Community Voices for Health

By: Rachel Ventura

I’m not sure why, but I always find it difficult to come up with ideas to blog about during the winter months. During Spring and Summer, we’re so busy with activities that there always seems to be something, or some place, to talk about and share with everyone. But these days, it feels like we are just sitting inside, yearning for the snow to melt and warmer days to come.

Spring is only two months away and my little clan and I couldn’t be any more excited! I’m not a fan of Summer and hot weather, but I am done with these frigid temperatures and can’t wait to get these kids outside for some fresh air!

With the anticipation growing, we decided to make our summer bucket list. A little early, I know, but for some reason, we are very impatient for it this year.

My daughter begged me to add Disney World to the list. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. But, the top spot is close. We can’t wait to go to Canobie Lake Park. I think the last time I went was in high school – on senior skip day, actually. (It’s a little sad to think how many years ago that was…I’m getting old.) A friend of ours went last year with their young daughter and they loved it. There was so much for young kids to do and see, including tons of rides. One of the best parts in my opinion, it’s only an hour away! We attempted Story Land as a day trip last year and it was a disaster. The 3 hour trip each way wasn’t that bad, but the rainy weather while we were trying to have fun was. It’s a very cute park but I like the idea of staying a bit closer to home this year. More time to have fun!

Next on the list is camping. I’m not totally positive that this will happen, but we hope so! If we do go, it will only be for a night or two, and we will most likely rent a cabin, since my son is still a bit small. I don’t really believe camping in anything but a tent is really camping, but it would still be fun! I’m thinking a rustic cabin at Bourne Scenic Park might be the perfect option for us.

She’s never really showed any interest in the sport before, and (don’t yell at me!) my husband and I aren’t much of Red Sox fans, but my daughter has requested that we go to a baseball game. There’s no way I’m shelling out the kind of money it requires to get to Fenway Park. So, what’s the next best thing? Brockton Rox!! I’ve been to a few games in the past, but not since having children. I remember them doing lots of fun things on the field between innings, and they have a children’s play area as well. I think it will be a fun and affordable way to watch a baseball game, eat some junk food, and play. We can’t wait!

We also plan to ride the train into Boston and explore. Swan boats, the Frog Pond, Faneuil Hall, the Public Gardens, maybe a museum…the possibilities are endless! Just the train ride itself will be a fun adventure for the kids, but we will also enjoy the magic and beauty that the city of Boston has to offer.

Other than the beach, zoos, picnics, and other summertime necessities, most of the things on our list are activities we have not done before. One thing we are hoping to do this year that we have already done is a visit to Mystic Aquarium. We checked it out for the first time last year and it was awesome! If you haven’t been before, I highly suggest going. My daughter still talks about it all the time. It’s a fantastic way to spend the day.

We also love splash pads. There are so many in our area and it seems like more and more are popping up every year! Our favorite is the Freetown State Park splash pad and wading pool, which we first learned about in Martianne’s blog post a few years back. We go at least a few times each year, but for some reason, we’ve never made it over to Nelson Park splash pad in Plymouth. It’s on the list this year! I’m hoping we can check out the splash pad, the small beach and playground, and also a bit of Plymouth waterfront. Sounds like a beautiful day to me.

Ok, so all this summer talk has me longing for warmer days even more so than before. I just Googled it, and there is currently only 55 days till Spring. Who else is ready?! Let the countdown begin! Do you have anything fun planned for the upcoming warmer months? Have a fun way to count down the days? Share it here.