Mom’s Can-Do’s: June Strawberry Outings + More

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

GoLocal Features Team

Strawberry picking is one of the most delicious ways to get out and about with your little ones. We've got great local farms and even a Strawberry Social!

Introducing Mom's Can-Do's, a GoLocal weekly feature sponsored by Southwick's Zoo, for moms of little ones--from toddlers to elementary schoolers. Looking for fun things to do during the week? Creative spots for last-minute outings? Fun events especially for little ones? We'll bring you our 5 favorites in the region every Tuesday, and they're all within an hour's drive of home. Check out this week's early summer fun.

Strawberries!

June is peak strawberry season, and little ones are the perfect size for the low-to-the-ground picking of these sweet jewels. There are dozens of wonderful pick-your-own strawberry farms within an hour of home, and likely one or more within a quick, 15-minute jaunt. Some favorites: near Worcester, Charlton Orchards Farm & Winery (reopening for picking on Wednesday, June 12), in Rhode Island, Quonset View Farms in Portsmouth. For more strawberry fun, consider an expedition this weekend to Smith's Castle's Strawberry Festival, June 15, from noon-4pm. Marionettes, lots of family activities, and heaps of delicious strawberry shortcake! Smith's Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, Wickford, RI (401) 294-3521. For full listings of pick-your-own strawberries in RI, go here, and in Central MA, go here.

Alice in Wonderland!

Explore the world of Alice's Wonderful in this colorful new exhibit at Worcester's EcoTarium. The exhibit inspires curiosity and encourages exploration, whether they're crawling through the rabbit hole and experiencing the sense of falling or peeking through keyholes in the Hall of Doors. Thursdays from June 27-August 29 will feature special science programs as part of the exhibit, and a Mad Hatter Party is planned for July 13! EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA, (508) 929-2700. www.ecotarium.org.

Butterflies!

While you hope to lure those natural beauties to your backyard, take the kids to have up close encounters with hundreds of the magical creatures at The Butterfly Place (120 Tyngsboro Rd, Westford). Show them New England butterflies and tropical species from all over the world. Walk along a winding pathway. Observe butterflies sipping from flowers, basking in the sunshine and flying freely in a natural habitat. Don't miss the show and tell bench where a staff member is always on hand to answer questions. Consider taking home one of their Butterfly Hatching Kits so you can hatch and release your own live butterfy or moth! Open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm, adults $12, kids 3-12 $8, 2 and under free. butterflyplace-ma.com

Candy Making!

Make that rainy day a day of heaven with a candy crafting expedition to the Hebert Candy Mansion in Shrewsbury, MA. Hour-long candy workshops which include designing and confecting two chocolate treats to take home or building your own ice cream sundae are perfect for ages 3-12 are held every hour Tues-Fri., 11am-4pm ($9.95 per participant). Reservations are required, so call (508) 845-8051, ext.243 for reservations and inquiries. Hebert Candy Mansion, 575 Hartford Turnpike (Rt. 20), Shrewsbury, MA (508) 842-5583. www.hebertcandies.com

Stories!

The Providence Public Library has a few more of their great Cradle to Crayons story time sessions for ages 1-3 years old that combine time for play and socialization with a story time that includes movement, songs, finger plays and wonderful children’s literature. Tuesday and Friday sessions are 9:30-10:30am and 10:30-11:30 am. The season runs through June 18, so take advantage this week! For more, go here. Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street, Providence.