5 Things to Do this Weekend

Lambs at Drumlin Farm

Looking for something to do this rainy weekend?  Here are some inexpensive, indoor ideas to keep you entertained and dry.

1.  Go to the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Sunday morning.  Massachusetts residents get in for free from 9AM until noon.

2.  Meet the Easter Bunny at the Natick Mall.   It's the first weekend he's here.  Don't forget your 30% off coupon for a picture package.  It's a really good deal.

3.  Check out Ben Rudnick and Friends at the Needham Library.  Here's an opportunity to see Ben Rudnick for free.  He plays Saturday at 3:15.

4.   Okay, this one is outdoors, but sounds like fun and I've never been able to go.  Grab and umbrella and head to Drumlin Farm for Woolapalooza on Saturday.  Woolapalooza is Drumlin's sheepshearing festival.

5.  Celebrate spring and grab some fro-yo!  Get this Groupon from Fresh Mango near Downtown Crossing.

Join the Mass Audubon Society

One of the best things about living in Massachusetts is access to the Mass Audubon locations. There are over 40 sanctuaries throughout the state, and many within close proximity to Boston. View their map here.

Family memberships are currently $65 as of March 2012. Once you're a member, you can get into all of the sanctuaries for free, and memberships offer m

any other membership perks. It's really the perfect membership for a family who loves the outdoors, because you can visit the same sanctuaries over and over again and enjoy them just as much each time.

Different sanctuaries offer different and wonderful things. For instance, Drumlin Farm, located in Lincoln, is particularly great for young children because not only does it have plenty of hiking and scenic views, but it also has a working farm. You can visit sheep, goats, pigs, cows, ponies, and lots and lots of chickens! They also rescue injured birds which you can also visit. Others, such as Moose Hill in Sharon or Ipswich River in Topsfield have many miles of trails.

You don't have to travel very far at all to enjoy one of the sanctuaries. Boston Nature Center is an urban wildlife sanctuary right in Mattapan, with two miles of trails and boardwalks.

When hiking on the trails, a baby carrier is a plus. Some of the trails are difficult to get around even with a hearty jogging stroller.

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This was originally posted on Examiner.com in June, 2010.