Family Friendly Archives - Masshole Mommy

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 »

New England Fall Fun: Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm Corn Maze #MannsMaze

Sep 112017

Getting lost in a corn maze is one of the most fun things you can do with your family in the fall. Mann Orchard's Riverside Farm Corn Maze is now open!

I love summer, I really do. I love the warm weather, the beach, the relaxed schedule – all of it. But do you know what I love more than summer? FALL. How can you beat pumpkin flavored everything, chunky sweaters, hayrides and corn mazes? And speaking of corn mazes, did you know that the very first corn maze is now open in Methuen?

Getting lost in a corn maze is one of the most fun things you can do with your family in the fall. Mann Orchard's Riverside Farm Corn Maze is now open!

Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm is home to an 7-acre corn maze, which is the main attraction of their Riverside Farm location. Once this South Shore girl figured out where Methuen was, we headed up there for a day of fun this past weekend. You see, there is much, much more than just a corn maze at Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm and you definitely need to plan to stay for a while once you’re there. 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 »

Boston Bites: The Parish Cafe

Aug 282017

While I don’t live in Boston proper, I am in the city fairly often. My husband, Chris, works in Boston, so he’s in there all the time for work, but even on his days off – we always seem to find ourselves in the city for one thing or another. We go in to the city to eat quite a bit because the food just doesn’t compare out in the boonies where I live. I’ve walked past the Parish Cafe numerous times, but for some reason I never made it inside to eat. Until last week.

Each sandwich on Parish Cafe's menu is named for the chef and the restaurant they are from.

The Parish Cafe opened in November 1992 and usually has a line anytime you walk by. And now I know why! Owner Gordon Wilcox approached local Boston chefs and asked them each to create a sandwich for the Parish Cafe menu. Each sandwich on Parish Cafe’s menu is named for the chef and the restaurant they are from. I love this concept and was super excited when the Parish Cafe invited my husband and I to come in for dinner.

We grabbed a window seat (inside) so that we could do some people watching and started with some appetizers. Here’s what we got:

The Benny is stuffed with Vietnamese-style, spicy grilled chicken breast, assorted julienned vegetables, and mint-coriander mayonnaise. It’s served with spicy purple cabbage slaw tossed with diced tomatoes, fresh mint, Thai basil, and cracked peanuts on the side. 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!

5 Fun Things To Do in New London, Connecticut

Jun 112017

Having grown up in nearby Massachusetts, as an adult I am just starting to learn that the state of Connecticut is full of all sorts of hidden treasures. There are so many cute little towns with many sights to see and I want to see as many of them as I can. One of my recent discoveries in Connecticut is New London. It’s great waterfront town that’s over 350 years old!

New London, CT is full of art, music, culture, one-of-a-kind boutiques and more than 30 eateries, all which make it a wonderful vacation destination! Here are five things not to miss on your trip to New London. Continue reading »

A Weekend at The Inn at Mystic + Harbour House Restaurant

Jun 042017

The Inn at Mystic in Mystic, Connecticut sits high up on a hill overlooking Fishers Island Sound and Mystic Harbor. Once a private estate, the Inn at Mystic now consists of a hotel, restaurant, mansion, and full service banquet operations. They’ve been welcoming guests for over fifty years and with relaxing accommodations including rooms with ocean views, Jacuzzis, and wood burning fireplaces – it’s no wonder.

Stay in comfort at the Inn at Mystic

The Inn at Mystic consists of three unique lodging choices: the Main Building, the East Wing, or the Haley Mansion. The Main Building and East Wing are centrally located on the property with 52 rooms decorated in a nautical style that fits in perfectly with the surroundings, all with modern amenities and private baths.

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 »

Did You Know That Boston Has a Major League Lacrosse Team?

May 222017

When I was growing up, lacrosse was an almost unheard of sport. Over the last 20-ish years, it’s really picked up steam and now there are nine professional teams that play for a Major League Lacrosse here in the US. One of those nine teams are based right here in Boston! The Boston Cannons have been a part of Major League Lacrosse since 2001 and play right at Harvard Stadium in Boston.

I had the chance to go to a Boston Cannons game with my family recently and we thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, my oldest son, who is 12, is considering joining a team after seeing a live game. The thing is, it was more than just a lacrosse game – it was an experience. Here are some of the things that made going to the game more than just a game.

Boston Cannons Fan Zone

Get there early and experience the Boston Cannons Fan Zone. The Fan Zone is open at every Cannons home game two hours prior to the start of the game and remains open through the first quarter. At the Fan Zone you will find things like music, ping-pong tables, RCN Ice Cream Truck, FlingGolf, the Bud Light Build-A-Bar, and more! It has something for fans of all ages. Continue reading »

Review: ANNIE at the Boch Center (Wang Theater) in Boston

May 152017

I am a child of the 80’s and I am ok admitting that I spent an entire summer watching and re-watching the movie Annie. On VHS. Ok, maybe I stopped watching to eat and go outside occasionally, but I think it’s pretty safe to say that I watched it at least 500 times that summer. I had the story line down pat and knew every word to every song. I even went out trick or treating as Annie that year (which reminds me that I need to go through some old photos and dig that one out). I know that the movie has been remade a few times since the one in the 80’s that I loved so much, but I am loyal to the version I watched so many times that summer.

So now you know that I am a self-proclaimed expert on all things Annie, imagine how giddy I was when I got invited to see the live musical at the Boch Center (Wang Theater) in Boston last week.

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 »

Kids Week at Foxwoods

Apr 072017

Spring break is almost here and Foxwoods has some really cool free events lined up to keep the little ones busy.

Free activities:

Face Painting ~ Mondays
Balloon Characters ~ Tuesdays
Xbox and Playstation Games
Arts & Crafts
Giant Jenga, Tic Tac Toe & Connect 4
Cornhole

**Located at the 25th Anniversary Celebration Zone across from Great Cedar Casino.

If you and your family want to catch a movie, check out these free movies being shown in the Grand Theater:

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 »

Give a Gift They’ll Never Forget With Cloud 9 Living #mycloud9

Mar 202017

In case you hadn’t noticed, experience gifts seem to be all the rage these days. In case you don’t know what an experience gift is, it’s just what it sounds like – it’s an experience. Think things like taking a flying lesson, white water rafting or even taking a cooking lesson. When it comes down to getting gifts for that hard to buy for person in your life, an experience is definitely the way to go. I always say that life is about making new memories and an experience gift is a great way to do that.

Cloud 9 Living offers a whole range of experience gifts starting at just $50! Pick something you’ve always wanted to do or give someone a gift they’ll never forget! From stock car racing to couples massages to zip lining, Cloud 9 Living offers 2,000 Experiences in 51 Cities.

As many of you already know, I lost my mom last month and now that all the hubbub is starting to wind down, I thought it would be fun to grab my dad and sister for a fun adventure. After the last six weeks, we all really needed it. And yes, I do have a brother, too, but he has a new baby at home, so I figured he could go next time. You know, when he’s able to get a good nights sleep and can enjoy it a little more. Continue reading »

Birthday Parties at Sky Zone

Mar 142017

Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park and whenever I tell my boys we are going there, their faces light up. They love it because it’s fun, but I love it because it’s fun fitness disguised as family entertainment!

Sky Zone Kingston offers great activities such as Freestyle Jump, a SkySlam basketball dunking court, GLOW (all ages), Ultimate Dodgeball, a Foam Zone, and a Toddler Court for kids walking to 4 years old. We also offer a full schedule of SkyFit classes, Toddler Time, a special abilities low-sensory jump, and more. But did you know that you can have your child’s birthday party at Sky Zone?

Their goal is to make your party as easy and seamless as possible so you and your guests can focus on fun – and not have to worry about set up/clean up. Sky Zone offers a standard package (see below), but every party is completely customizable to your requirements. It is your party, after all! Continue reading »

The Element Boston Seaport I Boston Staycation Approved

Jan 252017

My family almost always stays close to home during the February vacation. I would be devastated if any travel plans we made got disrupted because of snow, so we definitely prefer staycations. My family and I recently got to experience a stay at the Element Boston Seaport and it’s the perfect location for a Boston staycation. It’s located right in the heart of Boston’s thriving Seaport District and there are tons of family-friendly attractions within walking distance of the hotel. As far as I am concerned that is a big selling point when I am looking for a place to stay with my family.

The Element Boston Seaport was built to be green from the ground up, guestrooms are spacious, stylish, sustainable and designed for comfort, providing guests with space to live their life while away from home.

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