Sprinting into August like, 'whoa where'd the summer go?' Here is a handful of daytrips for last-minute summer fun!
Published On: August 06, 2024You know that feeling you get when it’s the beginning of August, you take a look at your summer to-do list and wonder ‘how in the heck am I going to complete this?’ Yep – that’s the feeling I had when I woke up this morning. That coupled with the pressure that this is probably the last summer my kids will well, be kids. Next year they will be teens and with that comes a whole new way of doing summers.
When that ‘Summer is almost over’ feeling hits, it may be time to take a day off and surprise those kiddos with a day trip (within two hours of Watertown). Here are fun trips that my kids have loved over the years (as well as an idea from my fellow moms Liz and Donna!).
Eric Carle Museum
Amherst, MA
This beautiful children’s book art museum has something for every age child – including lots of nostalgia for parents who recall the Carle books from when they were kids. There are various installations of interest. When we visited, there was an excellent puppet show! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time under a shady tree on the grounds of this relaxing location.
Amherst, MA
This beautiful children’s book art museum has something for every age child – including lots of nostalgia for parents who recall the Carle books from when they were kids. There are various installations of interest. When we visited, there was an excellent puppet show! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time under a shady tree on the grounds of this relaxing location.
Dr. Seuss Museum
Springfield, MA
Outside the museum, enjoy the life-sized bronze sculptures of all your favorite Seuss characters and then take a stroll into the museum to see the “Amazing World of Dr. Seuss!” We stayed overnight in the area and did the Eric Carle Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum in one trip. So fun!
Springfield, MA
Outside the museum, enjoy the life-sized bronze sculptures of all your favorite Seuss characters and then take a stroll into the museum to see the “Amazing World of Dr. Seuss!” We stayed overnight in the area and did the Eric Carle Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum in one trip. So fun!
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Springfield, MA
This is an excellent spot for kids ages 10 and up who have a love for the game. Check out the limited time exhibit that dives deep into Celtics history, sit behind an NBA news desk and dunk at a hoop that's right-sized for you. It’s all hands-on at this museum that does a fantastic job honoring the sport and those who have made it what it is over the years.
Georges Island
Boston, MA - Long Wharf Ferry
When the boys were about five, we took the ferry to Georges Island on a not-too-hot summer day and put our explorer hats on. The boat ride alone was super fun – they enjoyed seeing all the activity on the harbor including the jets landing at Logan Airport. On the island we strolled the path around the island and explored Civil-War-era Fort Warren. There was an event happening where the kids were able to experience early settler childhood games within the walls of the fort, like hoop rolling. Whether the fort is open or not, the island is worth a visit. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view of Boston from this lovely shelter island.
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic, CT
This is one of the coolest aquariums we’ve been to. The beluga whales are so peaceful and graceful to watch in their outdoor tank. All of the exhibits were interesting and well cared for. We stopped for pizza (at the world renown ( if you were a teenaged girl in the 80’s) Mystic Pizza and ice cream in Mystic just down the road from the aquarium.
Springfield, MA
This is an excellent spot for kids ages 10 and up who have a love for the game. Check out the limited time exhibit that dives deep into Celtics history, sit behind an NBA news desk and dunk at a hoop that's right-sized for you. It’s all hands-on at this museum that does a fantastic job honoring the sport and those who have made it what it is over the years.
Georges Island
Boston, MA - Long Wharf Ferry
When the boys were about five, we took the ferry to Georges Island on a not-too-hot summer day and put our explorer hats on. The boat ride alone was super fun – they enjoyed seeing all the activity on the harbor including the jets landing at Logan Airport. On the island we strolled the path around the island and explored Civil-War-era Fort Warren. There was an event happening where the kids were able to experience early settler childhood games within the walls of the fort, like hoop rolling. Whether the fort is open or not, the island is worth a visit. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view of Boston from this lovely shelter island.
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic, CT
This is one of the coolest aquariums we’ve been to. The beluga whales are so peaceful and graceful to watch in their outdoor tank. All of the exhibits were interesting and well cared for. We stopped for pizza (at the world renown ( if you were a teenaged girl in the 80’s) Mystic Pizza and ice cream in Mystic just down the road from the aquarium.
EcoTarium
Worcester, MA
While there are several things to do outside at this cool museum, it absolutely pored the day we visited, so our experience is based on visiting the inside of the museum only. This a neat spot to learn about tornados, animals, and all things science with mostly hands-on exhibits that were perfect for our curious little guys. Most memorable was the wind machine the enabled you to experience what it’s like in tornado-type winds. Outside, there’s a little train, live animal exhibits, and walking trails that you can enjoy on your visit.
Worcester, MA
While there are several things to do outside at this cool museum, it absolutely pored the day we visited, so our experience is based on visiting the inside of the museum only. This a neat spot to learn about tornados, animals, and all things science with mostly hands-on exhibits that were perfect for our curious little guys. Most memorable was the wind machine the enabled you to experience what it’s like in tornado-type winds. Outside, there’s a little train, live animal exhibits, and walking trails that you can enjoy on your visit.
Mass Audubon
Several locations within 2 hours of Watertown
Mass Audubon has many properties worth exploring around Massachusetts with terrain of all types from waterfalls to marshes, from heavily forested trails to Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. We have enjoyed many properties and particularly love the one in Belmont, Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary. Grab your camera, a drawing pad and pencils or watercolor paints and find a spot to chill. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
Several locations within 2 hours of Watertown
Mass Audubon has many properties worth exploring around Massachusetts with terrain of all types from waterfalls to marshes, from heavily forested trails to Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. We have enjoyed many properties and particularly love the one in Belmont, Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary. Grab your camera, a drawing pad and pencils or watercolor paints and find a spot to chill. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
Museum of Fine Art
Boston, MA
The museum is enormous and would take days to explore. When I took my kids this summer, we picked 3-4 exhibits to see, which was just the right amount of time to keep their attention. And, we took the bus to Harvard Square and then the train in for extra entertainment (plus parking is limited near the museum). There are so many things to see that evoke curious questions including the extraordinary coffin and Monet’s three perspectives of the same subject collection. Plus, I asked them to notice differences in painting strokes between artists. Then, they recognized some painted scenes in the European Painting Room from discussions in Social Studies with Mr. McDermott. Kudos to Mr. McDermott at the Watertown Middle School!
Boston, MA
The museum is enormous and would take days to explore. When I took my kids this summer, we picked 3-4 exhibits to see, which was just the right amount of time to keep their attention. And, we took the bus to Harvard Square and then the train in for extra entertainment (plus parking is limited near the museum). There are so many things to see that evoke curious questions including the extraordinary coffin and Monet’s three perspectives of the same subject collection. Plus, I asked them to notice differences in painting strokes between artists. Then, they recognized some painted scenes in the European Painting Room from discussions in Social Studies with Mr. McDermott. Kudos to Mr. McDermott at the Watertown Middle School!
Southwick Zoo
Mendon, MA
This fun zoo is tucked away in the far suburbs of Boston. At the zoo you can ride a camel, see a Bengal Tiger, check out the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, and then feed the tiny deer as you walk through their environment. Don’t forget to learn about the sloth, white rhino, and say ‘hello’ to the white-faced capuchins and white handed gibbons! Southwick Zoo is clean, has excellent food options, and frequent animal encounters with zoo keepers.
Mendon, MA
This fun zoo is tucked away in the far suburbs of Boston. At the zoo you can ride a camel, see a Bengal Tiger, check out the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, and then feed the tiny deer as you walk through their environment. Don’t forget to learn about the sloth, white rhino, and say ‘hello’ to the white-faced capuchins and white handed gibbons! Southwick Zoo is clean, has excellent food options, and frequent animal encounters with zoo keepers.
Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center
Bolton, MA
This tiny zoo leaves a huge impression. First, meet Solomon the zoo’s tortoise who can be found roaming freely on the zoo grounds. Solomon loves to have you scratch under his chin and will stick is neck out toward you so that you don’t have to reach far! The capybaras and alpacas are adorable as well as the bunnies. If you’re into scaly things – check out the huge boa constrictor, American alligator, and the Chinese water dragon! Enjoy.
Bolton, MA
This tiny zoo leaves a huge impression. First, meet Solomon the zoo’s tortoise who can be found roaming freely on the zoo grounds. Solomon loves to have you scratch under his chin and will stick is neck out toward you so that you don’t have to reach far! The capybaras and alpacas are adorable as well as the bunnies. If you’re into scaly things – check out the huge boa constrictor, American alligator, and the Chinese water dragon! Enjoy.
The American Heritage Museum
Hudson, MA
This gem of a museum immerses you in several war stories to help give perspective from the ground, then launches you into one of the largest collections of war vehicles that you can touch. Check out the half-track, tanks, and transport boats from WWII, and a scud missile launcher, to name a few – there are dozens of them that span military operations from the last 100+ years! They have events nearly every weekend where you could see some of the vehicles in action! Bring a lunch and tailgate in the grassy parking area like we did.
Hudson, MA
This gem of a museum immerses you in several war stories to help give perspective from the ground, then launches you into one of the largest collections of war vehicles that you can touch. Check out the half-track, tanks, and transport boats from WWII, and a scud missile launcher, to name a few – there are dozens of them that span military operations from the last 100+ years! They have events nearly every weekend where you could see some of the vehicles in action! Bring a lunch and tailgate in the grassy parking area like we did.
Garden in the Woods
Framingham, MA
This is an excellent place to breathe in the relaxing vibes of a wooded garden, catch a glimpse of a frog, turtle, or peaceful bird. The easy-to-traverse pathway brings you through several naturally interesting areas to ponder what it would be like to live in the woods. Bring some bug spray and enjoy your relaxing walk through the Gardens in the Woods.
Framingham, MA
This is an excellent place to breathe in the relaxing vibes of a wooded garden, catch a glimpse of a frog, turtle, or peaceful bird. The easy-to-traverse pathway brings you through several naturally interesting areas to ponder what it would be like to live in the woods. Bring some bug spray and enjoy your relaxing walk through the Gardens in the Woods.