Hopkinton Center for the Arts

Our last stop on our Central MA Press Trip was Hopkinton Center for the Arts, in Hopkinton, MA. As I read more about the center, I was thrilled to see that it is a place the entire community can use. Every town should have a place like this where people can develop and nurture an appreciation for the arts.

What makes this place so special?

They believe the Arts are for individuals of all ages, cultures, and artistic abilities. They develop artistic skills, offer outstanding performances and art exhibitions, and enable visitors to experience art in all forms.

What classes do they offer?

They offer over 200 classes for youth, teens, and adults in the visual and performing arts. They have classes in fine arts, dance, music, theater, film-making, photography, acting, and ceramics. In addition, students can take private music and art lessons with qualified instructors.

What workshop did we take?

We had SO MUCH FUN doing a ceramics class! The class was about 2-hours long and in the end, we had all created fabulous mugs. (Ok…fabulous may be a stretch when you’re talking about MY mug, but you’ll see what I mean…lol)

The Studio

Walking in to the studio will immediately spark your creativity and ideas will start popping.

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February 13, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

American Heritage Museum

American Heritage Museum was designed to fully engage people in understanding our turbulent past. In this remarkable place, American history will be explored, studied, and most of all, remembered. Through educational interpretation, and a chronologically arranged series of dioramas and exhibits, the American Heritage Museum will bring the history of our veterans to life.

The following is just a few of the exhibits you’ll see at the museum:

WWI Trench Experience

1940- 1943 North Africa

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February 9, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

Old Sturbridge Village

Do you ever wish you could step back in history to see what life was like in New England? At Old Sturbridge Village you can do just that. Prepare to transport back in time as you wander through this enchanting re-creation of a 19th-century rural village. From historic buildings to costumed interpreters, explore the sights, sounds, and stories of yesteryear in this captivating destination.

Explore 200+ acres and 40 historical buildings, chat with costumed historians as they work the tasks of the past, and be inspired by the stories of early 19th-century rural New England life.

Come with us as we explore this fun spot. Because we were on a tight schedule, we weren’t able to go into all the buildings. I can’t wait to return with the rest of my family and explore the whole village. Here are some fun stops we did get to see:

Center Meetinghouse

This was the gathering place for town meetings, elections, and Congregational worship services.

Fenno House

We loved looking at the adorable sheep in the yard at this home that was known for spinning, weaving, and dyeing woolens.

Cabinetmaking Shop

These cabinetmakers made a variety of objects from fancy furniture to basic wooden tools used around the home and farms. Today they were making legs that can be used for tables and chairs.

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February 8, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, located in the heart of New England, beckons travelers with its diverse collection of plants, meticulously curated gardens, and immersive experiences. From vibrant floral displays to tranquil woodland trails, it offers a sanctuary for both avid plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. If you think botanic gardens are only good during warm months, let me show you how lovely a visit can be during winter.

The New England Botanic Garden is 200 acres and has 18 distinct gardens.

There’s nothing I like more than seeing fresh flowers during winter. I try to keep a vase of flowers in my kitchen every week so I can enjoy their color and scent. The conservatory was a plant/flower haven and we loved seeing so many in bloom.

Is Winter a Good Time to Visit?

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February 6, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

Letz Rage: Rage Room and Paint Splatter

Letz Rage

Rage Room & Paint Splatter

If you’ve ever dreamt of releasing pent-up frustrations in a fun, cathartic way, then a visit to a rage room should be at the top of your list. They are a brilliant idea! These unconventional spaces offer a unique and liberating experience unlike any other. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, a fun outing with friends, or simply a novel way to blow off steam, stepping into a rage room promises an unforgettable journey into the realm of controlled chaos. We had the opportunity to go to Letz Rage, Rage Room & Paint Splatter, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and we can’t wait to return!

First up…RAGE ROOM

Suit Up

Safety is important to the staff so they provide gloves, and headpieces.

Choose Your Smashables

As soon as you enter, you’ll see a room full of glassware, televisions and appliances begging to be destroyed. We were able to fill a crate with whatever breakable items that spoke to us.

Choose Your Weapon

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September 22, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

Autumn Bucket List

I LOVE FALL! The crisp smell in the air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the fabulous display of color on the trees. It’s one of my favorite things about living in New England. However, I feel like this season goes by so quickly so we have to make the most of it while it’s here. So, what do I do? That’s right…a LIST! Here is a list of 35 items for my Autumn Bucket List:

Apple picking

There are so many amazing farms out there and doesn’t an apple taste best when it’s picked right from the tree, rubbed on your shirt, and you take a big CRUNCH out of one! Here are 15 of the best apple orchards in New England.

Burn some autumn scented candles

Autumn candles set the mood. Some wonderful ones include: Yankee, Pumpkin Spiced, Village Candle, Warm Apple Spice, Yankee, Macintosh, and Sweet Water Décor, Hello Fall.

Make some gourmet s’mores

At the lake we have making s’mores down to a science. Gourmet s’mores are when we use yummy candy bars instead of plain chocolate. This Hershey’s S’mores Caddy is great to store everything.

Make some warm apple cider

Warm apple cider is one of those drinks that immediately puts me in a calm mood. Here is a great recipe for homemade apple cider. The cinnamon sticks are key!

Time to take out those cozy sweaters

Sweater weather!! It’s a great time to invest in a few sweaters that you will wear all winter long. Check out this gorgeous long cardigan. This jacket sweater is perfect for layering in fall. I love the wooden buttons on this cable knit sweater.

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March 20, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is one of those cities I immediately fell in love with… cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and it’s WICKED New England charm. It was love at first sight! Boston is a city with rich history and culture that offers family-friendly activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there are many things to see and do in Boston that the whole family can enjoy. Here are ten family-friendly activities to do in Boston:

Visit the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Make time to watch a 3D movie at the Simons Theatre.

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October 25, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Itinerary for 2 Perfect Days in Portsmouth, NH

Itinerary for Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is one of my favorite coastal towns in New Hampshire. It is classy, yet welcoming, and the perfect destination for families. It has it all… beaches, art galleries, lobster boats, seafood restaurants. It holds a special place in my heart since we were married here. Every time I come back; the memories come floating back. Here is an itinerary for 2 perfect days in Portsmouth, NH.

DAY 1

On the way to Portsmouth, stop in the beautiful town of New Castle.

Head over to the picturesque 32-acre park, Great Island Common.

The park has 2 lighthouses…

The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

And Whaleback Light

Check into Your Hotel

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August 8, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Santa’s Village

There’s nothing as magical as the spirit of Christmas and at Santa’s Village your family can experience this feeling even in the middle of summer. So many amusement parks seem the same, but Santa’s Village offer a unique concept. As soon as you walk through the front gate you will be transported into a winter wonderland and you’ll soon forget it’s August! My family has been going to this park for years and it’s become a tradition for us to go on my youngest daughter’s birthday. We loved bringing our friends there this year! Here are 10 things my family loves doing at Santa’s Village:

ELFABET GAME

Ever since my girls were little, this was a nice way to do a scavenger hunt while going about our day. After entering the park, head over to Elf University to pick up your elfabet card. As you walk around the park, you’ll see elves with various letters on them. Simply punch out the letters on your card and bring it back to the university at the end of the day to claim your prize. (Hint…bring it back even if you don’t find them all.)

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May 9, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Viewpoint Hotel (York, Maine)

There is something soothing about the ocean. The smell of the salt in the air, the breeze blowing on your skin, and the calming sound of waves crashing on the shore makes you feel present. The coast is my favorite place to visit when in Maine. I couldn’t think of a better place to escape before the madness of end-of-the-school-year activities. The Viewpoint Hotel is a stunning little piece of paradise with unimaginable views. I decided to bring my high school daughter along with me and it was the perfect place for us to relax and recharge.

Click here to read all about our stay.