Nature Adventures Summer Day Camp

South Shore Natural Science Center is having an open house on Saturday, April 30th from 10am-2pm so you can learn about their summer camp program. 

There is 1/2 day camp for younger campers, ages 3 through Grade 2 and 1/2 and full day camps for campers entering grades 3 through 6.  For more info, download their camp brochure or contact Emily at 781-659-2559 x218.

Outdoor Movie Night in Plymouth

The Arc of Greater Plymouth has moved their outdoor movie from tonight to tomorrow night, August 7th at 8:20pm due to mosquito spraying.  Head on down to the 1820 Courthouse Green and watch the “Bee Movie”.  There will be popcorn and drinks, crafts and games!  Sounds like fun and looks like it will be perfect weather for it!

Day Out with Thomas at Edaville

Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Edaville in Carver!  You can take a train ride with Thomas through the picturesque cranberry bogs.  Kids can also meet Sir Topham Hatt, ride the amusement rides and see live entertainments. 

Day Out with Thomas Dates:  June 19-20, June 25-28, August 28-29 and September 3-6.

Tickets are $18 per person over 2.  For groups of 20 or more, tickets are $14 per person.  See their website for more info and/or to buy tickets.

Family Overnights at Battleship Cove

You can now spend the night on a WWII battleship at Battleship Cove in Fall River.  You sleep in restored Navy bunks, eat meals in the Officer’s Wardroom.  Guests get all day admission, 3 meals and can do onboard activities.  You’ll also get a free overnight survival guide filled with facts and activities.

Dates:  June 18, July 10, August 14 and September 11.  See their website for more details & events.

Summer Camps

Can you believe it’s about time for summer camp enrollment?    Here’s a listing of local summer camps that I know about…if you have any others, please let me know!  I’ll keep adding to this list as I hear about them so check back often!

These camps range from a few hours to full day.

• South Shore YMCA
• YMCA Southcoast
• Old Colony YMCA
• Expressions Paint Your Own Pottery Studio
• Nike Basketball Camps
• Fashion Focus
• Drama Kids International
• Advantage Soccer Camp
• Derby Summer Arts
• South Shore School of Theatre

Geocaching

We are active letterboxers so we’re looking forward to one day trying out Geocaching, which is letterboxing’s high tech cousin.  I saw that Family Circle magazine had a great article on Geocaching and thought I’d share it…would be a great summer hobby!  You can read the article online here.

If your family does geocaching, let me know and share some tips!

Summer Reading Programs

Here's TWO Reading programs going on for kids this summer:

1. ‘10 Reading Double Dog Dare: Kids 12 and under can get a free book for reading any 10 books. Just download the form, list your books and bring your form to your local Borders and pick a book off the list.
2. 2010 Summer Reading Program: Kids in grades 1-6 just need to read any 8 books and track them in the Passport to Summer Reading, then bring the completed form to their local Barnes & Noble.

My kids are going to be excited for this! Thanks to Elaine for the information!

FREE admission on Fridays!

The Highland Street Foundation funds “Free Fun Fridays” at certain museums all summer long.  You don’t need a coupon or anything….just show up the featured museum on the scheduled date!  Thanks to Julie for forwarding me this information!

June 25

Boston Children's Museum

July 2
Plimoth Plantation

July 9

Franklin Park Zoo

July 16

Boston Harbor Island Alliance

July 23

JFK Library & Museum

July 30

Museum of Fine Arts

August 6

Peabody Essex Museum

August 13

Old Sturbridge Village

August 20

Institute for Contemporary Art

August 27

Museum of Science

September 3

New England Historic Geneaological Society

The Sports Museum

EcoTarium

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Cape Cod Museum of Art 

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Concord Museum 

Stone Zoo 

September 4

Edward Gorey House

Cape Cod Children's Museum

Basketball Hall of Fame

Worcester Art Museum

USS Constitution Museum

American Textile History Museum

Discovery Museums

Berkshire Museum

Drama Kids International

When school's out.....Drama is IN! Now enrolling for Summer Workshops! Drama Kids summer programming includes a unique combination of fun, creative and entertaining activities. Non-stop fun for students completing 1st through 6th grade.
Check out our New Themes this year.  Visit their website to register now!

Plymouth Recreation Department

Wow…just came across the 2010 Recreation Program Guide for Plymouth!  They have a TON of things going on for the kids!  From swim lessons to archery to basketball to cheerleading…they almost have it all!   Most things are open to non residents as well (with an additional $10 fee).   You can check it out online here.

Carver Swim lessons

Carver is having swim lesson sign ups on Tuesday, May 11th 5-8pm and Saturday, May 22, 10:30-1pm at the Carver Library.  Lessons are first come, first served and begin July 5th.  Cost is $25 per child.  All lessons will be held at Sampson’s Pond.

Kids Bowl Free!

My pal Lisa passed this on to me. 

You can register your kids for a Summer Fun Bowling Pass.  A pass gets your child 2 free games every day during the summer at participating bowling alleys.  Once registered, you have the option to purchase a Family Pass (around $25) that allows up to 4 adult members to bowl along with the kids.  Pretty good deal if your family bowls regularly!

Check it out here.

South Shore School of Theatre

Tara at South Shore School of Theatre wants me to let you know about their great summer theatre programs for kids ages 7-19 in the month of July!  Kids can spend their summer in the spotlight!  The kids learn how to design costumes, build props and sets, stage make up, sing, dance and so much more!  They can perform in shows such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "Grease!" "Disney Extravaganza" and "Sweeney Todd".

South Shore School of Theatre is held on the campus of Easter Nazarene College in Quincy.  Check out their website for more information.

Marshfield Fair 2009

The Marshfield Fair starts this Friday, August 21 and runs until August 30. The fair is lots of fun for the kids with rides, games and live entertainment. Childrens Day is Wednesday August 26. All kids 12 and under get in free and the kiddie rides are 1/2 price.

The following dates are wristband days. The wristbands allow you to ride unlimited rides (except the bumper cars).

• August 21 until 6:00 pm - $15.00
• August 25, 6:00 - 10:00 pm - $19.00
• August 30, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - $19.00
• August 30, 5:00 pm - closing - $19.00

Visit the website for more info. A direct link to the calendar of events is here.

Huge Blueberries!

Today we ventured to The Blueberry Farm on West Washington Street (Rt. 14) in Hanson to do some blueberry picking. I was nervous when we got there at 9:30 and the sign said "wet conditions...opening at noon" but the owner Pat let us pick anyways.

Love this place!

Tons of big fat blueberries and they were very sweet & yummy! There's tables and chairs in a field between the bushes for sitting, having coffee or even for lunch and there's a porta potty there if you need it. ;) The owner is so nice too! Blueberries are $2.25 per pint. They have a nice handout with proper storage tips and even some yummy recipes I can't wait to try.

I'll definitely go back next year...and will even bring a picnic lunch!

Reading Makes Cent$

Rockland Trust is doing a reading program this summer. Children will get $2.50 for every book they read, up to 10 books from June 29th thru August 15th. All you need to do is visit your local branch and pick up a reading journal. Kids have to write about the book they read or draw a picture and the parents have to sign the page. After the kids read 4 books, you can go to the bank and they will deposit $10 into their savings account (or you open one for them). The kids will also be invited to an end of summer ice cream party as well!

For more information, visit Rockland Trusts website here.

Provincetown Summer Events

Summer 2009 in Provincetown

Outer most Cape Cod town hosts array of seasonal events and activities

Provincetown, MA; May 29, 2009—Located on the outermost tip of Cape Cod and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on all three sides, Provincetown, Massachusetts (www.provincetowntourismoffice.org) is an incredible tourist destination with a fascinating cultural history and extraordinary entertainment offerings. This season, Provincetown plays host to a myriad of events and activities that celebrate its boundless natural beauty and eclectic arts and culture scene. A brief look at Summer 2009 is below.

Provincetown Celebrates:

• Marriage Equality (for summer nuptials and all year long)

Since the legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts in 2004, Provincetown has earned the distinction of “the place to get married,” issuing more than 2,000 marriage licenses to date. Today, Provincetown may be the easiest place to get married as the Town Clerk recently announced the ability to file applications for marriage licenses on Fridays (previously Town Hall was closed on Fridays, which sometimes added a day to the required three day waiting period). Given Provincetown’s beautiful seaside setting, colorful environment and consistent rating as the premier gay destination in America, it makes for an ideal wedding spot.

• 11^th Annual Provincetown International Film Festival (June 17-21)

As the stomping ground for performers as diverse as Billie Holiday and Barbra Streisand, Provincetown is no stranger to legendary work. As such, it has become the host of one of the entertainment world’s most popular film festivals. This summer’s opening night features a screening of Woody Allen’s “WHATEVER WORKS,” starring Larry Charles, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr. (www.ptownfilmfest.org)

• Portuguese Festival (June 25-28)

Established in the early 19^th century and strengthened over the years, Provincetown’s vibrant Portuguese community continues to influence the area’s culture and community. Celebrate Provincetown’s Portuguese heritage with four days of food, games, music, dance and art. (www.provincetownportuguesefestival.com)

• Fourth of July Weekend (July 3-5)

As the site of the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World, Provincetown is a hotbed of Fourth of July activities and celebrations. Set off over Provincetown Harbor, the annual fireworks display (July 4) is the culmination of a day’s worth of parades, bands, live music and performances. The fireworks celebration is funded by private and public donations. Volunteers are still working to raise the remaining funds. Donations can be made directly to Provincetown Fireworks Gift Fund, 260 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657.

• Family Week (August 1-8)

As an organization that promotes community building for same-sex parents raising children, the Family Equality Council sponsors a week of family-oriented picnics, clambakes, activities, unity and pride parades, and more. Events are open to all families. (www.familyequality.org)

• Carnival ( August 16-22)

Rivaling the diversity and energy of Rio, Provincetown celebrates Carnival every August. This year’s theme is the “Summer of Love: Peace, Love and Go-Go Boots,” a nod to the 30^th anniversary of Woodstock. Events include DJs spinning dance music, karaoke, drag king and queen competitions, the infamous Gay Pride Parade with floats down Commercial Street, art exhibits and more. (www.ptown.org/Carnvial.asp)

• Lily Tomlin Fundraiser for Pilgrim Bark Park (August 29^th)

To celebrate Provincetown’s pet-friendly nature and raise funds for Pilgrim Bark Park, a new dog park, award-winning actress, comedienne, and longtime Provincetown visitor Lily Tomlin will perform on MacMillan Wharf. (www.provincetowndogpark.org)

Arts & Theater Happenings in Renown Artist’s Colony:

• Provincetown Theater

Long considered the birthplace of modern American Theater, Provincetown is home to the Provincetown Theater, where writers like Tennessee Williams, Norman Mailer and Truman Capote, and performers like Billie Holiday, Marlon Brando and Al Pacino displayed their earliest work. Continuing the long-standing tradition, Provincetown Theater offers plays, events, festivals, workshops and classes open to the public throughout the summer months. (www.newprovincetownplayers.org)

• Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM)

Founded in 1914 by painter Charles Webster Hawthorne and other residents to collect, exhibit and honor the work of Provincetown’s artists, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) is now home to one of today’s most important collections of 20^th century art. During the summer months, PAAM presents their annual Spring Consignment Auction of rare and vintage work; the Secret Garden Tour of Provincetown’s hidden horticultural gems; as well as lectures and classes from well-known artists. (www.paam.org)

• Free Gallery Strolls

As America’s oldest artist’s colony, thanks its beautiful light, natural landscapes and rustic scenes, Provincetown is home to many of the country’s most prolific—and promising—artists and writers. From the incredible dune shacks where famous writers like Eugene O’Neill and Tennessee Williams sought inspiration to the downtown Gallery District on world-famous Commercial Street, Provincetown is rich in artistic tradition. Take a stroll down Commercial Street every Friday night this summer for art gallery open houses, where art enthusiasts are encouraged to browse the galleries and meet the owners and artists. (www.provincetowngalleryguide.com)

Provincetown’s Great Outdoors:

• Cape Cod National Seashore Park

Surrounded by federally-protected beaches on three sides, Provincetown is home to 18 miles of sand, offering relaxing and scenic landscapes, gentle surf and the occasional whale sighting. Don’t miss out on Provincetown’s famous sunsets—one of the few places on the East Coast to see the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. (www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm)

• Art’s Dune Tours

As Provincetown’s only tour company providing four wheel drive access to the dunes, Art’s allows you to explore the dune shacks where writers like Eugene O’Neill and Tennessee Williams, isolated from the rest of the world, created their most influential work. You can race through the sand and beach grass in a modern off-roading SUV, where the option of pulling over for a traditional sunset clambake is always available. (www.artsdunetours.com)

• Dolphin Fleet-Whale Watching

As the closest port to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary—a federally-protected habitat home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, deep sea fish and sea birds—Provincetown is no stranger to incredible marine life sightings. And this year is poised to be one of this most amazing yet. Dolphin Fleet offers daily tours and has its own public education and research programs. (www.whalewatch.com)

• Bird Watching

With two-thirds of the town’s resources protected and managed by the Cape Cod National Seashore Park, Provincetown is rife with more than 250 species of birds and waterfowl. Beech Forest Trail is the perfect spot for avid birdwatchers, as it is a major rest stop for semi-annual shore and seabird migrations along the East Coast. Additionally, there are 40 square miles of protected woodlands, ponds, wetlands and salt marshes to whet your bird watching appetite. (www.massaudubon.org/index.php)

Info provided by Marlo Marketing. For more information visit: www.provincetowntourismoffice.org,

friend Provincetown on facebook for news and event updates all summer long

Free Movies all summer!

All Regal Cinemas have free movies for the kids Tuesday & Wednesdays all summer long. Here's the listing for the cinema at Independence Mall in Kingston:

06/23/2009-06/24/2009	March Of The Penguins (G)
	Evan Almighty (PG)
06/30/2009-07/01/2009	Space Chimps (G)
07/07/2009-07/08/2009	Horton Hears A Who (G)
	Inkheart (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009	Wallace And Gromit (G)
	Igor (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009	Charlotte's Web (G)
	Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009	Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
	Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009	Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
	Kung Fu Panda (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009	The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
	Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)
08/18/2009-08/19/2009	Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
	Bee Movie (PG)

You can check the website and find out what's playing in your neighborhood!

Gray's Beach

Anne finds another cool place! Friday we went to Gray's Beach in Kingston. What a great place to take the kids!

First...they have a nice fenced in playground. All the equipment is pretty new, there's benches and tables with umbrellas to sit at as well. It's pretty big and the kids can totally run around and you know they can't escape. Just the playground alone is a nice trip.
The park is also part beach. There's a nice little beach where the kids can go swim or play. The 2 eight year olds with us were gone practically the whole 4 hours we were there finding crabs, snails and shells. The tide was low when we got there and it was almost at high tide when we left. High tide is the best for swimming since it's pretty muddy near the water during low tide.And if the beach and playground don't sway you to visit, bring your kites and have the kids run all over the place on the huge grassy field there.If you go during the summer, the "Beach Hut" snack shack is open. Prices are pretty reasonable. We brought our lunches but bought the kids ice creams after they ate. Oh and Anne got the Onion Rings and there were oh-so-yummy!Gray's Beach is just off Route 3A in Kingston. A nice way to spend a few hours!

Edaville Railroad

We all know how beautiful Edaville Railroad can be during Christmastime but Edaville can be just as much fun in the summer! Edaville is in S. Carver just off Rt. 58. Edaville has lots of fun rides for the kids to take and there's even rides for the littlest of kids! No trip to Edaville is complete without taking their train ride--a half hour ride around pretty cranberry bogs and lakes! There's all sorts of fun character events that go on during the summer too. We saw Thomas the Train there and my 2 year old was ecstatic! Edaville is not cheap....tickets are $18.00 for 2 and over and some events cost even more. The website usually has coupons but I couldn't find any listed for the summer. (UPDATE 8/25: Just found out that you can save $2.00 each admission with your Shaws Card through October 13)

Edaville might be worth the trip in August before the kids go back to school!