Part II of our Bucket List

Yesterday I discussed ideas for our bucket list of things to do around the home and in the neighborhood.  I had some really awesome ideas brought to my attention in regards to a scavenger hunt in the yard or at the local park, to focus on our shapes, textures, colors, etc.  I also had some great ideas passed my way in regards to how to make the garden project cheaper (check the local lumberyards for their scraps, look in the clearance section for pieces that are not perfect, take the seeds from the vegetables we are purchasing, etc.).  Today I am going to start focusing on the day trips I can take with the boys (and maybe daddy can join me for a few too!).  This category was hard to not get carried away with.  I am discovering there are so many things to do within a 2-3 hour radius of me, and pin pointing it down to the must dos is very difficult.  As is evident with the rest of my blog, I like to travel.  The boys like to adventure.  The miles on my car and my gas budget don't like it as much.  However, here are some ideas.

2013 Bucket List of Day Trips

Bennington, VT:  Vermont is a different life style from what we experience here in NW Connecticut.  It is much more laid back, and in many aspects welcoming.  I have discovered that during the time period of March 14 through May 27, they will have a display entitled Victorian Extreme: American Fancywork and Steam punk; 1850-Now.  This display focuses on the very fancy artwork and designs of that time period in both quilting and art.  Also at the museum are a few nature trails that can be explored.  There are also numerous hikes in the area that we can explore as well.  Learn about art, hike the wiggles out, and drive back home.  That we can live with.

Hancock Shaker Village:  This place will not only teach the boys about a completely different way of life than they are used to, but there is also a kids activity room and a farm to see.  Add in some hiking, and we have the perfect day trip for this family.  It is a bit pricey for adults to get in ($17 according to their website), but it is free for children under the age of 12.  They too have some hiking trails.  Done!  Traveled there in the beginning of May, and we had fun.  Both boys enjoyed the animals, and I enjoyed learning about their culture.

Beardsley Zoo:  My boys love the place, and I can usually get in free with the passes from our local library. It is a great lesson in terms of the different types of animals, the different regions of the world they come from, and of course the different types of food they eat.  There is also a playground and a carousel for the boys to ride.  I plan to come here at least twice.  Dan and I took the boys here on May 15, but it was drizzling out.  We plan on going back again, as long as we can obtain the passes from the library again.

The Children's Museum:  We have a pass to here that was given to me by my grandmother. I didn't know whether I should really list it, since we do frequent here about 2x per month.  It is a terrific hands on place for the boys, and I usually tie it into a trip to Whole Foods across the street.  There is a large focus on science here with the entire bottom level being dedicated to flying, weather, building race cars, and learning about the law of physics.  Life can be hectic during the summer, so putting it on here will make sure I  visit.  That was the final determination for listing it.  Fulfilled.  They have a new exhibit with huge pieces of foam to build forts out of, as well as re-doing some of the old exhibits or moving them around.  We will still probably go again, since we have the pass, but we did go.

Kent Falls:  I always say we are going to have a picnic there.  It is about 30 minutes from the house, and is absolutely gorgeous!  I only ended up there once last year, on Carter's first birthday to take pictures.  Last year there were kids swimming in the bottom of the falls, and I plan to let mine do that this year.  There is also a really nice panini place down the road.  Admission to Kent Falls is free on the weekdays, and the panini place is not too costly if you only purchase a sandwich.  There is also a chocolatier, and a nice hike along the Housatonic river that is part of the Appalachian trail.  But, I need to not allow myself to get carried away.  Let's make it to the falls first.

Boston's Children's Museum:  It is free admission for us, since we have the membership to the museum in CT.  The cost would be getting there, parking, and eating.  It would be great to not only take the boys to see such a historic city, but to walk along the water and see the massive boats or the parks.

Providence Children's Museum:  Also free admission for us (yeah for reciprocal memberships!), and also located in one of my favorite cities.  I can easily tie in exploring the Roger Williams Park (and MAYBE the zoo if the budget aligns), the river walk, and if I am staying at my in laws summer home in Charleston, the beach at night.  However, my priority for this trip is the museum and the parks.  Done!  This place was amazing!  We went there on April 16, 2013, and I cannot wait to take them back.

Bronx Zoo:  Wednesday is suggested donation day.  They advertise on their website that they suggest a donation of $16, but my thoughts are that it is suggested.  I cannot wait for the boys to see a zoo that size, and honestly, I cannot wait to go.  We attempted to go here.  However, it is just not in our budget at this time.  On top of the gas, there is also a parking fee of $15 that I found out about.  This has been tabled until next year when both boys will be big enough to enjoy it.

Beaches:  I prefer RI beaches, but I am learning to appreciate the Long Island sound and the beauty it has to offer.  However, I absolutely detest paying to play on a beach.  There is a nature preserve in RI that has a small area to swim, if you get there early enough.  There are also passes I can pick up from the local library that gives us admission to CT state parks.  I need to check and see if that includes the beaches too.  

As you can tell, most of these trips are for outside. I compiled this with the optimistic thought that we will no longer have super wet weather, we will eventually warm up, and summer will eventually arrive.  (I am typing this with snow and ice falling outside my window).  The other awesome thing is that these can easily be adapted to spring, summer, or fall temperatures.  I cannot wait to take adventures with my little men, and of course you will read about the adventures in the blog.  Pierce helped pick out a couple (the zoo and museums), and he is looking forward to it as well.  Do any of you have other ideas for day trips?  Please leave a comment if you have any recommendations for things to do in the MA/CT/RI/NY area.  Thank you for reading, and have a great day!