More baseball

Futures at Fenway

August 18, 2012

"America's Most Beloved Ballpark" will once again play host to the fun and excitement of Minor League Baseball. Beginning at 1:05 p.m., game one will feature the Red Sox A affiliate Lowell Spinners taking on the Hudson Valley Renegades from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The second game will showcase the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox battling the Buffalo Bisons, an affiliate from the New York Mets organization.

The afternoon of baseball will allow fans to enjoy moderate ticket prices, discounted concessions, and a fun-filled family atmosphere. Children in attendance will have the chance to take part in various activities throughout the day. From on-field promotions to autograph sessions with the stars from both games, fans will be a part of the action.

Buy tickets before they're gone!

Paw Sox

 Don't have Red Sox tickets? Or choose not to pay their ticket prices when they're only having a so so season? A fun alternative to a Red Sox game is their minor league team the Paw Sox located in Rhode Island.

 The ticket prices are very reasonable and easy to purchase check here.
The games are low key and family friendly.
Some helpful tips 

-  there is some paid parking but also quite a bit of free street parking.
- There is a small grassy hill as part of the stadium seating.  Anyone can sit there but if you're going to catch a home run ball or have small kids,  this a great place to lay down a blanket and let them play while you watch the baseball game.
-Unopened bottled water or drink is allowed
- Paw and Sox (the mascots) are readily available for pictures and autographs so bring something for them to sign. :-)

 For directions and parking info click here

 To join the Paw Sox kids club click here you'll get free tickets along with a bunch of other perks!

 See you at the ball game!

Castle Island

I've been going to Castle Island (in South Boston) for years -- it's one of my very favorite places.  You can see airplanes, boats, and lots of people.  There is a great playground and plenty of space to toss a ball, roller blade, bike, walk and even swim!  Take a picnic or stop at Sullivan's to get something to eat (I love their fries and ice cream).

Memorial Drive

Did you know that Memorial Drive in Cambridge is closed on Sundays?  From the last Sunday in April to the second Sunday in November from 11:00am - 7:00pm it is closed to car traffic between Mt. Auburn Street and Western Avenue.  Take your bikes, roller blades, scooters, skateboards and a picnic and enjoy the open road!

Photo credit here

Haymarket

Haymarket. One of my favorite things to do in Boston, especially in the winter.  It's basically a very large farmers market and seafood.  Year around Friday and Saturday from  dawn to dusk you can have just about any kind of produce and herbs you could want. The prices are awesome.

Although here is my disclaimer - don't always buy the very cheapest produce.  Sometimes there is a reason as to why it's the cheapest it's ok to be picky! Make sure you're getting the best.

Location is on Blackstone street sandwiched in between Faneuil hall and the North End. It's cash only. Don't forget a back pack or something to carry all of your produce home in. 

To make the day even better? Leave some cash left for a canoli at Mike's Pastry. Yumm!

Purgatory Chasm

 

 Purgatory Chasm is a climbers dream. This half a mile long chasm has you crawling up, over, around and under boulders of all sizes. It's worth the visit. 

Especially if you have a house full of energetic boys that love to hike and climb!

 For directions and the address click here. Purgatory Chasm is in Sutton, MA located off of Rt. 146. It's easy to find, the parking is free and so is the hiking.  There are also miles of easy to walk hiking trails around the chasm, bathrooms, a great playground, and a nice grassy area with charcoal grills for grilling.

 It's a great afternoon of fun!

Movie Night

Free movie night at the Hatch Shell

Throughout the summer the Hatch shell offers a variety of concerts for a complete schedule click here. Friday nights are movie night. Bring a blanket and a picnic enjoy the view of the Charles River and watch a movie. 

June, 2012

Friday June 15, Sunset (8:23 pm)
"Happy Feet Two"

July, 2012

Friday July 13, Sunset (8:19 pm)
"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"

Friday July 20, Sunset (8:14 pm)
"The Muppets"

Friday July 27, Sunset (8:07 pm)
"Cars 2"

August 2012

Friday August 3, Sunset (7:59 pm)
"Kung Fu Panda 2"

Friday August 10, Sunset (7:50 pm)
"Zookeeper"

Friday August 17, Sunset (7:40 pm)
"Puss In Boots"

Friday August 24, Sunset (7:29 pm)
"The Lorax"

For directions click here. I would recommend riding the T.

Mapparium

The Christian Science Center located in the Christian Science Plaza right next to the Prudential building, is a beautiful church that holds the largest pipe organ in the country.  There are more then 13,000 pipes!
 

Located next door in the Mary Baker Eddy Library, also owned by the Christian Science Center is the Mapparium. In this library is a 3 story hand painted glass globe. It's a map lovers dream!

There is a $6 cost to see the Mapparium. Also the parking in that area is limited to a couple of pricey parking garages and some free street parking. I would recommend taking the T, using the prudential stop. You can see both of these sights in just a couple of hours.

Family fun run, 5k and 3k

Exercise AND a fun family day.  Who can ask for more then that?

Kimballs

this is a KIDDIE CONE -- for reals!

If you like ice cream, you need to visit Kimball Farm.  There are 4 locations now (Carlile, Westford, Lancaster, and Jaffrey, NH).  I live closest to Carlile so that's the one I frequent.  The homemade ice cream is delicious, the scoops are generous (big!), and the prices are reasonable.  I've had friends visit and on the way to Kimballs they've said, "You drive THIS far to get an ice cream cone?"  My reply is--just wait!  It's a tradition to go with friends the night of Patriots Day and we often go to Kimballs for our "farewell" parties for friends moving from the area.  The kids LOVE running around the grassy area behind the building, climbing the tree and seeing a few farm animals.  If you haven't gone yet -- GO!

P.S.  Cash only.  :)

Newport Mansions

 The Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

One sight to see in Newport is the Newport Mansions. These mansions were built as summer homes, in the late 1800's.  To learn more about the mansions and their history click here. Its fascinating to go and see the different architecture and design in each mansion and learn about the history in each mansion. There are 11 total if you want to see them all. This mansion pictured above is called The Breakers, its the biggest and well worth seeing. It has a very large lawn right an ocean view, perfect place for a picnic after the tour.

The tours are audio tours so you can go at your own pace.  They also have special audio tours for kids so they can learn about the mansions from the views of the children that lived in the mansions.

For more information about tickets click here. You can purchase tickets online or at the mansion. Another thing to consider if you're taking your family is a membership.  A per person ticket is $25 for 2 mansions.  A family membership is $90 for all mansions for a year plus a rooftop tour of the Elms mansion. Christmas time at the mansions is also WELL WORTH IT.  They are filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and thousands of poinsettias.

If you go see the mansions take some time to walk
along the cliff walk. This is a several mile walk along the coast. Many of the mansions are along this walk. 
It's an easy walk with beautiful views.

The cliff walk is free. If you choose not to see the mansions enjoy the walk on the cliff walk anyway.