Spring Walks with Kids in Eastern Massachusetts
Ellisville Harbor State Park , Plymouth,MA – With many sites to see in historic Plymouth, it might take a bit of coaxing to get youngsters to set off for a spring walk to the understated acres st Ellisville Harbor. But, once you arrive, marked trails lead you and your kids along comfortable paths, through thinly treed meadow lands and eventually deposit you on the shores of Cape Cod Bay. There you are immediately met by an ocean view and and opportunity to continue your walk through two distinct habitats.
Turning in one direction will head you directly toward a rocky challenge. But in early spring you may still choose this direction and the opportunity to look and listen for the distinctive sight and barking sound of Harbor seals, about to end their winter stay. If you and the kids choose to follow the waterline in the opposite direction expect a softer walk along a sandy beach and a chance to use field glasses to pick up the flight patterns of area coastal birds.
If your group has the endurance a full tour of this park will cover 3 full miles. But if its your first spring walk or younger children are involved you can tailor your walk accordingly. When you do decide to return to the parking lot take your time. Don’t miss the chance to spot some of the meadow dwellers . There are white-tailed deer, rabbits, foxes and groundhogs to be discovered . As a state park , Ellisville Harbor charges no admission but parents should be advised there no public facilities available. The park is opened daily dawn ’til dusk
Stony Brook , Norfolk, MA – Less dramatic but perfec for spring walks with kids both in and out teir strollers is Stony Brook, a part of the Massachusetts Audobon statewide system of wildlife sanctuaries. While tame by some standards Stony Brook provides families with varying terrain and viewing opportunities. Taking first time walkers by surprise, the extensive boardwalk transports visitors into the heart of the pristine marshland where in spring everything is greening simultaneously.
The observant will spot turtles taking adavantage of warm spring sun by crawling up on exposed rocks. Some fish can be seen along the edge of the boardwalk while swans, ducks, geese, varied marsh birds and if you are lucky a Great Blue Heron
Though a scaled dwon version of some of the other Audobon sites, Stony Brook has worked to provide most of the feataures and facilities of its larger counterparts. Just one warning, in spring, wear old shoes and be ready for a little mud. The kids will love it and you will too if you go prepared. Trails are open daily dawn to dusk.
Wheaton Farm Conservation Area – Located in the suburban community of Easton, Wheaton Farm is a special spot where a spring walk with kids gives them and you an opportunity to witness nature in all its glory spread across 718 actes of flat gentle farmland.
Some of the land comprising the conservation area is still being worked regularly as an active farm. The remainder is a combination of lands forested by white pine and ponds frequented by wood ducks, muskrats, frogs, fish, swans and herons. But for kids taking a spring walk, the true beauty may be in the details. If they can be hushed in theri excitement, kids can enjoy scampering chipmunks and frantic woodpeckers signs of the explosive presence of spring. Again no admission and no facilities. Open daily dawn to dusk
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon, MA When you take a spring walk with your kids at Moose Hill you will experience first had one of the largest and most varied sanctuaries in the Massachusetts Audobon system. Whether you kids want to walk through woods, across meadows, near vernal pools, along a boardwalk or through a swmp Moose HIll is ready for them .
With 90 years of experience Moose Hill has a long history of providing the perfect backdrop for memorable spring walks with kids. Its many trails and varied grounds allow return trips allow the Sanctuary to seem brand new over and over again. It’s open daily dawn til dusk
