News Summary
Boston’s Annual Children’s Winter Festival, hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu, returned to Boston Common on February 19, bringing joy and winter fun to families. Despite the cold, families enjoyed a day of engaging activities, including a candy cane obstacle course, a fun house maze, and musical instrument explorations. The event also offered free ice cream, rides on a trackless train, and delicious treats from local sponsors. This community event symbolizes family fun during school breaks, fostering connections and celebration in the chilly weather.
Boston’s Winter Wonderland: Mayor Michelle Wu Hosts Annual Children’s Winter Festival
Boston recently transformed into a chilly wonderland as the Annual Children’s Winter Festival made its grand return to the Boston Common on Wednesday, February 19. This beloved event, presented by the city’s Mayor, Michelle Wu, along with the talented folks at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, brought joy to hundreds of children right in the heart of the city.
A Frosty Yet Fun-Filled Day
Although the temperatures hovered around a brisk 23 degrees Fahrenheit, that didn’t stop families from bundling up and heading out for a day of laughter and excitement during the February school break. The festival was packed with numerous entertaining activities that kept the little ones and their parents engaged.
Exciting Activities to Keep Everyone Busy
Festival-goers had a blast navigating a fun house maze, while others tested their skills on a candy cane obstacle course. Music lovers poured their energy into the musical instrument “petting zoo” put together by the Boston Music Group, where kids could explore various instruments and even try playing them. And let’s not forget the excitement of large inflatable attractions, including the All-Star Challenge and the Fun House Maze. It was a true feast of winter fun!
Treats to Warm the Spirits
No festival would be complete without some delicious treats! Free ice cream was offered despite the chilly bite of winter, bringing a sweet smile to many faces. One enthusiastic attendee, Freddy, humorously declared that the cold was giving him “brain freeze” instead of the ice cream! While he didn’t wear mittens to battle the cold, he seemed to be enjoying every moment. His mother, Molly, commented that the festival was ultimately easier to relish when the weather cooperated a little more.
Fun for Everyone
The festival also featured other engaging entertainment options like rides on a trackless train, where kids giggled as they zipped around, and the alpine slide that had everyone exhilarated. For those who loved throwing snow, the snow throw area was a perfect paradise!
Creativity and Learning Opportunities
In the spirit of creativity, the LEGO® Discovery Center Boston joined the festivities with exciting seasonal builds and fun activities. Meanwhile, the New England Dairy’s Mobile Dairy Bar provided fresh milk for all, giving families a nutritious boost as they enjoyed the day.
A Community Tradition
The Children’s Winter Festival was not just a fun outing; it was also free and designed for all families to enjoy together. Mayor Wu encouraged Boston residents to take part in this cherished tradition during school breaks, reinforcing the importance of community engagement and fun-filled family activities.
Generous Support
This warm-hearted event was made possible thanks to generous sponsorships from the Highland Street Foundation, H.P. Hood LLC, and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Collaborations also included groups like the UMass Boston Early Minds Lab and the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s Hospital. With such strong community support, the festival proved to be a joyous gathering for families in and around Boston.
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year!
The event took place on the Boston Common Parade Ground, located at the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets, and called out to all families to come together for a day of joy, laughter, and winter magic. For those who missed out or want to know more, further details and updates about next year’s festival can be found at boston.gov/winterfest. Mark your calendars and get ready to bundle up for next year’s festivities!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Time Out: Children’s Winter Festival
- MSN: Family-Friendly Fun at Boston Children’s Winter Festival
- Eastie Times: Children’s Winter Festival Returns
- Google Scholar: Children’s Winter Festival Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Common
