About the Hale Family Center for Families
The Hale Family Center for Families is dedicated to supporting patient families through their experience at Boston Children's Hospital. Patients and families who have scheduled outpatient appointments or who are staying at the hospital inpatient are welcome to use the center. The Hale Family Center for Families serves as a space where families are welcome to rest and relax in between appointments and learn more about resources at Boston Children’s Hospital and throughout Boston. Working with many departments across the hospital, the Hale Family Center for Families strives to create a home away from home for all families during their time at Boston Children’s.
The Hale Family Center for Families is on the main campus, in the lobby between Panera Bread and the interactive wall.
Hospitality services
- Help with hospital resources and wayfinding
- Complimentary Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and tea
- Water filling station
- Lending library of DVDs and books for families to check out and take to their rooms
- Notary services for families
- Caregiver lactation room
- Emergency toiletries and laundry soap
Communication needs
- Computers, printers, a fax machine, and a scanner for families to use
- Cell phone and tablet-charging station
- Conference rooms that are available for family meetings, remote work, private phone calls, quiet family time, or birthday parties
Well-being offerings
- Reiki and massage for inpatient parents and caregivers
- Yoga classes, currently scheduled on Fridays
- Learn about our well-being offerings
Cultural connections
- Assistance in English, Spanish, Arabic, and French from multilingual staff
- Information about cultural and spiritual resources in the hospital and community
- Individual and group support from Spanish-speaking staff
- Educational videos to help orient you to the hospital (Spanish) ver: Su guía del Boston Children's Hospital
- Educational videos to help orient you to the hospital (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNdnrJ0WHYVZlukopadslCVam3lIS0Rc-
Activities and support for parents and caregivers
- Inpatient parent and caregiver coffee hour
- Inpatient parent and caregiver coffee hour for Spanish parents and caregivers
- Camp for the caregiver paint nights
- Haircuts for parents and caregivers with local hair stylists
Activities for patients and siblings
- A space equipped with a TV, staffed with volunteers and a child life specialist
- Grab and go coloring pages and activities
- Lending library for all ages and reading levels
- Regularly scheduled events such as holiday celebrations, movie screenings, and more
- Visits from Pawprints Program therapy dogs
Parking and accommodations support
- Inpatient need-based parking program
- Support for hospital-based housing, community partners, hotels, and short-term rentals
Advocacy and support programs
- Teen Advisory Committee
- Family Advisory Council
- Family Medical Coping Initiative
- Bereavement Program
- Licensed nurses, social workers, and child life specialists on site daily in the center
Contact us
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Major holidays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contact information
Telephone: 617-355-6279
Fax: 617-730-1949
Email: center.families@childrens.harvard.edu