Back and focused

I've completely neglected this blog.  Sorry about that!  We've certainly been out and about, but with school and classes at the Y, doctors appointments....well, you know.  If you are reading this blog, you're most likely a parent and you get it. Some reviews I've been working on are  Ecotarium, Children's Museum of New Hampshire, Connor's Farm update, the new and improved Patton Park, Breakheart Reservation, and many others.  Since my last post we've also ventured to some pretty cool places outside of Northeastern MA: Philadelphia, Lake George NY, New Hampshire, and we came back last night from a whirlwind of a trip in Connecticut.

i'm really looking forward to spring and summer this year after such a cold winter!  What's also exciting is that we are participating in the Fresh Air Fund program.  Haven't heard of it?  That's ok, most people haven't.  Two years ago I saw a short article in the local online newspaper looking for volunteers to house a child from the poverty stricken areas of New York City for 1-2 weeks.  The timing wasn't right then, but now that my kids are a little older, it seems like the perfect time!  I'm hoping to come up with some fun and different places to go!  So far our spring/summer hitlist includes the following places that we have not been to:

Playground, Essex
Dane St. Beach, Beverly
Children's Piazza, Beverly
Wolf's Hollow, Ipswich
Polar Caves, NH
Clark's Trading Post, NH
Various Playground in Newburyport
Bremen St. Playground, East Boston
DeCordova Sculpture Park, Lincoln

Any other suggestions?  

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.

The Butterfly Place, Westford MA

One of the more annoying things about Groupon is that I end up buying things that I probably wouldn't have if i didn't feel the pressure to 'buy now or forever hold your peace'.  A few months back there was a deal for The Butterfly Place in Westford.  I thought "Hey cool!  that would be fun, and look how much I'm getting off!"  Then the months went by and it was no where on our list to go.  I tried a few times to make plans with people to go, and they somehow always fell through.  Today we decided to venture out there on our own, something I try not to do often!  I don't think I really need to explain why - there's nothing worse than bringing the 3, 2, and not-quite-1 year old somewhere and realizing I'm in over my head.


Nonetheless, after a very short workout at the YMCA, we got on the road to Westford.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the area, its in the Lowell area.  As we were driving the skies opened up and I was terrified that this was going to be a bad idea.  We got there, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.  It was so easy to find, and plenty of parking.  I decided not to take the stroller because most butterfly places I've seen don't allow them.  So I packed Riley into the Baby Bjorn and ventured in.  When you walk in there's the 'gift shop'.  It's not all that impressive, but they were so friendly.   I'm actually glad it wasn't that impressive of a shop, since the kids would have wanted more than they always did.

We walked back into a display room and the kids were so excited! There were a few cases with butterflies and some with cocoons.  They were pretty excited here and I thought it would go really well.  We walked back into the "Garden".  I thought it was just beautiful.  So many butterflies flying around.  We quickly recognized the Blue Morpho Butterfly from Go Diego Go.  Unfortunately, the kids were a little uncomfortable.   Patrick (3) did alright when I had him on a mission to find yellow flowers.  Cecilia (2) liked the butterflies, until she realized they were flying around her.  We sat on a bench to stay still to see if they would land on us.  Cecilia was ok once she settled in under my feet.  It was a bit of work to keep them in the butterfly room, and we really didn't last too long before we had to leave.

The Groupon had a balance so we needed to pick up a few things in the gift shop.  The kids picked out butterfly nets and we headed home.  The entire excursion took just about an hour.  While it was beautiful, for us at these ages it wasn't worth the trip.  We still can go and see butterflies at the Franklin Park Zoo.  While this has no where near the concentration of butterflies, the kids still get a few minutes to check it out and it's somewhere we already are. 

The Butterfly Place
120 Tyngsboro Rd
Westford MA
978-392-0955

Strollers ARE allowed in the butterfly room!
February 14th - March 31st: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
April 1st - August 31st: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
September 1st - October 31st: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Adults ..........................................$12.00
Seniors (65+) .............................. $9.00
Children (3-12 years) .................. $7.00
Children (2 & under) ...................Free

 

Constitution Beach, East Boston

So it's been a while since I've posted.  This year has been a busy one for us as three out of our four siblings (my husband's and mine) are getting married!  I've been a little lax on posting about our adventures as other things have taken priority.  Even so, we have been exploring and have so many great places to post about.  (Leave some suggestions for us as well!)

So, beach and three kids?  Let's just say, I am not a beach person to begin with - I burn, don't like swimming.  To throw three kids into it is my own personal nightmare.  I'm worried about them in the water, the waves, the rip-currents, the inevitable sunburns, sunscreen in the eyes (not a fun ER trip, trust me!).  So many of my friends spend much of their summer at Salisbury Beach Reservation.  I have never gone, but I know they love it.  My mother and sister also love going to the beach.  Today they were both on vacation and wanted to spend the day at the beach with me and the kids.  I reluctantly agreed to go, and I must say I'm glad I did!  I think this is a great beach for kids.  Constitution Beach is really a great space!  It's the only beach in East Boston, and this website gave some really great information.  My understanding is that year ago this place was a dump.  The city successfully cleaned it up and then shipped in sand from the Cape.

There are so many reasons that I think that this place is great for kids.  One, it's located right across from the airport.  For the kids, what could be more exciting than watching planes taking off and landing just across the way.  (It is actually quite cool to watch, even as a grown up)  For me, the beach is sheltered from the airport.  This means that the currents are almost non-existent, and the waves are perfect size for toddlers/preschoolers.

Two, there is a fenced in playground just off the beach!   It's clean, and it's a good sized playground.  Just behind here runs the T's Blue Line.

Three, There are restrooms and changing rooms at the beach are in pretty good shape.  The area's equipped with showers for rinsing, and there's a concession stand there as well.  (We packed a picnic lunch and Nana brought the treats so there was no need).

Four, the parking is right there, behind the playground and runs the length of the beach!  Or you can park on Bennington St. and take the pedestrian walkway over the subway tracks.  I'm not sure how easy this place is to find without a GPS.  I'm fortunate to have family live in the area, so we meet there and head over via backroads. 

It looks like this is a popular place for the local camps to bring kids for some outdoor fun.  So at some points the playground was a little busy.  This was fine since they groups came and went.  One YMCA group set up a snack station for all the little ones at the beach with juice boxes, crackers, and some other snacks.

There are many other things to do here.  I'm fairly certain I spotted some tennis courts, softball field, a basketball court, and there's a skating rink just off the beach. 

I don't have a beach tent, so we took the tented wagon for the baby.  This worked out great, and I also had many extra hands to help me manage the little ones.  They loved running up and down from the water, watching the boats, planes, and trains, and running back and forth to the playground, just as I knew they would.   It ended up being a great day at the beach - not crowded, lots to do, and the excitement over the airplanes only 2,000 feet away didn't fade away.  If we end up looking to spend another day at the beach, this will likely where we end up. If you and your family love the beach, this is definitely worth the trip.  Despite having a great time, I just don't think this is something I could do without help, so it will have to wait for another vacation day from a family beach-goer, or for a year or two from now when the babes are a little older!