Free Boston Summer Arts & Crafts Workshops For Kids

Looking for something to do with the kids? Here you go! The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is offering Free Boston Summer Arts & Crafts workshops for kids. Here's everything you need to know to get the kids out of the house and getting in touch with their creative sides.

This FREE series is a great way to engage children and give them a creative way to enjoy summer. All of the workshops are led by local artists. They'll be held Tuesday through Friday throughout July and August. They'll be held from 10am - noon, and are drop-in workshops that features projects like: mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided.

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. The workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is encouraged so they know how many supplies to bring (pre-registration is required for groups of 8 or more). Please email parks@boston.gov to register.

This series is also weather-dependent. Check Boston Parks and Recreation's social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tuesdays, July 9, 16 & 23
Marcella Playground, Roxbury
Harambee Park, Dorchester

Wednesdays, July 10, 17 & 24
Iacono Playground, Hyde Park
Hynes Field, West Roxbury

Thursdays, July 11, 18 & 25
Fallon Field, Roslindale
Walker Playground, Mattapan

Fridays, July 12, 19 & 26
Mozart Street Playground,
Jamaica Plain
Joyce Playground, Brighton

Tuesday, July 30
LoPresti Park, East Boston
Langone Park, Puopolo Playground,
North End

Wednesday, July 31
Myrtle Street Playground,
Beacon Hill
Gertrude Howes Playground,
Roxbury

Thursday, August 1, 8 & 15
Medal of Honor Park, South Boston
Ringgold Park, South End

Friday, August 2, 9 & 16
Peter Looney Park, Charlestown
Ryan Playground, Dorchester

Tuesday, August 6 & 13
LoPresti Park, East Boston
Langone Park, Puopolo Playground

Wednesdays, August 7 & 14
Myrtle Street Playground,
Beacon Hill
Gertrude Howes Playground,
Roxbury

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has many things to offer this summer for everyone. Stay up-to-date with all the happenings by following them on social media.

Happy Summer! Enjoy the Free Boston Summer Arts & Crafts Workshops For Kids.

Massachusetts best chowder is a debate that has raged on forever. Everyone has their own favorite, and some people are very specific and passionate about their choice. So who really has the best? We asked, and you answered. Let's get into it.

For a lot of people when you say chowder, the one that comes to mind is New England Clam Chowder. That's one of the three main chowders. New England clam chowder is the creamy white chowder. Rhode Island chowder is the "clear" chowder, and then there's the one that many of us don't even acknowledge, Manhattan chowder. That's the "red" chowder.

New England Clam Chowder is milk or cream-based, and is the thick one of all the chowders. It's also made with butter, potatoes, port, onion, and of course clams. And you gotta have a side of oyster crackers to go with it.

Rhode Island Chowder is different from New England clam chowder in that is doesn't have any milk or cream. It's clear and has a tomato-based broth. This chowder is thought to be of Portuguese origins.

Manhattan Clam Chowder is how shall I put this? The worst of the chowders. Ok, that's my personal opinion, but I've never met anyone who actually likes it. Especially if they've eaten any of the other two chowders. It's basically a tomato-based chowder with vegetables in it including peppers, celery, and carrots.

Everyone has an opinion about what makes a good chowder great. But at the end of the day, Massachusetts best chowder descriptions contain the words creamy, thick, rich, and flavorful.

One of the highlights of Boston Harborfest getting underway today, has to be Chowderfest. Grab your spoon, get tasting, and cast your vote for Massachusetts Best Chowder. Chowderfest takes place on Tuesday, July 2nd. Get all the details below.

So in no particular order, here are the biggest vote-getters for Massachusetts Best Chowder.

Captain Parkers in West Yarmouth got a lot of votes, an according to their website, their record speaks for itself. They say, "We’ve participated in the Cape Cod Chowder Festival, the Newport Chowder Cook-Off, and the Boston Chowder Festival accumulating a total of 18 first place trophies and earning us the title of triple crown chowder champions. Our chowder has appeared in numerous programs on the Food Network and was even mentioned in a question on Jeopardy!"

Justin said, "It is always award winning and sold at Market Basket."

PJ's in Wellfleet is open and ready for business! Heather's thoughts on their chowder? "It’s not thick just fresh cream and butter. Soooo good! Made wish fresh Wellfleet quahogs yummm (I don’t like thick chowder because it’s just thickened with flour)"

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-causeway-restaurant-gloucester

The Causeway in Gloucester got high marks. Maura said, "Thick clam chowder full of clams and the bowl is no regular bowl!" 

Union Oyster House in Boston is a National Historic Landmark. It's the oldest restaurant in the country still operating. Tasha's a fan saying, "Honestly the clam chowdah at the Union Oyster House is life !!! That cornbread is crunchy on the outside corners , soft and tasty "

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bay-pointe-waterfront-restaurant-quincy

Baypoint in Quincy has a HUGE fan in Harajaban who said, "Baypoint in Quincy and it's not even close!!! Why? Because it's creamy and thiiiicccckkk! Plus they give you a lot for 8 bucks."

Cabbyshack in Plymouth got A LOT of votes and comments.

Sonya said, "Buttery, rich, creamy and you can stand your spoon up in it because it's so thick!"

Cici simply said, "without question."

Lyndsey said, "chunky thick and flavorful and phantom gourmet approved. The cravings for this are real. They even sell it prepackaged to bring home it’s so popular " 

Shawn only wants Cabbyshack saying, "Anytime I get it anywhere else I say “well it’s no cabby”"

Vinny says, "it’s thick and flavorful you won’t regret it." 

Quahog Republic is four locations: New Bedford, Onset, Woods Hole, and Falmouth.

Sparkle says, "Best chowder nice and creamy thick and just awesome "

The Weathervane Tavern is located in South Hamilton, MA. Terry says it's, "The BEST little hole in the wall there is " 

Land Ho! is in Orleans and is considered a genuine Cape Cod hangout. It's said the Murphy family has created a home away from home for locals, summer residents, and newcomers alike.

Deb says, "It’s a cute awesome bar/restaurant with good food!!"