Parenting is full of things you say are for your kids but are actually all about you. (“Her hair was in her eyes, so I had to cut bangs.”)

Add Apple Park’s beanies and booties to the list. You’ll buy the cuter-than-a-button toppers and slippers in the name of encouraging imaginative play, but secretly it’s just to make you smile.

Representing all the Picnic Pals — bunny, monkey, cubby, lamby, and ducky — the coordinating combos are crafted from organic cotton and natural silk-blended hemp. Cozy booties in the shape of animal feet slip on without a struggle. And the soft beanies have a Velcro-like closure that fastens under the chin without inducing a case of the itchy-scratchies.

In fact, our usually antihat 1-year-old completely forgot she was sporting a lamb up top as she played around the house.

Much to our delight.

Available online at applepark.com, $24-$28.

TASTE
The Maple Syrup Boil Down Festival
What: Hear musical performances and watch sap from local trees become a pancake’s match.
Why: Sample the fruits of their labor afterward.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., Somerville. For info, call 617-628-9988. Admission is free.

CAPTIVATE
Hansel and Gretel
What: Adventurous siblings trek through the forest in Boston Lyric Opera’s family-friendly show.
Why: See if they succumb to those sugar cravings.
When: Sat. & Sun., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Where: Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, The Fenway. Tickets at 617-542-6772 or online at purchase.tickets.com. Adults, $18; children, $12.

IMAGINE
Seussational
What: Create stick puppets, dig into gooey green oobleck, and participate in a themed hunt (ages 3-11).
Why: Make a wacky hat that would do the much-loved author proud.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence (401-273-5437). Adults and children, $8.50; under 1, free.

Photo: Courtesy of Apple Park