It seems everyone in {Wakefield, Melrose, Stoneham, Reading, North Reading and Lynnfield} are looking for ways to get out of the house this winter! Fresh air is good for the soul — not to mention it helps to get the wiggles out of the kids.
We put together a list to help you find fun things to do this winter with your family in {The Greater Wakefield Area} (or just a short drive away!) during these next few winter months in:
1.Mt. Hood Golf Club, Melrose
You may not be able to get in 18 holes before spring (unless we have a REALLY warm March), but you could certainly get in some stellar sledding and tubing at the former ski area, not to mention ice skating if the ponds are cleared. Information: mthoodpa.com
2. Middlesex Fells Reservation, Malden, Medford, Stoneham, Melrose, Winchester.
With 2,575 acres, odds are winter hikers and cross-country skiers will never run out of trails to explore. Information: http://ow.ly/J93wr
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3. Stone Zoo, Stoneham
Sure, a few animals might be hibernating or otherwise indisposed -- the spider monkey is probably a no-show -- but for the most part the full contingent of creatures is on hand all winter at Stone Zoo. There's also a full array of daily education presentations and zookeeper encounters. And word has it the river otters are even cuter when they're cold. Information: zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo
4. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus.
Trails abound at this popular nature area, and if you're worried about pulling an "Into The Wild" and disappearing in the wilderness, you can always sign up for one of the reservation's many guided hikes: There's a Ranger Led Advanced Hike scheduled for Feb. 21 and a "Sunset Over Saugus" walk on Feb. 28. Information: http://ow.ly/J92er
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5. Town Forest- North Reading
The Town Forest- Reading has an extensive trail system, many of which are fairly flat roads. Most of these trails are suitable for walks or bikes, but be aware that many trails go through swampy areas that may be wet and muddy, depending on the time of year. A cross-country ski trail was recently set up, marked by signs such as this one and blue ribbons. Among the many natural features of the Town Forest are large Pine trees, numerous vernal pools, and part of the Ipswich River.
6. Tinkergarten- Wakefield
Tinkergarten’s outdoor, play-based learning classes are the best way for kids to experience the great outdoors in Wakefield, Massachusetts, during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Moms, dads, and caregivers come together to support their child's learning in a beautiful outdoor setting, as kids in mixed aged groups learn through playing together.
Tinkergarten’s curriculum focuses on using outdoor activities and play-based learning to develop critical early learning skills. The curriculum of kids activities is expert designed and facilitated by a certified, trained, local leader. Join a free class, enroll in a class for the season, or start a new group by becoming a Tinkergarten leader. Join the other families in Wakefield, Massachusetts today to play and learn outdoors together!
If your child is between the ages of 6 months and 18 months, consider joining of our Tinkergarten babies classes!
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7. Lake Quannapowitt Trail- North Ave.Wakefield
Walk, run or ride your bike around Lake Quannapowitt on this approximately 3.3 mile loop. The mostly flat, paved trail is perfect for all skill levels and is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Dogs are also permitted on the path, provided they are leashed. The trail is open year-round, and is lined with beautiful wildflowers in the spring and summer. It is also the site of many organized races, from 5Ks to marathons.There are three parks around Lake Quannapowitt perfect for playing Frisbee, enjoying a picnic or just relaxing with a book. On the south shore of the lake, there’s the Lower Common with bandstand and Spaulding Playground at Church Street and Lake Avenue, and Veterans Field and Hall Park at Church Street and North Avenue. At the northern end, you’ll find Colonel Connelly Playground and Gertrude Spaulding Park off the Quannapowitt Parkway.
8.Ward Reservation— 65 Prospect Rd. Andover and North Andover
Explore this sprawling landscape along almost 15 miles of trails and climb a hill for great views from the Merrimack Valley toward the Boston skyline.Ward Reservation is an emerald quilt of fields, forests, and uplands, stitched together from more than 40 distinct parcels across three hills—Shrub, Boston, and Holt. Looking out from their summits, you can see how the property melds with the surrounding landscape. On top of Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County, you’ll find the “Solstice Stones,” a compass-like arrangement of stones set up to mark the sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year.
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9. Lynn Woods- 106 Pennybrook Rd, Lynn, MA
Lynn Woods Reservation is a 2,200-acre municipal forest park located in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts. The City of Lynn's Department of Public Works, Park Commission and Lynn Water & Sewer Commission share jurisdiction and management of Lynn Woods Reservation. The park encompasses nearly one-fifth of the entire land area of the city and represents a significant natural, watershed and public recreational resource in eastern Massachusetts. The entire portion of the reservation with Lynn city bounds was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 as a historic district.
10. Calareso's Farmstand- 100 Main Street, Reading, MA
Calareso's has a bakery in their store that makes many great treats. Some of the favorites include bread pudding, fresh baked cookies and pizza dough. The cut flower department makes a large selection of beautiful fresh bouquets. The bouquets are just the right size to bring home and put into a vase to brighten a room. The most obvious expansion has been to our garden center. Now Calareso's Farmstand has a tremendous amount of room to display and care for our plants, pumpkins, Christmas trees and other seasonal items. This allows to offer a much larger selection and it makes the shopping experience at Calareso’s more pleasurable.
