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Here it is, our famous SMOMs "Fun and Inexpensive Things to Do with Kids" list. Pages and pages of inspiration!
SMOMs Fun Things To Do (PDF)
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Nature and Animal Adventures
South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell
www.ssnsc.org
781-659-2559
Help the naturalists feed the
animals Wednesdays at 3pm and Saturdays at 10am. Free with admission.
SSNSC
offers a complement of subjects and formats for adults, families and organizations. Seasonal festivals attract visitors from
the entire South Shore. Whether you choose a naturalist's guided walk or indoor EcoZone exhibit, or prefer a lively lecture,
there is a program for you.
Massachusetts Audubonwww.massaudubon.orgBrowse often through Audubon's great resource for walks, adventures and family activities
throughout the South Shore!
Blue Hills Reservation, Milton
www.mass.gov/dcr/parks
Hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, camping, horseback riding... Blue Hills Observatory and Science Center, Milton
www.bluehill.org
617-696-0389
The observatory at the summit of Great Blue at the Blue Hill Reservation is a historic landmark. Check
the site for great kite-making workshops for kids over 6.
Letterboxing/Quests, South ShoreSouth Shore QuestsLetterboxing is a perpetual community outdoor 'treasure hunt' for kids and adults.
It appeals to older kids interested in sleuthing, hiking and orienteering, and art! Look it up online to discover community
standards and practices, and to read about its serious British origins. The Weir River Watershed Assoc. sponsors the "South
Shore Quests", providing booklets of clues for local walks.
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For winter and summer activities, here's a Top-Ten list of ski resorts under
2 hours away:
Top Ten Nearby Ski Resorts (PDF)
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Lectures & Classes
Museums & Exhibits
Boston Children's Museum, Boston
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org
617-426-6500
It's a drive to the city, but what an outing! The Children's Museum renovation is done,
open April 14. It's better organized, with nicer outdoor space, and healthier food options. New exhibits include a three-story
climbing structure, KidPower where kids harness their own energy, and open floor activities at The Common.
Hull Lifesaving Museum, Hullwww.lifesavingmuseum.org781-925-5433The Children's Navigation Loft
has maritime dressup and activities.
Our World, Children's Discovery Museum, Cohasset www.ourworldcgdm.org781-383-3198 The museum is still getting established. The upstairs exhibit introduces older kids to the concept
of biodiversity, and the downstairs playspace and craft tables are fun for younger children. The outdoor playground is excellent.
Children's Museum, North Easton
MA
www.childrensmuseumineaston.org
508-230-3789
This hands-on children's museum
housed in an old fire station offers creative play exhibits and classes. It has a new outdoor space opening in May.
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Sports & Fitness Activities
ICE SKATING
The
Pilgrim Arena, Hingham (781-749-6660)
www.skatepilgrim.com
- Drop-in 'Little People' program
- Check
the website for a full range of hockey, skating, and family programs.
Connell Memorial Rink, Weymouth (781-335-2090)
www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/skating.htm
Armstrong Arena, Plymouth (508-982-8166)
www.fmcarenas.com
- Public skating, lessons, summer camps and birthday parties.
Hobomock Ice Arena, Pembroke (781-294-0260)
Indoor Recreation
Child's Play Museum 293 Libbey Industrial Pkwy
Weymouth, MA 02189 Great play stations (musical, kinetic, tactile, scientific; puzzles, lego, Thomas, puppet house
and play store); $5/ea. or $125 for annual pass. Available for birthday parties. (781) 337-7920 www.childsplaymuseum.com
Arts and Crafts
Kid's Club Imagination Saturdays
Michael's
Arts & Crafts (Rt. 53, Hanover)
Bring the kids (ages 5-12) for a fun activity that's different each week! Come
and go between 10am-Noon. Costs are nominal ($2) and sometimes are free. Parents must stay in the store. This is a great place
for inexpensive birthday parties.
Home Depot Kids Workshops Free "How-To Clinics" for ages 6-12 First Saturday of each month at all Home Depot stores. Kids with an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. Projects range from wooden birdhouses,
step stools and sailboats to more educational projects like the plastic bag recycle box and window bird box, where kids can
watch the birds build their nests. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety and provide quality
one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized
Home Depot orange apron and an achievement pin.
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Children's Entertainment
Kaleidescope Children's Theater Performing fairy-tale
musicals at the South Shore Music Circus: Summer program only www.southshoremusiccircus.org
Libraries & Bookstores
Old Colony Library Networkwww.ocln.orgThis is the portal to all local library listings and resources. Find story hours, read
book reviews and put books on hold.
Buttonwood Books
Shaw's Plaza, Cohasset
www.buttonwoodbooks.com
781-383-2665
Buttonwood is a treasure for serious readers. You'll find adult and children's books and a
great toy department (with gift wrapping).
Storybook Cove Children's Bookstore Merchants
Row/2053 Washington St. Hanover, MA 02339 Author signings; storytelling; excellent weekday readings, games, and
craft events for various age groups, by reservation only. Get the newsletter or contact: www.storybookcove.com 781-871-7801
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