Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in boston, MA

Getting Close to Local Animals

March 24, 2009

 Just because Spring hasn't made an appearance out there doesn't mean we need to hibernate.  We still have a ways to go before we can throw on our suits and hit the local watering holes, but until then, we can find ways to enjoy the fresh air.  A fun way to get outside is to visit the animals living nearby.  Didn't know Ma. (and NH!) was chock full of them?  Here are a few to hit before the season really gets underway:

1. Drumlin Farm. Our family was at this Lincoln farm several weeks ago for their annual maple syrup breakfast. While we were there, we took a walk around the pretty grounds and saw a bunch of animal up close. Woolly sheep, spunky goats, chickens, pigs, cows, mules, and a pony greet you in their rustic animal barns, where the livestock operation takes place. Their farmers do chores in the late afternoon and are happy to answer questions for visitors. They also offer hayrides every 15 minutes. For more info, visit Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln.

2. Capron Park Zoo. If you've seen enough of our city's zoos, about 30 miles from Boston is Capron Zoo. A smaller zoo, there's still plenty for young kids to enjoy - African lions, llamas, goats, sloth bears, snow leopards, binturang, snakes, fox, birds, kangaroos, emu and countless other animals make for hours of fun. Check out their new Lemur Island set to open this Spring! 201 County Street, Attleboro.

3. Boston Hill Farm. Who doesn't love taking a drive out to North Andover, home to the famous Philips Academy and the cutest little town North of Boston. Well now you have one more reason to head out there, the animals at Boston Hill Farm! Goats, bunny rabbits, sheep, chickens, and roosters will greet every child, and delicious goodies will entice their parents. Rte 114, North Andover.

4. Charmingfare Farm. Just a hop, skip, and, well, a car-ride from home is this NH farm. With so many activities going on here year-round, if you haven't been, now is the perfect time. Home to many of the traditional agricultural animals you would expect to see on a farm, Charmingfare boasts a large hands-on petting area. Open weekends through April, then daily. 774 High Street, Candia, NH.

5. Wilson Farms. For 125 years, Wilson Farms has been a staple in the community, including the huge timber barn amongst their 33 acres of growing fields, along with the 37,000 square foot greenhouse. In addition, Wilson's animal barn houses Belle the Llama, Patches and Pogo, the La Mancha Goats, Wilbur the Pig, and a whole gaggle of hens, and even a rooster or two. 10 Pleasant Street, Lexington.

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Sugaring Off

March 19, 2009

Last weekend, my family revived a long dormant Spring-time tradition.  Known in Quebec (where I am from) as "sugaring off", it seems that nothing tastes quite as sweet as the maple that is tapped from the trees at this time of year.  Since the above freezing days and below freezing nights in Massachusetts lend itself to the flowing of the sap, local families are privy to a treat that is only reserved for those in climates such as ours.  And there are plenty of places to hit up if you want to learn about sugaring off and reap the sweet reward.

Plan a visit to Old Sturbridge Village this weekend and catch the last of their Maple Days.  Experience the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees near the Sugar Camp to "sugaring off" in a Village household.  See maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century rural New England and learn why the final product historically was sugar, not syrup.  Saturday, March 21^st & 22^nd, 9:30am - 4pm.  About 1 hour from Boston.

Next weekend will be sweet at Land's Sake farm in Weston.  Their Sugaring Off Festival will feature pancakes, coffee, hot cider, maple sugar treats, music, and free tours of our Sugar Shack in full operation.   Saturday, March 28^th at 10am. 

The sugar is flowing at Matfield Maple Farm in West Bridgewater.  Come view maple syrup made keeping with old traditions using new technology.  Tours include a hike through their farm approximately 1/4 mile into woods where the trees are tapped, plumbed and the collection tanks are.  Hear about the history, weather relationship and heritage of sugaring. View natural FDA certified springs and visit with their furry llama friends.  Saturday s & Sundays through March, $5 per person.  Tours at noon and 2pm. 

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A (Family-Friendly) Skier's Paradise

by Jill Notkin

January 12, 2009

If you're a true New Englander, then chances are you learned to ski at a tender young age.   Personally, I threw on my first pair of skis at 3 years old (crazy!) and I'm sure it won't be long before we send our toddler down the bunny hill.   But half the fun of skiing is après-ski, and the surrounding activities.   New England is full of great ski resorts, and here is what is reputed to  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

October 02, 2008

How awesome is October? Between the apple orchards being in full pickin' mode, Halloween events ramping up, and the famous Topsfield Fair hitting town (or, hitting Topsfield ), there's just so much to do. Here are a few ideas to make this weekend a great one for your family. Free Family Night at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire starts this Friday, October 3rd! From 5:30 to 8pm,  Read more...

Wild Weekends

by Jill Notkin

September 25, 2008

Are the weeks flying by in your house too? It just seems like Friday creeps up faster than ever and I barely have time to recuperate from one weekend when I'm making plans for another! Hopefully you're enjoying what's left of the warm-ish weather. I must say, I love dressing in fall clothes and it seems like the kids are enjoying their new (adorable) duds too! Anyhow, a few weekend ideas  Read more...

Weekend Fun -- June 14th & 15th

by Jill Notkin

June 12, 2008

If you're like me, you like to start planning for the weekend early. Here are some activities happening in the area for this Saturday and Sunday: 29 th Annual Cambridge River Festival . Having checked out this event last summer, I can tell you firsthand this is a FUN outing! Set-up along the banks of the Charles River , the free celebration features all kinds of musical,  Read more...