Weekend Family Fun Guide: July 22 - 24
Bogging About Ponkapoag Bog
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Avenue, Milton, Mass.
July 23, 2011
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$10 members, $12 non-members
(617) 333-0690
website
Does your family like mucking around in the mud? If so, this trek is going to be a great way to pass a morning. With a naturalist guide, you'll explore Ponkapoag Bog looking for a variety of bog-dwelling creatures, including birds, bugs, and some interesting plant life.
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at Verrill Farm
Verrill Farm
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
11 Wheeler Road, Concord, Mass.
July, 23, 2011
$7.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids under 10
(978) 369-4494
website and reviews
It's blueberry season in New England and there are always ways to celebrate. Verrill Farm is paying homage to this local fruit with a pancake breakfast. Enjoy your stack with fresh maple syrup and a side of bacon or sausage. Juice, milk or coffee is included. There will be a pie eating contest, live music, and hayrides. Once you're done, you can visit the animals or do some shopping for locally produced eggs, milk, beef and cheese.
Abbadia Mare Renaissance Festival
Hammond Castle
80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, Mass.
July 23-24, 2011
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Adults: $ 12, Kids 5-12: $7, Weekend Pass: $20
(888) 652-5578
website
If you've never been to a renaissance faire, beautiful Hammond Castle seems like a great place to have your first adventure. Alongside knights at Abbadia Mare, you'll be treated to musicians, re-enactments, magic shows, comedy routines, storytellers, and more. A variety of vendors and artisans will be there displaying their wares. Costumes are optional!
A Pilgrim Wedding in the English Village
Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, Mass.
July 23, 2011
2 p.m.
Adults: $25.50, Kids: $15, Seniors: $23.50
(508) 746-1622
website and reviews
When was the last time you attended a wonderful wedding? Bring the whole family to celebrate the wedding day of Mitchell and Jane Cooke at Plimouth Plantation. After the ceremony, there will be dancing, games, and other festivities. The event is included in your Plimouth Plantation admission price so you can make a day of it and explore all of the activities in the 17th-Century English Village and Wampanoag Homesite.
Traveling Tidepool
North End Branch of the Boston Public Library
25 Parameter Street, Boston, Mass.
July 22, 2011
10:30 p.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Free Admission
One of the favorite activities at the New England Aquarium is the touch tank where kids can get a hands-on experience with sea urchins, hermit crabs and other tidepool creatures. Unfortunately, it can be a bit crowded and overwhelming for young kids. The traveling tidepool is a chance for children to see and touch these animals in a smaller environment. Although this event is free, please contact the library in advance if you'd like to attend.
Pinoccio
North Shore Music Theatre
62 Dunham Road, Beverly, Mass.
July 22
10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Tickets: $12/$10/$8
(978) 232-7200
website and reviews
North Shore Music Theatre has a whole summer of classic fairy tale musical productions for your family to enjoy. The series is kicked off with Pinocchio which is bound to appeal to your entire family. North Shore is actually a "theater in the round," meaning the seats surround the stage. It's a special experience, and there isn't a bad seat in the house.
Free Fun Fridays
Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring free admission to several cultural attractions each
Friday. For July 22, receive free admission to Franklin Park Zoo (Dorchester), The Sports Museum
(Boston), Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge), and Peabody Essex Museum (Salem).
Christy Matte is a local freelance writer and blogger, as well as co-founder of Boston Parent
Bloggers. She blogs about parenting, travel, tech, and philanthropy at QuirkyFusion.com.
