Michele Decoteau
micheledecoteau@verizon.net
A Hop, Skip and a Jump – Short trips in the Valley to take with kids
Looking for something fun to do with the kids to extend the summer vacation feeling even though school has started? Why not try a day trip! They are just the thing to ease everyone back into a learning mode since trips like these are fun and informative. These close-to-home trips minimize travel time and maximize fun. Each one is about a half-day long leaving plenty of time for back to school shopping.
For school aged kids a trip the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, RI, is a terrific place to begin. Now it sounds just like school, but wait until you go there. Housed in an old mill, this Museum explores the Blackstone Valley’s rich industrial heritage and has many hands-on exhibits. Children often worked in the mills and their story is told here. Children from today can try their hand at doing some of those same jobs such as shuttling thread spindles. Visit their website at: www.rihs.org for hours and special events. Children under 10 are free with an adult admission.
If you haven’t visited the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA, you are missing a treat. They have the largest collection of medieval armor outside of England and have armor from many places and times including ancient Greece, Europe, Africa, and Asia. They even have examples of armor for animals. Many of their exhibits are hands-on and they have a great playroom with dress up costumes, castle puzzles, puppets, thrones, and more. Check out their website at: www.higgins.org for their special events and admission details. Children under 6 are free with adult admission.
There are two wonderful zoos in the area as well. The Southwick Zoo in Mendon offers a variety of exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Summer brought many new arrivals so this is a great time to visit. This is a large zoo with lots of walking among the animal habitats so bring a stroller or backpack for young children. They offer animal and mechanical rides as well as animal shows. Some require additional fees so check out their website at: www.southwickszoo.com for admission prices, directions, and special events.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence is an award-winning zoo that has received rave reviews for its family friendly atmosphere and environmental conservation efforts. They have over 150 species of animals on exhibit including many rare and endangered species including elephants, moon bears, snow leopards, and burying beetles. Check out their website at: www.rogerwilliamspark.org for admission rates, hours and special events. If you plan to go more than once per year, consider purchasing their family or grandparent’s membership pass.
For preschool school-aged children with short legs and attention spans, a trip to Purgatory Chasm Reservation in Sutton is big adventure. There are many great trails to take so this trip won’t get boring even if you go weekly. Don’t be intimidated by the trail through the rocky Chasm; even young kids can do it if you take your time. Generally this trail will take about an hour with young kids. For a slightly less daring trip, parents should consider Charlie’s loop around the Chasm. There are a few rocks on one end so the kids feel like the have climbed on rocks, but not so many that parents get gray hair! Bathrooms are available at the visitor center. To round out this trip, stop at West End Creamery across Route 146 for ice cream. It is worth the extra few minutes driving for the delicious ice cream, great coffee and stunning views.
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Michele Decoteau is business writer living in Millbury. She gets your
projects done on time, on budget and on topic. Her dot com home can be
found at www.micheledecoteau.com.
