Tips and Tricks for a Day at the Beach

Jun 132018

Beach hacks

Nothing beats a day at the beach, the cool clear water, the sun shining down, hearing the waves roll in! Spending the day at a beach is the perfect way to enjoy a nice summer day. Below are some tips and tricks for a day at the beach, to make your life a little more simple.

Make your beach day trip unforgettable, and have fun creating those amazing memories that will last a lifetime!

Best Beach Day Hacks

Leave In Conditioner: The sun and salt water can cause a lot of damage to your hair, especially if you color it. To help prevent it, apply a leave in conditioner that has a UV protectant. Do this the morning of before you head to the beach.

Baby Oil on Legs: If you have freshly shaved, slather on baby oil on your legs. Fresh salt water can sting pretty good on fresh legs. I also suggest shaving with baby oil, use it like you would shaving cream.

Mesh Laundry Bag: Pack up all your items like kid toys, towels and such in the mesh laundry bag. Will help reduce trips to the car! Then at the end of the day when your items are all sandy, just toss back in the bag and sit in the back of your trunk. It will help reduce how much sand gets in your car, and some will shake out as you carry it to the car. Continue reading »

New England Spring Break Fun

Apr 112018

Yesterday I met up with my good friend, Leah from City Living Boston and Kim from Kimworld (who was behind the scenes) to do a Facebook Live about what to do with the kids over the April school vacation. Well, we had some technical difficulties and the live stream didn’t work out, so we decided to just record a video and talk about all the stuff we had planned on telling you about – and if anyone has any questions feel free to comment here or email one of us. If you missed the video, here it is so you can watch it:

Here’s some more information on some of the places we talked about in the video: Continue reading »

Family Fun at Launch RI

Mar 292018

Sometimes I tell my boys that they have no idea how lucky they are, and they really don’t. There are so many cool things now that we just didn’t have when I was a kid. Take Launch Trampoline Park for example. There was no such thing as a trampoline park back in the 90’s. If we wanted to jump on a trampoline, we had to beg our parents to buy one.

Speaking of Launch Trampoline Park, my boys get so excited whenever I tell them we are going there. Did you know that Launch RI just got a major upgrade? It’s not just a trampoline park anymore. Of course they still have trampolines, but now they have a bunch of seriously awesome attractions (a Ninja Warrior Course, Extreme Dodgeball and Laser Tag to name a few).

Did you know that Launch RI just got a major upgrade? It's not just a trampoline park anymore. Of course they still have trampolines, but now they have a bunch of seriously awesome attractions (a Ninja Warrior Course, Extreme Dodgeball and Laser Tag to name a few).

Here’s what they have at the new Launch RI complex: Continue reading »

NEW Star Wars MINILAND Display at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston

Feb 132018

I never tell my kids where we’re going, I just tell them we’re going on a Mystery Ride and we go. Sometimes we go to Walmart, sometimes we go to Washington, DC. It’s a surprise every time. So, when the opportunity came up to go to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Boston for #LEGOStarWars #MINILAND Preview Event I was psyched. This was going to be a perfect Mystery Ride! With my oldest being almost 13, the age gap between him and the 9- & 8-year olds feels like dog years. It’s getting harder and harder to find Mystery Rides they will enjoy together but something like this was a no-brainer.

Star Wars MINILAND is the newest addition to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Boston. For Star Wars fans, this is a display not to be missed!

When they saw Gio, the giant Lego Giraffe, and realized they were going up to the Discovery Center, the excitement was palpable. Even the tweenager smiled. We found parking two blocks over that was free for the first 3 hours, made a mental note that there was an ice cream shop across the street and headed in for our adventure. Continue reading »

Plan a Fun Family Getaway at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa

Nov 272017

Located in the heart of Cape Cod, The Cape Codder Resort and Spa makes a wonderful spot for a family getaway. The Cape Codder has an indoor water park, a wide variety of room options, several restaurants, a full service spa and more. Everything you need to enjoy your getaway is located all under one roof!

Located in the heart of Cape Cod, The Cape Codder Resort and Spa makes a wonderful spot for a family getaway with their indoor water park and more!

Cape Codder Water Park

The Cape Codder Resort and Spa boasts the only one of its kind indoor/outdoor Water Park on Cape Cod. Here are some of the highlights:

There are two 160-foot “Stars and Stripes” high-speed water slides!
A 50-foot and an 80-foot water slide winding through a replica of a pirate ship.

Get Your 2018 Lake Compounce Tickets NOW! #LakeCompounce #LCHolidayLights

Nov 162017

Lake Compounce, New England’s Premier Family Theme and Waterpark, is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, celebrating its 171st season in 2017. It’s home to the number one wooden roller coaster in the world, Boulder Dash, and the largest water park in Connecticut!

Lucky for you, Lake Compounce is offering some pretty amazing Black Friday deals to give their guests the best discounts on tickets and season passes! You can enjoy an entire year of Lake Compounce fun at a fantastic discount price!

Halloween Fun at Edaville Family Amusement Park

Oct 172017

When I was a kid my sister, brother and I waited all year long until my parents finally said we were going to “Edaville Railroad” to see the Christmas lights. I’m dead serious – it was one of the highlights of my childhood and I have so many fond memories of going there year after year with my family. These days it’s know as Edaville Family Theme Park and I am so thankful that I have the chance to go there with my own children so they can have the same wonderful memories of Edaville as I do.

Halloween Fun at Edaville Family Amusement Park's Not So Spooky Halloween event being held weekends throughout October. It's fun for the whole family.

Edaville Family Theme Park is tucked away in the middle of cranberry country in Carver, MA. It is a fun family attraction which features amusement rides including a Ferris Wheel, carousel my boys favorite: the bumper cars! Each admission includes a five mile train ride through the cranberry bogs on their property, all the rides, Dino Land and Thomas Land. Continue reading »

The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Woodstock, NH: An Adventure You’ll Never Forget

Sep 262017

The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Woodstock, NH is an adventure that you and your family will never forget. Hike, climb and explore all day long!

Long before recorded history, massive glaciers shaped the land in North America. The powerful forces of water, wind, and time created the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch (Woodstock, NH) about 300 million years ago. The Ice Age brought glaciers that lifted and moved enormous rocks, which formed notches and mountains. When the ice eventually melted, the water eroded the rocks and the Lost River Gorge was formed. If you happen to visit the Woodstock, NH area, be sure to check out the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves.

The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Woodstock, NH is an adventure that you and your family will never forget. Hike, climb and explore all day long!

We have a place in Woodstock, so my family visits the area regularly. Since that’s the case, we actually purchased season passes so that we could go all the time. My kids love climbing through the caves and I love that it’s a great workout with amazing views. Continue reading »

What To Expect at King Richard’s Faire

Sep 122017

There is so much fun to be had at King Richard's Faire in southeastern Massachusetts!

Hear ye, hear ye! It’s September and around these parts that means that King Richard’s Faire is back. For two months every fall, you can travel back in time at King Richard’s Faire in Carver, MA. Spread out over 80 acres of woods, King Richard’s Fairs is the place to be if you want to fully immerse yourself in the 16th century. If you’ve never been to a renaissance festival, you are seriously missing out a very unique experience. The fair includes all sorts of entertainment, exciting rides, shows, games and so much more. Here’s what you should expect when you go.

And yes, you too can lock your husband up in a cage when you go……

You can also lock your husband in a cage at King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA

Lots of amazing entertainment!

There are eight stages of live entertainment all day, included in your admission price at King Richard’s Faire. In addition to jousting show, you can see fire eating, magic, comedy shows, acrobatic acts and much more. Continue reading »

Fall Bucket List For Families

Sep 052017

ere is a list of 35 Fall inspired activities for you and your family to enjoy!

Looking for fun activities for you and your family to do this Fall? Check out this Fall bucket list for families, to help you stay entertained this Fall and create lasting memories! With the crisp cool air, beautiful colorful leaves, beautiful mums, and pumpkins. And if you are a pumpkin lover you can find pumpkin everything to snack on and drink! Same goes for delicious warm apple cider, one of my Fall favorites!

Below is a list of 35 Fall inspired activities for you and your family to enjoy! Create those memories and have fun doing it with this list! I love the idea of letting your kids pick a few items they absolutely want to do, and then have fun checking them off the list!

35 Fall Inspired Activities For Families

ere is a list of 35 Fall inspired activities for you and your family to enjoy!

1. Apple Picking at an Orchard
2. Decorate Your Porch or Entryway with Fall Inspired Decorations Continue reading »

Your Guide to Whale’s Tale Waterpark in Lincoln, NH {And a Free Printable Waterpark Scavenger Hunt}

Aug 012017

Whale's Tale Waterpark is the best place in the White Mountains to slide, swim and splash!

Tucked into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Whale’s Tale Waterpark has been thrilling families for over 30 years. As a matter of fact, Whale’s Tale Waterpark was recently voted one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 waterparks in America! It’s a great place to cool off, relax and spend some time with friends or family. A visit to Whale’s Tale is a definite wet and wild experience for the whole family.

Don’t worry if you’re not a thrill seeker – I’m not either. Whale’s Tale has something for everyone. My family recently spent the day at Whale’s Tale and we had a blast. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you have the best possible time at Whale’s Tale.

Whale's Tale Waterpark is the best place in the White Mountains to slide, swim and splash!

Attractions at Whale’s Tale Waterpark:

Poseidon’s Voyage
Their most thrilling ride yet. Riders of Poseidon’s Voyage begin in the SkyBox; a nearly vertical launch capsule, which is the steepest drop in the industry, with a trap door on the bottom. Tension builds as you hear your heart pounding. Then adrenaline kicks in as the floor suddenly drops out and you accelerate to the top speed of 38 feet per second. Powerful G-Forces glue you to the wall the entire way around the tight 360° SuperLOOP. Continue reading »

6 Tips For Visiting Water Country in Portsmouth, NH {And a Free Printable Checklist}

Jul 262017

If you're planning on visiting Water Country in Portsmouth, NH this summer, here are some things to know before you go. Plus there is a printable checklist!

If you are looking for some fun this summer, Water Country is the place to go! They have more slides, pools and attractions than any other water park in the area. There is definitely something for everyone when visiting Water Country. A day at the water park is just that – a full day. I always do my prep work before heading out for the day because I like to be prepared. In addition to packing up all the items I will need for the day, I take a few minutes to look over the website to make sure there are no surprises when I get there.

If you're planning on visiting Water Country in Portsmouth, NH this summer, here are some things to know before you go. Plus there is a printable checklist!

What you need to know before visiting Water Country

Old Town Trolley Tours are the Best Way to See Boston {And a Free Printable Scavenger Hunt}

Jul 172017

It is no secret that I am a proud Bostonian. I have lived in the area all my life and love being from this part of the country. There is so much to see and do in Boston and sometimes I like to pay tourist in my own city. When I want to see the sights in Boston, I take the Boston Old Town Trolley Tour in Boston.

If you're planning on visiting Boston, spend a day on the Boston Old Town Trolley Tour. It's hop on/hop off and brings you to over 100 Boston attractions.

The Hop On Hop Off Boston Tour covers all the major areas of the city including Downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Theater District, and the Waterfront District. On the trolley, the fun conductors narrate the tour with a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. My husband and I took the trolley tour on a rainy day a couple of weeks back. Since we’re local, we decided to stay on for the whole tour and I am so glad we did. Lucia was our tour guide/driver and she was wonderful. She is a life-long Bostonian and she was full of stories and trivia about Boston. Continue reading »

Summer Fun at Davis Farmland

Jul 102017

For a fun summer outing with the family, visit Davis Farmland in Sterling, MA

Located in Sterling, MA, Davis’ Farmland is super fun farm experience for families with children under 12. Davis Farmland has over 100 breeds of animals that can be petted and cuddled with as well as North America’s largest sanctuary of endangered farm animals. They don’t just have animals at Davis Farmland, they have several playgrounds, hay & pony rides and an awesome splash park, too. There is tons of summer fun at Davis Farmland!

For a fun summer outing with the family, visit Davis Farmland in Sterling, MA

There is so much summer fun at Davis Farmland

My boys were both really excited to spend the day at Davis Farmland – especially once I told them there was a splash park there. It was a hot day in July and they were happy about there being a way to cool off. We actually brought cousin Jonah, who was visiting with his dad, Uncle Keith, from San Diego with us for the day. All three of the boys had a blast exploring everything at Davis Farmland. Continue reading »

17 Free & Cheap Things to Do with Kids This Summer in New England

Jul 052017

Inexpensive things that you can do with your kids this summer in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or New Hampshire!

Entertaining kids ALL SUMMER LONG can be exhausting and expensive. Let me save you the time thinking about what to do…Here are 17 free & cheap things to do with kids this summer in New England.

1. Unplug with good old fashioned outdoor activities at the Great Glen Trails. Located at the base of Mount Washington, families can bike, kayak, picnic, and see some spectacular wildlife. Rent equipment or bring your own.

2. Water park admission can really add up, so instead, take the kids to any number of community pools and splash pads your city has to offer.

3. Visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, where kids can explore caves, learn about dinosaurs, and get hands-on experience in the air conditioning all day for only $10!

Water Parks in Massachusetts

May 302017

water slides in New England

If you are wanting to stop by one of the most popular water parks in Massachusetts (or southern New Hampshire this season), then check out this list below! This is a list of the top places you will want to add to your travels this summer! No matter which park you pick, I am sure you and your family will have lots of fun!

Enjoy inflatable rides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and amusement rides and more. This is a great way to find fun things to do near you, or plan a trip for you and your family. Beat the summer heat this year at one of these fun water parks or amusement parks listed below. Make this summer filled with fun memories.

Water Parks in Massachusetts

Water Wizz (Wareham, MA): Southern New England’s largest water park! Mussel Beach is a huge wave pool that is very popular. If you like to live on the edge try the Squid Row, it’s a tube ride, with high speeds. Or if you want to go with little kids, they do have a family pool area as well. Thrilling slides, tubes and cabanas to relax in, this water park has something for everyone.

Nelson Park Splash Pad (Plymouth, MA): Located inside Nelson Memorial Park on Nelson Street in Plymouth, this is a popular place for kids to cool off in the summer. In addition to a free splash pad, there is a playground, beach area and plenty of room for a picnic lunch here. Parking is free, but I highly recommend getting there early because the lot fills up fast. For a day full of free fun, stop by the Nelson Park Splash Pad this summer. Continue reading »

Why You Should Visit Heritage Museums and Gardens (formerly Heritage Plantation) in Sandwich, MA

Apr 242017

Daffodils at Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich

If you’re heading to Cape Cod and you’re looking for a great way to spend the day, you should definitely consider visiting Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. I spent a good part of my childhood in Sandwich because my aunt and uncle used to rent a beach cottage on North Shore Blvd from a friend of theirs every summer. I fondly remember visiting the Heritage Plantation (what it was called back then) with my grandmother and aunt. These days it’s called the Heritage Museums & Gardens and it’s just as wonderful as I remember it being when I was younger.

More than 100,000 people visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens annually to spend time in the three gallery buildings that house special and permanent exhibitions, peruse the gardens, play in Hidden Hollow and more. There is so much to see and do at the Heritage Museums & Gardens and it is safe to say that is something for everyone there. Continue reading »

Snow Tubing at Cranmore Mountain

Mar 282017

Did you know that Cranmore Mountain was named #1 in New Hampshire for Off-Hill Activities by Ski Magazine?

My family recently stayed in the North Conway, New Hampshire area and going snow tubing was high up on our list of things we wanted to do while we were there. We’re not big skiers, but we definitely wanted to make some time to play in the snow. That’s why we all love snow tubing: tubing is a family friendly activity that requires no special skills or equipment. Continue reading »

Looking for something inexpensive to do with your bored children in Rhode Island?

Jan 242017

We have a few school vacations coming up and if your kids are anything like my son, they are always “bored”. The unfortunate thing is that most of us are not independently wealthy, so we sometimes must get creative with finding things to entertain them. Cue the Mr. Potato Head statues located throughout Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the home of Hasbro and Mr. Potato head. In 2000, the state decided that they needed to boost tourism and chose Mr. Potato Head as their “travel ambassador”. The result was a whole lot of 6-foot fiberglass statues (some reports say 37, others say it was closer to 45) decorated buy artists and placed around the state. They were met with mixed reactions and now, 17 years later, there are only a handful left in the state. Rumor has it that there is one in Virginia and a few others are owned privately. One was even for sale on EBay for a mere $5,000, but I digress.

On one of those days where the kids are bored and you need something inexpensive to do, take a Potato Head adventure; the only cost is the price of gas. There is a total of 8 left in RI. A friend and I searched them out over the course of several trips and much research. I have taken all of that away for you. We truly made it an adventure, finding them and taking selfies with each. I have them listed in no particular order. Continue reading »

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! King Richard’s Faire is Back!

Sep 122016

Hear ye, hear ye! It’s that time of year again. For two months every fall, you can travel back in time at King Richard’s Faire in Carver, MA. Spread out over 80 acres of woods, King Richard’s Faire is the place to be if you want to fully immerse yourself into a day in the life of someone back in the 1500’s.

**Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary admission to King Richard’s Faire in order to tell you about our experience there. All opinions are strictly my own and we not influenced in any way.

If you’ve never been to a renaissance festival, you’re missing out on a chance to travel back in time to the 16th century. They make for a seriously good time.

King Richard’s Faire is very family friendly. There are many rides and performances throughout the day that are offered to entertain any and all age groups. From face painting to carnival rides to the beer garden, King Richard’s Faire does their best to keep everybody happy. For my family, it’s the overall atmosphere that keeps us going back time and time again. It’s a fun and light-hearted way to spend some quality time with your family. Continue reading »

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