Summer Bucket List

Summer officially arrived this weekend and we couldn't be more excited!   Last year I created a summer bucket list and we did almost everything on the list, so I've decided to do it again.

• Salem Willows.  A great place for summer fun!  A historic merry-go-round, mini golf, arcade games, ice cream, right on the water.  Everything is inexpensive and it's a great beachy outing.  
• Look Park.  I'd love to head out to Amherst for a day trip and spend some time at Look Park.  There's playgrounds, paddle boats, mini golf, a little zoo, and spray parks.  I went there once before I had Isaac and I've been wanting to take him since last summer, but we never got a chance.  
• Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH.  A friend posted some pictures of her family at the Seacoast Science Center and it looked like so much fun that I'm looking forward to taking Isaac!  It's only $7 for adults and $3 for kids.  
• Frog Pond.  We can't get enough of wading in the Frog Pond!  I can't wait to spend an entire day at Boston Common this summer.
• Blueberry picking.  We had a great time strawberry picking at Ward's Berry Farm last week but next month we plan to pick blueberries at Tougas Farm.  
• Camping at the Cape.  The best way to do a Cape trip on a budget during the summer is to CAMP!  Last year we enjoyed Sweetwater Forest in Brewster. 
• York, ME.  We usually try to go to York once a year, but last year the summer just went way too fast!  Fun-O-Rama is always a good time with some bowling and skeeball and ice cream or candy at The Goldenrod is a real treat!  And you can't get much more New England than the picturesque Nubble Light.
• Walden Pond.  GO EARLY!   The parking lot fills up fast on nice days and it's also shaded in the morning.  
• Visit a new Mass Audubon location.  I'd like to visit a location where we've never been before!  
• Picnic and play at Artesani Park in Brighton.  The wading pool is wonderful on a warm day!  
• Boating.  I'm on the lookout for some inexpensive boating options.  Charles River Canoe and Kayak is expensive.  Stay tuned for cheaper alternatives...

What's on your summer bucket list?

5 Fun Weekend Activities

Woohoo!  The first weekend of summer has arrived, bringing with it a GORGEOUS forecast.  Here are some free or inexpensive happenings for the weekend.  Enjoy!

1.  Verrill Farm's Strawberry Festival.  PYO berries, strawberry shortcake, pony rides, music, burgers, hay rides.  Free admission.

2.  Watertown's Greek Festival.  Greek food (including pastries!), games, music, dancing.  Starts tonight and goes through Sunday.

3.  Riverfest on the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Kids can explore the riverbanks, ride boats, listen to music, and more.  These activities appear to be FREE!

4.  Free Beach Party in Acton.  Beach admission is waived for this event which includes hula hooping, sand building, and more fun and games.

5.  Play outside until dusk.  Tomorrow is summer solstice, which throughout my childhood meant playing outside until the sun went down.  Even if it's past your kid's bedtime, let them stay up and enjoy a long day full of daylight.   Some of my favorite memories were getting to play outside until 9 on the first day of summer.  This could be made complete with ice cream sandwiches or ice pops.  :-)