassmaking, Writing Poetry and more.

Children’s classes (for K-6 and Teens) include Art Adventures, Clay Projects, Mixed-Media, Comics & Cartoons, Wheelthrowing, Drawing, Painting and more.

Fun Parent/Child workshops (for Toddlers and up) are also available.

Classes are held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, with free parking and access to public transportation. Scholarships and Membership discounts are available.

For class descriptions, visit here. To register, call 617-923-0100, ext. 8309.

January 5, 2014
New Art Center Winter Art Classes: Last Chance to Register!

REGISTER NOW

Classes start Jan. 6! Your child can spend this winter learning new skills, making friends & expressing their creativity.

Here are a few of our winter classes with available space:

for Children

Monday – Drawing and Artful Crafts GR 3-5

Monday – Art Explorer’s GR K-2

Tuesday – Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding GR 2-4

Tuesday – Upcycle Art – Inventions & Construction GR K-5, 2:15-3:15

Tuesday – Upcycle Art – Inventions & Construction GR K-5, 3:30-4:30

Tuesday – Upcycle Art – Inventions & Construction GR 3-5, 4:45-6:00

Wednesday – Art Explorer’s Wednesday GR K-2

Thursday – Around the World in Art GR K-2

for Teens

Monday – Parent & Teen Wheel Throwing

Monday – Graphic Novel & Manga GR 5-8

Wednesday – Teen Portfolio GR 9-12

January 4, 2014