Youth and Family Resources: August 2014

The weather this summer has been perfect – families throughout Boston have been taking advantage of all of the great activities the region has to offer. Summer may be winding down, but it’s far from over. Why not get outside and have some fun! Here are some great ideas for fun and affordable activities in the area.


GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH AND THEIR PARENTS!

Children and young adults with disabilities are constantly impacted by their surroundings. Dr. Jessica Kramer is studying the manner in which teens and young adults with disabilities learn about and interpret their environment. If you or your child are a teen or young adult with a developmental disability, you are invited to participate in Dr. Kramer’s study. Participants are given gift certificates to area restaurants and movie theatres. For more information, contact Dr. Kramer: kramerbulab@gmail.com or 617-353-2702.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The Wharf Festival at the New England Aquarium promises to be an unforgettable day of summer fun for the whole family! Click here for details: http://news.neaq.org/2014/07/get-ready-for-wharf-festival.html

The annual August Moon Festival in Chinatown is another great event that is not to miss! Join in the celebration marking the end of the harvest season with storytellers, music, activities, and a dragon parade! The event takes place from 10:00AM-5:00PM on Sunday, August 10 at the intersection of Harrison and Beach Street.

Boston GreenFest 2014 comes to City Hall Plaza from August 15-17. This free educational event, designed to promote positive lifestyle changes that contribute to a healthier environment and ecosystem, offers countless activities for the whole family! Why not check it out?

The Franklin Park Coalition presents the Children’s Festival on August 19 from 10:00AM-2:00PM! For more information, call 617-442-4141 or visit www.franklinparkcoalition.org.

RECREATION

Sped Child Massachusetts provides a wide range of ideas for recreation and learning. Visit their recreation page: http://www.spedchildmass.com/recreation. Additionally, the Sped Child Massachusetts Home Page provides a list of fully accessible pools and beaches in areas across the state.

The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series brings free classes to area parks for people of all abilities through August. For a complete schedule, visit www.cityofboston.gov/parks, or call 617-961-3015.

Free yoga continues through August at Boston’s Frog Pond. A limited number of mats and blocks are available. More info can be found at www.bostonfrogpond.com.

FREE EVENTS

There’s still time to catch a free film outdoors on Boston’s historic esplanade! Free Friday Flicks are featured through the last week of August and are sure to put a smile on your face!

Boston’s Magic 106.7 is in the midst of its annual Free Family Film Festival! Films are shown each Saturday evening at the Prudential Center’s South Garden. Here’s a list of upcoming films! www.prudentialcenter.com/events

Mayor Walsh’s Movie Night: Mayor Walsh is hosting free movie nights all across Boston. All ages are welcome to join the fun. Free popcorn! Bring your blankets and chairs and make yourself comfortable as you enjoy these family favorites in the outdoors. Here are the details: http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/default.aspx?id=13734 or call 617-635-4505

The Boston Public Library presents free concerts in their outdoor courtyard each Wednesday evening and Friday afternoon through August.

Come join the Salvation Army, Garden Neighborhood Charities, and the City of Boston for a back to school celebrationwww.salvationarmyma.org/backtoschool for children and their families on Thursday, August 28 from 1-6pm at the Salvation Army Kroc Center! Children ages 5-17 get a FREE backpack of school supplies! Boston residents can register today through August 26 at a local Salvation Army.

The Boston Center for Youth and Families presents its series of summer block parties! Area families can enjoy cookouts, games, activities, swimming, and more!

The city of Boston provides a complete listing of area concerts, events, and learning opportunities available during the remainder of the summer. Check it out! www.cityofboston.gov/summer

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Boston Ballet offers an adaptive dance program in which students explore concepts related to dance and movement. Free trial classes will be held during the weekend of August 23. For more information or to register for the free trial or spring semester, visit their web site!

Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) is in the process of beginning a support group for youth with disabilities who are part of the LGBT community. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at the Multicultural Independent Living Center of Boston, 329 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, from 6-8PM. For more information or to RSVP for an upcoming meeting, please contact Jeff at EPIC (781-388-4340, jlafata@epicleaders.org) or Tricia at MILCB (617-942-8060, tariol@milcb.org).

Upham’s Corner Health Center’s Teen Clinic presents FREE workshops which provide teens 15-18 with knowledge, skills, and resources needed to be active members of their communities. Giveaways and refreshments are served. 3rd Thursday of every month, 5-7pm. 500 Columbia Rd, Dorchester. Contact: Vanessa Santos, 617-740-8143,vsantos@uphams.org.

BIG Brother BIG Sister: Big Brother Big Sister is now enrolling young boys, ages 7-12 in the greater Boston area to join. This program is designed to help boost young males’ self-esteem. Participants receive one on one attention from positive male role models. 617-956-0282, www.bbbsmb.org.

YEAR UP: This free program serves youth ages 18-24 who will receive an educational stipend and earn up to 18 free college credits while taking classes and completing an internship at top companies in Boston to prepare for a professional career. Currently recruiting for the September class. Info sessions Mondays and Thursdays, 4:30pm. 93 Summer St. 02110. Contact: Adanta, sahanonu@yearup.org, or 617-542-1533.

    Leave a Comment