“Whiny Wednesdays” is a weekly series that focuses on giving caregivers fun ideas to do locally. The result being that Whiny Days are no more! We are always looking for guest posters for this series, please email us if you’re interested. talk@newburyport-today.com
Newburyport Mother’s Club, a local all-volunteer social club that boasts over 700 area families as members, is excited to contribute to “Whiny Wednesdays”! We will be providing information about community events and things to do, as well as our exclusive events for NMC members. To find out more about joining Newburyport Mothers Club, visit us ONLINE HERE
T’is the season! New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Your kids might be bouncing off the walls with glee, or maybe feeling a tad overwhelmed by all the holiday spirit. Here are a few ideas to either find some winter solace, or to add to the excitement of this exciting time of year. In any case, The Newburyport Mothers Club wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays and a safe and healthy New Year!
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA 02180
781-438-5100
Open through December 30 (except December 25), 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this winter wonderland, which attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Upon entering the Zoo, guests visit Yukon Creek, which not only features dazzling holiday lights but is also home to bald eagles, porcupine, lynx, a gray fox and reindeer. Children will want to make sure they visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in Santa’s Castle. Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through Dec. 23. After visiting with Santa, enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. Santa photos and carousel rides are available for an additional fee.
Santa’s Magical Playland
Cawley Stadium, Lowell, MA
(508) 844-3691
Check out Santa’s Magical Playland, New England’s newest holiday attraction featuring something for the entire family! Santa’s Magical Playland features children’s activities, holiday themed rides, a giant gingerbread house, animated Christmas scenes and carolers. There are a wide array of photo opportunities throughout the park, including Santa himself. At dusk, the area surrounding Cawley Stadium comes to life with thousands of LED Christmas lights.
Children (under 2 years): FREE
General Admission: $19.00
Matinee Days: $10.00 admission on select days when tickets are purchased between 2-3:30PM and used before 4:00PM (coupons not valid during this time and matinee ticket is not valid after 4:00PM). Please check hours of operation for specific dates and times.
Sleigh Rides at Ledgewood Belgian Farms
216 Pleasant Street
Epping, NH
603-679-4373
Reservations required
$10.00 per person
(Children 2 and under are free)
($100.00 minimum charge per wagon, wagons hold approximately 20-22 people)
(Bon Fires included in rides)
If you’re looking for something truly unique to encapsulate winter in New England, look no further than Ledgewood Belgian Farms. Couples, families and groups have made old fashioned horsedrawn sleigh rides at the Farm a memorable pastime. The winter season brings sleigh rides and hot chocolate to the Farm! Guests are carried in horsedrawn sleighs whenever snow conditions permit. Wagons are substituted during periods when Mother Nature fails to provide enough snow cover for sleighs.
Movie: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
Stage 2 Cinema Pub
109 Main Street
Amesbury, MA
December 26-30; 2 shows daily; Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 4:30 and 7:00 pm.
Contact: Donna Turbity, donnaturbity@hotmail.com
Cost: $5 per person
If indoors activities are more up your alley, check out Stage 2 Cinema Pub, which will be featuring the film, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” rated PG. The timeless tale has been adapted from Ron and Judi Barrett’s book, which illustrates a world where giant pancakes and pasta fall from the sky as a scientist tries to solve world hunger. However, things go terribly wrong when excess amounts of food overload cities and towns.
First Night Boston
Times/locations vary, see website for details
December 31-January 2
Buttons cost $18; children under age 4 are free to all events
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always pack up the kids and head to Boston for this exciting 3-day festival to ring in 2010! First Night is proud to present an amazing group of performers and visual artists who truly represent the richness of Boston’s cultural landscape. The celebration features longtime audience favorites like the interactive FedEx Family Festival, colossal ice sculptures, the Mardi Gras style Metro Grand Procession, the Boston 4 Productions Family Fireworks and the Frank Ward and Cape Dairy Midnight Fireworks, along with new and exciting performances and exhibitions.
Have a fun and fabulous week!
