Best Family Day Trips From Boston For Under $100
Great Brook Farm State Park
984 Lowell St.
Carlisle, MA 01741
(978) 369-6312
www.mass.gov
Great Brook Farm State Park is a budget-friendly day trip perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day on the 20 miles of trails hiking, biking, canoeing and fishing. Animals lovers can bring their dogs along or stop and visit the farm animals. Barn tours are also available to view the 'smart' barn robotic milking technology design. Finish the day by cooling off at the ice cream stand with a tasty treat. Parking is only $2 for this fun-filled day.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Dennis/Wellfleet, MA
(508) 896-3491
www.mass.gov
The Cape Cod Rail Trail, previously a railroad, runs for 22 miles from Dennis to Wellfleet. This paved trail is a cyclist's dream with its mainly even terrain and clearly marked automobile crossings. Horseback riders, runners and walkers can also be found here. Don't forget to pack a bathing suit and towel so you can stop at one of the beaches along the trail. Free parking is offered at many nearby locations, which makes this trip affordable for anyone. View parking locations here.
Tougas Family Farm
234 Ball St.
Northboro, MA 01532
(508) 393-6406
www.tougasfarm.com
A visit to Tougas Family Farm makes for a delicious day trip. Time your visit right to pick strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, apples or pumpkins. After picking your fruit, head into the farm kitchen for some homemade baked goods, apple cider donuts, peach cobbler, chocolate chip cookies or ice cream. Kids can visit the barnyard goats and ducks, or the playground, with its authentic play farm yard and antique tractor, to round out this day of fun. View picking hours and conditions here.
Related: Best Hiking Trails South Of Boston
New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-0046
www.whalingmuseum.org
The New Bedford Whaling Museum presents exhibits, collections, databases and a library full of New England history. Works of art, artifacts and titles documenting voyages and travel can be found at the museum. Exhibits and activities keep children entertained, while adults get an in-depth look at whaling. Guided and self-guided tours are available on topics of your choice and run 60-90 minutes. Current exhibits can be found here. Adult admission is only $14, children ages six and up are $6 and children five and under are free.
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
208 S. Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
(781) 259-2200
www.massaudubon.org
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is a great family adventure that won't break the bank. It gives you an up-close look at both a wildlife sanctuary and a working farm. Let the kids ride the hay wagon, learn some gardening or visit the farmyard mules, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens and goats. Farmers are even available in the late afternoon to answer visitors' questions. Hike to the top of the drumlin, then browse the wildlife exhibits before enjoying lunch in the picnicking area. Admission is only $7 for adults and $5 for children. Mass Audubon members are free.
Related: Boston's Best Youth Hostels
Kim Vareika is the owner of Vareika Personal Training and Yoga in Plainville. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years, and believes that wellness is about more than just physical health. When she is not teaching, practicing, or writing, she resides in Bridgewater where she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her nephew Caesar. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
