Public Schools
If you are bringing your school-aged children, be sure to check public school registration requirements well in advance of your arrival. To enroll your child in Cambridge or Boston Public Schools, you must have a signed copy of your lease to prove residency.
Nearby public school systems:
There are many private schools in the area as well. For a third-party rating of public, private, and parochial schools, you may find information at GreatSchools.org valuable. For further information on public and private schools across Massachusetts, check out the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education site.
Day Care / Preschools
We’ve compiled a list of helpful resources during your child care search.
Childcare & Playgroups
Child Care@Harvard
The Child Care@Harvard website offers information about child care options at Harvard and beyond. Please note that residence in HUH does not guarantee space in one of Harvard’s child care centers.
Playgroup at Harvard Neighbors
Infants and toddlers groups meet regularly at the volunteer and community-oriented organization, Harvard Neighbors (Loeb House Basement, 17 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138). Harvard Neighbors membership is required. Visit the Playgroup at Harvard Neighbors website.
Student Babysitters
Student Employment Office
If you are looking for a babysitter, try the Student Employment Office at Harvard. You can browse ads from undergraduates offering to babysit or post an ad yourself.
Community and After-School Programs
Cambridge Community Schools
The City of Cambridge provides after-school educational, social, cultural, and recreational options for all ages in the Cambridge Community. Visit the Cambridge Community Schools website to learn more.
Enrichment Programs
Cambridge’s Department of Human Service Program Resource Guide contains an extensive list of childcare and enrichment programs, conveniently organized by neighborhood, including some information on costs.
Connect to Harvard Families Network
- Harvard Students' Spouses & Partners Association (HSSPA)
The Harvard Students' Spouses & Partners Association (HSSPA) is a volunteer-run organization open to spouses and partners of ALL Harvard students, post-docs, and fellows.- Harvard Survival Guide for Spouses and Partners
HSSPA published a very helpful guide. A must-read!
- Harvard Survival Guide for Spouses and Partners
- Harvard Office of Work/Life Resources
Childcare options and resources provided by the Harvard Office of Work/Life Resources.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge Parks
A map of nearby parks and playgrounds in Cambridge.
Parks with Water Features
Enjoy Parks with Water Features (splash pads/pools) to cool down on hot days.
Department of Human Services and Programs
The Department of Human Services and Programs provides services and programs for Cambridge residents of all ages. Check out the Programs for Youth and Programs for Families tabs.
- Cambridge Center for Families
Cambridge Center for Families offers families with children 8 years old and younger parenting education and support. - War Memorial Recreation Center
Check out War Memorial Recreation Center's offerings, which include classes and an indoor swimming pool.
Cambridge Agenda for Children
Cambridge Agenda for Children is a network of organizations that provide out-of-school time opportunities for children, including the Middle School Network for young teens and pre-teens.
Find It Cambridge
Visit Find It Cambridge for an online directory to find resources for every age group living in Cambridge.
Beyond Cambridge
Zoos
Accessible by bus and car, the Franklin Park Zoo has indoor and outdoor exhibits and a year-round cafe. The zoo is home to an expansive playground and a seasonal butterfly garden. A short drive up 93N, the Stone Zoo has a wonderful festival of lights around the holiday season, called “Zoo Lights.”
Farms and Wildlife
Mass Audubon
The Mass Audubon Society has a number of locations with family-friendly programs, including Drumlin Farm and the Habitat education center and wildlife sanctuary.
Drumlin Farm
At Drumlin Farm, you can experience life on a working farm and explore a wildlife sanctuary at the same time. It's about a 30-minute drive out to Lincoln from Cambridge to see the wildlife and wander the farm.
Habitat
Gentle trails wind through forests, across meadows, and around ponds and vernal pools at Habitat, located just outside of Cambridge in Belmont. A long-standing center for environmental education, Habitat offers year-round programs for all ages.
Hiking
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Friends of the Fells runs a few programs at Middlesex Fells Reservation that encourage families with young children to get outside as well. A hike for new parents, Babes in the Woods, meets at a different location each week on Tuesdays, and sometimes on Thursdays. Check the website to learn more about the reservation, plan a trip, and for a calendar listing of upcoming activities.
Please note: Neither Harvard University nor Harvard University Housing manages any of the sites or groups referenced on this page.