Massachusetts - Pitstops for Kids

Mount Tom Reservation and Ice Cream

August 6, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready for the perfect summer outing in Western Massachusetts? Mount Tom Reservation is located between EastHampton and Mt. Holyoke, and offers fishing, hiking, picnicking, and a play area, plus skating and cross-country skiing in winter.

Mt. Tom:

Mt. Tom offers the best view of the Connecticut Valley, the Berkshire mountains, and the Pelham hills. It meanders over 2,161 acres at the top of Mt. Tom (rumored to be the inspiration behind Seuss’ Grinch mountain) and features 22 miles of trails.

We enjoyed the new, creative play area located in the center of the park. (Eying the tree canopy, we wouldn’t mind coming back in autumn someday, too!) The play area includes manmade ‘cliff’ and rock formations that lead to slides, swings, and the like. There’s also a large grass area adjacent and picnic areas nearby. Port-a-potties and a drinking fountain are on-site, as is a covered group area.

Mt. Tom is one of a network of Massachusetts reservations; you can pay $2 per car at the entrance, or buy a pass for all the state reservation properties.

Directions:

Head east on I-90 E. Take exit 4 for I-91 toward Holyoke/Springfield – 0.6 mi. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-91 and merge onto I-91 N – 3.9 mi. Take exit 17A to merge onto Easthampton Rd toward Holyoke – 0.5 mi. Turn left at Northampton St/US-5N – 4.0 mi. Turn left at Reservation Rd. Park will be on the left 0.7 mi.

Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream:

Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream offers homemade ice cream in a dizzying array of creative flavors, plus an old-fashioned candy shop (where candy can be purchased by the 1/4th pound). Located at at the base of Mt. Tom in EastHampton, this shop seems to be equally popular with families and singles, offering free wifi and located next to a trendy record/music store. It’s a definite stop before or after a trip to Mt. Tom to hike or play.

We opted for the salted caramel and Mexican chocolate varieties (it’s got a kick to it!) and they do offer ‘kiddie’ sized cones in addition to regular and large. Also on offer: gourmet coffees, shakes, malts, and sundaes. There is limited seating inside, but several small tables are also available outside, plus families can always take their ice cream across the way to sit by the pond.

Directions:

The shop is located on the edge of Nashawannuck Pond in EastHampton. The address is 34 Cottage Street (Rt 141), in the heart of town.

Summer in the Berkshires: Jiminy Peak summer activities

August 4, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We love summer fun at ski resorts! In the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we’ve reviewed the summer activities at Bousquet, and now, can review in detail all that’s on offer in summer at Jiminy Peak.

Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Jiminy Peak is a well-known ski resort. In summer, it’s transformed into a full-scale outdoor playground, with mountain biking trails, hiking, and an array of kid-friendly only-in-summer activities. Jiminy Peak’s Mountain Adventure Park includes:

a mountain coaster
an alpine slide
the Soarin’ Eagle ‘roller coaster’
a giant swing
bouncy houses
a climbing wall
a bungee trampoline
a kids’ climb

Most of the above activities have a height restriction of 38″, which means that most three-year-olds are old enough to enjoy most of it. The exceptions are the Soarin’ Eagle (42″) and the giant swing (48″).

In addition to all this, Jiminy Peak also sports an entire additional complex of high ropes courses (no fewer than seven!) and zip lines. This Aerial Adventure Park is geared toward the older set, with courses ranging from ‘green’ to ‘black’ and various height and age requirements. A height of 48″ is required to get you in the door (so to speak). All participants start with the easier level courses, and move up. A height restriction of 5′ is required for the black course (because kids have to reach the cables). There’s also an age restriction of six years old at the lower level and 16+ for the black course, but we found the ages to be suggestions…it’s the height that matters.

We spent the day at Jiminy Peak with kids ranging in age from 3-12. We got our three-year-old and five-year-old passes to the Mountain Adventure Park and our 12-year-old a pass to the Aerial Park. Our nine-year-old opted for the full pass to both, so he could split his time between attractions. The Aerial Park pass give you access to all the courses you’re allowed to try, and the Adventure Park pass gives you access to all the rides listed above, plus scenic chair lift rides and hiking trails. The Aerial pass is good for two hours, but as far as we could tell, the Adventure pass was good all day. You’ll want to spend at least two-three hours.

We loved that both parks were adjacent to one another, so the kids could spend time watching each other and cheering each other on. The grandparents or parents can walk from park to park easily. We found all the attendants to be courteous, professional, and safe. As my sister put it, “visiting Jiminy Peak in summer is like going to the carnival…only classy, and in a beautiful setting.”

We didn’t eat on site, but did notice a quick-service snack bar open with the regular fare of hot dogs, ice cream, and the like. Other than the ticketing booth and lodging options, we didn’t notice much else open that the resort, but we did visit in early summer.

Date last visited:

June 2014

Admission:

Passes range from $43 to $65 for All Parks passes, and $29-$49 for Aerial Park passes or Adventure Park passes. Single tickets are also available for $6 each. Check current pricing here.

Hours:

Check summer hours.

Directions:

Jiminy Peak is located at 37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA.

Outdoors with kids in MA: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

November 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Looking to get outdoors with kids in MA no matter the season? Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is an accessible, kid-friendly sanctuary in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Arcadia has all sorts of things to keep the family busy, including a network of easy trails, a wetland boardwalk, and an observation tower. Near the parking lot and visitor center, there is a nature play area, complete with a tepee and “stump jump”. For the bird enthusiast, Arcadia is host to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, red-tail hawks, and blue herons.

We got to know Arcadia through their wonderful kids’ education programs: both of our children have attended (or currently attend) the Arcadia Nature Preschool. In addition to its preschool and summer camps, Arcadia hosts a variety of programs with local schools, scout groups, and home-school programs. It’s a wonderful organization with the objective of fostering a love of nature and conservation in young kids. Check out their website before you visit for maps, information packets, and a nature bingo card!

Travel Tip: One word of caution: the vernal pool directly behind the visitor center and the proximity to the Mill River and the oxbow of the Connecticut River means that Arcadia can be a haven for mosquitoes in the summer. Bring your bug spray!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear Booties and Mittz
Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! See our own Greta in Stonz booties and mitts at Arcadia in the photo above. Why Stonz booties? These easy-to-slip-on-and-off boots for toddlers and preschoolers feature water-resistant nylon uppers and sherpa fleece liners. They tighten and loosen with a toggle, and yes, they have soles that can actually go outside! Stonz Mittz are just as little-kid friendly: these rugged mittens are also adjusted by toggle, and reach all the way to the elbow for full coverage. Buy Stonz booties
and Stonz Mittz at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Date last visited:

Every week!

Distance from the interstate:

About 3–4 miles from exit 18 off I-91.

Hours of operation:

Trails (and bathrooms!) are open daily, from dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 9–12; Friday 9–3:30.

Admission or ticket prices:

Free to members of Mass Audubon, non-member adults $4, children 2–12 and seniors 65+ $3.

Food services:

Bring a picnic! There are tables near the visitor center and nature play area.

Directions:

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA. Directions can be found on www.googlemaps.com When you get close, blue and white Mass Audubon signs point the way!

Tougas Family Farm: U-Pick apple orchard

September 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

U Pick apple orchards Massachusetts: An autumn tradition for many families, Tougas Family Farm in Northboro, Massachusetts offers some of the best apple and peach picking in the Northeast, as well as family harvest activities and harvest baked goods for purchase, such as apple cider doughnuts, freshly baked pies, and cookies.

Plan your visit to coincide with the harvest you’d like to pick by using Tougas’ picking schedule. You can also see picking conditions and best fruit selection right on the site. Throughout the summer, pick berries, then switch to peaches and apples in autumn, followed by pumpkins. Only 40 minutes from Boston, families can enjoy a city escape without needing to make a weekend or family trip of it.

Unlike some harvest festivals and farms that are more like carnivals than working produce suppliers, Tougas is still the real deal: their farm is authentic, and while you’ll find some family fun on site, the main focus here is the fruit and the communal experience of picking it yourself. Get recipes on site, and head home for a day of baking. The Tougas family has owned the farm since 1981, and it’s been a family operation exclusively since.

Find more apple picking around Boston!

Admission/Rates:

No admission charge. Rates are by the pound, and vary by fruit and season.

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes from I-290.

Directions:

From Boston, take the Massachusetts Turnpike, I-90, west to exit #11A for I-495. Take I-495 north to exit #25B for I-290 west. Follow toward Worcester. Take exit #24, Church St., Northboro/Boylston. Turn right towards Boylston, take your first right on to Ball Street, and follow the signs up the hill!

Photo credit: Flickr/lakelou

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

March 29, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Are your children fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Wait a minute, of course they are! Then come get up close and personal with storybook art—some new, and some familiar—at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA.

The museum is set up like a typical art museum, with three galleries displaying the work of Eric Carle and other artists. The main difference? The benches are kid-sized, and a little running and shouting is ok! The exhibits change throughout the year, so be sure you check the website so you don’t miss out on the exhibition of a favorite book.

There is also a well-stocked library with plenty of cozy chairs and rugs, but my kids’ favorite room in the museum is the art studio. There’s a toddler play area, and small tables with big, baby-friendly crayons for the younger set. At the bigger tables, there are more intricate art supplies for older kids.

Classes are offered at the museum, ranging in subjects from music, to book-making, to writing workshops. Depending on the class, the age range is from infant to adult, so there’s something for everyone at the Eric Carle Museum!

Date last visited:

March 17, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Eric Carle Museum is approximately 5 miles off Interstate 91, in Amherst.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday – Friday 10am–4pm
Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 12pm–5pm
Closed on Mondays

Admission:

Adult admission is $9
Youth (under 18), students, teachers, and seniors are $6
Family admission (2 adults and 2 youth) is $22.50
See the website for prices of the different classes offered at the museum. And remember, like most museums catering to children, family memberships are available!

Food services:

Pack a lunch! While there is no restaurant in the museum, there is a lovely café area with a vending machine and plenty of tables and chairs (and some great high chairs).

Directions:

The museum is located at 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA. Full directions are available!

Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College

March 27, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re traveling to western Massachusetts and have a dinosaur-lover in your family, then the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College is a must-stop! The Beneski Museum is a small, but well-stocked natural history museum featuring a wide variety of dinosaur artifacts, including the skulls of a Triceratops and a T-Rex! The museum also has full skeletons of animals from the Pleistocene, including a mammoth, a mastadon, and a sabertooth cat.

There’s an entire room dedicated to fossilized dinosaur footprints, many of which were found in the surrounding Pioneer Valley. If this piques your child’s interest, it would be worth your time to stop over at Dinosaur Footprints in nearby Holyoke. This Trustees of Reservations site is home to over 130 dinosaur tracks imprinted in slabs of sandstone.

All in all, the Beneski Museum is a great (and free!) way to spend a few hours in the Northampton-Amherst area. I know my three year old is already begging to go back!

<h3:Date last visited:</h3
March 17, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Beneski Museum is approximately 6 miles off Interstate 91, in Amherst.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday – Sunday 11am–4pm
Additional hours on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 10pm

Admission or ticket prices:

Free for everyone!

Food services:

There are no food services at the museum, but Amherst College is a beautiful spot for a picnic. Alternatively, there are lots of good cafes and restaurants in the town center of Amherst.

Directions:

The museum is located at 11 Barrett Hill Road, Amherst College, Amherst, MA. Full directions are available.

Northampton Parents’ Center

February 1, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Visiting western Massachusetts with young kids this winter? A great option for a cold or rainy morning is the Northampton Parents Center, a co-operative community center for young kids (birth to kindergarten) and their caregivers. While most visitors live in the area (my kids are regulars at the parents center—we’re there each week!), there are always new families stopping by, many of whom are in the area for a visit with local family or friends.

The Northampton Parents Center is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30am, has music class on Thursday mornings, and often hosts special events, such as local storytellers, musicians, or puppeteers (check the website for an updated schedule). There is a big room for tumbling, tricycles, and ride-on cars; a smaller room with rice and play-doh tables; and another small room with books and toys for younger babies.

The Northampton Parents Center provides a comfortable, supportive environment for parents and plenty of fun and stimulation for kids. If you do stop by, be sure to ask for me—I’m sure we’ll be there!

Date last visited:

Distance from the interstate: About one mile off of I-91, in the center of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 9:30–11:30. The Northampton Parents Center follows the Northampton public school calendar, and is closed during school holidays and during the summer (although informal summer playdates at local parks will be posted on the website). Be sure to check the website to plan your visit.

Admission: Everyone is welcome at the Northampton Parents Center, regardless of ability to pay. Visitors donate between $0 and $5 per family for a visit, or local families can buy a year membership for $100.

Food services: Coffee is always brewing in the kitchen! Also, snack time is provided for the kids at 10:15am. There are also plenty of spots nearby in the town center for breakfast or lunch before/after your visit to the parents center.

Directions: The Northampton Parents Center is located in the basement of Edwards Church (the parents center is not affiliated with Edwards Church, although the church generously provides space for the center) on Main Street in Northampton, but the entrance is located on State St. (you’ll notice all the strollers parked by the door!)

Amelia Park Children’s Museum (Westfield Children’s Museum)

August 16, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Located right off the Mass Pike (I-90), the Amelia Park Children’s Museum (often called the Westfield Children’s Museum) is perfect for families looking for a place to let little ones run wild for an hour or two. The museum is made up of one long room with smaller stations along the edges, such as a pretend bank and grocery store, a collection of Little People toys, and a stage with costumes, a disco ball, and a microphone for the more theatrically inclined. Adjacent to this room is a large play area with Nurf air guns, a rocket ship, and a twisty slide. The layout of this museum is great, especially for those of us with the toddler/baby set, because it’s so easy to keep track of two kids (from a central vantage point, you can see just about the whole museum).

If you’re staying in the area for a while, especially in winter when the weather can get in the way of outdoor activities, it might be worth buying a year membership. The price of admission on your first day is subtracted from the membership fee, meaning that for another $20 or so, you can come and go as you please for the rest of your visit.

Date last visited: July 29, 2011

Distance from the interstate: One mile from I-90.

Hours of operation: Monday: 10-4, Tuesday/Wednesday: closed, Thursday: 10-4, Friday: 10-4,
Saturday: 10-7, Sunday 10-4

Admission prices: $7 for anyone over 1 year (free for anyone under a year). They also have discounts for students, teachers, and senior citizens.

Food services: Technically, you aren’t allowed to bring food into museum, and there’s nowhere to buy food when you’re there. However, we’ve certainly had a few snacks inside and haven’t been hassled by staff.

Website and phone: http://www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/ (413) 572-4014

Directions:: The museum is located at 29 South Broad St., Westfield, MA. The Amelia Park complex includes an ice arena and a Boys and Girls Club. Drive through the complex and the museum is located at the back.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

July 19, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

A great way to spend a rainy (or snowy, or sweltering) day with young kids while traveling in western Massachusetts is the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. The conservatory (or as my toddler calls it, “Butterfly Farm”) is a huge greenhouse filled with trees, flowers, turtles, lizards, and of course, butterflies. One of its biggest selling points is the fact that the greenhouse is kept nice and warm year round. This can be especially appealing in winter, or on rainy days when parents are desperate to avoid being cooped up with babies and young toddlers.

Another bonus: the conservatory is always open! They operate 7 days a week, from 9 to 5 (9 to 6 in the summer), every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This makes it a great option during school holidays and family visits (which often coincide with holiday closings and wintery weather).

This is a great option for toddlers. The paths that wander throughout the conservatory are easy for a new walker to navigate, and although the butterflies are the main attraction, there are all kinds of other critters on display. The staff are often willing to take animals (lizards, frogs, etc.) out of their cages to let kids get a closer look.

Date last visited: June 29, 2011

Distance from the interstate: Magic Wings is approximately 3 miles off Interstate 91, in South Deerfield.

Hours of operation:

9-5 during the spring, fall, and winter
9-6 during the summer
Every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Admission: Adults are $12, kids 3-17 are $8, and kids under 3 are free. Bring a student ID and get in for $8 until the age of 22!

Food services: Monarchs Restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday and has many kid-friendly options, including burgers, sandwiches (shaped like butterflies), mac and cheese, etc. You can also bring your own food and eat at the outdoor picnic tables, weather permitting. When going on this outing with napping kids, I found that the best option was to spend the morning at the conservatory, then let the kids eat lunch in the car on the drive home, getting back just in time for nap (of course, this only works if you’re not picky about car seat cleanliness…).

Contact info: (413) 665-2805

Directions: Magic Wings is located at 281 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA. Detailed directions are found on the website.

Nantucket with kids: guide to beaches and biking

July 18, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The island of Nantucket, Massachusetts is well-known as a summer playground for travelers of all ages, but with so much to do in the immediate vicinity of the harbor, the further reaches (only a few miles in any direction!) are often overlooked. Ferrying your car to the island is expensive, rentals even more so, but that’s ok: biking is more affordable, more fun, and easy to do on such a flat and manageably-sized piece of land.

Because biking is such a great mode of transportation on Nantucket, there are many rental outfits ready to provide you with bikes during your stay. On our most recent visit, we chose Young’s Bicycle Shop, located conveniently near the Steamship Authority dock one block from the harbor. Even more convenient? Young’s will deliver your bikes to your hotel or vacation home for a flat $10 fee. Bike rentals range from $20-50 per 24-hour period, depending on the bike type, and they carry everything from baby seats to ‘tag-alongs’ to trailers.

Finding your way around the island is easy with so many well-marked bike and pedestrian paths. Trails stretch all the way from Madeket to ‘Sconset, Jetties Beach to Surfside, Cisco to Brant Point light, and where the trails don’t lead, biking on the streets is safe and easy. In town, it’s necessary to walk bikes over the cobblestones and on sidewalks to avoid pedestrians, but out of town, biking with the flow of traffic is hassle-free and often faster than fighting traffic in your car.

We could easily carry our beach equipment on the backs of our rented bikes and in backpacks, and as a result, biked nearly everywhere we went on the island. Nantucket boasts close to a dozen distinct beaches along its miles of coastline, each one with a different personality. Below is a run-down of our favorites for all activities, ages, and interests:

Jetties Beach is perfect for families of all ages. Close to town without being crowded, it’s easy to bike to, the calm water is shallow and warm (you can walk for what seems like miles along a submerged sand bar), and the sand is dotted with seashells. Also appreciated by families are its clean bathrooms, lifeguards, playground, and full restaurant, complete with beach store for all the essentials, like sand buckets, towels, and paddle board. We loved their ‘leave a book, take a book’ shelf, where Nate found great summer reading!

Surfside Beach is located directly opposite of the town of Nantucket on the island’s unprotected south shore. The lack of the harbor means large waves (which have a habit of breaking nearly on shore). Wide and sandy, Surfside is a great beach for a game of Frisbee or paddle ball, sunbathing, and playing in the surf. Be advised, however, that the depth of the water greatly increases just yards from shore as the sandy bottom drops out abruptly. Lifeguards are on duty during daytime hours, and a snack shack serves fare such as hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream. One of the island’s many bicycle paths deposits visitors directly into the Surfside parking area.

Madaket beaches are great for visitors seeking isolation, crashing waves, and sunsets. A long bike ride from town, the journey to Madeket is beautiful and can be accessed entirely by bike path. Located at the end of the island on the western tip, Madaket is comprised of solitary vacation homes and windswept beaches; don’t expect many more services than a port-a-potty and a bike rack. Bring your own picnic, however, and you might forget you’re on a busy vacation island in the middle of high season on Madaket! Expect big, crashing waves, wind, and
frequent fog!

‘Sconset beaches are located at the end of another long bike ride, this time to the eastern side of the island. The town of ‘Sconset (short for Siasconset) is far less commerical than the heart of the Nantucket harbor area, but unlike Madaket, some services, such as a small grocery store stocked with ice cream, drinks, snacks, and souvenirs, do exist near the beaches. You’re likely to encounter more company as well; the homes nestled near the shore are almost always occupied in the summer months. Come to ‘Sconset beaches for picturesque beauty (think sand dunes, shingled cottages, and well-kept gardens), the family-friendly atmosphere (there’s almost always a kite or two flying), and the smaller (but still existent) surf.

Children’s Beach is located in the center of the harbor area, just west of the wharfs. Easy to bike or walk to from town, Children’s Beach is always busy due to its protected (though limited) beach access, views of the harbor (kids love to boat watch), and playground right on the beach. With virtually no waves, kids can splash and play in the warm water to their hearts’ content, and parents are within strolling distance to downtown shops and restaurants.