This past weekend we took a trip to the New England Aquarium to check out the penguins and the massive fish tank. It had been years since we last visited, so we were looking forward to checking out any new exhibits and seeing the famous penguins, of course.
The ticket booth is outside on your left as you approach the main entrance. For the kids that don’t enjoy standing in lines (meaning, all kids), there is a harbor seal exhibit directly behind the ticket booth that will keep their attention and whet their appetite for some see creature viewing. Tickets cost $12.95 for kids 2-11 and $20.95 for adults. Combo tickets are available if you are planning to view an IMAX show or take a whale watch. Check out your local library for discounts to the aquarium.
The central exhibit at the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, which is a four-story, cylinder-shaped Caribbean coral reef tank that is 23 feet tall and 40 feet across. A circular ramp wraps around the outside providing great views from top to bottom of the tank. Be sure to take the staircase on the top floor to view the open top of the tank. At the top you can see divers feeding some of the fish or you can catch a “tank talk,” where an aquarium staffer answers questions you have about the tank or fish.
A few other highlights of our trip were the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank, Amazing Jellies, The Penguins, and the Marine Mammal Center. The Touch Tank, which is on level 2, literally gives your kids a hands-on experience as they dip their hands into the tide pool and pick up sea stars, hermit crabs, and even a lobster. This exhibit is very popular and gets crowded. It opens at 10:00am so it may be worth heading to this exhibit if you get to the aquarium early. The Amazing Jellies Exhibit spans two floors of the aquarium and is the first exhibit to your left when you enter the front doors. This exhibit features incredibly fascinating views of these amazing sea creatures. You and your kids will learn all about the brainless, spineless, bloodless jelly fish.
The Penguin Exhibit is by far one of the most popular at the aquarium, and rightfully so. Situated at the base of the Giant Ocean Tank, this exhibit gives you a birds-eye view of three different types of penguins as they sit on their rocks and swim around their large tank. There are plenty of places to view the penguins from behind glass partitions on the ground floor as well as along the entire walk-way encircling the Giant Ocean Tank. Be sure to get a copy of the daily schedule and catch the penguin presentation or penguin feeding. There seem to be at least two of each presentation each day.
The New England Aquarium can seem small at times, especially during busy hours, so watch out for the strollers and kids running about. Like any museum, it’s good to map out your course either before arriving or once you get in, but stay flexible if certain exhibits are crowded. The aquarium is small enough that it’s easy to circle back and visit any exhibits you missed on the first way through.
Are the short, cold days of winter giving you and your kids the winter blues? We’ve got the cure with our ultimate guide to Bowling in Massachusetts! What better family activity to get you out of the house during the long winter months. We assembled some basic background information as well as a map of all the venues across the state in this post. Get out there and bowl yourself a turkey (that’s three strikes in a row!).
Candlepin or Ten Pin?
It’s rare that you will find anything other than ten pin bowling outside New England (and Canada), so we consider ourselves lucky to have the choice when it comes to the type of bowling. While the two are similar in that the goal is to knock down ten pins using a urethane ball, candlepin and ten pin are quite different when you compare the size of the balls, the shape of the pins, and the rules of the game. We won’t go into all of these here, but remember, they are different games.
The big decision here is which size bowling ball is best suited for your kids? If they are on the young side, candlepin may be the best option as the weight of the ten pin ball might be too much for them. You may also want to consider finding a lane that offers bumper bowling. This is where temporary bumpers are installed on your lane to prevent any gutter balls and give your kids a much better chance at success.
Where to Bowl?
Would you believe it if we told you there were over 100 bowling alleys in Massachusetts alone? We put together an interactive map of over 90 bowling venues for you to browse and locate one near you.
Shoes
We’ll probably never fully understand the fascination, but kids seem to love bowling shoes. We know it can’t be the comfort level and assume it’s something to do with the slick bottoms that allow you to slide on the wooden floor, but whatever it is, these are a big hit. Pick them up at the counter and lace up.
Finding the Right Bowling Ball
If you are going candlepin, you most likely don’t have any options here as they usually just have one type of bowling ball. In ten pin, the options are numerous. You may want to ask the clerk if they have any lightweight balls for kids behind the counter. This could be a good time to break out your knowledge of kinetics to enlighten your kids on the behavior of different weighted bowling balls or you could just tell them that you probably want to get the heaviest ball that you can comfortably handle.
Scoring
While my wife tells me the scoring system in bowling is simple, I beg to differ. This is why I look for bowling alleys with automatic scoring so I don’t have to worry about it. Most alleys have these installed, so there is a good chance you’ll be in luck. Just input the names of your bowlers and let the computer tell you when to bowl and keep score for you. This is one of the few times when I actually like computers. If you are going old-school with paper and pencil, make sure someone in your group knows how to score or get some instructions from an employee at the venue.
Technique
Don’t expect your kids to start out with a full right to left hook to score a strike every time. Most kids should start with the under-hand, between the legs throwing technique until they have the strength to use just one arm. There are some good lessons to learn around lining up in the same spot, targeting where you throw using the lane markers, and realizing that you do not need to throw the ball 100 mile per hour to knock down quite a few pins. Bowling is a great family sport to get you out of the house during these winter months. Good luck and have fun!
Oh the good old days. I’m sure you remember. You’re in those pre-teen years. Before love, popularity, college, career. You’re the Christmas Story definition of a kid. You wake up. Look out the window and say to yourself “There’s snow! Close call though…Is it enough?” If you could hear the inner thoughts of all the neighborhood kids there’d be one chant in unison – “Please let school be cancelled!!!”
You turn on the radio. Best to go with BZ-1030AM as they announce closings most often. No websites to check. No automated hotlines that call the house to notify of cancellations. Perhaps you could call the school and ask? Ha!!! You’d never get through. Those five phone lines would be lit up like a Christmas tree.
The announcement would start. “Abington, Acton… Bellmont…” I lived in Norwood. My kid logic mind wished I lived in a (first letter of the alphabet) town as the suspense was unbearable. The announcer continued “Medfield, Milton”. That was a good sign. Milton got less snow generally. Looking back, I think every New England kid could map out the winter weather patterns with precision. The announcer was entering the final turn “Needham, Newton, Norwell”, huge pause “NORWOOD!!!!” Yes!!! This was the stuff dreams were made of.
I’d make sure my room was clean. Help out with the shoveling (that’s how I remember it Mom J ). Whatever it took. Mom would say I could go play. I’d grab my sled. Make sure the rope was tied to the front and drag it to “the hill”.
My perfect hill was behind the Willett School in Norwood. It had a great drop from the sledding perspective and a little side route that made it much easier to cart the sled back up. There’d always be neighborhood kids there after a nice storm. We’d have races, trade sleds, throw snowballs, and be kids! We’d trudge up the hill all day for that 10 second rush. We’d all be lost in the moment.
I’d “forget” to go home or check in. Then I’d see the sun setting and sprint back, sled in tow. But mom wasn’t mad. Perhaps because she remembered her sledding days as well “or more likely she was too tired from all that shoveling”. There’d be post sledding P+J’s, or Fluffernutters. Always accompanied with that perfect “mom” cup of hot chocolate (little marshmallow and some cool milk to bring it to perfect temperature). Yup, few things top that memory.
Fast forward… I’m 30 something and married with a 13 and a 1 ½ year old. I’m self employed. A snow day usually means I have to bring the younger one with me to the office because our day care follows the towns’ school cancellation policy. That white stuff has taken on a new meaning.
After a recent storm I decided to take the kids over to “the hill”. I don’t know. Maybe they did some landscaping or something. I noticed two big differences. First, when sledding down the hill it didn’t seem as steep or long as it used to. Second, when pulling the sled back up it seemed to be a lot steeper. I was exhausted after 3 runs up. Half an hour in, I was saved. The police came by and said we were trespassing and had to leave. Something about a liability issue. I thought about salvaging the day by swinging by moms’ house for some hot chocolate. But I remembered she was in Vegas for the week. “Oh well” I thought while driving home. “If only there was somewhere to go that could bring that memory back”. Three words folks – I found it!
The Amesbury Sports Park is Awesome! It provides the perfect atmosphere for the entire family. You don’t need to bring a sled. They have snow tubes for all. The hill is amazing! It blows away any sledding venue I’ve been to. Getting up the hill is no problem. They have two chairlifts! They hook up to your tube and pull you to the top.
Kids ages 4-6 have to wear a helmet and be accompanied by an adult. If you don’t have a helmet they are available free of charge. Kids 7 and up are helmet optional.
What about kids under 4? The park took the suggestions and requests of the patrons for a toddler venue and just recently opened the “tiny hill for tiny thrills”. A great venue for the littlest ones.
Need to warm up? Go in the Corner Kick Pub. They serve interesting micro brews, piping hot pizza, grilled sandwiches, fresh salads, and tasty appetizers. Public restrooms, arcade games, vending areas, and ample seating are available.
Older kids into snowboarding? Send them over to the junkyard terrain park. They even have a “Big Air” competition in March.
I’d classify it as a hop away from skiing. But you don’t have to take lessons, buy a ton of gear, or wait in those nasty rental lines.
Ticket prices are reasonable. On Thursdays a 3 hour pass is $15 and a 5 hour pass is $20. Thursday hours are 3:30 to 9:00. Friday and weekend 3 hour pass is $22 and a 5 hour pass is $30. Friday hours are 3:30-9:00. Saturday hours are 10am-9pm. Sunday hours are 10am-7pm.
There is a link for a $2 discount coupon. They also have a banner on their home page that advertises a $3 discount if you bring in a canned or perishable good for donation. I’m not sure if the two promotions can be used together.
With freezing temperatures and a snowy December, one family-friendly activity that we are gearing up for is ice skating. Lacing up the skates and getting outside is a great way to get some exercise during the winter months. Whether you are an experienced skater or looking to get your kids into this winter activity, January is a great time to get to it with the holiday rush having ended. Our blog this week gives you some tips on getting started and some places to visit throughout the state.
Equipment
Ice skates are the main piece of equipment you will need to get out on the ice. If you are just getting your kids started, you may want to look at renting the first few times before making the investment in purchasing. Once you have determined that your kids enjoy ice skating it’s time to get them their own skates. This will save money over time and, if you live near outdoor skating areas, they can go any time. The same issue with buying shoes presents itself with ice skates as our kids’ feet grow quickly. For this reason, buying used is a good option for the casual skater.
Play It Again Sports is a reputable dealer offering new and used equipment with knowledge staff. Give a call to a local rink and ask where the best place to buy used skates is in your areas as well. Below are the Play It Again Sports locations in the state:
Dedham (630 Washington Street - 781.493.6796)
Leominster (814 N Main Street - 978.537.2063)
Hyannis (25 Iyannough Road - 508.771.6979)
Stoneham (62 E Montvale Avenue - 781.438.2399)
North Reading (265 Main Street - 978.664.9363)
This online guide is worth a read if you are new to purchasing ice skates.
But, It’s Freezing Outside!
With Ice Skating comes dealing with the cold. Regardless of whether you decide to visit an indoor rink or live near a cranberry bog, you have to dress appropriately. Starting from the feet up, make sure your kids wear thick, warm socks (double up if you only have normal weight) that reach at least half way up their calf. If you are venturing outside, you may consider thermal under pants and shirts as a first layer following by another layer or warm clothing with a water-proof shell on top and bottom. Falling down on the ice is inevitable, so you want to make sure your kids stay as dry as possible.
We all know how much heats escapes through the head, so cover up with a nice wool hat and get their hands into some gloves or mittens.
Where to Skate
There are two main options to look at: ice skating rinks or natural bodies of water. With rinks, there are indoor and outdoor options while ponds, lakes, and cranberry bogs round out your outdoor, natural options.
If being outside is not your thing or your kids are just getting started, indoor rinks are a great place to get started. Many rinks offer skate rentals, food options, and are much warmer than our typical New England winter day. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has put together a nice list of public rinks (linked here) throughout the state. Make sure to call ahead to confirm public skating hours and check on skating lessons.
If you and your kids are ready to brave the outdoors, you’ll need to find a local place that offers safe skating. Other than the cold, the biggest safety concern with outdoor skating is ensuring you are skating on thick enough ice to support all the skaters involved. Check out the DCR’s news release [pdf] on ice safety for more information.
Crazy Kids Picks - The following are some of our favorite places to bring the family for skating fun.
The Frog Pond is a fun place to bring your family for some skating fun in a nostalgic setting of the Boston Common.
Steriti Memorial Rink is an indoor skating rink in the heart of the North End offering free skating during public hours.
Kendall Square Community Ice Skating is a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink located in Kendall Square. An all-day pass is $5 for adults and $1 for kids under 13. Rentals are available as well.
Old Sturbridge Village has added an outdoor skating rink this year. They do not offer rentals, so bring your own skates and enjoy some hot cider or cocoa and a cookie at the Miner Grant Store or the Village Café.
The Rink at The Charles Hotel is back for another season! This 2,900 square foot ice rink is open to hotel guests and the public. Skate rentals, season passes, and lessons are available.
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"What will I do with my Kids today?" is on the lips of every parent, every day. Once you get past breakfast, the grueling decisions start. You have done the same things a million times. Crazy Kids is the cure. We’ll provide reviews on everything Kids do and let you and other parents comment on them.
The Crazy Kids Blog will highlight a specific activity each week to give you a more in-depth look at one specific idea. We are all in this together and Parents must join in the fight against boredom and repetition. Good luck, have fun and let us know what you think.
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