Dear Mom on the South Shore:

We're still getting acquainted with our new stomping grounds but I've been researching indoor activities -- given the recent freezing temperatures and also for when I was looking into places to host Sahil's birthday party. Here are 10 options for indoor fun to consider:

1. Plaster Fun Time (Braintree). This is a good option for an arts and crafts type party. Each guest gets to pick a plaster item to paint and take it home with them the same day.

2. Playdipity (Cohasset). Meant for children under the age of 5, I have heard amazing things about this indoor playroom. No membership required and they host parties.

3. The Art Complex Museum (Duxbury). I have wanted to check out the Art Complex since I heard about it on a beach day this summer. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. They have workshops throughout the year for different ages and the education director was kind enough to tell me that the exhibit starting in February is perfect for playing I Spy, even with very little ones. They don't list birthday parties on their site, but it might make for a fun party outing with older kids and then have cupcakes at home or at a nearby café.

4. Art Attic (Hingham). Newly opened, Art Attic seems like the perfect place to take your little crafter. They host birthday parties.

5. Snip-its (Hingham). Geared mostly towards girls, Snip-its offers parties that allow party-goers to get manicures and make-up done together. Our good friend's 4 year-old attended a party there and the party was a hit with her crowd.

6. My Gym (Kingston + Norwell). With all the benefits of a worldwide franchise, but independently owned and operated, My Gym does birthday parties geared towards the 6 and under crowd.

7. Mamas Move (Norwell). Mamas Move is a playroom, gym, and spa all in one. We had a birthday party here for friends from Sahil's daycare and the kids had a great time. I am determined to take advantage of their ExploraZone Drop and Go service at least once this year to get a massage.

8. South Shore Natural Science Center (Norwell). Sitting on 30 acres, SSNSC has an indoor space if you need to keep warm and plenty to do outside if the kids need to let off some steam. They offer science and nature oriented birthday parties.

9. The Children's Museum in Easton (North Easton). My kids loved the Boston Children's Museum, so I'm looking forward to our first opportunity to check out CME. The drop in classes seem like the perfect way to keep kids entertained and if my kids were old enough, I'd definitely check out Pasta Making 101. They host parties too.

10. And if none of the above seem quite right, check with your town's recreation center. Many offer playgrounds and indoor spaces for rent to residents at reasonable prices. For example, if you happen to be a resident of Hingham, you can pick from various fields, playgrounds, an infant playroom, a gym, and an arcade type room to host private birthday parties.

Image credit: Sarah Hinchey Photography for Playdipity

Have a question for Christine or the Boston Mamas writing team? Drop Christine a line! And of course feel free to comment in if you have recommendations beyond those made above.