Uncategorized - South Shore Family Adventures

Seven Reasons You Should Hike

Hiking is magic. There are few things in modern-life that are as simple, readily available, free/cheap, and potentially as life-changing as spending a few hours walking in nature. Here are our top 7 reasons you should hike: You can start small, short, easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment for straightforward day hikes. Pack snacks/lunch,Continue reading “Seven Reasons You Should Hike”

LAKEVILLE – Betty’s Neck

Betty’s Neck is a beautiful property that snakes long the shores of Assawompset Pond (the largest freshwater pond in Massachusetts) from above–you’re high above the water while on the trail, and this provides some amazing views of the pond and the opposite shore. The trails also provide a challenging workout–the hills will get your heart pumping and your legs burning. We recommend hitting the white blaze loop and the blue out-and-back trail, but if you can only do a short walk, prioritize the blue trail–it has the best views of Assawompset as well as an unmarked narrow single-track trail down to the pond so you can put your hand in the water and skip some rocks. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a bald eagle; this area is known for them.

CANTON – The Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate

We are huge fans of the Trustees of Reservations. They do amazing work making nature available to the masses while simultaneously preserving historic buildings and promoting the history of Massachusetts. The Bradley Estate, with its 90 gorgeous acres, is no exception. It’s immaculately kept, convenient, and beautiful. The estate hosts weddings from May to October, features amazing gardens in the spring and summer, and offers a wooden reindeer hunt and holiday light walk-through in the winter. Located near Route 95 and the Blue Hills, the Bradley Estate is easy to get to. Parking is a breeze (although it costs $6 if you’re not a member of the Trustees), and you really cannot get lost here, which makes this property a much less intimidating option than the Blue Hills across the highway. Speaking of the highway, that is the one downside to this spot–you will hear the constant hum of cars during your whole hike. However, after a while, it becomes white noise, and you’ll be more focused on your burning calves–this property has a fair amount of steep hills!

ROCKLAND – Town Forest/Twin Ponds Trail

This, by far, one of the wackiest places we’ve ever been out in nature. There are painted rocks, toys, trinkets, tchotchke, and random surprises at every turn on this trail. From rusty old chairs, to bedazzled rocks, to dream catchers, to Christmas trees, to a story book trail, Rockland Town Forest has it all. The kids kept repeating–over and over–“We give this trail a 5 for interest level!” They *LOVED* this place. If you’re looking for purity and nature in its rawest form, this trail might not be for you. But for a bit of whimsy and fun that will draw in the kids, this is your spot!

BRIDGEWATER – The Great River Preserve at Conihasset, Wildlands Trust

The Great River Preserve (GRP) is 125 acres of woodland, field, and riparian (Google it!) habitats. You may find box turtles or hear bullfrogs along your way, and you’ll most certainly be treated to beautiful views of the Taunton River. Hot and buggy in the summer and wet in the spring, you might have theContinue reading “BRIDGEWATER – The Great River Preserve at Conihasset, Wildlands Trust”

The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge

The 1,000 Hour Outside Challenge is the best thing we’ve found all year (we did not invent this)! It’s free, it’s simple and straightforward, and it works! You don’t need to register or sign up–simply join the Facebook Group (if you want–you don’t have to) to get some amazing ideas and get your family outside!Continue reading “The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge”

QUINCY – Blue Hills @ Willard St.

When you think of the Blue Hills, you may think of Great Blue Hill, or the ski area, or maybe Houghton’s Pond or the Trailside Museum. However, the Blue Hills Reservation is HUGE, stretching over 7000 acres, from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph. There are over 125 miles of trails, according to the website. The Blue Hills has much more to offer than just the hike up the main hill (which we love too!).

WALPOLE – Adams Farm

Adams Farm features over 10 miles of trails. It’s easily accessible from Rte 109, and there is ample parking. Go for a nice, tranquil hike or bring your mountain bike–this is a great place to get your children started on off-road biking! HOW TO GET THERE Address: 999 North St. Walpole, MA Pull into theContinue reading “WALPOLE – Adams Farm”

COHASSET–Wompatuck State Park, Aaron River Reservoir

We access this gorgeous reservoir through a lesser-known entrance to this enormous, and enormously popular, state park. Wompatuck is filled with old, decommissioned bunkers that used to hold ammunition for the WWII and the Korean War. You can read more about the history of the park, and all the cool stuff visible around the 3,500Continue reading “COHASSET–Wompatuck State Park, Aaron River Reservoir”

HANOVER – Colby Phillips Trail at Hanover Greenway

“This property is diverse and inviting. Features include boardwalks, a bridge over Cushing Brook, an observation deck on Cushing Brook Marsh, and the historic West Hanover Cemetery, immediately adjacent to the southern terminus of the trail system.”