New England Summer Fun- Part 1

Summer is one of the best seasons of the year, especially for kids. It means no school, swimming until their fingers turn pruney, and taking an ice cream break after a bike ride through the neighborhood. Sometimes they can even look forward to a nice vacation with the family. However, some summers it is hard to go on a vacation between camps, work schedules, and other expenses. If a vacation is not in your family's summer plans, then have a staycation! At the Museum your kids can enjoy the number of different themes that we will feature during July's Drop-in Days, including animals, pirates, and tie-dye! We aren't the only ones having cool events this summer. We have done the research for you and found some of the best events happening in New England this summer. This month we will be focusing on July excursions, but make sure to check back for August ideas, as well.

New England Wild West Fest (June 26th-27th)

Next weekend grab your boots and cowboy hat and ride on over to Marshfield, MA for the Wild West Fest! On June 26th at noon the gates will open for a BBQ contest, pony rides, hayrides, and other fun activities for kids. Throughout the day there will be other competitions and races, but at 5:00 PM the Professional Rodeo Performance will begin. Watch the cowboys ride their broncos and do some barrel racing. Once the rodeo is over, enjoy a performance from Sean Patrick McGraw before you mosey home. If you can't go on the 26th, then don't worry because the following day will have many of the same events, including the BBQ, competitions, the rodeo, and a musical performance. This weekend is sure to be a good time, so check out New England Wild West Fest for more information.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July 4th)

Start July off with a bang! Head to Boston this July 4th and join the largest 4th of July celebration in the nation! There are plenty of things to do with your family before the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Explore U.S. Navy ships, find Beacon Hill's Treasures, or grab some food at Faneuil Hall. But don't goof off for too long. Spots along the Charles River are taken quickly, so make sure you grab one before they're gone!

The Boston Pops Spectacular has a history of delivering a fireworks performance that attracts over 500,000 people. Sit by the Charles and listen to this year's main performer, Toby Keith, before the festivities begin. At 9:30 PM the main event will start with the playing of the 1812 overture followed by a collection of other patriotic songs. Kids will love being able to twirl their glow sticks in the air and sing Yankee Doodle with the rest of the crowd. Once the patriotic mood has been set, the fireworks will shoot off at 10:30 PM. This fireworks spectacular is one that every New Englander, young and old, should experience.

If you can't make it on July 4th, then checkout Children's Day on July 1st. This day is designed to get kids excited about the upcoming celebrations. At the Boston City Hall Plaza there will be music, juggling, dancing, balloon fun, and more! Besides the activities at the City Hall Plaza, your family can explore the Freedom Trail or hop on one of the Duck Tours. Visit Boston Harborfest for more ideas on this Boston excursion!

New England Sand Sculpting Invitational (July 9th- 11th)

A day at the beach is a typical weekend excursion for parents and their kids. When considering which beach to checkout this summer, you should think about taking a trip to Mashpee, MA, home of the second annual Mashpee Sand Sculpting Festival. From July 9th-11th, sculptors will be erecting sand structures that will blow you away. On Friday, twenty-five tons of the special sand used to create the sculptures will be prepared for carving. Saturday is when the sculpting begins! You and your kids will love watching the pros transform this sand into works of art. On Sunday the sculptures will be complete, and you and your family can enjoy walking the beach and taking photos with these incredible sand constructions. Best of all the entire festival is FREE! Not only will you get to experience this unusual beach architecture, but you can also enjoy the live entertainment that will be held each day of the festival. This event is extremely popular- thousands of people come out to enjoy the sculptures. If you don't feel like fighting the crowds, then don't worry because the structures usually stand for a few weeks. Take advantage of this new spin on a typical day at the beach. Your kids will love looking at these crazy sand designs! Visit Mashpee Commons Sand Sculpting Festival for more information or to look at photos from last year.

Barnstable County Fair (July 17th-24th)

The Barnstable County Fair will offer a variety of entertainment options for you and your family from July 17th-24th. If you have kids who love carnival rides, then there will be plenty for them to enjoy! But if you have kids who get queasy just looking at a swinging pirate ship, then there are other activities that will hold their interest, such as games, the Birds of Prey exhibit, monster trucks and a demolition derby! There will also be live entertainment from the Gin Blossoms, the Village People, and former American Idol contestant, Bucky Covington. Each day offers different featured events, so make sure to check out the schedule before making the trip.

These are just a few of the many events that are happening in New England this July. If you'd like more day excursion ideas, then these websites will tell you where all the best festivals, fairs, and shows are happening:

1. Fairs and Fun
2. Go New England
3. One Mom's Review

We hope you enjoy your staycation with your family and remember to check back for August staycation ideas!

-Ashley Balerna,

Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton