Close–to-home options for beating back the Snow Day blues

Well folks, we’re well into winter now- and that means snow days. If you’ve found yourself in a bind regarding child-care on a day when school is cancelled, check out Boston Center for Youth and Families. They offer drop-in child care for ages 7 and up in various neighborhoods around town and provide a great option for parents who don’t have the luxury of tele-commuting.

According to a BCYF spokesperson, “Unless the Mayor calls for essential personnel only, all BCYF centers are open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. when BPS is closed. When the Mayor does call essential only during major weather events, we have 12 centers open. The best thing to do is check our website (boston.gov/communitycenters) or follow us on social media. We put the information out as soon as the Mayor makes a decision.”

A few things to note about BCYF drop in centers- Children under 12 must have a parent with them at drop off to complete an intake registration, and kids should bring snacks and lunch with them as the programs don’t provide food or drinks.

Here’s some other dates you may want to keep in your planner:

Thurs., Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.— Boston Arts Academy presents “Dancing in the Streets: a 20th Anniversary Celebration” at the Strand Theater. Tickets available at bostonartsacademy.org.

Fri., Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m. —Tiny Tots Sign Language at Fields Corner BPL. 1520 Dot Ave. Every Friday! Teach your baby to communicate.

Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m.
— Summer Camp Open House at the Dot YMCA, 776 Washington St., Dorchester.

Saturday, Jan 27.— Winter Princesses visit Franklin Park Zoo. Meet, sing and share story time with your favorite winter princesses! Explore the Zoo to solve clues in a fairy tale inspired scavenger hunt. Inside the balmy Tropical Forest, get creative at the kids’ craft table, and then at 2 p.m., don’t miss a gorilla forage feed and zookeeper chat! Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite fairy tale inspired outfit.

This event is included with general Zoo admission.

Saturday, Jan 27, 1 p.m.— Girls Who Code at the Grove Hall Branch of BPL. Ongoing event, additional dates of Feb 10, Feb 24, March 3, March 24. This program is for all abilities, grades 5-12. Registration is required by contacting Kelly Luis at m11keluis@gmail.com.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. —Informational event for Foster, MA. Come to learn about how to become a foster family to a child in need. Daniel Driscoll Neponset Health Center, 398 Neponset Ave., Dorchester.

Friday, February 16, 6 p.m. — Teen Night at the Harvard St Neighborhood Health Center for ages 14-18. The topic of discussion will be healthy relationships (friends, family, etc.). After the discussion, we will then enjoy a delicious meal while watching an age-appropriate fun movie!

Sat., March 3 at 9:30 a.m.— the Dot Day Parade Committee will be hosting it’s 2nd Annual Character Breakfast to raise funds for the June parade. Characters such as Poppy and Branch from Trolls, Batman, Minions, Mickey, Minnie, Moana, Peppa Pig, Cookie Monster and Elmo will be on the scene at Meetinghouse Church. A delicious breakfast will be served by Season’s Catering and ice cream will be available from Chill on Park. $20 per adult, $10 per child 12 and under. Children under 2 are free.

Monday, March 12, 11 a.m.— Black History Heroes, Soldiers and Spies presented at the Grove Hall BPL, 41 Geneva Ave. Buffalo Soldiers, including Colonel Charles Young, as they explore and settle the American West. They will also join the Tuskegee Airmen as they take flight to help win World War II. This play also highlights the work of spies such as Mary Elizabeth Bowser who worked for the Union during the Civil War. This exciting and interactive production will captivate audiences as they are drawn into some of the most unique and exciting stories from Black History.

Friday, March 23, 7 p.m. — Cold Night, Hot Stove presented by the All Dorchester Sports League. At First Parish Church, 10 Parish St.


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