Moms Can-Do’s: Steam Train, Riverboat + More

Tuesday, July 02, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Features Team

Introducing Moms 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.

Trains and boats!

Looking to get out with you little one and take a cool day trip? The journey out to Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Connecticut will be worth the drive! Climb aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the country as well as one of the only steam locomotives still in scheduled service, because you're the conductor now. Playtime and learning meet at River Valley junction, where your child can take on the role of conductor doing everything from ringing the bell and sounding the horn, to playing at the Thomas the Tank Engine Play Tables, to making it all happen with model train layouts. Click here to begin the journey through the Connecticut River Valley. One Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT. (860) 767-0103.

Construction zone!

Your brave knight can create that fort that they've been begging to build in the back yard this Friday from 11am-7pm at the Providence Children's Museum. At Imagination Playground, kids can work in their own little construction zone, building castles, forts, wheels, tunnels, moving vehicles, and whatever else their heart desires. Creativity is the word here! 100 South St., Providence, RI. (401) 273-5437.

Legendarium!

The circus is in town! Head out to Charleston, RI for a best of the best Big Top performance. Watch from your ringside seats as the World's Greatest Circus Artists of the Big Apple Circus from years past amaze and soaring aerialists and acrobats awe. Entertainment abounds with jugglers, contortionists, horses, and of course, those silly clowns. The last performance is on Sunday, July 7th, so don't miss out! Click here for showtimes and tickets. Ninigret Park, Parks Lane, Charlestown, RI. (401) 364-122.

Celebrate!

Kick off your 4th of July festivities with some kid-friendly fun in Newton, MA. Kids' Morning of the town's 4th of July Celebration will see a grande pet parade, a teddy bear parade, a decorated doll carriage promenade, and foot races. To top it all off, enjoy free ice cream, candy, and drinks, courtesy of Cabot's Ice Cream and Trader Joe's. The fun continues into the evening with an Open Air Market for amusement rides for the kids! And of course, don't forget to stay for the fireworks spectacular! Kids Morning, 10am-noon; Open Air Market & amusement rides, 1-9pm. 225 Nevada Street, Newton, MA.

LEGOs!

Kids love LEGOs, but parents hate the mess (and stepping on them–ouch)! Take those pesky little pieces out of the equation by bringing your child to LEGO Zone at the Discovery Museums in Action, MA. This Friday, kids can try out some fun LEGO challenges or simply let their imagination take them where it may. Event free with the cost of admission. 177 Main St., Route 27, Acton, MA. (978) 264-4200.