There's no better place to find diverse and entertaining activities for your child than in the communities near Boston known as the South Shore. Indoors and out, children and parents can play, learn and build memories with indoor and nature-inspired experiences all during the year.
Where Children Are Stars
Located in Plymouth is the Priscilla Beach Theatre, PBT has been training young actors and delighting audiences with drama, music and comedy since 1934. New productions debut throughout the spring, summer and fall and include original plays like "Grade School Musical," the retelling of classic books, such as "Charlotte's Web," and Shakespearean plays as the Bard penned them. Weekend performances include Saturday morning and Sunday matinees, as well as evening shows. If your child's only experience with acting comes from TV, it will be a revelation for him to see other children perform with confidence and skill.
History in Action
Boston's South Shore is home to Thanksgiving. In Plymouth, your child can see Plymouth Rock, tour the Mayflower II and visit Plimouth Plantation, a living history village recreating life as it was when the first Pilgrims arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Once your child steps inside the village, she sees people dressed in old-fashioned clothes, Native Americans as well as Pilgrims, who speak in 18th century cadences and never break character. Walking through the village, your child will witness the everyday activities of the times: cooking, growing vegetables, tending to animals, repairing homes and making clothing, furniture, even soap.
Down on the Farm
Farms on the South Shore cultivate cranberries, produce dairy products and grow fruits and vegetables for local farmers markets. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues abandoned and neglected animals and pays for their care through admission fees for nature walk tours, teepee camping, sheep shearing demonstrations and seasonal events. With over 200 animals, Meadow Brook Pond, child-sized paths and celebrations, such as October Fest, there is something for children and families to do all year round.
Skating Fun
Your child will get excited about exercise when it's combined with play. Carousel Family Fun Centers in the towns of Whitman and Fairhaven feature roller skating parties and racing, and Zumba for Kids. For fun on the ice, the Pilgrim Skating Arena in Hingham offers year-round programs for all ages from preschool to adult. The arena hosts birthday parties, the Pizzaz Theatre on Ice, and lessons in figure skating and hockey.
Zoos for You
Affiliated with Boston's premier Franklin Park Zoo, the Stone Zoo in Stoneham is a bit smaller, but it lacks nothing in diversity. There are snow leopards, jaguars, gorillas and tigers and smaller animals, too. The park-like setting is just the right size for young children, while older children enjoy programs such as "Sneaky Spiders," "Lost Lizard Tails" and "Charismatic Cats."
Member Comments