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!
Tag Archives: south shore
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”
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”
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.
WESTPORT – Gooseberry Island
Just past Horseneck Beach in Westport is Gooseberry Island. These gorgeous 73 acres are accessible from a narrow causeway that begins across from the Horseneck Point Life Saving Station. You can sit and relax (or play!) on the small rocky beach near the parking lot and then explore the island on foot. The trail isContinue reading “WESTPORT – Gooseberry Island”
EASTON – Fishing @ New Pond
Fishing is a super relaxing and surprisingly addictive hobby. Honestly, it’s not something we EVER expected to like; we didn’t grow up fishing, so it was a bit of a foreign concept for us! However, we wanted something to do with the kids that was relaxing–that would calm them down–while still providing time in theContinue reading “EASTON – Fishing @ New Pond”
N. ATTLEBORO/PLAINVILLE/MANSFIELD – World War I Memorial Park, An Unlikely Story Bookstore, and Flannel Cow Creamery
This combo is one of our favorites! These three things are close to each other and can easily occupy you and your family for a half or a whole day. World War I Memorial Park is a true gem. It’s *free* and, although popular, never insanely busy. It features a small “zoo” (for lack ofContinue reading “N. ATTLEBORO/PLAINVILLE/MANSFIELD – World War I Memorial Park, An Unlikely Story Bookstore, and Flannel Cow Creamery”