Keeping Cool with the Kids This Summer - Area Splash Pads, Sprinkler Parks & Wading Pools

   

As summer temperatures rise, what better way to get the kids outdoors without overheating than hitting one of the many splash pads, sprinkler parks and wading pools in the area!  

Massachusetts is home to a few full-on water themed resorts, most of which offer day passes, with the exception of Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, which is an overnight-only resort. In no particular order:
CoCo Key Water Resort in Danvers
Hurricane Harbor at 6 Flags in Agawam
Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis
John Carver Inn and Spa in Plymouth
Water Wizz in Wareham
Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg

Looking for a place you can just stop by and cool off on the fly? Try one of these great spots:

Artesani Park & Wading Pool (free) in Brighton - my personal favorite, Artesani is not only free - it also has loads of parking, clean restrooms, life guards, a sprinkler park AND separate wading pool, playground, picnic area, and is located right on the beautiful Charles River. The entire facility was upgraded about 2 years ago. IT'S AWESOME.

Rings Fountain on the Greenway (free) in Boston - located right near the Aquarium, it's a great place to stop by and cool off after a trip to see the fishies. Every summer my daughter and I hit the Figment Art Festival (this year planned for Saturday and Sunday July 22 & 23) on the Greenway to check out the music and interactive art installations, and we always visit the Rings Fountain for a good soaking. In fact, there are fountains all along the Greenway, so you can take dips the whole way through.

Frog Pond on the Boston Common (free) - it's easy to spend the whole day on Boston Common with the kiddos, whether there's an event going on or not. Check out the enormous wading pool, the sprinkler park, the playground, the carousel, maybe even take a ride on a Swan Boat - not to mention the gardens are stunningly beautiful, great for a stroll with an ice cream cone before you head home. There are also lots of fun activities planned for the summer months, like free evening yoga, so check out their website to find out more.
Minot Rose Garden Playground (free) in Brookline - I live near this one, so we hit it a lot, and the roses are in full bloom right now. The splash pad is the usual playground sprinkler set up, nothing fancy. The fancy part is its location - right next to a fantastic playground that is itself located inside a large, shady, fully fenced in park with a paved loop perfect for scooters or bikes. This park is named and known for it's gorgeous rose gardens, and makes a great spot for a picnic or catching a free morning yoga class on a Sunday.
Daniel Ford Playground at Emerson Park (free) in Brookline - another great Brookline playground, along with a separate sprinkler/fountain area, in a large sunny park where summertime often finds my daughter and I (and a hundred or so other families) sharing some takeout pizza with friends and listening to some live music at the Brookline Summer Concert Series Wednesday evenings.

Those are my personal favorites, but there are so many more:

Soule Recreation Center (free) - Chestnut Hill
Charlesbank Playground & Spray Deck (free) - Boston
North Point Park & Splash Pad (free) - Cambridge
Danehy Park Splash Pad (free) - Cambridge
Johnson Playground & Stonybrook Spray Deck (free) - Jamaica Plain
Bradley Palmer State Park & Wading Pool $ - Topsfield
Beaver Brook Spray Deck & Playground (free) - Belmont
Luciano Park Spray Pool (free) - Arlington
Artemas Ward Wading Pool (free) - Marlborough
Nelson Memorial Park & Splash Pad (free) - Plymouth
Davis Farmland $ - Sterling (Yes, this is a farm with a spray park. I cannot WAIT to take my daughter here.)
Petersen Splash Pad at Watson Park (free) - Braintree
Cellucci Skate & Splash Park (free) - Hudson
Lynch Park Splash Pad (free) - Beverly

Or look them up yourself:

Waltham alone has 9 parks with splash pads, so depending where your day takes you, there may be a place to cool off nearby : Spray Parks and Pools

Wherever you go to stay cool this summer, be safe, have fun, and don't forget your SPF!

About the Author:
Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications, Blog Coordinator, and Sale Committee Member.  Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Ready, Set, Play Outside!

It took a while, but finally it's here  -- perfect weather to visit area playgrounds.  Researchers have found that being outside is important for developing and keeping eyesight keen, so get ready for some outdoor time!

Parent Talk members can access a helpful list of local playgrounds on the PT website.  Parent Talk Matters Blog has also posted recommendations worth a revisit:   It's Playground Time! and Local Playgrounds for the Littles.  These are mainly for offerings in Dedham, Dover, Needham, Natick, Newton, and Wellesley.

I'm adding info for a couple of my favorites to the list of recommendations.  Two are local in Westwood, and one is a little off the beaten path.

Playing in Westwood's Tot Lot is fun when dressed for cooler weather, too!

AGE 3 AND UNDER

Westwood Tot Lot
This quiet, small playground on Nahatan Street is ideal for the littlest ones.  Swings are tot-sized buckets, and the slides on two climbing structures are a few feet above ground.  There are toys scattered about that usually include shovels, trucks, and ride-on cars.  The lot is well shaded for hot days.  One con is limited parking.  A handful of spaces can be accessed by driving through the adjacent Westwood Council on Aging parking lot (where no playground parking is allowed), to the back side of the playground.  But I have used parking in the front of the adjacent EW Thurston Middle School when it's not too busy at the school.

AGE 3 AND OLDER

School Street Playground
This Westwood playground is great for a wide age range, and could be ideal for family outings with kids who are not very close in age.  It includes a climbing wall and a tall, rope-web climbing structure for the older kids (that could be challenging even for adults!).  For tots, there is small climbing structure with a slide and tot-sized swings.  For a wide range of ages, there are spinning tulip cups, see saw, tire swing, elevated roundabout, and 15 foot tall slides, among other things.  The caveat is that almost the entire playground  is open to the sun.  Plan to visit a few hours before or after the hottest part of the day, to avoid arriving when the play structures are too hot.

This is the Dragon Boat at Alexander Kemp Playground.  "Figurehead" by Andrew Watson

Alexander Kemp Playground
If you have the chance to trek to Cambridge, the Alexander Kemp playground is well worth a visit for its unique offerings.  Highlights include a water pump with a series of descending trays, allowing for play with cascading water and pools.  It also has a roundabout and various types of pulleys and bucket apparatuses.  There is a real sandbox (not just wood chips, here!) of decent size, with a good mix of sun and shade.  A caveat is that water features are turned off when the weather gets cold, so be sure to visit before October rolls around.  Parking along the adjacent streets can be challenging and limited to residents, but is not impossible to find.

READY, SET, PLAY OUTSIDE!

Armed with all of these playground options, hopefully you can rest assured that you won't ever hear your kids complain about "visiting the same, old playground again!"


About the Author
Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently, blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

How to Choose a Summer Camp

There are many reasons why you should send your child to camp this summer.  It may be as simple as needing a good daycare option, or maybe you want your child to put down the iPad and gain some new experiences or friendships.

Campers enjoy splashing in the pond at Hale Reservation.  Photo by Eve Elizondo.

Whatever your reason, camp is a smart choice.  Summer camp has been proven to increase a child's sense of independence and confidence, while also enhancing social skills as children learn to explore a new environment with their peers.  In addition, camps often provide the physical exercise and outlet that children so rarely get these days.  However, with over 12,000 summer camps across the country, how do you know which camp to choose?  Here are a few things to think about when deciding which camp is right for your child.

WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAM IS A GOOD FIT?

Begin by asking yourself a few basic questions like:

• Do I want a rustic, outdoor camp with trekking and exploration of nature?
• Do I want something indoors with a clean, polished campus feel? 
• Am I ready for my child to spend the night away for a week or two at a residential camp?
• Do I want to hear about the day camp experience each night at the dinner table? 

After deciding on a type of program, consider a few more questions about activities, staff, and whether the camp is licensed and accredited.

WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE OFFERED?

Ask yourself why you are sending your child to camp.  Do you want your child to have a traditional camp experience, or do you want your child to be the next Serena Williams or David Beckham?  Do you want your son to come home having learned how to swim or make a layup?  Do you want your daughter to explore an artistic side, or learn about robotics?

In the wide world of camp, there are both specialty camps which can help your child develop a skill, and traditional camps which offer a more well-rounded summer experience.  Either way, your child will be stepping out from under your umbrella and experiencing something on his or her own.

This is how to play Gaga Ball.  Photo by Eve Elizondo.

WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT THE STAFF?

You would not leave your child with the bagger at the grocery store without a thorough background check.  Camp should be no different.  Make sure that the camp you choose completes a criminal background check on all of their employees before they begin working.  Find out what certifications the counselors and instructors have.  All staff at camp should be at least CPR and First Aid certified.

Ask about staff to camper ratios.  If your child is in a very large group overseen by one staffer, it could be time to find another camp.  In general, the younger the campers are, the more supervision they should have.  A quality camp will make sure that your child is supervised by qualified, attentive staffers who will not be distracted by too many other children.

For a day camp, transportation is a very important component that you will probably have to deal with every day.  Find out what are the pick-up and drop-off times and where are the bus stops.   Ask the camp if it offers transportation.  You may need to pay extra for transportation, or some camps will provide transportation free of charge.  In the end, you need to figure out how much your time is worth.  The last thing you want is to be late for work because of the wait in line to drop off your child.

Campers take a break on a long hike.  Photo by Eve Elizondo.

IS THIS CAMP LICENSED AND ACCREDITED?

The camp that you choose should at the very least be licensed, meaning that the town or state is verifying that the staff is qualified to watch children, and that the camp is a safe place.

If you want to make sure the camp has been evaluated by experts in the field, choose a camp that is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).  This guarantees that the camp is held to high standards.  The staff of an ACA camp will be trained for a minimum of 40 hours, compared to other camps that may have little to no training requirement.  All camp staffers are certified.  The staff to camper ratios will be reasonable and ACA camps are visited regularly by ACA officials.

You have already made the first, hard decision just by choosing to send your child to camp.  Now, it's time to figure out which camp is the best fit for you and your family, and then watch your child bloom.

About the Author
Shannon Obey has been the Director of Membership and Events at Hale Reservation for the past four years.  Hale offers a wide variety of summer camp experiences from Traditional Camp to Specialty Camps, and a Family Membership Program.


EDITOR'S NOTE:  Parent Talk's 4th Annual Summer Camp Fair will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2016, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Newman Elementary School Cafeteria.  With representatives of 40 camps expected (including Hale Day Camp, Exxcell Gymnastics & Climbing, LINX Camps, Nobles Day Camp, and Summer at Tobin Beaudet) and available to answer your questions, there is a good chance that your family will find a perfect fit.  All attendees will have a chance to win prizes, including camp certificates and one week of free LINX Camps.  Parent Talk members attend for free; nonmembers pay $10.  Advance registration is not required.  The snow date is February 2, 2016.

Flicks on the Field -- Free Screening of The Incredibles

Parent Talk is hosting its annual Flicks on the Field this weekend. Thanks to the YMCA for sponsoring this event!

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Bring lawn chairs, blanket, picnic, and of course, the little ones to watch The Incredibles for free at Memorial Field in front of Needham High School on Saturday, August 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 pm.  Come dressed as your favorite super hero! There will be activities and concessions beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at sundown, around 7:45 p.m.  There is also an opportunity to volunteer at this event.  Rain date is Sunday, August 23, 2015. 

Two Local Outdoor Gems for the Kids

We are approaching the long, lazy days of summer when schedules are less structured and we can trade time in front of the tv for precious moments running through sprinklers and chasing bugs. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure away from your backyard and local playgrounds, there are many options to choose among in our area. From shady trails through the woods to the neatly patterned rows of crops on a farm, there are exciting and interesting sites to behold that will nurture curiosity and force everyone to slow down and look closely at the wonders of summer while they last. Here is a snapshot of two beautiful spaces to visit with your little ones.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary

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This wildlife sanctuary, which is part of the Mass Audubon Society, has over nine miles of trails. Broadmoor is located nearby at 280 Eliot Street in Natick and is the perfect place to burn off some energy outside where you can bring in some educational focus. By observing plants and wildlife that live in the different parts of the sanctuary, you'll be introducing your child to the concept of habitats. Some highlights of the area include beaver dams, nesting wood ducks and basking turtles! Walking through the forest can bring some much needed relief from the heat and you can talk about the different living things you see and compare them to the other parts of the trail such as the wetlands along the boardwalk. This is also a great way to practice skills like looking and listening while being very quiet and tip-toeing to have the best chance at spotting things like chipmunks and waterfowl. Nature walks also feed the imagination! I used to love pretending that fairies and gnomes were hiding among the moss and mushrooms on the forest floor only to come out and dance when no one was looking!

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Finally, be sure to tie in a quick lesson on respecting our natural environment. In order to maintain the beauty of the trails at Broadmoor and to ensure the safety of all the living things that call it home, they ask that people refrain from running, that they eat only in designated picnic areas and carry out all trash. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water and to wear practical clothing and footwear.

Natick Community Organic Farm

This farm is definitely unlike any I had visited in the Massachusetts area. To say that it is off the beaten path would be an understatement; in fact, the only thing you will find to follow when you get there is a beaten dirt path that leads to the spaces where their various animals are housed. There is no prominent information desk to greet you because your visit is free. Don't expect any posted information aside from signs warning you not put your fingers in the rabbit cages. The reason for this is not that they are inhospitable but that this is a working farm, which gives it a level of authenticity and uniqueness that is refreshing because it is stripped of any commercial efforts (though there is an area where you can purchase organic produce from their many gardens!)

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I took my two and three year old here for a visit and felt as though time slowed down. Since there are no paved roads and because the area is so far set back from the actual road, I let my children wander. It was such an unusual feeling to be able to let my guard down somewhere outside of my own backyard. I couldn't help think about how the uneven ground and musty animal smells were so good for their senses. We looked in the barn and found a stall swarmed with fluffy chicks, then followed the path to the rabbit kennels and up toward the chicken coop and then to the pastures where goats and kids were grazing. Our favorite part was watching two enormous pigs fighting over the food scraps in one trough. We peeked through greenhouse windows to see the bright green seedlings all lined up, waiting to be planted in the freshly prepared rows of the nearby fields. Just observing the habits of these animals in this very rustic environment made the twenty minute drive well worth it.

Our guide, Heather, was extremely knowledgable and patient!

Of course, my kids wanted to do more than look at all these farm animals, so I inquired about group tours and organized a field trip for our playgroup. For $7 a child, with a minimum of six children, they will assign a teacher to your group and give you a guided tour of the farm. Our focus was on learning about and petting baby animals and aside from the challenge to follow their no running and no screaming rules---it was a huge success!

This mama cow was due to have her baby any day!

About the Author

Liza d'Hemecourt is the blog coordinator for Parent Talk. She formerly taught kindergarten and first grade and now stays home full time with her two children. Liza and her family live in Needham.

Ready for a FROZEN sing along?

"Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I'll be a .....Happy Snowman!"

Olaf couldn't have said it any better -- Parent Talk has made this a great summer as we present Olaf, Elsa, Anna and friends in Disney's ' FROZEN' on the big screen at Flicks on the Field on August 23rd!  Costumes are encouraged for our sing along version of the movie.

Flicks on the Field is a free annual event we have every summer -- it is an opportunity to have an enjoyable and memorable night out with the whole family.   Get your blankets, lawn chairs, and pack a dinner.  This is more than a town event -- it is open to anyone in towns near or far and we hope that people will spread the word and invite friends!

There will be entertainment from 6:30pm until 7:30 -- this includes a talented magician, crafts, music and games provided by our premier sponsor, LINX, and songs, photos, and a princess parade led by Elsa and Anna!  This is also a great way to spend the pre-bedtime hour in case your little ones cannot stay for the movie.

Across the street, Orange Leaf be serving our 'Frozen' treats and will give 20% of proceeds to Parent Talk.  Our beloved Needham 'Hot Dog Guy' will have his truck available for other snacks and refreshments.

We hope to see you all there on the 23rd, and hope you will join us in making 'Flicks' an annual family tradition!

Is Your Favorite Ice Cream Shop in Needham the Same as Your Kids?

Written by Emily Roach

Recently I asked the question, "What is your favorite ice cream shop in Needham?" It was an unscientific poll and the funniest thing is how many moms said one place is their favorite, while another is their kids top choice. People are also very passionate about their favorite ice cream store.

"Junction, of course! Where else can you get a "kiddie cone" (which is actually really big) for $1.75? Oh, within walking distance AND watch the train while eating..." -Sari M.

Here are the results.

Kid's Favorite

• Orange Leaf
• Junction (watch the trains!)

Ice Cream from Volante Farms

Mom's Favorite

• Lizzy's
• Volante Farm Crescent Ridge (summer mention)

Honorable Mentions

• Abbott's 
• Pinkberry (Wellesley field trip required!)

So here's the next question for you?  Soft serve or regular ice cream?

photo credit: Darwin Bell via photopin cc

Rosemary Pool Update - Meeting Monday April 7th

It may be cold and drizzly now, but let's think about summer for a minute. Here's the latest on the future of the Rosemary Pool. Join in the Park and Rec Meeting on Monday April 7th at 7:00pm to share your vote!

This is the opportunity for Parent Talk families to share their ideas for the framework that will be presented to the selectmen in mid-April. Love the beach aspect? Want closer restrooms? Let your thoughts be heard as the plans move forward.

Please consider attending the meeting and sharing this post with your community. Here's to thinking about summer and warmer weather!

Think of Summer and Mark Your Calendar for the 2nd Annual Summer Camp Fair

It might not feel like it yet, but summer is just around the corner. Here in Needham and surrounding towns, we have many options for summer activities for our kids, but sometimes there are too many options to choose from. Is a half-day program right for your kids? Do you need extended days? Are you looking for sports? Gymnastics? An overnight camp? Is swimming a must-have for summertime? Or, are you leaning more toward the artsy side of things? Where do you start?!? Fortunately, Parent Talk has taken some of the guesswork out of planning your family's summer.

On Wednesday, January 22 (snow date: Thursday, February 6), from 7-9pm, Parent Talk will host its Second Annual Summer Camp Information Fair. Summer camps will gather together in the Newman Elementary School cafeteria to meet with local parents and discuss summer options. Each camp will be assigned a booth where their representatives will distribute literature and answer your questions about their camp programs. Meeting face to face with the camp staff really makes a difference when choosing a program for your child, and the process is so much easier when they are all in one room! Best of all, everyone who attends the Camp Fair will walk away with an informational booklet packed with information about each attending camp.

Last year was the first time Parent Talk hosted this event, and it was even more successful than anticipated. Last year's fair hosted 28 camps and almost 200 parents, and this year is going to be even bigger with almost 40 camps attending! This year, the Camp Fair is also introducing more overnight camps into the mix, along with favorites from last year, of course. Best of all, this event is FREE, and there is no pre-registration required, so tell your friends, and come to the Camp Fair on Wednesday, January 22 from 7-9pm in the Newman Elementary School cafeteria (1155 Central Avenue in Needham).  See you there!

Questions? email ptcampfair@gmail.com

Image One photo credit: demandaj via photopin cc

Get Ready for Beach Season! Here Are Some Local Beaches to Visit

With the temperature finally rising, it’s time to start thinking about the beach! Here are some ideas for family friendly beaches in the Boston area:

Castle Island in Boston is a great shoreline beach spot with views of planes landing at Logan, beaches, walkways, and Fort Independence.

Crane's Beach is located in Ipswich and boasts four miles of white sand and gentle surf. Bath houses, lifeguards and a concession stand are onsite making it convenient for families but parking is expensive ($25 on the weekends) Spots are available if you arrive early enough and since beach stretches for miles it’s not hard to find a spot even on the most crowded beach days!

Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the Sea is a beautiful sandy beach with restrooms and a nice concession stand. The rocky cliff makes the beach feel like it’s part of the Maine coastline. Parking can be an issue but you can find limited metered spots in the nearby downtown area if you beat the crowds. Also, the commuter rail is just a short walk away, originating from North Station.

Duxbury Beach in Duxbury offers two beaches in one as the beach is a thin peninsula with a parking lot in the middle. Outer Beach offers a great spot for sun-bathing, walking and swimming. Inner Beach has protected clam beds, kayaking, a boat launch and some ideal bird-watching opportunities.

It’s also the perfect time to make sure you have all the gear you need for long days in the sun. Whether you’re poolside or spending the day at a local beach, being organized and prepared is the best way to ensure a happy day for all ages. Summer essentials include waterproof sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Fruit, granola bars, and individual packs of crackers are easy, portable snacks, and of course, you’ll want to bring plenty of water. Don’t forget to tuck in a magazine or book, and keep your cell phone accessible but out of direct sunlight. With a little bit of planning, you’ll have everything you need to stay safe and have fun this summer.

To see the Summer 2013 line of stylish, versatile SCOUT beach bags, totes, and coolers, check out Jennifer's Scout shopping website, or e-mail Jennifer Mingolelli at jenniepstyle@gmail.com. Readers who enter summer at checkout will receive a 10% discount and 5% of sales will be donated to the Parent Talk organization.

Create a Fairy Garden

 Written by Cheri Pugatch

Fairies and princesses are the hot topic of conversation in a house with two little girls.  I came across the idea of creating a fairy garden from a friend on Facebook, and to say it was a hit with my girls would be an understatement.  They had a blast going to Home Depot to pick out the whiskey barrel planter and perennials to plant in the garden.  Next stop was Michael’s.  We bought fairy houses (aka unfinished wooden bird houses) to be painted along with fairy garden decorations (pretty rocks, sparkly butterflies and fake moss).  

Next the girls painted their fairy houses and my husband sprayed the houses with a polycrylic protective gloss to make sure the painted houses would be protected from rain.  This can be purchased at Home Depot or your local hardware store.  

The last step of the project was to fill the barrel with soil, plant the flowers, and arrange the fairy houses with décor.  This final step was so much fun for the girls (see pics) and they are so proud of the fairy garden that they created.  Every day we check to see if there are any fairies visiting.  I plan to sprinkle a little fairy dust every once in a while so the girls get excited to see traces of the fairies J