FUN THINGS TO DO!!!
Posted September 5, 2004
Following are descriptions about and contact information for all sorts of fun things to do and places to go to with your children. While this list is not all-inclusive as to the many similar venues available to Metro Boston and other Massachusetts residents, it does include many more outstanding and very affordable outing ideas than there are weekends in a year!!!
Listed categories include:
As you review the venues listed below, it is also VERY STRONGLY suggested that you “surf” the many listed websites as many, if not most, of these venues offer special and usually very affordable to even FREE events in addition to their regular ongoing activities.
Finally, as change is the case with just about everything in life, be sure to call ahead and/or check listed websites for changes in admission prices, hours of operation and so on.
GREEN ACRES IS THE PLACE TO BE……
Following is list of places to consider for an outing to pick your own apples, as well as other crops at some among the venues listed below. Be sure to check ahead as to hours of operation, what’s available to pick, prices, etc.
Please also be sure to note that RICH O’NEAL and others have had very positive things to say about MARINO OUTLOOK FARMS in SOUTH NATICK MA (see below).
For a huge list by city and town of apple pickings operations throughout the Commonwealth – as well as just about everything there is to know about apples from growing to picking to baking – see http://www.appleofyourpie.com/apples/orchards/orchard_list_MA.htm
BERLIN ORCHARDS, 200 Central St, BERLIN MA. Apples and hayrides. Call (978) 838-0463 or see http://www.berlinorchards.com
BOLTON SPRING FARM, Route 117, BOLTON MA. Apples, peaches, pumpkins and nectarines. Hayrides weekends. Call (978) 779-2898.
DREW FARMS, Tadmuck Road, WESTFORD MA. Apples, hayrides and picnic areas. Call (978) 692-6505 or see http://www.drewfarms.com
HONEY POT HILL ORCHARDS. Apples, farm animals, hedge maze and hayrides. STOW MA. Call (978) 562-5666 or see http://www.honeypothill.com
KIMBALL FRUIT FARM, 184 Hollis St, PEPPERILL MA. Apples and strawberries for picking, with other fresh produce for sale. Picnic areas. Call (978) 433-9781.
KROCHMAL FARMS. Pumpkins, Gourds, Apples & Corn. Pony & hay rides, animal petting area and crafts. 1211 South St, TEWKSBURY MA. Call (978) 657-5906 or, for Halloween hayride information, see http://www.geocities.com/krochmal_farms/haunted_hayrides
MARINO LOOKOUT FARM.
Apples, pears, grapes and raspberries!!! Train and pony rides, petting zoo and more. Per F&F member Rich O’Neal, Marino Farm
is well-organized to handle a far amount of visitors at a time, the train-look
tram ride out to the orchards is new & clean, the fields are well-tended
and the operation is well-supervised by pleasant staff. Admission prices are $5 adults, $4 for
children and you “buy” your picking bags for $10 (small), $20 (medium) or $30
(large). Rich rates it a worthwhile
outing even though he did not have time to check out the petting zoo. Check out the website for discount coupons,
special events (one involves Doug Flutie!!) and to sign up for the Farm’s Kids
Club!!!! 89 Pleasant Street, SOUTH
NATICK MA. Call (508) 653-0653 or see http://www.lookoutfarm.com. (FAVORABLY REVIEWED, ALL AGES)
NASHOBA VALLEY WINERY, 100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, BOLTON MA. Taste a little wine after picking apples at Boston Parents Paper’s top pick as the best place to pick apples. Call (978) 779-5521 or see http://www.nashobawinery.com
PARLEE FARMS, Farwell Rd, TYNGSBORO MA. Apples, pumpkins, raspberries & strawberries. Hayrides and farm animals too!! Call (978) 649-3854 or http://www.parleefarm.com
PHIL’S APPLES, Routes 110/111, HARVARD MA. Pick apples and make cider at the State Cider Champ’s farm. Call (978) 456-3361.
RED APPLE FARM, PHILLIPSTON MA. Apples, pears and potatoes, pumpkins. Hayrides, farm animals and BBQ picinic area. Call (800) 628-4581 or see http://www.redapplefarm.com
SHELBURNE FARM, 106 West Acton Rd, STOW MA. Apples, Moon Bounce, hay and pony rides. Call (978) 897-9287 or http://www.shelburnefarms.com
TOUGAS FAMILY FARM AND KITCHEN, Ball St, NORTHBORO. Apples, peaches and raspberries. Hayrides weekends. Call (508) 393-6406 or http://www.tougasfarm.com
Following are a few aquatic outing suggestions!!!!
Not only are the BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS a GREAT DAY TRIP option, four of the islands offer overnight camping. For general information, see http://www.bostonislands.org and for camping reservation information, see http://www.ReserveAmerica.com
CRYSTAL LAKE. Enjoy a great swimming hole complete with a bathhouse. $6 visitor pass. Green line D train accessible!! Lake Avenue and Lakewood Road, NEWTON, MA.
Enjoy both the beautiful CRANE BEACH and the spectacular nearby Crane Estate in IPSWICH MA before the local killer horseflies make their annual appearance. Argilla Road, IPSWICH MA. Call 978-356-4354 or see http://www.thetrustees.org for more information on Crane Beach and other Trustees of Reservation properties.
Don’t forget that the ESPLANADE along the Charles River in BOSTON is always a scenic option as well as that it is very conveniently accessible by public transit.
HOUGTON’S POND in the Blue Hills Reservation is always a great sunny day option and it is very easily accessible from Routes 128 and 138. CANTON MA.
Hit the woods and/or any of four lakes at MASSASOIT STATE PARK, Middleboro Avenue, EAST TAUTON MA. 508-827-7405.
For fresh water fans, don’t forget THE MYSTIC LAKE in WINCHESTER MA.
Enjoy the sun, sand and historic carousel at NANTASKET BEACH along Nantasket Avenue in HULL MA. Plenty of fee lot parking available right next to the beach, with parking free after around 4 pm during the summer and during much of the non-summer months of the year. Also, for those with small children, be sure to consider an outing at the nearby small cove beach at Gunrock Beach on Atlantic Avenue and then head over for a carousel ride AFTERWARDS. 617-727-8856.
SINGING BEACH (so named for the noise this beach’s sand makes as one walks on it). As parking at this beach is limited, consider taking the Newburyport/Rockland rail line. Beach Street, MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA. 978-369-3254.
Ponder a little philosophy as well as Civil Disobedience at WALDEN POND, 915 Walden St., CONCORD MA. Call 978-369-3254.
WORLD’S END is simply out of this world!! Enjoy this magnificent sylvan harbor front property that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. 250 Martin's Lane, HINGHAM MA. See http://www.thetrustees.org
… but without Gilligan, the Skipper, Ginger, Mary Ann, the Howells or the Professor. Following is a sample listing of on the water outing ideas and providers.
THE BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS – Imagine taking a boat ride to the park for an outing!!! Sightseeing, spectacular picnic sites, overnight camping, numerous historic old forts to explore, grassy areas to play on George’s Island, and many other great activities are available on the Harbor Islands. Ferries depart from Rowes Wharf in Boston as well as from Hingham and Hull. Your only costs, other than food and very modest overnight camping fees, are the ferryboat tickets and they are good for rides to as many islands as you can visit in a day or longer if you camp out overnight!!! Tickets are $8 adults, $6 seniors, $6 children and $25 for a family ticket (Note: ticket prices are as of 2003). THE ISLANDS ARE PERHAPS THE BEST SUMMER OUTDOOR OUTING VALUE IN ALL OF GREATER BOSTON. Call 617-223-8686 for ferry information or online at http://www.bostonislands.org
Not only are the BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS a GREAT DAY TRIP option, four of the islands offer overnight camping. For general information, see http://www.bostonislands.org and for camping reservation information, see http://www.ReserveAmerica.com
CANOE THE CHARLES – Enjoy a leisurely cruise!! Kayak and canoe rentals are available at 2401 Commonwealth Avenue, NEWTON MA. For more information, call 617-965-5110 or see http://www.skipaddle.com
Children 10 and over can learn to SAIL and then sail on all summer long for only $1 at the COMMUNITY BOATING & SAILING CENTERS in CAMBRIDGE & BOSTON. Daily through October 15. Also, yearly memberships for adults are only $175, with partial summer memberships running even lower still! Longfellow Bridge in CAMBRIDGE MA & adjacent to the Hatch Shell in BOSTON MA. Call (617) 523-1038 or see http://www.state.ma.us/mdc/charlesr.htm
For all you nature lovers, F&F member Tom Rettberg heartily recommends the FOOTE BROTHERS CANOE RENTALS on the Ipswich River as offering very scenic and pleasant outings. Tom suggests just going with the entry level “Willowdale Run” for first timers ($25 weekdays, $30 weekends per canoe) or perhaps the $35 anytime rate for the longer “Salem Run” for the more mature crews. Tom also notes that three people can easily fit in a canoe. Hours are 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, 7 Days a week April thru October. Willowdale Dam, 230 Topsfield Rd., IPSWICH MA. Call 978-356-9771 or see http://www.ipswichma.com/directory/attractions.asp (you will also note Ipswich Bay Ocean Kayaking on this link) and then Foote Brothers.
MASS BAY LINES for harbor, whale or “adventure” cruises. Watch out for discount coupons in the Globe Thursday Calendar section as well as occasionally in the Boston Herald and the free Boston Metro Newspaper. Reservations are required for coupons user and always a good idea anyway. Rowes Wharf, BOSTON MA. Call 617-542-8000 or online at http://www.massbaylines.com
MOXIE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES for Whitewater Rafting in MASSACHUSETTS & MAINE. For more info, call (800) 866-6943 or online at http://www.moxierafting.com
PIERS PARK SAILING in East Boston is an affordable, not-for-profit sailing program for families in Boston. For more information, check out Piers’ website at http://piersparksailing.org
WHALE WATCH & HARBOR TOURS. Sponsored by Salem Whale Watch & the Whale Center of New England. $30 adults, $20 seniors, $18 children (as of 2003). Pickering Wharf, 57 Wharf Street, SALEM MA. Call (800) 520-0017 or see http://www.whalecenter.org for whale information or http://www.salemwhales.com for tour times and other information.
WHALE WATCHES by A. C. Cruise Lines, 290 Northern Avenue (next to Jimmy's Harborside) South Boston MA. Call 617-261-6633 or (800) 422-8419. http://www.accruiseline.com
Enjoy White Water Rafting by the MAGIC FALLS RAFTING COMPANY. Day and overnight specials. WEST FORKS, ME. For more info, call (800) 207-7328 or online at http://www.magicfalls.com
YANKEE WHALE WATCH & DEEP SEA FISHING, GLOUCESTER MA. Reservations required. Call (800) WHALING or online at http://www.yankeefleet.com
STRIKE!!!!!!!!
For a very comprehensive listing of candlepin and tenpin bowling alleys, see http://members.aol.com/candlepinbowling/wheretobowl.html
Following is a brief listing of old favorites.
BOSTON BOWL. $4.25 for tenpin, $3.55 for candlepin). 820 Morrissey Blvd. DORCHESTER MA. Call 617-825-3800
CENTRAL PARK LANES (Candlepin). $2 per string, only 75 cents for shoes. 10 Saratoga, EAST BOSTON MA. 617-567-7073.
LANES AND GAMES (Tenpin). $4.25 per game, $2.25 for shoes. 195 Concord Turnpike, CAMBRIDGE MA. Call 617-876-5533 or see http://www.lanesgames.com
SACCO’S BOWL HAVEN (Candlepin). $2.50 per string, $1 for shoes. 45 Day Street, SOMERVILLE MA. Call 617-776-0552 or see http://singyourmuse.com/saccos/contact_us.htm
SOUTH BOSTON CANDLEPIN. $3.50 per string, $1.50 for shoes. 542 E. Broadway, SOUTH BOSTON MA. Call 617-464-4858.
TWENTIETH CENTURY BOWLING (Candlepin). $2.50 per string, $1.25 for shoes. KID FRIENDLY and homemade ice cream & frappes on sale too!! 1231 Hyde Park, HYDE PARK MA. 617-364-5274.
WAKEFIELD BOWLADROME (Candlepin). $2.50 per game, $1 for shoes. 92 Water Street. Wakefield MA. Call 781-245-7062.
The ARNOLD ARBORETUM, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, BOSTON MA. Call 617-524-1718 or see http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu
THE BOSTON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK is actually a set of historical sites and museums that offer great insights into Boston’s important role in our nation's history. Most of the Park's sites are connected by the Freedom Trail, a 3-mile walking tour of 16 sites of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown, including the Charlestown Navy Yard, home of the USS Constitution. See also Boston’s African American National Historic Site on Beacon Hill; and, in South Boston, be sure to visit Dorchester Heights, significant for its role in forcing the evacuation of the British from Boston during the Revolutionary War (and so making St Patrick’s Day a legal holiday in the Suffolk County!!) Most sites are FREE to visit. For more information, see http://www.nps.gov/bost/bost_lographics/home.htm
Enjoy beautiful grounds as
well as many special events year round at CASTLE HILL,
adjacent to beautiful Crane’s Beach in IPSWICH MA. FREE, but plan on $5 for parking. 290 Argilla Rd, IPSWICH MA.
Castle Hill is a Trustees of Reservations property. Call 978-921-1944 or see http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/123_events_search.cfm
for the complete list of upcoming Trustees events!!
And now for something
completely different, FOREST HILLS CEMETERY offers tours, concerts, lectures
and special exhibits throughout the year, especially during the warm time of
year. Explore the cemetery’s beautiful
275 acres and learn about all of the famous people buried at Forest Hills. FREE!!!
95 Forest Hills Ave, JAMAICA PLAIN MA (BOSTON MA). Call 617-524-0128 or see http://www.foresthillstrust.org
Hike FRANKLIN PARK in BOSTON MA. In addition to the zoo and golf course, the park has THE WILDERNESS, a 65 acre wooded area designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and which is complete with convenient trail access!! See http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks
Other hiking options include
BELLE ISLE RESERVATION in EAST BOSTON, THE BLUE HILLS RESERVATION in MILTON MA,
MIDDLESEX FELLS in MELROSE MA and POPE JOHN PAUL II PARK in DORCHESTER MA (a
great kite park, by the way!!) For more
information on these parks, see http://www.state.ma.us/mdc
or http://www.state.ma.us/mdc/Events.htm or http://www.state.ma.us/dcr
TAKE A WALK AT GORE PLACE and
explore the grounds of this 45-acre estate!!
Children ages 3-9 with accompanying adults can visit the farm animals as
well as explore the gardens brook and open spaces while using binoculars, a magnifying
glass and other items provided in a backpack.
Backpacks and grounds are available for your enjoyment daily from 11 am
to 3 pm for a backpack rental of only $5.
To reserve your backpack call Susan Katz at 781-894-2798. Also, the docent-led tours of the Gore
Mansion ($7 adults, $5 children as of 9/2002) are very well done and your
children WILL learn from them. Picnics
welcome as well as that baked goods and drinks often available on site!! Also enjoy frequent family events and
musical concerts. 52 Gore St., just off
Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line, WALTHAM MA. Call 781-894-2798 or see http://www.goreplace.org (FAVORABLY REVIEWED AS A GREAT FIND FOR ALL
AGES)
HALE RESERVATION – Explore over 1,200 acres of woods, ponds & meadows via 20 miles of trails, frequent educational events and guided hikes, fishing and non-motorized boating. 80 Carby St, WESTWOOD MA. Call 781-326-1770 or see http://www.halereservation.org
HALIBUT POINT STATE PARK features spectacular scenery as
well as hosts many nature programs on natural history, including wildflower
walks and tide pool programs during the summer and seabird walks during the
winter. Gott Avenue, ROCKPORT MA. FREE!!
Call 978-546-2997 or see http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/halb.htm
THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY – see http://www.massaudubon.org – has over 40 sanctuaries scattered from Nantucket to the Cape to inside the City of Boston to Western Massachusetts. Mass Audubon is also much more than just bird watching as it offers frequent guided nature hikes, special wildlife and nature presentations as well as all sorts of special events for adults, families and children just about every weekend, so be sure to surf its website!!! Also, some sites have indoor exhibit facilities. Admission is typically free to but a moderate cost, depending on which location, parking fees and/or for some special events. See also the Audubon’s special site for children at http://www.massaudubon.org/Kids/index.html
Be sure to check out the KITES
OVER NEW ENGLAND website at http://www.kone.org KONE hosts many fun events during the warm
time of the year throughout New England as well as posts its recommendations
for great places to go fly a kite!!!
MASSACHUSETTS STATE PARKS. Did you know that Massachusetts has THE EIGHTH LARGEST STATE PARK AND FOREST SYSTEMS IN THE NATION?!?!?! Explore over 2,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians as well as enjoy numerous camping, beaches, boating, swimming and picnicking venues. While the use of many of these facilities is free, whenever a fee is required, it is usually between a mere $2 to $7 for parking, with unlimited season parking passes available for only $35 (as of 3/2003) for MA residents – talk about a bargain!!!! To find out more, see http://www.state.ma.us/dem/forparks.htm (FAVORABLY REVIEWED, ALL AGES)
THE MDC is now “The Urban Parks & Recreation Division of the Department of Conservation & Recreation” (phew – so much for Government downsizing….). Name change notwithstanding, it’s well worth a web surf to see what’s up at the Metro Boston area parks (e.g., the Blue Hills, Charles River, Pope John Paul II and MANY more) at http://www.state.ma.us/mdc or http://www.state.ma.us/mdc/Events.htm or http://www.state.ma.us/dcr Whatever the current name of Metro Boston area Parks Department, there is usually at least one fun and usually FREE event to enjoy just about every week during the summer and usually MANY to choose from on most ANY weekend year round!!
MEMORIAL DRIVE in CAMBRIDGE MA is closed to traffic every Sunday from April to mid-November between 11 am and 6 pm. Bring your bike, inline skates, running shoes, or walking feet to take enjoy an outing on this magnificent parkway and its spectacular views of the Charles!!!
MIDDLESEX FALLS RESERVATION – check out over 2,000 acres of natural space, join ranger-led programs and enjoy the free use of kayaks, canoes, rowboats & sailboats (some skills certification is required for certain boats/call for further information). Spot Pond, Reservoir, 4 Woodland Road, STONEHAM MA. Call 617-727-5380 or see http://www.state.ma.us/mdc
TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC SALEM!! Tours daily at 2 pm and 4 pm. $5 to $8. 175 Essex St, SALEM MA. Call 978-745-0666.
THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS oversee and protect over 90
nature and open space reserves throughout the Commonwealth. Sites include working farms, scenic
parklands, environmentally important land and grand former estates. Specific site access admission fees tend to
be modest (with members admitted free) and the Trustees offer many
family-oriented events throughout the year as well as usually host at least a
couple of nature and/or general interest events just about every
weekend!!! To see all of many Trustees
sites, events offered as well as membership programs, be sure to surf http://www.thetrustees.org
RAILROAD
CLUBS
For an even larger listing of railroad-related listings, including real trains for your enjoyment, be sure to check out http://www.masshome.com/railroads.html
THE AMHERST RAILWAY SOCIETY features the Amherst Belt Lines, an HO modular railroad. AMHERST MA. See http://www.amherstrail.org
THE BAY STATE SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS features extensive
railroad models featuring HO, O and N scales.
Located in ROSLINDALE MA. See http://world.std.com/~dpowsner/home.html
THE CAPE COD MODEL RAILROAD CLUB features an HO scale model designed to simulate the Old Colony Division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad between Boston and Hyannis. This club is located in a baggage car and caboose in WEST BARNSTABLE MA. See http://www.trainweb.org/caperail/ccmrc
THE MIDDLESEX CENTRAL RAILROAD CLUB is an H0 model railroad club in WESTFORD MA. See http://www.muten.com/mcrr.html
THE NORTH SHORE MODEL RAILROAD CLUB is an HO and
HOn3 model railroad club featuring a 95 X 40 layout in the basement of Brothers
Restaurant. WAKEFIELD MA. See http://www.nsmrc.org
THE OLD COLONY RAILROAD CLUB features an HO modeling of the New Haven Railroad during the steam to diesel eras. TAUTON MA. See http://www.oldcolonyrrclub.com
THE SOUTH SHORE MODEL RAILROAD CLUB was founded in 1938 and
is one of the oldest HO model railroad clubs in the United States. HINGHAM MA.
See http://www.ssmrc.org
THE TECH MODEL RAILROAD CLUB OF MIT has been a favorite MIT student activity for over 50 years!! Visitors are very welcome to come for a visit and check the website for details. Also, calling ahead is probably a very good idea. Please further note that the hours that the Tech Railroad is open are a bit odd and often late into the night, but remember: college students run this railroad!!! MIT, CAMBRIDGE MA. For directions, hours of operation, etc, see http://tmrc.mit.edu
THE WORCESTER MODEL RAILROADERS is one of the oldest continuously running clubs in the United States and features a 40' by 60' HO scale layout. WORCESTER MA. See http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/1870
ROLL
ON!!!
For a useful link listing all sorts of ice rink and skating rinks throughout Massachusetts, see http://www.findthefun.com/lists/vxMA93.htm
And, for a quick list of roller skating rinks (many of which are posted on the above link), be sure to consider the following!!!!!
CHEZ VOUS DISCO ROLLER RINK, 11 Rhoades Street, DORCHESTER MA. Thursday is FAMILY NIGHT!! Call 617-825-6877
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS ROLLER RINK, 4 Woodbine Street, TAUNTON MA. Call 508-824-9363.
HOW WHEELS RECREATION CENTER, 424 Nash Road, NEW BEDFORD MA. Call 508-999-3350.
ROLL ON AMERICA, Route 2, Exit 34, LEOMINSTER MA. Call 978-537-4010 or see http://www.rollonamerica.com
ROLL-LAND SKATING RINK, 942 Providence Highway, NORWOOD, MA. Call 781-762-6999.
ROLLER KINGDOM, 5 Highland Park Avenue, HUDSON MA. Call 978-562-3440 or see http://www.rollerkingdom.com
ROLLER KINGDOM, Middlesex Road, TYNGSBORO MA. Call 978-649-3440 or see http://www.rollerkingdom.com
ROLLER KINGDOM is also in WOONSOCKET RI, see again http://www.rollerkingdom.com
ROLLER PALACE, 130 Sohier Road, BEVERLY MA. Call 978-927-4242 or see http://www.rollerpalace.net
ROLLER WORLD, 425 Broadway, SAUGUS MA. Call 781-231-1111 or see http://www.massrouteone.com/Alphbtcl/Busn7/rollerwo.html
SKATE PALACE, 110 South Main Street, MILFORD MA. Call 508-473-6611, see http://www.gscsm.org/goskatepalace.html
SKATETOWN USA, 1055 Auburn Street, WHITMAN MA. Call 781-857-1286 or see http://www.skatetownusa.net
SKYLITE ROLLER SKATING CENTER, 648 Park Ave, WORCHESTER MA. Call 508-757-8640.
WAL-LEX RECREATION CENTER, 814 Lexington
Street, WALTHAM MA. Call 781-894-1527.