Our events include games, crafts, entertainment, raffles and conversation with other local parents and kids! New members join us all year long; each gathering is an opportunity to make new acquaintances. Activities are open to all CFN members and are ideal for to getting to know other local parents and kids in more intimate settings. 

Events

Concord Family Network (CFN) holds a number of family-friendly events each year. These gatherings are FREE to all dues-paying members:

Valentine’s Day Party
Families meet at the Thoreau Club or West Concord Union Church and children enjoy making a craft, decorating cookies and a musical performance (Mr. Vic in 2012 and Ed Morgan in 2013). This is normally a members-only event but will be open to the community in 2013.

March Madness
CFN partners with Gymnastics Academy of Boston to host a fun afternoon of supervised jumping, bouncing and playing at GAB in Acton. There is an additional small fee per child or family and this event is open to CFN  members only.

Spring Egg Hunt
Under the shade of historic orchards on the grounds of The Old Manse, children are treated to crafts, games, and refreshments. The main event - the hunt - is run in two groups, toddlers and older children, and there are plenty of eggs and prizes for all.

New Baby Brunch
CFN sets aside one day in May every year to celebrate the birth of all babies born since the previous May. The event is usually held at one of the Concord Children Center’s locations, being at the Ripley School Location in 2011. There is food and activities for all in attendance. In 2011, presenters were on hand to show massage techniques for infants, relaxation techniques for parents, and how to use American Sign Language with babies. There were also complimentary chair massages!

Ice Cream Social
On a Saturday afternoon in June, usually before Fathers Day, at Ripley School Playground, families enjoy a make-your-own sundae buffet, musical entertainement (Jeff Jam in 2012), and kids make a special craft for Fathers Day. And of course, there's the playground!

Popsicle Party
CFN partners with Concord Public Schools to host a free, annual, end-of-summer, back-to-school Popsicle Party. While special invitations go out to incoming Kindergarten students, all Concord residents with kids age 0-8 are invited. CFN membership is not required to attend. There are field games, face painting, craft activities, playground time, and, of course, popsicles!

Fire Truck Wash
CFN partners with the Concord Fire Department and the Thoreau Club to host an event where children can wash a fire truck, meet a firefighter, learn about his gear, the truck he drives and fire safety. Refreshments are provided and the event is free and open to all Concord residents with kids ages 0-8.

Kids' Stuff Tag Sale
An indoor sale held in the fall.  The event features 20-25 sellers who each set up a 10’x10’ area with their gently-used baby and childrens’ items for resale. Sellers pay to reserve a spot (cost goes toward paying the rental of the school) and buyers pay $1 admission each. A bake sale is also held in conjunction and proceeds from admissions and the bake sale are given to a local non-profit organization such as First Connections.    

Halloween Party
Inside of the Concord Scout House, numerous crafts and games are followed by a costume parade with ample photo opportunities. This event is paired with a winter clothes drive and raffle to benefit a local charity.

Holiday Party
The Pajama Party Sing-Along and Holiday Celebration takes place in the Ransome Room at Concord Academy’s Math and Science Center. Children performer Tim Seston starts his performance at 4:15pm and at 5pm, the rest of the party gets underway with crafts and snacks. There is a special recognition and prizes for those wearing their pyjamas.

Activities

Each month, CFN members have many opportunities to get out and have fun with other local families and parents.

Mom’s Night Out 
Moms meet up for mani-pedi nights, to play Bunco, painting and pottery classes or meet up for drinks and appetizers at a local restaurant.

Playgroups
Infants of first-time moms group, toddler group, future kindergarten classmates group, siblings or general preschoolers (0-5 years old) meet on a regular basis either at a member's home or public location such as an outdoor or indoor playground.

Winter Play space
Members and their children meet once a week (Friday mornings) during the winter months of December through March at the Hunt Gym on Stow St. for indoor playtime.

Book Groups
Parents meet every six weeks at a member's home or the Concord Main Library to engage in lively  discussions. Announcement of next book coming soon!

Playground Meet-ups
Weather permitting, playground meet-ups occur weekly from April through October and alternate between Percy Rideout Playground and Emerson Playground.

Walking Group
Parents meet up once a week with their kids in carriers or strollers to walk around a Concord Neighborhood.  

Day Trips
Families go on day or half-day trips to local farms, orchards, to see how ice cream or cider is made.