Feb 15, 2011 9:07 - By: Jodi Grundig
A Penguin at the Mystic Aquarium
Winter school vacation is coming up in just one week here in New England. Even if you haven’t made plans to get away, you can still experience new places and activities by taking quick day trips, or an overnight road trip. One of my favorite overnight road trip locals is Mystic, Connecticut, which is a short drive from both New York City and Boston.
This winter vacation, Mystic has a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fun kids’ activities are taking place all week at Mystic Seaport. For kids that love boats, the famous Morgan is currently out of the water as it’s being renovated.
- The Mystic Aquarium, once of the nicest aquariums in the area, is offering a new exhibit, National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes.
- For Dino-lovers, the Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art is offering free drop-in dinosaur camp all school vacation week for kids aged 3 and up.
- Nearby Chester, Connecticut is holding 21st annual Chester Winter Carnivale and 8th Annual Tractor Parade on February 20th, 2011 with performances, face painting, balloons, and more.
If you are considering staying overnight in Mystic, I’d recommend staying at the Mystic Marriott Resort and Spa, the Springhill Suites by Marriott, or the Comfort Inn Mystic (all family-friendly locations).
Photo credit: mnapoleon on Flickr
Nov 30, 2010 8:45 - By: Jodi Grundig
The Swan Boats at the Public Garden
We live in the Boston suburbs, and on low traffic times, we can easily make it to the city in about 20 minutes. I like to bring my kids to the city frequently, because there’s so much to do. Here are a few of my favorite attractions and activities for a Boston vacation.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is located right on the Boston waterfront, in a prime location. It’s expensive (expect to spend $75 for a family of four) but you can get a deal from admission if you purchase the Boston City Pass (good if you are visiting several different attractions). My kids love the penguins and the huge fish tank (with a small shark) the best, but older kids will also enjoy the whale watches and Imax theater (additional fee).
The Boston Children’s Museum
My kids can’t get enough of the Boston Children’s Museum. It’s located right on the waterfront (across the water from the Children’s Museum), and offers so many wonderful things for kids. The three floors are full of activities, and I have to actually push them from room to room to get them to see the whole place. Prices are fairly reasonable – about $45 for a family of four, and you can bring your own food to eat there, if you’d like.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of my favorite things about Boston. The kids love the outdoor entertainment in the summer months, and there are a variety of stores and restaurants to visit. I especially like the pushcarts in the market, because they offer unique and special items.
Boston Public Garden
Between the swan boats (pictured above) and the Make Way For Ducklings statue, this public park is a great destination for families with kids. The park is free, but you’ll have to pay a few dollars to ride the swan boats.
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Nov 15, 2010 14:20 - By: Jodi Grundig
Mystic Seaport
Most people have only heard of Mystic, Connecticut from the Julia Robert’s movie, Mystic Pizza. But New Englanders have known for years that Mystic is a fabulous destination for families – not because of the pizza but because of the family-friendly attractions!
I grew up going to Mystic, which is a convenient road trip not only for families from Boston and Rhode Island, but also for families from New York City. I just love the quaint shops in Olde Mistick Village, an old American shopping village with beautiful landscaping. The Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport are also wonderful family-friendly locations that kids will absolutely enjoy. The Seaport is perfect for families with boat-loving kids, while the aquarium appeals to all children.
If you are planning on visiting and seeing these attractions, you can probably save with the Mystic Pass. The pass includes:
- Admission to both the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
- One free fountain drink at Penguins Café at Mystic Aquarium.
- One free reusable water bottle.
- One free planetarium show at Mystic Seaport.
- Discounts for restaurants, attractions, lodging, and shops throughout the Mystic area through March 2011
Rates for the card range from $22 for kids aged 3-5 to $55 for adults, and if you are planning on visiting the Seaport and the Aquarium, you’ll probably find it worth the cost.
Photo credit: AMOC on Flickr
Jun 30, 2010 18:54 - By: Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Alligators strike a pose at the Tennessee Aquarium
Explore the diverse aspects of the sea world at the sprawling Tennessee Aquarium located in Chattanooga. One of the country’s top-rated aquariums, the Tennessee Aquarium provides up close interactions with 10,000 animals, a six-story, 3D Imax movie theater and a thrilling riverboat cruise. Besides the expected fish, visitors can watch penguins, meander through a butterfly garden and come face to face with alligators and snapping turtles. Read More »
