New England - Family Activities

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Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
37 Corey Road
Route 43
Hancock, MA  01237
Phone: 413-738-5500
Toll-Free: 800-882-8859
Fax: 413-738-5729

Your family belongs here

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Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort offers lodging accommodations perfect for any Berkshire getaway. Choose from our Country Inn Suites, two or three bedroom mountainside Vacation Homes, or Town Homes. We offer a host of amenities to make you feel at home, including shopping and dining in the Village Center and Country Inn, outdoor heated swimming pool, the In-Touch Day Spa, fitness room, game room and more.
Jiminy Peak is also home to the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England, and the only mountain resort in North America to generate its own energy using alternative wind power. Jiminy's 44 trails and 9 lifts cater to all skill levels and fun for all, while our three terrain parks provide bumps, jumps & grinds for the younger or more extreme challenge.
Since opening in 1948 Jiminy Peak has evolved to become a 4 season resort, offering something for everyone. Our mission is to provide positive, memorable, Mountain Resort experiences with outstanding, friendly and helpful service in remarkably beautiful surroundings; inspiring guests to return again and again.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA  02125
Phone: 617-514-1600
Toll-Free: 866-JFK-1960
Fax: 617-436-3395

The life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy

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Situated on a 10-acre park overlooking Boston Harbor, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the nation's official memorial to John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States. The museum at the Kennedy Library enables visitors to step back into the recreated world of the early 1960s and experience first-hand the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. In 25 dramatic exhibits, including three theaters and 20 video presentations, visitors are inspired by the stirring eloquence of John F. Kennedy and by the grace of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park
2251 White Mountain Hwy (Route 16)
North Conway, NH  03860
Phone: 603-356-5411

The ocean has arrived in New Hampshire!

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Dive into a tropical family adventure at Kahuna Laguna, northern New England’s first indoor water park at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway, NH. No matter the season, it’s a constant 82 degrees in our tropical oasis! Zoom through 40,000 square feet of splash-tacular fun with four high-speed tubes, a wave pool, 175-gallon tipping bucket, water cannons, a play tower, arcade and more. Your smallest kahunas will have a great time in the shallow activity pool, and the Tiki Tide Café is ready with a snack or lunch when you need a break. Resort guests may enjoy Kahuna Laguna all year long, and during the warmer months the new outdoor pool will also be open.

King Pine Ski Area @ Purity Spring Resort
Route 153
East Madison, NH  03849
Phone: 603-367-8896
Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI

Voted "#1 Family Ski Resort in the White Mountains" by Boston-based RideTheLift.com's 2007 skier survey

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King Pine & Purity Spring Resort continue to lead the way for families and winter sport enthusiasts alike. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, affordability, impeccable grooming and consistent snow conditions, King Pine has been a tradition for families throughout New England for decades.
Additional amenities at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort include night skiing, snowtubing, nordic skiing, zamboni-prepped ice skating, an indoor pool and fitness center… plus a warm, caring atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year.
To learn more about what King Pine & Purity Spring Resort have to offer, visit our website or call (603) 367-8896 for snow reports, or (800) 373-3754 for lodging info.

Lighthouse Inn
1 Lighthouse Inn Road
West Dennis, MA  02670
Phone: 508-398-2244
Fax: 508-398-5658

Give everyone the vacation they deserve

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No hassles, no cooking, no cleaning - - just drive through our gates, let the kids join the InnKids program and enjoy the soothing ocean breeze!
Picturesquely situated along the shore of Nantucket Sound, the Lighthouse Inn provides complete seclusion and relaxation with the convenience of a location central to all points of interest. We offer a wonderful oceanfront spot for the entire family to vacation. From late June through August, the InnKids program features daily supervised activities from 9:30 - 3:00 for children 3 years (fully potty trained) and older. The children are also welcome to participate in a special InnKids meal and family entertainment offered each evening from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Parents place the food order and the Children's Director and her assistants supervise the meal and plan activities before and after dinner is served.

Look Memorial Park
300 North Main Street
Florence, MA  01062
Phone: 413-584-5457

Come out and Play!

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Open Saturdays and Sundays starting in April and Seven Days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Look Memorial Park is full of family fun. Our full schedule events includes everything from Breakfast with the Easter Bunny followed by the Northampton Recreation Department Easter Egg Hunt to Breakfast with Santa Claus and Santa’s Workshop. We have events year round that take place in the Park or at the Garden House. Check out the “Special Events” page of our website for a full list of event information. Don’t forget to put the Franklin King III Children’s Entertainment Series in your calendars. Every Wednesday in July at 10AM, we hold children’s performances from Ed Popielarczyk’s Magical Moments to the UNH Little Red Wagon Troup. After the performance, HALF PRICE WEDNESDAY. All attractions are half price each and every Wednesday throughout the summer!

Maine Windjammer Association

Toll-Free: 800-807-WIND

Sail Maine's Tall Ships

Escape aboard a Maine windjammer for an adventure of a lifetime. Great sailing by day, snug harbors each night. See lighthouses, seals and porpoises on every cruise. Explore uninhabited islands and small fishing villages. Guests are invited to participate in all shipboard activities, from taking a turn at the wheel to raising and lowering sails. The 12 ships in the Maine Windjammer Association have a well-earned reputation for outstanding sailing adventures and delicious down-home cooking. One night everyone goes ashore for a traditional island lobster bake. Three- to six-day cruises available from May through October. Depart from Camden and Rockland.

Mary Baker Eddy Library™
200 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA  02115
Toll-Free: 888-222-3711

Home of the world-famous Mapparium®

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The Mary Baker Eddy Library features some of the most thought-provoking and fun exhibits in the city, exploring the life and achievements of Mary Baker Eddy. She was a controversial New England woman who defied conventional 19th-century thinking to become an influential religious leader, author, teacher, and founder of the Christian Science Monitor at age 87. The museum also houses the world-famous Mapparium®, an achievement in art and architecture from 1935 giving visitors a unique look at how ideas have the power to change the world. The Lending & Reference Services and Research Room provide access to further subject reading, books, archival documents, photographs, and artifacts of the Mary Baker Eddy Library Collections.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
46 Great Hollow Road
Cornwall, CT  06753
Toll-Free: 800-895-5222
Fax: (860) 672-0117

Every day is a snow day at the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area!

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Welcome to Mohawk Mountain, serving southern New England since 1947. Mohawk offers 24 trails for skiing and snowboarding - using state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment - five chairlifts, a “wonder carpet” for beginners and amenities for all snow sport enthusiasts. Cross-country skiing is available in the adjacent Mohawk State Forest. Join us for the best skiing and snowboarding in Connecticut.

Mt. Washington Auto Road
Route 16, Pinkham Notch
Gorham, NH  03581
Phone: 603-466-3988

"This car climbed Mt. Washington"

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Make the summit of New England’s highest peak the highlight of your travels. Your trip on the Mount Washington Auto Road will create a lifelong memory. The mountain is renowned for its weather. But for visitors there are spectacular views, mountain ecology, short hikes, and legendary tales of the road and mountain. You may drive the mountain yourself or take one of our guided tours. And come winter our one-of-a-kind SnowCoach travels the road where you can view the majesty of the season on Mount Washington. Be sure to view our website for special events and impressive records of climbs by runners, bikers and cars.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA  02115
Phone: 617-267-9300

Fine Art and Family Fun at the MFA

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Bring the whole family to the MFA to see masterpieces from around the world and across the ages. At every turn, you’ll find breathtaking works of art, from masters of American painting to the icons of Impressionism, from exquisite Asian scrolls to ancient Egyptian mummies.
The MFA offers hands-on activities designed for children ages four and up at the Family Art Cart. Uncover ancient Egyptian mysteries, read stories from Southeast Asia, or travel through the Museum with a set of Art Cards, looking at animals, treasures, and children in art. (May-Jun, Sat and Sun, 11 am-4 pm; Jul-Aug, Tue and Thu noon-4pm, Wed noon-8 pm)
Pick up a guide with tips for parents and a variety of gallery games and ideas that can be used throughout the Museum. Or explore the galleries with the help of one of our Art Connections activity sheets, each focused on a specific theme. And don’t miss school vacation weeks with lively performances and art-making activities throughout the galleries.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Boulevard
Mystic, CT
Phone: 860-572-5955
Fax: 860-572-5969

Get closer than you ever thought possible!

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Encounter ocean animals in an exciting new way – no scuba gear required! Reach in and touch a ray, go beak-to-nose with a penguin and feel the splash of a beluga whale. Through spring 2009, see the seven belugas (including two calves!) and four Pacific white-sided dolphins visiting from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Watch our California sea lions – including Boomerang, the sea lion pup – strut their stuff during a live show, and meet a variety of animals, from African penguins and Steller sea lions to sharks and blue-tongued skinks. Take a ride in the XD Motion Theater “Deep Sea 3D.” Explore the deep ocean with the world’s only exhibits on Dr. Robert Ballard’s fascinating expeditions, including his discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic and visit his newest exhibit, “Exploring Your National Marine Sanctuaries,” which takes you live into some of the country’s sanctuaries to discover shipwrecks and see colorful corals – all without ever leaving the aquarium!

Mystic Country - Eastern Region Tourism District
27 Coogan Bolevard
Mystic, CT  06355
Phone: 860-536-1205
Fax: 860-536-1480

Voted #1 Family Getaway in New England by Yankee Magazine Readers 2010

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Have you ever discovered Mystic, Connecticut? Mystic Country is defined by the three very different experiences that exist only miles from one another. These experiences take visitors from Adventure on the Coast to Entertainment at the Casino and back to Calm in the Mystic Quiet Corner. That contagious New-England hue that’s felt in Mystic comes from over 400 years of history and evolution. The Mystic locals, the landscapes, and the culture brim with life that still remains untouched – definitely something worth seeing! Rediscover New England and check out all Mystic has to offer for your family getaway here at MysticCountry.com

Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic, CT  06355-0990
Phone: 860-572-5315
Toll-Free: 888-973-2767

Open: Daily April through October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and November through March, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.

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Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and the Sea – encourages every child to discover their connection to the sea. Kids of all ages roll up their sleeves and find out what keeps a boat above water in our new interactive exhibit, How Boats Float. The Discovery Barn gives older children hands-on experience with nautical knots, signal flags and more, while the Children’s Museum encourages younger sailors to explore a lobster boat, cook in the galley and swab the decks. Help set a tall ship’s sails, participate in a traditional “dead horse” sailor’s ceremony and create nautical crafts at Inspiration Station.

Ocean Beach Park
1225 Ocean Avenue
New London, CT  06320
Phone: 860-447-3031
Toll-Free: 1-800-510-SAND (7263)

New England's Finest Beach and Boardwalk

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There’s family fun and more at Ocean Beach Park. New this year is our Splash Park for kids under 8. For more water fun we have the ocean, of course, an Olympic-size swimming pool and triple waterslide. Our award-winning lifeguard staff is on duty for your safety. For more fun we have rides, mini-golf, and a Family Fun Center with a video arcade. Kids can enjoy our playground and adults can work out in the health club. The nature walk and observation deck let you enjoy our natural beauty. When all the activity makes you hungry you can choose from our full-service restaurant, a food court, or ice cream stands. Ocean Beach Park can also accommodate picnics and corporate events. Our nightly entertainment schedule includes Classic Car Cruises on Mondays; kids movies on the beach Tuesday and Thursday; live magic on Wednesday; live bands on Friday; and family entertainment on Saturdays.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20
Sturbridge, MA  01566
Phone: 508-347-3362
Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830

Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation

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Open year-round: daily 9:30am to 5pm, May-late October; call for seasonal hours.
Admission, good for two visits within 10 days: $20 adults, $18 seniors (65 and up).
New low youth rate: $5 (ages 3-17). Children under 3 free.

Come play in the past with us! Our new Kidstory early learning gallery invites children to use their imaginations and thinking skills as they do chores in the farmhouse, barnyard, and country store -- all dressed in 1830s frocks and vests (bring your camera!). Out in the museum Village, play 1830s games, work a water pump, milk Holly the (life-size, resin-cast) Holstein, build a stone wall or quarter-scale snake-rail fence with lightweight materials, and visit “A Child’s Life,” our new hands-on exhibit in the Fitch House. Enjoy an overnight getaway with a family package from our Lodges, dine at one of our taverns, and shop for treasures to take home at the Museum Gift Shop and New England Bookstore.

Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA  02360
Phone: 508-746-1622

A compelling approach to history; a memorable visitor experience.

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Plimoth Plantation, a bicultural museum, offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. The 1627 English Village is a re-creation of the small farming town built by English colonists in the midst of the Wampanoag homeland. At the Wampanoag Homesite, the people you will meet talk of the past, speaking from a modern perspective. Mayflower II is an extraordinary experience. Details of the ship are all carefully recreated to give a sense of what the original 17th-century vessel was like. A visit to Plimoth Plantation encourages a new level of understanding about present-day issues affecting communities around the world. Please allow at least 3 hours to visit to Plimoth Plantation and about 45 minutes for Mayflower II.

Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation
41 Main Street
Lincoln, NH  03251
Phone: 603-745-9911
Toll-Free: 888-745-9911

Unique and exciting outdoor adventures

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Enjoy all that Alpine Adventures has to offer, including New England's first zip-line canopy tour. The original tour is a true treetop canopy adventure, zip from tree to tree through the forest on 6 separate ziplines, ropes bridges and a grand finale freefall zipline. Sky Rider is a separate canopy tour with some of the longest and highest ziplines in New England...side by side ziplines, heights of 200' off the forest floor, speeds up to 50mph and plenty of adrenaline! Take part in our Safari off-road tours or visit us in the winter for our highly recommended snowmobile tours. Book online or call for reservations.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street, Route 114
Bristol, RI  02809
Phone: 401-245-7500

Stay in touch with the great outdoors

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The Audubon Environmental Education Center is a state-of-the art natural history museum and aquarium that puts fun and excitement into experiencing nature. Look inside a 33-foot life size Right Whale, discover life in a tide pool, and observe Narragansett Bay’s marine life. The Center’s interactive exhibits feature local habitats. Situated on the 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge the Environmental Education Center has walking trails with a ¼ mile boardwalk that winds through fresh and saltwater marshes leading to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. The refuge is along the East Bay Bike Path allowing bikers and walkers access to the refuge’s natural beauty. The Center offers guided tours, nature walks, special family programs and much more throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible.

Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink
Boston Common
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-635-2120

Open November 19, 2009 through March 17, 2010

Capture the scent of wood smoke in the air. Hear the sound of metal blades skimming over smooth ice. Close your eyes and your senses return you to 1634, as you skate on the Frog Pond in America's oldest public park.

Here at the coolest gathering place in Boston you can join local residents and visitors alike as they glide over the carefully manicured, refrigerated surface. In 1997, people were able to skate on this type of surface for the first time in Downtown Boston. The Frog Pond Skating Rink is now open from November to mid-March with at least 100 days of seasonal skating. Whether you're practicing for a 9.9 at the Winter Olympics or simply trying to stand on two feet, the ice at the Frog Pond will always be accommodating.

Bromley Sun Mountain Adventure Park
Route 11
Six miles east of Manchester, VT
Phone: 802-824-5522

Family Fun!

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Grab top-to-bottom summertime fun at Bromley’s Sun Mountain Adventure Park, featuring America’s greatest Alpine Slide, Vermont’s longest water-slide raft ride, the towering Giant Swing, the 100’ Adrenaline ZipLine, SpaceBikes, "realrock" climbing-wall, Bungee-Trampoline Things, an 18 hole championship mini-golf, scenic chairlift rides, trail hiking and more. The six-and-under adventurers in the crowd have their own place to play in the Kiddie Park, boasting Bumper Boats, the Bounce House and a Super Slide all their own. Open Memorial Day through mid-October.

Camden Snow Bowl-Parks & Recreation
20 Barnestown Road
Camden, ME
Phone: 207-236-3438

"Where the Mountains Meet the Sea"

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The Snow Bowl is on the 1,300-foot Ragged Mountain and is just a short drive from picturesque Camden harbor. Nowhere else in the East can you glide down challenging ski slopes while enjoying a thrilling ocean vista unknown to other Eastern slopes. Ten trails are served by a 3,100-foot double chairlift and two T-bars, including the longest in the state-4,088 feet. Major trails are equipped with snowmaking and lighting. Cross country skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, snowtubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing also are available at the Camden Snow Bowl. The Snow Bowl is the location for the annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships the first weekend in February. Come ski the Snow Bowl and experience "where the mountains meet the sea." Summer activities include lodge rentals, hiking, mountain bike trails, tennis, swimming, boat launch, and ball field. The Camden Snow Bowl has something for everyone!

Canterbury Shaker Village
288 Shaker Road
Canterbury, NH  03224
Phone: 603-783-9511

Take a step back in time...

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Children will enjoy the Village, especially the authentic Shaker school and guided Family tours. Also popular are the Family Activity Center and One Girl’s Story, an exhibit on the life of the last girl taken in by the Canterbury Shakers; Simply Colorful Exhibit, a hands - on experience in the Dwelling House, and special event days with activities just for children. The Village is open daily May 10-Oct. 31, daily 10am-5pm; November open Fri., Sat. & Sun. 10am-4pm.

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
6 Washington Street
Dover, NH  03801
Phone: 603-436-3853
Fax: 603-742-2002

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The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire offers two levels of hands-on, custom-created exhibits for children ages 1-12. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the museum hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families.

CoCo Key Water Resort
at the Holiday Inn Grand Waterbury
3580 East Main Street
Waterbury, CT  06705
Phone: 203-706-1043

Every day is a bright, sunny 84 degrees at CoCo Key

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Wouldn't it be great to be able to get away to the tropical islands any time you want without having to leave Connecticut? Now you can, at CoCo Key Water Resort, Waterbury’s Newest & Largest Indoor Water Resort. CoCo Key combines the relaxation and enchantment of the islands with the wild excitement of a 55,000-sq. ft. indoor water park. Every day is a bright, sunny 84 degrees at CoCo Key, featuring a selection of signature attractions. A day in the tropics can create quite an appetite. Fortunately, CoCo Key has delicious dining options located within the water resort.

When you dry off and head on over to Key Quest Arcade, our interactive game room filled with state-of-the-art video games.

Concord Museum
Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road
Concord, MA  01742
Phone: 978-369-9763
Fax: 978-369-9660

Family-friendly history

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Exploring historic Concord? Begin at the Concord Museum! An inspiring collection of American treasures includes the 1775 “one, if by land, two, if by sea” Revere lantern and Thoreau’s Walden desk. Enjoy engaging, self-touring history galleries that present intriguing ideas relevant to today – concepts of liberty, self-reliance, independent thinking and the preservation of the environment. Family favorites include the engaging “Why Concord?” history galleries, Exploring Concord film, and child-friendly treasure hunts. A year round calendar of programs for adults and children includes story hours, nature explorations, crafts, and a holiday celebration of children’s literature. Open daily year round.

Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT  06320
Phone: 860-439-5020

Over 750 acres of beautifully preserved open space

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Connecticut College Arboretum's 750 acres include the college campus, plant collections, natural areas, and managed areas. Its three major plants collections for public enjoyment are the Campus Landscape with 120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the world; the Native Plant collection, with 20 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to North America with a pond, and walking trails; Caroline Black Garden with an exquisite display of diverse woody plants in a garden setting. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free public guided tours every Sunday afternoon May - October at 2 p.m. Call 860-439-5060 for more information. Private group tours can be arranged upon request.

Crab Apple Whitewater
Route 2
Charlemont, MA  01339
Toll-Free: 800-553-7238

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Crab Apple Whitewater is New England’s largest rafting company, offering 5 rafting and inflatable kayaking trips on the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts as well as trips in Maine and Vermont. Trips are run daily April through October. Crab Apple offers fun, easy raft trips which are great for families with children as young as 6 or advanced trips for those seeking thrilling Class IV whitewater. Trips are fully outfitted, guided and include lunch. Half-day inflatable kayak and float trips are also available. Crab Apple has been family owned and operated since 1983 and is proud to offer the finest service in the whitewater industry with a personal touch. Call 1-800-553-7238 (8am-10pm) for a Catalog of River Trips or visit our website at www.crabappleinc.com for more information and internet specials.

Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI  02907
Phone: 401-785-3510

From the arctic to our own backyard

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Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to well over 100 species of rare and fascinating animals from around the world including elephants, giraffes, snow leopards, kangaroos, moon bears, gibbons and many others, all in naturalistic settings. The Zoo is open year ‘round, with special events scheduled throughout the year. Visit our link or call for more information.

Santa's Village
528 Presidential Highway
Jefferson, NH  03583
Phone: 603-586-4445

A day at Santa's Village is one you won't soon forget

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Oh what fun… it is at Santa’s Village where exciting rides, live shows and great food combine to provide an unparalleled family experience at a very affordable price. For over 50 years families like yours have enJOYed the festive atmosphere of Santa’s Village. Yule love our new live show straight from Broadway and our award-winning 3-D show “A Thinkerdoodle Christmas.” Visit with Santa and feed his reindeer at the Reindeer Rendezvous. Play the Elfabet Game to win a prize, decorate a gingerbread man and become an “Official Helper” at Santa’s Workshop. Ride Rudy’s Rapid Transit coaster, the Reindeer Carousel, the S.S. Peppermint Twist and all of Santa’s rides over and over - - without long waits.

Shelburne Museum
U.S. Route 7 / P.O. Box 10
Shelburne, VT  05482
Phone: 802-985-3346

Open May - October

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Dynamic new exhibitions and special events each year generate fresh perspectives on art, history and culture from the settlement era to the present. Children enjoy daily hands-on craft workshops in the summer, rides on a vintage 1920s carousel and the interactive touch and learn comportments of many exhibitions.

Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick Street
Mendon, MA  01756
Toll-Free: 800-258-9182
Fax: 508-883-0242

New Skyfari Sky Ride - Explore the Zoo from New Heights

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Southwick’s Zoo is situated within the historic Blackstone Valley. Surrounded by 300 shady acres and home to hundreds of animals representing many species, Southwick's is more than a zoo, it's an adventure for all ages! As well as an impressive display of animals, Southwick's also offers educational programs, live animal presentations, a petting zoo, deer forest, elephant rides, and children’s play park. There are also picnic grounds, kiddie rides, food venues, and free parking. Visit our new and extensive gift shop, the Purple Peacock. Operating hours for Southwick's Zoo are 10:00am to 5:00pm from April through October 18th... 7 days a week including holidays. Check out our non-profit Earth Eco-Education Center.

Springfield Museums
21 Edwards Street
Springfield, MA  01103
Phone: 413-263-6800

Art, history, science, and a Dr. Suess sculpture museum!

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A welcoming committee of Dr. Seuss characters greets you at New England’s own “mini Smithsonian” – four outstanding museums filled with art, science and history, plus the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Kids will especially love the Springfield Science Museum where they’ll encounter a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex, a volcano they can crawl through, live animals, and hands-on exhibits and activities. Then they can visit the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center at the museum next door and try on costumes and make art projects. Young children will also enjoy SeussScape, a small playroom outfitted with Dr. Seuss books and toys. Four museums. One admission fee. Free parking. Endless fun.

Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA  02180
Phone: 781-438-5100

Jaguar cub now on exhibit!

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Stone Zoo features a wildly popular black bear exhibit and, opening in June 2009, greater Boston’s only gibbon exhibit. The Zoo is also home to colobus monkeys, Canadian lynx, a snow leopard, Mexican gray wolves, river otters, spider monkeys, capybara and many other interesting and fascinating animals from around the world. The Treasures of the Sierra Madre exhibit features, jaguars, cougars, coyote, and Gila monsters.” At Windows to the Wild, view hyacinth macaws, flamingos, emperor tamarins, silvery-cheeked hornbills, Inca terns and Geoffroy’s tamarins. Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stone Zoo is located off Exit 34 on 93 North and Exit 35 off 93 South.

Story Land
Routes 16
Glen, NH  03838
Phone: 603-383-4186

The Children’s Theme Park Where Fantasy Lives!

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From the first friendly greeting from a storybook character to the last lick of ice cream your child’s experience at Story Land will be one of wide-eyed wonder that will be remembered for a lifetime. Story Land's 21 rides, including a pumpkin coach, antique cars, and a pirate ship, are designed for parents and children to enjoy together. New in 2008: join the circus for three shows daily through Labor Day under the big top, it’s included in the low pay-one-price admission to Story Land. Our unique playgrounds feed children’s imaginations, with the Loopy Lab, our yellow submarine, and many others. Story Land is in the beautiful White Mountains on 35 acres of hilly terrain. There are many family-oriented lodgings nearby.

Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock Street
Portsmouth, NH  03801
Phone: 603-433-1100

Open May 1 through October 31, 10AM- 5PM Daily
Guided Tours and Holiday Events available November-December

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Our Family Activity Center provides period crafts and games. Children also enjoy the gardens, the Abbott Corner Store with its groceries from the 1940s, the cooper and the 1950s house. New this season, Wheelwright will be furnished with reproductions so that children and families can touch, feel, see and smell to get a real feeling for what it might have been like to a child in the past.

The Dinosaur Place
1650 Route 85
Montville, CT  06370
Phone: 860-443-4367

Discover an interactive science and nature adventure

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Join us at the “The Dinosaur Place” for an adventure of the prehistoric kind! Visit the indoor Activity Center and check out geodes- volcanic formations that are million of years old! Choose one for us to cut open and be the first to see inside this ancient gas bubble! Children of all ages enjoy digging for gems and crystals, panning for “gold” and excavating a dinosaur skeleton.

Spend the day enjoying Outdoor Adventure! Over 25 life-sized dinosaurs can be found along 1 mile of easy walking trails. Visit the “What am I?” touch and learn stations and romp in Monty’s Playground. Bring sunscreen and flip-flops and enjoy New England’s largest SPLASHPAD®! Monty’s SPLASHPAD® is a zero-depth, fully automated interactive aquatic play system that consists of over 30 dinosaur-themed features designed to stimulate and cool off children of all ages. Changing rooms available. Picnic areas, snack bar and ice cream shop on site. Visit our website for hours, rates, and directions.

The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA  01970
Phone: 978-744-0991
Fax: 978-741-4350

Visit Kids Cove

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Climb up the Secret Staircase at The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts! This seaside historic site features Turner-Ingersoll Mansion (1668), forever immortalized as “The House of the Seven Gables” by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Visit Kid’s Cove at the Gables for a glimpse of what life was like aboard the Turner’s ships in this interactive learning space featuring hands-on family activities. Admission also includes a visit to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace to learn more about how the author’s life in Salem influenced his work. Stroll through three-season gardens and a unique museum store. Open mid-January through December, 10:00am-5:00pm.

The Last Green Valley
111 Main Street
Danielson, CT  06239
Phone: 860-774-3300
Toll-Free: 866-363-7226

Enjoy a Variety of Activites in Southern New England's Outdoor Jewel

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The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley or northeastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts has been called "The Last Green Valley" in the sprawling metropolitan Boston-New York-Washington corridor. At night, the region appears distinctively dark amid the urban and suburban glow when viewed from satellites or aircraft; In the daytime, the green fields and forests confirm the surprisingly rural character of this area, and the rugged hills that surround them.
This relatively undeveloped rural "island" in the midst of the most urbanized region in the nation makes it a resource of local, regional, and national importance. It is our mission to preserve the significant natural and cultural resources of the region while encouraging compatible economic development. And we invite you and your family to explore all we have to offer.

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
Sumner Avenue (Route 83)
Springfield, MA  01138
Phone: 413-733-2251

Celebrating Nature's Diversity

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The Forest Park Zoo, located in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. Experience the world of exotic animals and local wildlife as never before. Take a train trip around the park, explore freshwater pond life, learn about endangered animals and captive breeding programs. Get to know the creatures that frequent your backyard, and visit a Heritage Breeds Barn. Shop in our unique gift shop for unusual, educational, or whimsical gift items. Enjoy the gardens, seasonal exhibits, programs, and events.

Topsfield Fair
207 Boston Street, Route 1
Topsfield, MA  01983
Phone: 978-887-5000
Fax: 978-887-3016

America’s Oldest Fair!
October 2 - October 12, 2009

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The 191st annual Topsfield Fair will run from Friday, October 2, 2009 through Columbus Day, October 12, 2009. The country's oldest continuously operating county fair features family entertainment, agricultural exhibits including the New England Giant Pumpkin weigh-off on opening day, a premier fall flower show, poultry, fruit and vegetables, rabbits, 4-H, a draft horse show, horse and oxen pulling, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas and alpacas, the Essex County Farm Yard, a Farm/Fair Museum, Home Arts, art show and much, much more including the Fiesta Shows Midway.

Yankee Fleet Whale Watch & Deep Sea Fishing
121 East Main Street
Gloucester Harbor, MA  01930
Phone: 978-283-0313
Toll-Free: 800-942-5464
Fax: 978-283-6089

Yankee Whale Watching Voted Best Whale Watch in New England

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Our whale watching captains communicate about current whale sightings with our early morning Deep Sea Fishing captains who have already been out for hours. This allows us to bring you directly to the whales' location. This up-to-date communication coupled with the speed of our vessels means our whale watching passengers spend more time enjoying the whales. We know where the whales are before other captains are even out of bed! -- A unique Yankee Whale Watching advantage.

What to bring on your Yankee Whale Watching Adventure

• A camera and lots of film
• An extra jacket or sweater
• A hat or visor, sun glasses and sunscreen
• Rubber soled shoes or sneakers

Destination Plymouth
Plymouth, MA
Toll-Free: 800-USA-1620

History is just the beginning!

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Bring the whole family to Plymouth, MA for some unforgettable fun! Adults and children alike will be able to enjoy their visit to Plymouth with a wide variety of activities on land or on the water. The Atlantic Ocean itself is a playground, and trips such as whale watches, lobster excursions and pirate adventures have proven popular with visitors both young and not quite as young. Our beaches and parks offer families a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Edaville USA is open year-round and features a restored narrow gauge train ride through acres of cranberry bogs, and Plimoth Plantation provides a living history museum depicting life in Plymouth in 1627. Please call 1.800.USA.1620, or visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature
222 Harrington Way
Worcester, MA  01604
Phone: 508-929-2700
Fax: 508-929-2701

Inspiring a Passion for Science and Nature

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Children of all ages love exploring the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming for families year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

Edaville USA
5 Pine Street
Carver, MA  02330
Phone: 508- 866-8190
Toll-Free: 877-EDAVILLE

Where the good times keep on rollin
Click here for a money saving coupon!

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A variety of different children's characters will entertain on weekends during the summer and fall, along with musicians, fascinating guests and other types of entertainment. Please click on events above for the latest information on our 2009 season.
Also, the annual National Cranberry Festival™ will once again return over the three day Columbus Day weekend. And, of course, no season at Edaville USA would be complete without the famous "Christmas Festival of Lights", which begins in November and continues throughout the holiday season.
Keep checking the website for updated information, and make your plans to visit Edaville USA in 2009...again and again!!!

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
One Railroad Avenue
Essex, CT  06426
Phone: 860-767-0103
Toll-Free: 800-377-3987
Fax: 860-767-0104

Ride the Steam Train, Ride the Riverboat!

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Gather family and friends for the adventure of a sightseeing journey... aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the country! Your 2½ hour narrated journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station. Meander through the countryside aboard vintage rail cars pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. At Deep River Landing, you’ll be escorted onto to the Becky Thatcher Riverboat for a 1½ hour cruise along the Connecticut River - bursting with lush scenery and historic sights, such as Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. Upon Becky’s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes you for the return trip back to Essex.

Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT  06371
Phone: 860-434-5542
Fax: 860-434-9778

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

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The Home of American Impressionism gives visitors a glimpse of life in an artists’ colony not found elsewhere in America. At the heart of this historic site is the Griswold House, where the artists lived and worked. Their artwork can be seen in the famed dining room where they painted directly on the walls. The award winning Krieble Gallery hosts changing exhibitions and fun gallery games for children. Families will also enjoy scavenger hunts in the house and gardens. Free with your admission on Sundays, stop by the Hartman Education Center and pick up all the supplies you need (canvas, brushes, palettes, and paint) to make a painting down by the river or in Miss Florence's garden. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Franklin Park Zoo
One Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA  02121
Phone: 617-541-LION (5466)
Fax: 617-989-2025

Get Close.

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Opened in 1912, this 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park features an array of wildlife from all over the world. Come face-to-face with an African lion in the Kalahari Kingdom, visit Masai giraffe and Grevy’s zebra of the Giraffe Savannah and discover the Tropical Forest, home to western lowland gorillas, lemurs, mandrills and much more! Be sure not to miss the Tiger Tales exhibit or Butterfly Landing, open seasonally from mid-June through mid-September. Franklin Park Zoo has many activities for children including education classes, Zoo Camp and Snorin’ Roarin’ sleepovers. The zoo is available for rentals and offers unique indoor and outdoor facilities and catering services to turn your child’s birthday party or your next meeting or event into an adventure! Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA  02138
Phone: 617-495-3045
Fax: 617-496-8782

Dinosaurs, Glass Flowers, Meteorites – Explorers Welcome

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Explore 12,000 specimens at the Harvard Museum of Natural History -- dinosaurs, meteorites, gemstones, and hundreds of animals from around the globe. Get close to the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 42 ft-long marine reptile; one of the first Triceratops ever discovered; a 1,642 lb. amethyst geode; whale skeletons. Don’t miss the world famous exhibit of 3,000 ‘Glass Flowers’, amazingly realistic models of plants, fruits and flowers created by father-son glass artists Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka from 1886-1936. You won’t believe they’re not real! The museum is on the University campus, just a 7-10 minute walk through historic Harvard Yard from the Harvard Square Red Line ‘T’ station. Check out lectures, films, classes & changing exhibitions.

Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove Street
Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-888-3300

Celebrating 40 Years of Educational Family Fun

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The Heritage Museum & Gardens is a great place for families to spend a day. We’re famous for our beautifully landscaped grounds, providing a naturalized woodland park on the edge of upper Shawme Pond. A Shaker round barn houses our J. K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Collection with its stunning display of antique automobiles. The American History Museum will be opening this summer with several New Exhibits. An operating hand-carved carousel and many of America's most distinguished artists' works are on exhibit in the Art Museum. We offer loads of special and educational children’s activities in a setting parents can enjoy too.

Historic Deerfield
88 Old Main Street
Deerfield, MA  01342
Phone: 413-775-7214

Open: Daily, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; call for seasonal changes.

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At Historic Deerfield children and their families can enjoy a trip through time at the Wells-Thorne house, a visit to the one-room schoolhouse, or using the looms at Hall Tavern. A special activity pack is also available to enhance the outdoor experience of the Blake Meadow Walk. Starting May 10, each weekend from noon to 4:00 pm families can visit the History Workshop where they will enjoy dressing up like an 18th century family, participating in games, using reproduction artifacts, and making a project to take home. Check our program calendar for other opportunities including open hearth cooking demonstrations, performances, and our monthly Hands-on History events.