April Vacation Fun!

April vacation is finally here!

I reached out to many of you to find out what you love doing with your kids, and you all delivered! So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into a cozy spot, and explore this collection of ideas from fellow parents and caregivers just like you!


photo by Tracey Westgate Photography

Date specific:


Strawberry Hill, Ipwsich. Photo: Tracey Westgate Photography.

Parks/Nature: The North Shore is just bursting with beauty and has such a variety of ways to explore it. Here are a few ideas!


photo by Tracey Westgate Photography

Playgrounds: So many great playgrounds, but here on the ones you mentioned!

  • Dane Street Playground, Beverly.

  • Patton Park, Hamilton. Also has Sunday Night concerts in the summer.

  • Sony Myers Playground, Revere. Big and fully enclosed.

  • Another great resource for playground news: Park Hoppah Facebook Group - caregivers report on various playgrounds and parks. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1842131829442563


Libraries:

  • Check out your local library fun vacation activities! 


Ice Cream Sandos - A collaboration between Treat Bakery and Down River Ice Cream. Available at the Crane Beach Snack Shack. Photo: Tracey Westgate Photography.

Ice cream came in STRONG with you all… and I love it! Here are your favorite shops:


Mini Golf:


Wenham Museum photo by Tracey Westgate Photography

Museums:

Indoor Play Places:

Other cool indoor spots:

  • Jolie Tea, Salem and Beverly. Offering various teas, treats and high tea times. https://www.istheteainyou.com/

  • Bit Bar, Salem. Restaurant/bar with retro 80s video games. https://bit.bar/

  • Clay Dreaming, Beverly. Paint your own pottery, classes, events and more. https://claydreaming.com/

  • Lego Land, Somerville - https://www.legodiscoverycenter.com/boston/

  • Sky Zone, Danvers. Indoor trampoline park - https://www.skyzone.com/

  • Guinea Pig Sanctuary, Salisbury - https://www.guineapigsanctuary.org/

  • Puttshack, Boston. Upscale indoor mini golf - https://www.puttshack.com/locations/boston

  • Metro Rock Climbing . Indoor rock climbing - https://nbpt.metrorock.com/


family photo - parents and two boys

photo by Tracey Westgate Photography

Other Goodies:

  • Wolf Hollow, Ipswich. A wolf sanctuary that offers public tours and education. https://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/

  • 2 Donkeys Toy Store, Hamilton. https://www.facebook.com/people/2donkeystoyshop/100063491774803/

  • Winfreys’ Fudge and Chocolates, Multiple locations, flashship shop in Rowley: https://www.winfreys.com/

  • Curly Girl Candy Shop, Salem: https://curlygirlcandy.com/

  • Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, Salem and North Andover: https://www.oldepeppercandy.com/

  • Putnam Pantry, Danvers: https://www.putnampantry.com/


Other places to find what you need:


As April vacation is here, there's a wealth of exciting activities awaiting you and your children. Whether you're exploring the outdoors, getting creative with arts and crafts, enjoying a staycation at home, or simply relaxing together, the aim is to enjoy this break in whatever way feels right for your family. With a bit of planning and a lot of enthusiasm, you can create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Here's to a fantastic April vacation filled with fun, laughter, and cherished moments with your family!

Know of something great that did’t make my list?

Tracey Westgate Photography

About the Author

Tracey Westgate is a family photographer on the North Shore of Boston. Serving families of the North Shore:  Amesbury, Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, Peabody, Revere, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, and Swampscott, Wenham and beyond. Tracey loves telling your authentic story, just as you are.

Photo credit: Courtney Oulette Photography