The Merrimack Valley is located in northwestern Massachusetts. This area includes numerous communities such as Lowell, Westford and Concord. Across the area are ample opportunities to get the kids up and moving, such as learning how to row, exploring one of the local parks or playing at an outdoor recreation center.
Outdoor Recreation
A great way to get your children outdoors and running around is by visiting Kimball Farm in Westford. The name may be a bit misleading; this is not actually a working farm. Instead, this family-owned location is a family-friendly recreation center. There are 36 holes of mini golf, farm animals, a bumper boat pond, par-3 golf course and a pitch-and-putt green. Open since 1939, Kimball Farms provides the entire family with opportunities to play golf or to hit a few balls in the batting cage.
Rowing
The Merrimack River Rowing Association offers a summer-long learn-to-row program for children. This introductory program is designed for beginner rowers who are interested in learning basic skills. The sessions are taught by experienced rowers and trained instructors. During the lessons, children will learn water safety, how to scull and the basics of boat handling. The classes run from June through August.
Parks
According to the Greater Merrimack Valley Visitors Bureau, there are six state parks in the area. This provides parents with ample open spaces to take children to be active out in the fresh Massachusetts air. At Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, there are 20 miles of multi-use trails, fishing, horseback riding and a seasonal petting zoo and farm. In Townsend, at Pearl Hill State Park, parents will find a 1,000-acre state park that is ideal for children. At this park, there is a five-acre pond that provides an abundance of swimming opportunities and around it are miles of hiking trails.
Library
The Merrimack Valley Library Consortium is a coalition of 35 public libraries in the region. These libraries offer a variety of childrens' programs to encourage lifelong reading habits. At the Georgetown Peabody Library, there is a Children's Room, which hosts story time and Lego Clubs. At the Hamilton-Wenham library, there is weekly story time that includes songs, stories and crafts, year-round reading programs and Lego clubs.
Nature
Located in the Greater Merrimack Valley is the Butterfly Place. This indoor garden, which is located in Westford, is filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. In addition to wandering through the gallery, your children can also participate in free art classes. Classes are available the last Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. During the classes, children will learn about nature, butterflies and arts and crafts. This museum is open seven days a week.
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