Castle Island in the Fall

The playground at Castle Island is awesome!

Most people think of Castle Island as a summer destination, but I prefer it in the off-seasons: spring and fall.  It's easier to park, it's not as crowded, but it's still just as fun on a nice day.

You do the loop around the fort and play at the playground.  The playground there is pretty great!   Kids love watching the planes taking off from Logan!    For more beachy activities, you can look for shells and play in the sand, even if the weather is cool.

While you're there, have a picnic.  The picnic tables are plentiful so either pack a picnic or grab some food from Sullivan's.  The food is super inexpensive.  Even a lobster roll is only $10!  If you get there early enough, they even have breakfast sandwiches for only about $3.  If you go on a chilly day, warm up with hot chocolate, chowder, or lobster bisque.

It's a cheap outing and lovely in the fall.  Plus, it's right in Boston!

The Fifth Annual Newton Touch a Truch

Touch a Truck in Newton

Awesome free event this Sunday, September 22!

The Newton Partnership is hosting their Fifth Annual Newton Touch-A-Truck Event from 10am - 1pm!  This fun event is held at Newton South High School at 140 Brandeis Rd. in Newton Centre.

Kids will have a chance to get up close and personal with a variety of trucks, from diggers, ambulances, moving vans, armored cars, tow trucks, and more.   PLUS, there are food trucks for purchasing lunch and snacks!

We went last year and had a blast.  I highly recommend this event.

Our Fall Bucket List

As I crossed off most of the items on our summer bucket list, I started thinking of fun stuff for us to do this fall.  Fall is my favorite season so I'm looking forward to plenty of fall fun!

Touch-a-Truck is always a good time!

Here's what I'm looking forward to...

• Apple picking.  We actually paid a visit to Tougas Farm last weekend and we LOVE Tougas, but it was a bit too early for most of the apples and we mostly picked peaches.  The peaches were awesome, by the way!  But, I love the full fall experience - hot apple cider afterwards, warm cider donuts, etc.  For that experience, there's nothing like Russell Orchards.  Plus, there's wine tasting for mommy and daddy, tons of farm animals, and hayrides on the weekends.
• Pumpkin picking.  I have never been pumpkin picking before, but I'm going to make it my mission this fall.
• Touch-a-Truck.  Last year we had a blast at Newton's Touch-a-Truck, which is on September 22 this year.  Kids can explore an ambulance, moving truck, fire truck, and more.  Food trucks are also there so bring an appetite.  If you're not near Newton or can't make it that day, most cities have their own Touch-a-Truck day, usually in the fall.  I may do some digging and find out when other areas are holding their Touch-a-Truck and do a separate post.
• Nature walks.  Fall is the perfect time for nature walks.  Not too hot, not too cold, and in New England it's as picturesque as can be.  I'm on the lookout for some new trails that would be doable with kids.
• Castle Island.  This is actually a carryover from my summer bucket list.  Summer went by too fast and we never had the opportunity to hit up Castle Island.  I'd love for us to watch the planes take off, walk around the fort, play at the playground, and top it off with cheap eats at Sullivan's.
• The zoo.  Ideally, Southwick's.  It's the best zoo I've been to since moving here.  If I can't make it to Southwick's, maybe Franklin Park Zoo.  Franklin Park and Stone Zoos have great discounts on the first Saturday of the month - if you get there before noon, adults get to pay the kid's admission!
• Harbor Islands.  This is another carryover from my summer bucket list. We are sitting on a Groupon that expires in about 6 weeks.
•  Visit a new Mass Audubon location.  You will quickly learn that I am a huge fan of Mass Audubon.   After having a wonderful time at the Wellfleet location, it dawned on me that I am not using my membership to its fullest.  This fall, Isaac and I will be exploring at least ONE Mass Audubon location that we haven't been to before.  We do love Drumlin Farm, but there's so much more out there that we haven't visited!
• Newton Harvest Fair.   Rides, pumpkin decorating, and fall fun?  Count us in.  Learn more.