Looking for Fun Summer Activities with a Toddler in Natick, MA Area

go to the library and get whatver free and low cost passes you can. Davis Farmland and Marino Lookour farm in Natck are great for small fries! The passes from the library are usually buy one admit get one free or something like that!

Broadmoor Sanctuary is another wonderful place to visit for nature walks, but be careful of tics.

Biking at Elm Bank is fun and visiting weezy's garden at Elm Bank. In the summer they usually have free activities for little kids. Also, the Bacon Free Library and Morse Inst. Library have great programs for kids (FREE).

There is a great farm in South Natick that seems like it fits the bill! Take a look at www.lookoutfarm.com. They have a train that takes you all around the orchards and vineyards,a few farm animals, and a place for ice cream. :)

Also, try Doug Pond for swimming. It's right next to Natick High School. Wellesly College (right off 135) has a great campus for walking and picnicing. Also, check out Hopkinton State Park for fun outside, as well as the Garden in the Woods for a nice easy walk.

Good luck with all.

H. (my mom still lives in Natick, where I grew up)

Try Wayland beach - -great beach for young families! Bathrooms, snack bar, picnic tables and playground all in same area. There are a certain # of non-resident passes they sell each summer...sales just began: $75 for adult $45 for child 3 & up for a full summer pass.

J.,

I am a Natick resident with 2 toddlers and can make the following suggestions: 1) Belkin farm in South Natick has a petting zoo near the entrance that's free (and they make real gelato there which is always a hit with both kids and grown-ups), then they have an electric train that takes you through the orchards to a really nice picnic area/playground ($5/person, but the train ride is pretty nice in the summer) and there are MORE animals there to look at). Also, you may want to check out the South Natick Organic Farm, on Rte 16 next to Memorial Elementary School - they have lots of animals for the kids to look at - that's free, too.
As for swimming, there is Dug Pond by the high school - you can get a beach pass at the Parks & Recreation office ($25/person) or you can pay as you go - $5/person for residents and $7/person for non-residents. There are other areas where one can go swimming, up on Rte 30 by the TJX complex, but I am not sure about the cost. Hope this helps.

Davis Farmland would be great if your in-laws are interested in animals (you can search Davis Farmland to find their web page and location). There are alot of different farm animals to look at and to pet. They have very rare breeds of cows, chickens, etc..

In addition, they have so much for little children. There is an incredible sprinkler park, pony rides, a giant sand box that even has buried dinasour bones, a peddle go cart track, food, a miniature town for pretend play and dress up, etc...

I love it there, my kids love it there...we even plan to buy season tickets this year. Check it out and I hope you have a great summer...gabby

Memorial Beach at Dug Pond is a great place to swim in Natick. You can buy passes for the summer, or just pay each time you go. It's right off of West St., near Natick High School. We're there often with our son (he'll be 3 in May), and he loves it there.

The Petting Farm at Belkin Lookout Farm - it's free. Great place to visit for a while, and then you can grab lunch/snacks at the Farm store next door. Or, you can pay the admission and ride the train around the orchard and see the bigger petting farm and use the Children's Play area.

Drumlin Farm is great, we love it there, too!

Good luck!

J.,

There is a great swimming pond in Sherbourne. Call the town hall to get the exact name. You may want to get a membership there for the summer. Better hurry because it fills up fast. My sister in law loves it. Try going to the Ecotarium in Worcester for a morning trip. The gardens are pretty and the few animals they have are perfect for the age of you first born. The museum inside is air conditioned and full of neat things to look at. Good luck.

Walden Pond, the Discovery Museum (you can get passes at your local library), in June you might be able to start going Strawberry picking.

Hi J. B. -- There is lots of stuff to do! The town of Natick has music on the common every Friday night, you will have to check the paper or if you go though the center of town they have a board up. The Natick Collection has an area up in the Food Court that has a great play area for toddlers and there is no charge, plus if it's hot it will be nice and cool. There are also activities that the mall is putting on, not sure if it goes through the summer but you should check out thier web site. Also, Dug Pond in Natick which is located near the High School, you could get season tags since you live in town and I am sure your son would be free. There is the Audobon Society on Rte. 16 in South Natick -- if they like the outdoors and can handle your son in a great stroller on a walking path that's nice. Most of the public schools have playgrounds, not sure where you are located but I always enjoyed that when I lived in Natick. If I can think of anything else I will let you know!

P.S. I am originally from Natick and lived in the town when my oldest was little. AND don't forget to check out the library, they may have some group activities during the summer.