Kids Boston - August 11, 2008

Head of the Class

2008 Back to School Guide

The summer reading list hasn’t been touched and it’s already time to start thinking about school.

Better get a jump-start on the gear now — you wouldn’t want to fall behind.

Dress him for success in Ferd’s fall collection, inspired by grown-up men’s wear (Tadpole, 37 Clarendon Street, South End; 617-778-1788). And she’ll brighten up any classroom in colorful threads from Me Too (The Red Wagon, 69 Charles Street, Beacon Hill; 617-523-9402).

Forget the brown bag and pack lunch in a Munchler lunch bag. The animal-shaped totes unzip to become a place mat, perfect for avoiding contact with germy cafeteria tables (Wild Child, 397 Massachusetts Avenue; 781-483-3566).

When Nurseryworks designed the adjustable Loom Desk + Chair, which grows with your kids, they really did their homework (Order at Kiwi Baby, 1636 Washington Street; 617-247-2229).

Here’s hoping your kids get inspired to do theirs, too.

SUN
Dorchester Beach Festival
What: Sailing, games, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and more.
Why: Go Dotty.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Malibu Beach, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (617-635-1195).

PARTY
West End Children’s Festival
What: Celebration planned for kids by kids with games, performances, and arts and crafts.
Why: It’s child’s play.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Along Thoreau Path, starting at Cardinal O’Connell Way and ending at Storrow Dr. (accessible from Martha Rd., Blossom St., Cardinal O’Connell Way, and Staniford St.), West End (617-670-1900).

EAT
Corn and Tomato Festival
What: Sample tomatoes and corn, plus enjoy a petting zoo, music, and pony rides.
Why: Get fresh.
When: Sat. & Sun., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord (978-369-4494).