Year in Review: Highlights of 2021
Even though 2021 was the second year impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic, we feel blessed to still have had many amazing adventures. We spent most of the winter in Connecticut exploring many local spots; the summer road tripping across Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (did we mention the number 4300 miles?!?!); and the spring and fall revisiting some of our tried and true favorite spots for new activities. This post is always one of our favorites each year, as it’s fun to go back down “memory lane” and reflect on the best parts of each adventure. So here is a recap of our (documented, publicly shared) 2021 adventures:
15 Things to Do with Kids in Boston, Massachusetts
I’ll disclose that Boston is my hometown, so this post will be “wicked” biased. But even the biggest Yankees fan will admit that the birthplace of the American Revolution, the home of winning sports teams, waterfront activities, world class arts and culture, and curator of foods like Fenway franks, bakes beans, chowdah, and Boston Cream Pie, is one of the most special places in the world. There are SO many family friendly activities you’ll need weeks years to see and do it all, but for our latest City Guide we’ll start with these 15 places the whole family is sure to love.
25 Things to Do at Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA
The world’s largest naval ship exhibit, Battleship Cove opened in 1965 and is home to battleships, submarines, PT boats, and a maritime museum, all accessible to visitors. There are memorials to honors sailors who served in conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Visitors are welcome to explore the USS Massachusetts, USS Kennedy, USS Lionfish, and Hiddensee, docked under the Braga Bridge in the waterfront area of Mount Hope Bay, and can also peek inside two PT boats.
The nearby Maritime Museum was founded in 1968 to showcase nautical memorabilia such as the Fall River Line and RMW Titanic. There is a special children’s section with nautical themed books, arts and crafts, and artifacts. Battleship Cove is located in Fall River, Massachusetts, one hour south of Boston and less than a half hour southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.
10 Things to Do at the New England Aquarium in Boston
I grew up going to the New England Aquarium, both with my family and on school field trips, and was excited to return this past month with my own children. In the heart of Boston, the aquarium opened in 1969 and has over one million visitors each year. There are over 20,000 sea creatures who live at the aquarium and visitors are able to explore four floors of exhibits in addition to outdoor plaza exhibits and the Simons Theater.
10 Spots Kids Will Love at the Heritage Museums and Gardens on Cape Cod
On a recent trip to Cape Cod, we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon exploring the grounds and museums of the Heritage Museums and Gardens. Located at the “start” of Cape Cod in Sandwich, the 100 acre space includes three indoor gallery spaces; dozens of gardens; over 1,000 varieties of flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs; an outdoor discovery center kids will LOVE; a cafe and gift shop; and even a preschool through grade one school! The property was owned by the Lilly family who vacationed on the Cape during the 1950s and 1960s. J.K. Lilly wanted to showcase his late father’s collection of automobiles and other artifacts. Since 1969, when it first opened, gardens and additional buildings have been added to enhance the beauty of the complex and of Cape Cod. Read more about the property and development of the complex here.
10 Things to Do at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Cape Cod, located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, was first formed 6,000 years ago with rising seas that eroded the glacial sands that made up the area. It is a popular vacation spot year round, but especially comes alive during the warmer summer months. There are dozens of beaches, golf courses, clam shacks, ice cream shops, and plenty of hands on activities the whole family will enjoy. The area is also rich with historical sites, and my family recently revisited (it had been many, many years) the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. The museum complex includes 400 acres of land in Brewster, midway on the Cape, Wing’s Island, salt marshes, a beach directly on Cape Cod Bay, a large indoor museum and aquarium, exhibition space, and educational spaces for camps and children’s programs.