Kids Boston - July 20, 2009

Life's a Beach

Gear for Beachgoers

Sandcastles and splashing in the surf aside, a little too much sun and things can get crazy. Best to be prepared before you dive in.

CLEAN
Keep drippy popsicles in check with a Larry the Lobster burp cloth by Maisey Mae Designs (207-799-6662). The super-thick cotton diaper sports a red crustacean with your choice of decorative ribbon edges and can be personalized with his name.

SCREEN
Stave off sunburn with Coolibar infant swim rompers (for girls and boys up to 24 months), which covers wrists to ankles with UPF 50+ (800-926-6509).

GLEAN
Any kid who thinks bringing home a sea creature would be cool will think twice after reading Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem, by Mac Barnett (Porter Square Books, 25 White Street, Cambridge; 617-491-2220). The oversize mammal teaches Billy a valuable lesson about responsibility.

And helps you draw a line in the sand.

WONDER
Aurélia’s Oratorio
What: Stage illusion, magic, and acrobatics performed by Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter.
Why: Now you see her.
When: Wed.-Aug. 2. Times online at amrep.org.
Where: Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge (617-547-8300).

DO
Children’s Performance Series
What: Storytelling, music, hands-on art activities, or performances each week.
Why: Variety acts.
When: Thru Aug. 12. Wed., 10-11 a.m.
Where: Titus Sparrow Park, W. Newton St., b/t Columbus & Huntington Aves., Back Bay (617-262-1120).

PLAY
Family Games
What: Traditional and nontraditional games like bocce, Chinese yo-yo, lawn tennis, and jump rope provided by athletic programmer Knuckle Bones.
Why: Take a turn.
When: Thru Aug. 19. Wed., 5-7 p.m.
Where: North End Parks (b/t New Sudbury & North Sts.) and Chinatown Park (b/t Surface Rd. & Beach St.), Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway (617-292-0020).