Liberty Ride, Lexington -- The British are coming, the British are coming! Hop on an old-style trolley and retrace Paul Revere's Midnight ride. The Battle Road from Lexington to Concord overflows with the history of the American Revolution and 19th Century Literature. The trolley runs from the National Heritage Museum in Lexington to Concord's North Bridge and back (with many sites in between). Try taking the trolley from the National Heritage Museum and getting off in Concord for lunch at the 300 year-old national landmark Colonial Inn. Kid Comment - Stop at Helen's just down the street from the Colonial Inn and get an ice cream. Then catch the next trolley back to Lexington. www.libertyride.us/libertyride.html
Minuteman Bikeway - This 11-mile bike trail runs from Bedford to Cambridge (Alewife Station). The trail is flat and wide enough to accommodate bicyclists of all skill levels. The best place to pick up the trail is in Lexington Center and then head toward Cambridge. There is plenty of parking in Lexington and a number of fun places to stop for treats for the kids at the end of the bike ride. There is a great toy store, Catch a Falling Star, which is right by the bikeway and parking lot. Kid Comment -- Stop at Dunkin' Donuts for a Baskin Robbins ice cream. You can eat it at tables outside. www.minutemanbikeway.org
Decordova Sculpture Park & Museum, Lincoln - Children love to come and explore the 35 acres dappled with approximately 75 large-scale modern and contemporary sculptures at Decordova Sculpture Park & Museum. You could easily spend a couple hours outdoors walking through this unique sculpture park. Bring a snack or lunch, and even a sketch pad for the kids. The museum has "family fun kits" that children can use to explore the museum. The sculpture park is open even when the museum is closed, so Mondays are a good day to explore the park for free. Kid Comment - Make sure to go inside the Museum too. The Process Gallery has hands-on art activities for kids. http://decordova.org
The North Bridge, Concord (also known locally as the Old North Bridge) - Visit the birthplace of the American Revolution. The North Bridge is where, on the morning of April 19, 1775, Colonial Militia first fired upon the British and sent them in retreat back to Boston. Set along the Concord River, a visit to the North Bridge combines history with a beautiful stroll through the park grounds. It’s also fun for children to play “Pooh Sticks” by dropping sticks off the North Bridge and into the Concord River. Kid Comment - Walk up the hill to the Buttrick Mansion and watch a film about an historic canon. www.nps.gov/mima
South Bridge Boat House, Concord - See Concord from the river. At the South Bridge Boat House, you can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle down the Concord River. In addition to birds and wildlife, you can see the sweeping lawns of the antique homes on Elm and Main streets. Bring a picnic and lunch at the North Bridge. The South Bridge Boat House also offers Tea and breakfast cruises. Kid Comment -- Bring a fishing pole and try to catch some fish. Also, stop at the North Bridge to look around. www.canoeconcord.com
Orchard House, Concord - Take a guided tour of the house made famous by Louisa May Alcott in her 1868 book, Little Women (later adapted for film). The Orchard House is where the Alcotts, author Louisa May, her three sisters, her mother, and her Transcendentalist father, Bronson Alcott, lived from 1858 to 1877. In addition to the family home, the grounds include the school house where Bronson Alcott started a “School of Philosophy.” www.louisamayalcott.org
Concord’s Colonial Inn - A day trip to Concord wouldn’t be complete without a meal enjoyed on the front porch of this historic landmark. Located in the heart of Concord, the Colonial Inn overlooks picturesque Monument Square and is within walking distance of the North Bridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where notables Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott are buried. Especially fun for little girls, the Colonial Inn offers afternoon tea on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 (reservations required). www.concordscolonialinn.com
Walden Pond, Concord - Walden Pond is great any time of year, as Henry David Thoreau learned first-hand when he lived there for two years from 1845-1847 in a cabin on Walden’s shore. Year-round you can enjoy a hike around the pond, which at 1 ½ miles is doable for most young children whether walking or catching a ride on a parent’s shoulders. In the summer, Walden Pond provides a good-size beach where families from the surrounding towns as well as Boston, Cambridge, and Arlington come to cool off. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden/
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail - The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is one of three wonderful rail trails in the suburban west area. The trail is 6.8 miles long and runs through the towns of Westford, Chelmsford and Lowell. The most scenic part of the trail runs from Westford to Chelmsford. The best parking for the trail is at the beginning of the trail in Westford (at the juncture of routes 27 & 225), in Chelmsford at Hart Pond (Pond Road.), or at Byam School off Maple Road (during nonschool hours). And, there is parking in Chelmsford Center off North Road. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail website has a detailed map of the route, parking, and ice cream spots. As you enter Chelmsford Center from Westford, there is the Javaroom and Bertuccis (on your left) and an ice cream shop on your right. Kid Comment - Kate's Corner (a general store) is my favorite place to get an ice cream (at the corner of Route 27 & Maple Rd.). www.brucefreemanrailtrail.org
Kimball Farm, Westford - What was once a modest four-window ice cream stand where families went for ice cream with the kids dressed in their pajamas is now a kids destination complete with two adventure-style miniature golf courses, bumper boats, a driving range, batting cages, animal adventures, and much more. Oh, and they still sell the creamiest homemade ice cream with the hugest servings. Especially tasty are the hot fudge sundaes and banana splits. Bring your appetite or share with a friend. Thursday nights in the summer are cruise nights when hundreds of antique cars are on display. Other Kimball Farm locations include: Carlisle, MA; Lancaster, MA; and Jaffrey, NH. These smaller locations predominantly sell ice cream. The Westford, Lancaster, and Jaffrey locations sell food and have a country store. Kid Comment - Try out the new arcade and then go to the bumper boats. www.kimballfarm.com
The Butterfly Place, Westford -- Surround yourself with hundreds of butterflies as you walk through the conservatory and garden at the Butterfly place. The Butterfly place houses up to 500 vibrant butterflies from New England and all over the world. If you sit quietly, one may come and rest right on your shoulder. In addition to walking through the glassed atrium of butterflies, there is a 15-minute video explaining the life cycle of butterflies. https://butterflyplace-ma.com
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard - Nestled in apple country in the bucolic town of Harvard, MA is the former commune of transcendentalist Bronson Alcott. Fruitlands Museum today includes a collection of five buildings, including the Fruitlands Farmhouse (former Alcott home from 1843), the Shaker Office (see how early Shakers lived dating back to the 1700s), The Native Gallery (learn about early Native American life), and the Art Gallery (19th century portraits and Hudson River Landscapes). This sprawling Museum is spread out over 200 acres. It includes two miles of walking trails and a wonderful hill for children to roll down. As well, children can learn traditional early American games. The views of the Nashua River Valley and Mt. Wachusetts are stunning. Get lunch at Alcott’s Restaurant and Tea Room or bring your own picnic. www.fruitlands.org
Nashua River Rail Trail - The Nashua River Rail Trail is the most remote and consistently picturesque of the three bike trails west of Boston. This 11-mile trail runs from Ayer to the Nashua, NH border. There are several places to park along the trail - Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable (exact locations can be found at the website below). A perfect bite-size excursion for kids is to start at the Sand Hill Road parking lot in Groton and head north toward Pepperell. Kid Comment -- In Pepperell Center, stop at the Rail Trail Ice Cream Shop. Right next door is Charlotte’s Cozy Kitchen if you are looking for lunch or awesome omelets. After a quick stop, you can either continue north toward Nashua or ride back to the Groton parking lot. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm
Minuteman Bikeway - This 11-mile bike trail runs from Bedford to Cambridge (Alewife Station). The trail is flat and wide enough to accommodate bicyclists of all skill levels. The best place to pick up the trail is in Lexington Center and then head toward Cambridge. There is plenty of parking in Lexington and a number of fun places to stop for treats for the kids at the end of the bike ride. There is a great toy store, Catch a Falling Star, which is right by the bikeway and parking lot. Kid Comment -- Stop at Dunkin' Donuts for a Baskin Robbins ice cream. You can eat it at tables outside. www.minutemanbikeway.org
Decordova Sculpture Park & Museum, Lincoln - Children love to come and explore the 35 acres dappled with approximately 75 large-scale modern and contemporary sculptures at Decordova Sculpture Park & Museum. You could easily spend a couple hours outdoors walking through this unique sculpture park. Bring a snack or lunch, and even a sketch pad for the kids. The museum has "family fun kits" that children can use to explore the museum. The sculpture park is open even when the museum is closed, so Mondays are a good day to explore the park for free. Kid Comment - Make sure to go inside the Museum too. The Process Gallery has hands-on art activities for kids. http://decordova.org
The North Bridge, Concord (also known locally as the Old North Bridge) - Visit the birthplace of the American Revolution. The North Bridge is where, on the morning of April 19, 1775, Colonial Militia first fired upon the British and sent them in retreat back to Boston. Set along the Concord River, a visit to the North Bridge combines history with a beautiful stroll through the park grounds. It’s also fun for children to play “Pooh Sticks” by dropping sticks off the North Bridge and into the Concord River. Kid Comment - Walk up the hill to the Buttrick Mansion and watch a film about an historic canon. www.nps.gov/mima
South Bridge Boat House, Concord - See Concord from the river. At the South Bridge Boat House, you can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle down the Concord River. In addition to birds and wildlife, you can see the sweeping lawns of the antique homes on Elm and Main streets. Bring a picnic and lunch at the North Bridge. The South Bridge Boat House also offers Tea and breakfast cruises. Kid Comment -- Bring a fishing pole and try to catch some fish. Also, stop at the North Bridge to look around. www.canoeconcord.com
Orchard House, Concord - Take a guided tour of the house made famous by Louisa May Alcott in her 1868 book, Little Women (later adapted for film). The Orchard House is where the Alcotts, author Louisa May, her three sisters, her mother, and her Transcendentalist father, Bronson Alcott, lived from 1858 to 1877. In addition to the family home, the grounds include the school house where Bronson Alcott started a “School of Philosophy.” www.louisamayalcott.org
Concord’s Colonial Inn - A day trip to Concord wouldn’t be complete without a meal enjoyed on the front porch of this historic landmark. Located in the heart of Concord, the Colonial Inn overlooks picturesque Monument Square and is within walking distance of the North Bridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where notables Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott are buried. Especially fun for little girls, the Colonial Inn offers afternoon tea on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 (reservations required). www.concordscolonialinn.com
Walden Pond, Concord - Walden Pond is great any time of year, as Henry David Thoreau learned first-hand when he lived there for two years from 1845-1847 in a cabin on Walden’s shore. Year-round you can enjoy a hike around the pond, which at 1 ½ miles is doable for most young children whether walking or catching a ride on a parent’s shoulders. In the summer, Walden Pond provides a good-size beach where families from the surrounding towns as well as Boston, Cambridge, and Arlington come to cool off. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden/
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail - The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is one of three wonderful rail trails in the suburban west area. The trail is 6.8 miles long and runs through the towns of Westford, Chelmsford and Lowell. The most scenic part of the trail runs from Westford to Chelmsford. The best parking for the trail is at the beginning of the trail in Westford (at the juncture of routes 27 & 225), in Chelmsford at Hart Pond (Pond Road.), or at Byam School off Maple Road (during nonschool hours). And, there is parking in Chelmsford Center off North Road. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail website has a detailed map of the route, parking, and ice cream spots. As you enter Chelmsford Center from Westford, there is the Javaroom and Bertuccis (on your left) and an ice cream shop on your right. Kid Comment - Kate's Corner (a general store) is my favorite place to get an ice cream (at the corner of Route 27 & Maple Rd.). www.brucefreemanrailtrail.org
Kimball Farm, Westford - What was once a modest four-window ice cream stand where families went for ice cream with the kids dressed in their pajamas is now a kids destination complete with two adventure-style miniature golf courses, bumper boats, a driving range, batting cages, animal adventures, and much more. Oh, and they still sell the creamiest homemade ice cream with the hugest servings. Especially tasty are the hot fudge sundaes and banana splits. Bring your appetite or share with a friend. Thursday nights in the summer are cruise nights when hundreds of antique cars are on display. Other Kimball Farm locations include: Carlisle, MA; Lancaster, MA; and Jaffrey, NH. These smaller locations predominantly sell ice cream. The Westford, Lancaster, and Jaffrey locations sell food and have a country store. Kid Comment - Try out the new arcade and then go to the bumper boats. www.kimballfarm.com
The Butterfly Place, Westford -- Surround yourself with hundreds of butterflies as you walk through the conservatory and garden at the Butterfly place. The Butterfly place houses up to 500 vibrant butterflies from New England and all over the world. If you sit quietly, one may come and rest right on your shoulder. In addition to walking through the glassed atrium of butterflies, there is a 15-minute video explaining the life cycle of butterflies. https://butterflyplace-ma.com
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard - Nestled in apple country in the bucolic town of Harvard, MA is the former commune of transcendentalist Bronson Alcott. Fruitlands Museum today includes a collection of five buildings, including the Fruitlands Farmhouse (former Alcott home from 1843), the Shaker Office (see how early Shakers lived dating back to the 1700s), The Native Gallery (learn about early Native American life), and the Art Gallery (19th century portraits and Hudson River Landscapes). This sprawling Museum is spread out over 200 acres. It includes two miles of walking trails and a wonderful hill for children to roll down. As well, children can learn traditional early American games. The views of the Nashua River Valley and Mt. Wachusetts are stunning. Get lunch at Alcott’s Restaurant and Tea Room or bring your own picnic. www.fruitlands.org
Nashua River Rail Trail - The Nashua River Rail Trail is the most remote and consistently picturesque of the three bike trails west of Boston. This 11-mile trail runs from Ayer to the Nashua, NH border. There are several places to park along the trail - Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable (exact locations can be found at the website below). A perfect bite-size excursion for kids is to start at the Sand Hill Road parking lot in Groton and head north toward Pepperell. Kid Comment -- In Pepperell Center, stop at the Rail Trail Ice Cream Shop. Right next door is Charlotte’s Cozy Kitchen if you are looking for lunch or awesome omelets. After a quick stop, you can either continue north toward Nashua or ride back to the Groton parking lot. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm
MetroWest with Kids
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