Last of the beach days…
By Kelly Woodsum, Newburyport Mother’s Club
Whiny Wednesdays” is a recurring 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
Usually by now, I’m itching for September to get here. Fall is my favorite season but I often say “oh I wish I had done (insert fun activity) this summer!” So before you start apple picking and enjoying the fall foliage with your kids, make a list of those last minute summer activities you want to soak up before school starts. First place to start…the fabulous beaches! Enjoy the cooler weather, the evening picnics and some last minute family time before the hustle and bustle of fall arrives. Here are our favorites!
Sandy Point Federal Reservation
1. Sandy Point, at the end of the Plum Island reservation. There is nothing more peaceful than the right side of Sandy Point at low tide, when warm tide pools abound and the kids can play for hours. The surf is calm and shallow for a long way out. The left side boasts huge climbing rocks teeming with sea life. The downside – very limited parking, and it can be a haul to get out to the water, so only bring the necessities. It’s worth the effort, though.
Wallis Sands State Park
2. Wallis Sands State Park, in Rye, NH. The sand is like sugar and it’s never crowded. With metered parking, be sure to have a pocketful of quarters on hand. There are bathrooms, and the view is gorgeous. It’s also really fun on the drive up 1A to think about who in the world lives in those beautiful homes and if they appreciate where they are.
3. Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH. Yes, it’s cheesy. But it’s easy to get the kids out to the beach, the rocks have excellent crabs and other creatures climbing on them and the long, straight, wide walkway is wonderful for new bikers to ride to their heart’s content. There is also no shortage of junk shops, should anything be forgotten or a cold drink be required. The playground is fun, and the bathrooms generally clean, and new meters that take credit cards make parking a breeze (and a lot lighter with now quarters to fill your pockets).
Salisbury Beach Reservation
4. Salisbury Beach at the State Reservation. With new, clean bathrooms and an updated playground, this beach has a lot to offer. The only downside is the $7 entrance fee, which is covered if you have the state parks pass. You can watch boats from the jetty, and the beach is generally greenhead free.
5. Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH. With the Seacoast Science Center, a huge playground with outdoor flushing facilities and access to great tidepool beaches, there is something for everyone! Parking is a bit steep at $3 per person in the vehicle, but we always buy the yearlong pass for $55, which gets you free parking and access to the Science Center with a touch tidepool, aquariums and various activities for little hands.
Enjoy these last few precious weeks of summer!
>
