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Summer Things To Do (for parents in the know)
By Maria T. OliaWe all scream for (homemade) ice cream
In the summer there is nothing like having a double scoop of your favorite ice cream. So here is a run-down of some of the best spots when you have that craving for honest-to-goodness homemade ice cream.
J.P. Licks (Greater Boston)
Locations in Boston, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Somerville, Brookline and Newton
J.P. Licks is one of the New England’s most well-known local ice cream chains. Famous flavors are coffee Oreo and cow trax (vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and peanut butter). Innovative monthly flavors – a summer favorite is fresh peach - rotate in from their flavor library.
Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream (Greater Boston)
1255 Cambridge St., Cambridge
617-492-7021
Located in hip Inman Square, Christina’s is known for its huge variety of eclectic “this is Cambridge” flavors. Mexican Chocolate, Burnt Sugar and Ginger all have their aficionados, but Christina’s also does a great job with kid-pleasing vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Citrio (Greater Boston)
2 Hartford St., Newton
617-969-1234
Monday –Saturday 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Closed Sunday
Brand new Citrio is carrying on the long-standing tradition of ice cream in Newton Highlands. Superb homemade ice cream in classic flavors like Butter Pecan and Double Chocolate. Citrio uses only the finest ingredients in its ice cream; like Callebaut chocolate and real vanilla bean.
Richardson’s Ice Cream (North)
156 South Main St., Middleton
978-774-5450
Another location in the Jordan’s Furniture Superstore, Reading
It doesn’t get any better than a round of miniature golf finished off by a scoop of ice cream. Richardson’s ice cream is premium and as fresh as can be—this is a working dairy farm and the kids can even visit the cows behind the stand. 
Richardson’s Bubble Gum is a big hit with the kids.
Bedford Farms (North)
18 North Rd., Bedford
781-275-6501
68 Thoreau St., Concord
978-341-0000
Bedford Farms ice cream is made in small batches at the Bedford location. Delicious vanilla is the standard by which an ice cream company is judged. Try the Cherry Bomb —vanilla with black cherries and chocolate chips. The Bedford store is window service, the Concord store has some seating.
Benson’s Homemade Ice Cream (North)
Washington St., Rt. 133, West Boxford
978-352-2911
Benson’s ice cream is absolutely homemade. Reintroduce your kids to fruit ice cream- the strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and peach ice cream are all made with fresh in-season local fruit.
Kimball Farm (North)
Ice Cream Stores in Westford, Carlisle, and Jaffrey, NH (See sidebar for Westford entertainment complex info)
Kimball’s is legendary for huge scoops of really good ice cream. Berry-spangled cheesecake is especially popular around the Fourth of July. The Kimball Special has three softball -size scoops of ice cream and a choice of toppings. Double dare someone in your family to finish it!
Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar (South)
176 South Franklin St. on Rt. 37, Holbrook
781-963-1016
Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar (South)
355 Bay Rd., Sharon
781-784-5892
Crescent Ridge features 31 timeless New England flavors. Top sellers include vanilla and strawberry for sundaes. Kids go for the black raspberry because of its cool purple color. Crescent Ridge portions are generous—the kiddie size is humungous! The Holbrook location is newer and has mini-golf; the Sharon location has the cows.
White Farms Ice Cream (North)
326 High St., Ipswich
978-356-2633
This nostalgic roadside ice cream stand is just a couple of miles down the road from Crane’s Beach (see below) and is the place to go after a day spent swimming. It is easy to find too— just look for the cow on the roof. Caramel Cow is the one to have here— vanilla ice cream with a caramel swirl and both white and chocolate chips.
Sundae School (Cape)
Locations in Harwich Port, Dennisport and East Orleans
Smooth and just sweet enough, Sundae School ice cream is old school. It is made on the premises at the Dennisport shop. A Sundae School sundae is a great excuse to skip lunch— hot fudge, real whipped cream and a fresh cherry on top.
20 Ways to Cool Off
When the weather gets hot, you and your kids need to stay cool. Here are some ideas to get wet, catch a breeze, or just chill.
Massachusetts Public Ice Skating Rinks (Greater Boston)
Locations throughout the state.
617-727-4708
www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/skating.htm
Bay State Blades
www.baystateblades.com 888-74-SKATE
Taking a spin on the ice during the heat of the summer is extremely cool. Many of the municipal skating rinks in the state are open during the summer and offer weekly public skating hours.Check the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s website for locations, hours, admission fees and availability of skate rentals.
Massachusetts DCR Spray Parks and Wading Pools (Greater Boston)
www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/pools.htm
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains several spray parks and wading pools that are an inexpensive place for kids to cool off on a sweltering summer day. Here are three of the state’s best .
Artesani Playground and Wading Pool (Boston)
1255 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton
617-626-4973
Daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Free
Along the Charles River is an idyllic setting for this amazing wading pool and spray park. Always crowded with frolicking kids, there are plenty of lifeguards to keep it all under control.
Beaver Brook Reservation Spray Deck (West)
Trapelo Rd., Belmont
781-438-6384
Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free
There are lots of sprinklers and easy, climbable boulders for the kids to play on. There is a small playground nearby too.
Bradley Palmer State Park Wading Pool (North)
Asbury St., Topsfield
978-887-5931
Daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$5 per car parking
Large zero entry wading pool that has a maximum depth of just 2-feet. Surrounded by forest , there is lots of shade , picnic tables and a playground too.
Urban Cool: Three Quickies (Boston)
The Christian Science Center Splash Fountain, 200 Massachusetts Ave.
Frog Pond, on the Boston Common
Christopher Columbus Park, along Atlantic Ave., between the New England Aquarium and the North End.
All are free
Boston’s beloved Frog Pond is more famous as an ice skating rink in the winter, but in summer its 6-inch depth makes it a perfect children’s wading pool. And kids visiting the New England Aquarium will love the push-button (on-off, on-off, on-off!) spray shower fountains at Christopher Columbus Park.
Boston Duck Tours (Boston)
Departures from the Museum of Science and Prudential Center
617-267-DUCK (3825)
Daily every 30 or 60 minutes from 9 a.m. until one hour before sunset.
$29 adults, $25 students ages 12-18, $19 children ages 3-11, $5 children under age 3
Here’s a tour that worth getting a little wet for! Boston Duck Tours utilize amphibious World War II vehicles. The narrated 80- minute ride through downtown Boston is highly entertaining for both kids and parents. And then there is the climatic splashdown into the Charles River for a short cruise before the “Duck” waddles ashore again.
Codzilla (Boston)
Boston Harbor Cruises
1 Long Wharf
Daily departures during the summer 10 a.m., 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.
$19 adult, $17 senior, $15 children 4-12. (Must be 40 inches tall)
Hold onto your hats! Codzilla is a turbo-charged boat ride perfect for thrill seekers. This 40 –minute “cruise” on Boston Harbor features loud music along with high speed twists and turns. This is may be Boston’s most refreshing attraction— you will definitely get soaking wet!
The Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl (Boston)
Boston City Hall Plaza
June 10-12
Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.,Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tickets $8 adults, $3 kids ages 3-9, free for kids under age 3.
Eleven major ice cream companies will be here— including Ben and Jerry’s, HP Hood, and Cold Stone Creamery. The flavor selection is unparalleled; with 50 different frosty treats. Your Scooper Bowl ticket purchase supports research at the Dana Faber Cancer Institute.
New England Aquarium Whale Watch (Boston)
Central Wharf, Boston
617-973-5206
Weekday departures at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Weekend departures 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., some additional sunset trips are scheduled in summer.
$37.75 adults, $31.45 children age 11 and under, $34.60 seniors and college students. (Check on-line for Aquarium/whale watch combo tickets)
Even on the warmest day it is always cooler on the water. The four-hour whale trip on the Voyager III leaves from the New England Aquarium dock to Stellwagen Bank, the feeding ground of several kinds of whales. There is always a naturalist on board New England Aquarium Whale Watches. And the kids will have so fun, they won’t realize they are learning!
Coco Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel (North)
50 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers
978-777-2500
www.cocokeywaterresort.com for information and to purchase E- tickets
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Day Pass: Monday-Thursday $30, Friday-Sunday $40, Admission by reservation only; buy passes on-line. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
It is always a perfect summer day at Coco Key Water Resort. This 65,000 square foot indoor water park is part of the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel but you don’t have to be a guest — you can purchase a water park day pass. There are four waterslides, an inner-tube lazy river, a whirlpool, and a zero-entry pool area for young children. Lifeguards are always on- duty. Poolside dining options include pizza, salads and wraps. Parents can imbibe —there are adult beverages too.
Kimball Farm (North)
400 Littleton Rd.,Westford
978-486-3891
Road trip! Kimball Farms has it all— miniature golf, bumper car boats, and great ice cream (see Top Ten Homemade Ice Cream side bar). The bumper boat pond with its cascading waterfalls is especially cooling on a warm summer evening.
The Lowell Spinners (North)
LeLacheur Park, Lowell
978-459-1702
Tickets from $4-$8, depending on location, ages 4 and under free
Watching an evening baseball game is always a great way to cool off in the summer. The Lowell Spinners are the single -A minor league farm team for the Boston Red Sox. You may even see a future Red Sox star—Kevin Youklis played for the Spinners during the 2001 season. Note: LeLacheur Park has a capacity of just about 5,000 and like all things Red Sox, the Spinners are hugely popular— they have sold out every ticket to every game for the past 8 seasons. That’s more than 300 games!
Water Country (New Hampshire)
2300 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth
603-427-1111
Daily: Hours vary, check on-line
$34.99 over 48’ tall, $21.99 under 48” tall and seniors
Your kids will probably beg and plead to visit Water Country over the summer. And sometimes you just have to give in! Just over the border in New Hampshire, Water Country has dozens of water-based rides to satisfy children of all ages; from timid toddlers to thrill seeking school age kids and even independent minded teens. Unlike most amusement parks, Water Country allows visitors to bring their own food. You can park your cooler at one of the many picnic tables under shady trees.
Rent a Canoe from the South Bridge Boat House (West)
Main St., Concord
978-369-9438
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to sunset
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. to sunset
$13 weekdays, $15 per hour weekend/holidays
Row, row, row your boat. Cool off from the summer heat with an early morning canoe trip. Remember the “shot heard round the world” ? From the South Bridge Boat House it is an easy 1 1/2 mile paddle to Concord’s Old North Bridge.
Davis’ Farmland (West)
145 Redstone Hill, Sterling
978-422-MOOO (6666)
9:30 a.m-6 p.m. , weather permitting
Summer rates: $16.95 ages 2-59, $13.95 ages 60+, under 2 free.
At Davis’ Farmland kids can visit the animals in the barn, go on a hayride, and play on and about the imaginative-farm-themed playground attractions. But the main draw here in the summer is the “Play and Spray” area where the kids will love dashing about the spray pads, misters, and geysers.
Crab Apple White Water Rafting (West)
2056 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont
1-800-553-RAFT
Trips run daily throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Prices vary depending on season and type of trip.
Water with attitude. White water rafting is a great family adventure. Crab Apple will allow kids as young as age five to raft accompanied by a parent. The 3-hour scenic guided float trips are a perfect first-time family raft experience
Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides (West)
520 Northern Main St., Douglas
508-476-2664
Hours Daily 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m
$17.50 ages 5 and up, $11 ages 2-4
Pack a lunch and spend the day at family-oriented Breezy Picnic Grounds. There is swimming at Whitin’s Reservoir and lots of picnic tables in the shade. Best of all, admission includes unlimited rides on the Breezy’s three giant waterslides.
Take in a Drive-in Movie at the Wellfleet Cinema (Cape)
Rt. 6 Eastham/Wellfleet
508-349-7176
Check website for schedule
$8 ages 12-61, $5 seniors and kids ages 4-11, under 3 free (cash only)
You have to wait for the sun to go down, but introducing your kids to a bit of American summer nostalgia is worth it. The Wellfleet Cinema is one of only a few remaining drive-in movies screens in Massachusetts. It shows only first-run movies (always a double –feature) and the first show is usually appropriate for families. Your kids will always remember watching a drive- movie under the stars.
Top 15 Beaches in Massachusetts
There are lots of wonderful beaches and swimming spots throughout the state. But it is all about family at these beaches, so pack up a cooler and lots of towels for a fun-filled day in the sun!
Crane’s Beach (North)
Argilla Rd., Ipswich
978-356-4354
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/294_crane_beach.cfm
Hours daily 8a.m. to sunset
Parking:$22 weekend, $15 weekday (half price after 3 p.m.)
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, rangers, picnic area, snack bar, walking trails
A northern Massachusetts favorite . This is an outstanding family beach with 2.6 miles of white, pristine sand. The beach is shallow—ideal for less experienced swimmers. And when the tide goes out kids love to play in the warm tidal pools. Cranes Beach is part of 1200+ acres of shoreline, dunes, and forest. Walking through dunes is prohibited at most Massachusetts beaches, but you can hike through the dunes at Cranes. Follow the well –marked walking trails that leave from the beach parking lot. Don’t forget the bug spray— the green head flies here can be wicked!
Wingaersheek Beach (North)
Atlantic St., Gloucester
978-281-9785
http://www.ci.gloucester.ma.us
Hours: 8 a.m.to 9 p.m.
Parking: $20 weekday, $25 weekends and holidays
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, snack bar
A small, picturesque ocean beach nestled at the mouth of the Annisquam River. Wing, as it is known to locals; is a perfect beach for children— the tides are gentle and there is hardly an under-tow. Along the 1 1/2 miles long beach younger kids will enjoy digging for hermit crabs in the sand and clamoring about the large, flat rocks near the shore.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation (North)
Beach Rd. Rte. 1 A, Salisbury
978-462-4481
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/salb.htm
Parking: $7
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, picnic area, campground, boat launch, playground.
Salisbury is known as a nice wide beach with windswept dunes. This four-mile long beach near the New Hampshire border is part of Salisbury State Park and is especially popular with families that enjoy trailer camping.
Singing Beach (North)
Beach St., Manchester-by-the-Sea
978-526-2019
Walk-on beach fee:$5, ages 12 and under free, Weekday Parking fee:$25
Restrooms, Week-day Parking, lifeguards, snack stand
What Singing Beach lacks in access -parking is extremely limited- it more than makes up in sheer beauty. The best way to visit Singing Beach is to take the commuter rail Newbury/Rockport line to Manchester –by-the-Sea and follow everyone else to the beach. The sand really is musical— have your kids walk across the wet sand and it squeaks!
Walden Pond (West)
915 Walden St., Concord
978-369-3252
www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/wldn.htm
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parking: $5
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, nature center, historical site
Walden Pond is famous as the site where Henry David Thoreau lived in a one-room cabin and wrote the book Walden. Today, Thoreau’s Walden Pond is a popular fresh water swimming hole for families in the Greater Boston area. Come early if you plan on a weekend visit during a hot summer day—park capacity is just 1000 people.
Hopkinton State Park (West)
Rte. 85, Hopkinton
508- 435-4303
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/hpsp.htm
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sunset
Parking: $5
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, picnic tables, stocked pond, seasonal boat rentals, recreational fields.
Hopkinton State Park is a tremendous outdoor recreational resource for families in the MetroWest area. Hopkinton is big—there are actually two swimming beaches here. Special features at Hopkinton include lots of picnic tables under shady trees and cooking grills— so the park is extremely popular for large family and group events. Boating enthusiasts can rent a kayak, sailboat, canoe or even a pedal boat for a little spin around the pretty reservoir.
Houghton’s Pond (South)
695 Hillside St., Milton
617-698-1802
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/houghtonsPond.htm
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, snack bar, picnic tables, ball fields, hiking trails, nature center, fishing
Houghton’s Pond has all the facilities for a full-day outing with the kids. There’s a warm water pond water in a tranquil wooded setting with lots of picnic tables. The pond even has a large, shaded beach with a roped-off section for toddlers. Houghton’s Pond is also well-known as a great spot to introduce fishing to your kids.
Nantasket Beach (South)
Rt. 3 A, Hull
781-925-1777
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/nantask.htm
Parking:$10
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, playground, carousel
Families have been flocking to Nantasket beach since the mid- 1800’s. Nantasket is a flat beach just over one-mile long and the sand is exceptionally fine. For kids a day at Nantasket Beach is not complete without a ride ($1.75) on the nearby-restored 1928 carved wood Paragon Carousel.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation (South)
Rt. 88, Westport
508-636-8816
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/hbch.htm
Hours: 8 a.m.-sunset
Parking: $7
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, snack bar, camping
Although this is one of the more remote Massachusetts beaches, Horseneck is hugely popular with day-tripping families. Two miles of south-west facing beach here so the water is generally warm. The beach is popular with wind-surfers, so you know this is a good spot to fly a kite .Horseneck Beach State Reservation comprises 600 acres of salt dunes and marshlands which makes this a prime site for birding. The sunsets are gorgeous too.
Old Silver Beach (Cape)
Quaker Rd., North Falmouth
508-548-8623
http://www.town.falmouth.ma.us/
Dawn-Dusk
Parking: $20
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, snack bar
Located on Buzzards Bay, Falmouth is home to some of the warmest ocean beaches in the state. Old Silver Beach is popular with families because there is little current and the fine white sand is perfect for making sandcastles. There are two sections to this beach— one section is reserved for residents, the other side is for visitors.
Skaket Beach (Cape)
Rock Harbor Rd., Off of Rt. 6A, Orleans
508-240-3775
Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Parking: $15
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, lifeguards and snack bar. Informational displays on marine and wildlife.
A smaller beach—only a half mile long, but this is an ideal family beach. The water is warm and the waves are calm—perfect for the sand pail set. When the tide goes out, it seems that you can walk out across the sandy flats forever. Parents especially appreciate the easy walk from the parking lot to the beach Bonus: Explore two beaches for the price of one—the daily parking fee is good for same day entrance to both Skaket and Nauset Beach.
Nauset Beach (Cape)
299 Beach Rd., Orleans
508-240-3775
Daily 7 a.m.-midnight
Parking: $15
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, restaurant
Break out the boogie boards! The water may be a little chilly, but the crashing waves and broad sandy beach make Nauset a great all—around beach. Nauset Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore but is managed by the town of Orleans. Liam’s is a clam shack located right on the beach with plenty of picnic tables— and you won’t get sand in your lunch!
Marconi Beach (Cape)
Marconi Beach Rd., Wellfleet
508-349-3785
Daily 6 a.m.-midnight
Parking: $15
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, nature trail, historical site
Against the back-drop of a steep cliff, a clean white sandy beach beckons. This is truly one of the most spectacular beaches on Cape Cod. The beach is accessed from stairs near the parking lot. Marconi Beach also has shade—the forty-foot sand cliff creates a shadow. The 1 1/2 mile Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail is an easy looping hike for kids. And there are awesome views from the platform at Marconi Station of both the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay.
Jetties Beach (Island)
4 Bath Beach Rd., Nantucket
Dawn-Dusk
Free
Restrooms, parking, lifeguards, playground, boat rental, beachside restaurant
The island of Nantucket is located 30 miles off Cape Cod and is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back charm. Jetties Beach is just a short bike ride or shuttle bus ($1) ride from “downtown” and perfect for families—with soft beige sand and mild surf.
Bend-in-the-Road Beach (Martha’s Vineyard)
Joseph Silvia State Beach
Beach Rd., Edgartown
Dawn-Dusk
Free
Lifeguards, parking, shuttle bus from town,
Just 7 -miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is accessible by ferry from several points along Cape Cod. Bend-in-the Road Beach is a scenic beach with protected clear, shallow waters and small waves— which makes it perfect for small children. Bend-in-the-Road Beach is also the only part of the Joseph Sylvia State Beach
that has lifeguards in season.
Maria Olia lives in Newton and is the mother of four children. She is the author of the “Little Black Book of Boston.”
