USS Constitution, Charlestown MA

You history buffs will know this:  The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy.  It's nickname is Old Ironsides, and it fought in the War of 1812.  It is a National Historic Site and is therefore FREE!

Because Old Ironsides is a real, working part of the US Navy, security is quite tight.  You do need to pass through metal detectors, xray your belongings, and show ID to enter. Outside the secure area there was a stand with a National Park Ranger showing toys used in the 1800s.   The kids did enjoy this for a short while.  The Ranger suggested that we also check out the separate Constitution Museum, which we originally didn't plan on.  Once you are inside the secure area, there's a small gift shoppe and several displays.  The bathrooms are located here, and I'd suggest getting a quick visit in before you get on the boat!

Outside the boat, you have two options.  You can have a self-guided tour that only includes the top deck, or instead you can wait for a guided tour that includes the living quarters, and other parts of the ship.  I look forward to doing the tour when the kids are a bit older.  For this day it was quite exciting enough to tour the real 'pirate ship'.  (Much as I tried to explain, the boy was convinced we were on a pirate ship!)  We spent about a half hour on board the boat.  We then ventured over to the museum.

A delightful surprise, the Constitution Museum was actually quite interesting and really geared towards children.  There are two levels.  On the first floor there was a theater which we didn't explore, and a "war room" that had a painted map of the world on the floor, puppet theater and stage, strategy games, and puzzles.  The kids liked this. Towards the back of the museum there were some other historical items that someday we will get to explore.  Then we went upstairs.  (I did not notice if there was an elevator or not....we simply left the stroller downstairs next to a few others.)  Upstairs was really geared towards children.  They continued with a theme of following the lives of some of the sailors.  You started in a room to resemble where you would enlist.  Great displays for all ages covering comparisons between being a sailor or a marine.  Then there was a play ship, and also a pully system to demonstrate how live animals were brought on board to provide food.  (Even I learned something here!)  There were some other displays and masks the kids checked out.  The back room up here hand on examples of how the sailors slept in hammocks, what they ate, and how they cooked. There's actually a real piece of bread from the 1800s.  It was really cool and several tears where shed when it was time to go.

This trip was an impromptu adventure and it's definitely something I plan to do with them again and again.

Parking: We did pay to park and had a short walk.  The Hubby did the driving so I didn't pay too much attention to the options.  There are many tour buses that stop through here, and it is on the Freedom Trail.  You certainly could park elsewhere in the city and walk over.  We opted to park here, walked to Fanueil Hall, rode the Carousel on the Greenway and walked back.

Cost:  USS Constitution is free.  The museum has a suggested donation of $5.00 per adult, $3.00 for Seniors, and $2.00 for children.  They also provide validation for parking in some local lots.

Important things to note:  The USS Constitution and the Constitution Museum are two entirely different things, run by two different organizations.  The days and hours of operation vary.

The USS Constitution current hours of operation are:

November 01 - March 31
Open Thursday-Sunday, 10:00 - 3:30                                   


April 01 - September 30
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 - 6:00

October 1 - October 31
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 - 4:00

The Constitution Museum hours are: 

November 01 - March 31
Open Daily, 10:00 - 5:00
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

April 01 - October 31
Open Daily, 9:00 - 6:00 

Pirate Park, Ipswich

Pirate Ship Park in Ipswich is a pretty cool park that I had heard lots about, but could never find any information about.  This summer we met up with some friends to check it out.  It's located on Little Neck Rd. in Ipswich, across from Pavillion Beach.


The park is fenced on 3 sides, has a half basketball court, and some soccer goals.  The back side of the park is not fenced.  There is a house that overlooks the park here, and running off has not been a problem at all with my kids here. There are some swings - 2 baby swings, 2 regular swings, and an accessible swing that are towards the back of the park.  This is one of my few complaints about the park.  If I have one child swinging, I am no where near the other two.  The only other complaint I have is that there is very little shade.  There's a small gazebo in the middle of the park that you might be able to sit at while the kids play.  Mine are still a bit too young for that!

After the park, you can walk across the street and explore Pavillion Beach.  Its at the Salt Marsh, and it's a rocky beach.  We've never brought suits for swimming here!  My kids love throwing rocks into the tide pools.  Check out some of our pictures below.

Parking:  One handicap spot, and about 4 other spots right next to the park.  Across and just down the street there's quite a few spots available in the parking lot.

Bathrooms: None.  Be prepared for this.

Connors Farm, Danvers MA

This is the second year that we've been CSA members at Connor's Farm on route 35 in Danvers MA.  Just about every Friday afternoon you could find us visiting the farm.  (If you aren't familiar with a CSA, it is definitely something worth checking out.  More information can be found here).

There's a great farm stand with all sorts of fruits and vegetables.  For the kids, there are quite a few things to do to keep them occupied.  There is a sandbox with some trucks, duck races, animals, and the "spider web".  Down by the pond there are also tire swings designed into a horse.  Throughout the year there are pick your own Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Corn, Apples, and Pumpkins.  For the fall, they have a bouncy house, jumping pillow, corn maze, pedal carts, hayrides, BBQ pit, Cider donuts, apple picking, etc.  There is just a ton to do for the kids, but be aware that you have to pay admission to get anywhere on the farm.  Admission rates are posted on the website.  This year we have yet to make the weekend trip since we usually play on the farm all summer long without having to pay admission.  I do think if you are looking for a place to go apple picking with the kids and to spend an afternoon, this is a great place to go.  Admissions range from about $10 to $13 per person for general admission.  Kids 2 and under are free.

Parking: The farm has about 20 -30 parking spots, and then it's street parking.  There are no sidewalks on the street.  The only time we've noticed parking to be an issue is during the Strawberry Festival in June, and during apple picking season.  Fortunately, there's usually plenty of security and a police detail in place to make it as safe as possible.

Bathrooms:  There is a bathroom just outside the store, near the picnic tables.

UPDATE: Zoo New England, Franklin Park

We have a family plus 2 membership that allows us 2 named adults, 4 children, and two guests each time we go to the zoo.  The best part of this membership is that we can always bring friends with us! It's good at both the Stone Zoo, as well as the Franklin Park Zoo.  The Franklin Park Zoo has been one of my favorite places to go.  In comparison to the Stone Zoo, the Franklin Park Zoo is easier to navigate with multiple kids. It's generally more open, and I can keep a closer eye on the children. There are more things to keep the kids occupied.  I also think there are better animal exhibits.  (Christopher the Lion, a baby gorilla names Kiki, Giraffes, and my middle daughter's favorite Tapirs -Milton and Abby)

This past summer the Franklin Park Zoo completed construction on it's new playground and other play structures throughout the park.  My kids just LOVE it.  On the other hand, given the ages and abilities of my kids I have some reservations.  I'll go through the playstructure and their locations.  We typically start at the back entrance of the zoo. (usually more parking, and it's less crowded)  Right when we come in there is a small playstructure.  It's quite odd when you see it.  It's got about 6 jacks shaped things on a metal frame.  My kids love climbing it!  It's a bit too big for my (very tiny) 2-year old.  Over by the lion and tigers are some play structures as well.  On the backside of the lion exhibit is a new climbing structure.  I'm not sure what the intended age is on this one.
My son loves it, and it's a bit too big for my girls.  

Also by the Lion is a food stand that's open during the summer, as well as a 'crate' and sitting area.  We somehow manage to spend quite a bit of time playing in and around the box.  Walking back around the Lion's Den, there's a Jeep that's 'crashed' into the exhibit.  Lots of fun for the kids.

By the Food Court and Children's Farm there is a tractor for the kids to play on, some coin operated rides, and a twisty slide.

Now, onto the BIG, new and exciting playground!  Here are some pictures we took at our last visit.
   I wish I was able to take more pictures, but with three kids 4 and under it just wasn't meant to be!  This is quite the playground.  There is a large section towards the back dedicated to the 2-5 age group.  My personal opinion is this is a great area, but might be a little advanced for the 2 year olds.  There's just so much to explore in this area.  There are baby swings, and also a pretty cool "Merry Go Round".  (I didn't know they still existed!)  The other side of the playground is just gigantic!  It is intended for older children, and I imagine kids could spend hours upon hours here.  I am not a nervous mom, and usually let my kids explore everything.  However, this playground is just too much for me to manage alone with my 2, 3, and 4 year old.  I can not wait to explore it when they are 5, 6, and 7!  Kudos to the Franklin Park Zoo, but I'm just too outnumbered and the big side is just too big for us right now!

This summer the Franklin Park Zoo also added a Dinosaur exhibit, which is now closed for the season.  I do hope they bring it back next summer.  It was an additional charge, but worth a visit now and again.  

Admission rates: Please check out the Zoo's website for more details about cost, food, parking, etc.