This is a nice, easy hike easily accessible from the highway (Route 24) and Brockton’s Westgate Mall. By itself, this hike is short and sweet, but you can add it to the nearby Stone Farm Conservation trails and make a longer loop out of it. You’re never very far from civilization on this walk; you’llContinue reading “BROCKTON – Brockton Audubon Preserve”
Tag Archives: south shore family adventures
PEMBROKE – Willow Brook Farm Preserve
Willow Brook Farm Preserve is a fairly standard woodland trail with a few features that set it apart. There is a large open field in the middle, a high wooden tower with scenic views, and boardwalks and bridges over wet areas. There are two main loops (one is 1.1 miles, the other is 1.8 miles) that would be great options for children who are ready for a longer hike but might not be able to handle several miles. The only downside is the limited parking!
Free Programs to Get Kids in Nature
When you’re hiking with children, sometimes you need a little something extra to keep them motivated. We offer lots of tips and tricks to keep kids interested and entertained while on the trails, but there are plenty of organized challenges and programs for kids and families. Here are some fun activities you can do southContinue reading “Free Programs to Get Kids in Nature”
SHARON – Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Bluff Trail
This moderately difficult hike will appeal to experienced hikers and families with older kids because of the length (about 3 miles), gradual incline to the top of the Bluff Trail, and some steep inclines/declines along the way. We offer two options for this hike. The first we did with our kids, and the second weContinue reading “SHARON – Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Bluff Trail”
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – Rail Explorers, The Southern Circuit
Rail Explorers USA has four sites across the country, and we are lucky to have one of them so close to the South Shore in Portsmouth, RI. This has become a yearly tradition in our family because it is something very unusual that we can ALL do together–Kids and adults of all ages will haveContinue reading “PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – Rail Explorers, The Southern Circuit”
MARSHFIELD – Hoyt-Hall Preserve
Hoyt-Hall Preserve is a beautiful two-mile (ish) loop through 123 acres of land that is chalk full of history. Hundreds of years ago, the Wampanoag summered in this area. Governor Winslow received a land grant in the 1630s and started parceling the area out to settlers for farming. The English eventually dammed the water inContinue reading “MARSHFIELD – Hoyt-Hall Preserve”
TAUNTON – Massasoit State Park
Massasoit State Park’s 1200 acres are conveniently located close to Routes 24 and 495; getting here is easy. The park is large and sprawling, but for this particular hike we concentrated only on the Rico Trail, which is a roughly 2-mile loop near the main entrance parking lot. In the past, we’ve been mountain bikingContinue reading “TAUNTON – Massasoit State Park”
DUXBURY – Lansing Bennett Forest
The Lansing Bennett Forest loop (roughly 2 miles long) is a fairly standard wooded trail. It’s well marked and a breeze to navigate, which makes it a great option for families with kids. From the parking area on Union Bridge Road, follow the yellow trail to the blue blazes. The blue trail is a loop,Continue reading “DUXBURY – Lansing Bennett Forest”
LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – The Barn Restaurant and Old Stone Orchard
The Barn Restaurant was absolutely delicious–a hit even with my ridiculously picky eaters–and if we lived closer, it would be hard to resist becoming regulars. The restaurant has ample parking, and there are benches scattered around outside so you can sit while you wait to be seated–because you will probably wait! But don’t worry–the foodContinue reading “LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – The Barn Restaurant and Old Stone Orchard”
MARSHFIELD – Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary
This trail is mostly mowed grass and boardwalks, making it completely stroller accessible. The beginning of the trail is also wheelchair accessible (see trail map).
The Fox Hill Trail and River walk are through a meadow and marshland, with no shade. You probably wouldn’t want to hike this trail in the middle of the day during the summer. So either come early or come late… or hike on an overcast day… or wait until spring or fall for cooler temperatures.
The trail is home to an abundance of wildlife, so bring binoculars if you have them. It’s a Mass Audubon property known for the bird watching. You’re likely to see a variety of bird species here.