Frequently Asked Question List:

What is Strolling Thunder MA?

Strolling Thunder MA will bring families with babies in strollers, coalition partners, and community organizations from across the Commonwealth to the Massachusetts State House to encourage state leaders to strengthen the system of perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health (IECMH) and early relational health (ERH) care, ensuring families can access the relationship-based services and supports they need to thrive. The event is modeled on successful national Strolling Thunder events led by Zero to Three.

Who will be joining the event?

This inaugural event and ongoing annual events will be attended by families with their babies and young children, community coalition members, policy makers, elected officials and advocates.

Where exactly will the event take place?

The event will take place in the Members’ Lounge on the 3rd floor inside the State House. When you enter the Statehouse from Bowdoin Street, take the elevators to the third floor and then follow the signs to the Member’s Lounge. There will be staff and volunteers with Strolling Thunder attire to guide you. Please see this walkthrough video to guide you through the path to the event.

Which entrance is accessible with strollers?

Please enter from The Ashburton Park Entrance to the Massachusetts State House located on Bowdoin Street (across the street from Capitol Coffee House).

What is the best way to get to the State House?

The State House is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest transit stops are:

  • Park Street (Red and Green Lines) – 0.1 mile walk
  • Downtown Crossing (Red, Orange, and Silver Lines) – 0.3 mile walk
  • Government Center (Blue and Green Lines) – 0.4 mile walk
  • Temple Place (Silver Line SL4 or SL5) – 0.2 mile walk

All of the underground transit stops listed above have elevators. Please note the walk from each station may be uphill.

Street parking near the State House is extremely limited. If driving, the closest garage is the Boston Common Garage. If being dropped off, please use Capitol Coffee House at 122 Bowdoin Street as an accessible drop-off location.

Does the State House have security?

All State House visitors will pass through a security checkpoint and may have their bags checked. Weapons, balloons, and large signs are prohibited.

Where can I change my baby during the event?

There are public bathrooms right across from our event space in the Members’ Lounge area on the 3rd floor of the State House, as well as downstairs on the 2nd floor. The closest changing table is in the public bathroom in the State House basement, and there is an elevator right nearby to get to either lower bathroom. You can follow signs and/or ask anyone with a Coalition T-shirt for directions to one of these spaces.

Where can I park my stroller?

There will be stroller parking outside the Member’s Lounge with signage.

Will food or drink be served?

Light refreshments (pastries, fruits, coffee, tea, and water) will be served.

Will there be photography and video at the event?

The event will be photographed and filmed. Images and recordings from the event may be used on the Massachusetts Babies Coalition/MSPCC website and social media platforms.

Will there be a play space for my child?

Yes, we will have a dedicated provider in a gated 6×6 play area with foam mats which will include a ball pit and some simple play materials. Adults are asked to supervise the children accompanying them at all times while they are in the play area.

What is the Massachusetts Babies Coalition?

An initiative of Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), the Massachusetts Babies Coalition brings together community organization partners, policymakers, the state’s infant mental health association (Massachusetts Association for Infant Mental Health), and lived experience professionals to co-create a shared vision and set priorities for systems building and policy that centers thriving babies, thriving families and thriving communities.

Click here to learn more about the Coalition.

My question wasn’t answered here. Whom should I contact?

We are looking forward to having you join us on June 24th at 10 am. Please email us at mababiescoalition@mspcc.org if you have any questions. One of our team members will respond to you ASAP.