Melrose, MA, is a picturesque suburban community located just seven miles north of downtown Boston. Renowned for its excellent school system and safe neighborhoods, Melrose is a fantastic place to raise children. The city offers a plethora of educational and entertainment opportunities that cater to both young minds and family-oriented individuals. Melrose boasts a top-notch public school system, with highly regarded elementary, middle, and high schools that consistently achieve high academic standards. The city's commitment to education is further highlighted by its state-of-the-art public library, which provides a wealth of educational resources and hosts various programs and events for children and families. In terms of entertainment, Melrose offers a wide range of activities suitable for kids of all ages. Families can explore the expansive Middlesex Fells Reservation, a nearby nature reserve that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. The city also features numerous parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and community centers, providing ample space for outdoor activities and recreational sports. Melrose is also home to a vibrant community of theater companies, art galleries, and music schools that offer a variety of classes and workshops tailored for children. The city hosts several annual family-friendly events, such as the Victorian Fair and the Melrose Arts Festival, which showcase local talent and provide entertainment for all. Additionally, Melrose's proximity to Boston opens up endless possibilities for educational and entertainment opportunities. Families can easily access world-class museums, science centers, and historical landmarks, making day trips to enriching cultural experiences a breeze. Overall, Melrose, MA, is an ideal place for families, providing a nurturing environment, excellent educational resources, and a wide array of entertainment options for children, ensuring a well-rounded upbringing for the younger generation.
Read morechild enrichment programs in Melrose, MA


Melrose Family YMCA
For 125 years, the Melrose Family YMCA has been an integral part of the Melrose community. From providing a place to swim to offering a variety of health and wellness programs, the Y is dedicated to meeting the needs of our neighbors. Whether it’s providing child care, offering enhanced fitness for seniors, or helping individuals of all ages stay healthy and active, the Y is committed to being a cornerstone in the community. Every year, the Y serves an impressive 22,000 people. The Melrose Family YMCA has been a fixture in the community since 1894. Over the years, the Y has provided programs and services designed to meet the needs of the community. With a mission to help individuals of all ages stay healthy and active, the Y offers a variety of health and wellness programs, child care facilities, and enhanced fitness for seniors. In addition, the Y serves an impressive 22,000 people annually. For the past 125 years, the Melrose Family YMCA has been a beacon in the community. From providing a place to swim to offering a wide range of health and wellness programs, the Y has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our neighbors. With its mission to help individuals stay healthy and active, the Y has become a cornerstone in the community. Every year, the Y serves a remarkable 22,000 people.


Soccer Shots
At Soccer Shots, character development is the foundation of their program, providing a platform for children to build confidence and develop important social skills. The Soccer Shots program provides an engaging environment that encourages children to have fun while learning the sport of soccer. Soccer Shots also incentivizes teamwork, good sportsmanship, and respect for others. Kids of all abilities and backgrounds are welcomed to join.


Bellevue Golf Club
At Bellevue Golf Club, we offer a variety of activities for members and their families. From a round of golf on our 18-hole course to swimming in the pool, playing a game of tennis, or enjoying a meal with friends and family, there’s something for everyone. We also have a calendar full of exciting social events that can’t be missed. Wine tastings, holiday brunches, live music on the patio, unique themed dinners, and family nights are just some of the offerings. Come join us and experience all that Bellevue Golf Club has to offer.


Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation
The Middlesex Fells has had a long and rich history. For centuries, it provided hunting and fishing grounds for Massachusett and Pawtucket (or Pennacook) Native Americans, who grew grain, corn, squash, and beans. In 1632, Governor John Winthrop named the largest body of water “Spot Pond” due to the many islands and rocks protruding through the ice. The Fells then went on to be used for farming and timber, followed by industrial activity in the mid-1800s. Finally, in the late 1800s, it was a key property in the Boston metropolitan park movement, driven by several conservationists. Today, the remaining Massachusett Tribe can be found at Ponkapoag. Parents can learn more about the Massachusett Tribe and the Middlesex Fells’ fascinating history with their children.


Art in Motion Academy of Dance
As a parent of a young dancer, you want your child to have the best possible experience when it comes to learning the art of dance. Our dance year runs from September to June, allowing your child to be immersed in a challenging yet rewarding world. We emphasize development of coordination, poise, perception, self-esteem, and physical & mental discipline in a fun and inclusive environment. We understand that cost is an important factor when it comes to enrolling your child in any activity. That’s why we strive to make our dance classes accessible and affordable for all. With our quality dance education, your child will build a special connection with the art of dance that will stay with them for a lifetime.


Melrose Youth Ballet
In 1994, a group of Melrose residents with a passion for the arts decided to bring the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, to the North Shore. After a year of fundraising and forming a board of directors, they had raised enough money to pay for the beautiful costumes and scenery that make ballet productions so special. Since 1995, Melrose Youth Ballet (MYB) has made The Nutcracker an annual tradition. The production is staged annually at Melrose Memorial Hall and stars hundreds of dancers from 19 nearby communities and 33 different dance studios. Through the years, MYB has been fortunate to have many talented Artistic Directors. Denise Cecere led the production in 1995, followed by Terry Fox in 1996, Tamlyn Bernhausen in 1997-1998, Jaclyn Cronsberg in 1999, Alfonso Figuera in 2000-2001, Katie Pesce in 2002-2004, and Jaclyn Cappozzi Demianiuk and Christina Leonard-Kristan as Associated Director in 2005-2015. Travers King and Andrea Fanikos have been co-Artistic Directing since 2017. MYB is proud of its many talented Artistic Directors and looks forward to continuing the tradition of The Nutcracker for many years to come.


Step One Child Care
At Step 1 Childcare & Learning, we provide a comprehensive learning program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-K children in the Melrose, Malden, Stoneham area. We create a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages children to explore, discover and learn at their own pace. Our caring and capable teachers offer a variety of activities and experiences to help children develop skills in areas such as language, social interactions, problem-solving, motor skills, and self-help. We place a strong emphasis on creative expression and play-based learning. We understand that parents value an open and honest relationship with their child’s teachers. We strive to create an atmosphere that fosters positive communication and collaboration between parents and teachers. Our staff is dedicated to providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for children between the ages of 2 months and 7 years. We are committed to helping children reach their individual potential and become confident, independent, and capable learners.


The Music Shop
At our music school, established in 1997, we offer private lessons on a range of instruments, including guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice, violin, mandolin, and ukulele. Our teaching staff is made up of graduates from the prestigious Berklee College of Music and experienced professional musicians, so you can be sure your children are receiving the best instruction. Through our lessons, we have helped countless students to excel in their performances both on stage and during auditions. We take pride in our track record and are confident that we can help your children reach their musical goals. Our music school is dedicated to helping children unlock their potential in a fun and creative environment. We provide private one-on-one tuition and our experienced teaching staff are here to help your children develop their skills and reach their musical goals. With our proven track record and the expertise of our Berklee College of Music graduates, you can be sure your children will get the best possible education in music.


Melrose Daycare Center
In 1971, a group of citizens from the Melrose community, including members of the First Congregational Church, set out to create the Melrose Day Care Center, Inc. (MDCC). The Church provided much needed space for the center, which has served the community ever since. Amy Spollett and Janet Runge were instrumental in starting MDCC, and both women continue to serve on the Board of Directors today. Amy's dedication to MDCC was evident as she served on the Board for 35 years before her passing in 2015. MDCC continues to thrive as a testament to the vision of the founders.


Teachable Moments Childhood Program
At our centre, we strive to provide the highest quality of early childhood care and education. We understand that each child is unique and learns differently. That is why our teachers make sure to observe each child to discover what type of experiences they prefer, whether it be quiet or noisy, routine or novelty, or independent or social play. We know how important it is for children to be exposed to activities and play that are appropriate for their development. Our team of teachers works hard to create an emergent curriculum that meets the needs of each individual child, giving them the opportunity to gain confidence and celebrate their successes. Our goal is to foster a love of learning that will stay with them for life.