It’s that lovely time of year when it’s easy to get out and explore. It’s not hot, it’s not cold, and there’s plenty to see and do. I recommend taking a stroll downtown and making the walk part of the day. If you live close to downtown, then it’s easy, but even if you don’t, park a little further than you normally would and make a game out of finding colored leaves and counting acorns on the way. When my kids were small they loved rushing through a big pile of windswept leaves. It could be the smallest pile and they would smile from ear to ear sliding through with a skip and a hop. I would sometimes bring bags to gather our fallen “treasures”, it was fun to turn them into little craft projects later in the day.
Once you arrive downtown, enjoy the Scarecrows! They are everywhere this year, all over Market Square, up Inn Street as well as most of State Street. Each is different and fun, and they are great to name or just admire. Stop in Market Square which is decorated with pumpkins and bails of hey. Bring a snack from home or stop and buy a cocoa, settle in on one of the benches or a bail of hey and stop to admire your “treasures” or talk about what you’ve seen so far. When you’re done, wander up State or Inn Street and head to a story hour. Both the Newburyport Public Library and The Book Rack offer story times. It will be a nice little indoor break for your outside in town adventure! So there’s plenty to do, just get out there! Best of all it’s all FREE – a mom’s favorite four letter word!
Library Story Times
Mother Goose - for children ages 18 months – 35 months old with a parent/caregiver participating. Children engage in a half–hour of songs, finger plays, and short stories. Mother Goose meets either Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10:30 – 11:00.
Story time for 3 year olds – meets Wednesdays 10:00 – 10:30. Children participate in a half hour of stories, songs, and finger plays followed by a quick craft project.
Story time for 4 – 6 year olds – meets either Mondays 10:00 – 10:45 & Tuesdays 1:30 – 2:15. Children listen to stories and complete a craft project independently.
The Book Rack Story Times
Known as “The StoryWeaver,” Nicolette Heavey weaves together stories that were read or told to her with stories that she has read and stories she imagines. Since 2001, Nicolette has been inspiring children to listen through her energetic and playful tellings.
