The 413 Mom

Gotta Visit: Hilltop Farm Trail (Suffield, CT)

When it hits 65 degrees on January 11 I just HAVE to hit the trail, but we didn't have a lot of time today so we headed to one of our favorite local spots -- Hilltop Farm in Suffield, CT. 

While not much of an actual hike (there are a few short trails that lead into the woods) we love it here for the wide open vehicle trail that loops around the property and along the river. It's clear, hard packed, gently sloping and easy for even the littlest hikers. Away from heavy traffic and offering a view of the river, but not close enough to the water to cause worry -- this spot offers a relaxing nature walk where you can let the kids meander on their own while always being able to see them. Just remember that this is a working access road so a vehicle may come along while you're on the path -- don't let littles wander too far. 

During the early 20th century the property was a dairy farm owned by George Hendee, co-founder of Indian Motorcycle, but is now operated by the nonprofit Friends of the Farm at Hilltop -- and is listed in the Register of Historic Places. 

Wellies or old sneakers are a must -- except in the driest part of summer this trail is delightful muddy. You could definitely use a jogging stroller here, just maybe not during peak mud season. A meander around the grasslands takes about 30 minutes for my crew -- perfect when time or tempers are short for a longer hike. Please stick to the path or trails in the woods, there is a lot of conservation work going on at the farm. 

And get this, you guys -- there is actually a bathroom on site! There are two compostable toilets on the property -- one adjacent to the path. These are way better than a porta-potty and so convenient when exploring with the kids. There's plenty of parking on site -- just pull off the road.

Hilltop Farm also hosts many unique events in season. The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop are working hard on conservation. Lots of cool stuff happens here. You can follow along on their Facebook page. 

Hilltop Farm is located at 1616 Mapleton Avenue, but there are entry points off of Route 159 -- approximately one mile down the road from Six Flags New England in Agawam. Look for the large white farmhouse on the left side of the road as you head south out of Massachusetts over the Connecticut line. There are several driveways into the property -- any one of them will lead you to the loop. See you on the trail! 

Experiences, Not Things Holiday Gift Guide 2019

It's here! It's here! The 2019 edition of The413Mom's "Experiences, Not Things Holiday Gift Guide." We all have enough stuff -- why not add a few local experiences to your gift giving list this year. 

Here we have a selection of some of the best experience gift ideas in the area: museum memberships, fitness opportunities, art and music lessons, educational programs and more for all ages. I hope you'll find a gift giving experience here that will strengthen and enrich your family or help a loved one discover a new passion -- because memories are so much better than things.

Link: Experiences, Not Things Holiday Gift Guide 2019

DEAL ALERT: Early Bird Savings for Healthy Kids Running Series ends AUGUST 18!

You've got a few days left to save even more on a crazy affordable fall athletic program for the kiddos. A program that only takes place once a week, for one hour on Sunday afternoons locally here in Southwick. Interested? Me too!

The Southwick program of The Healthy Kids Running Series will be held on five Sunday afternoons from 4-5 p.m. at Powder Mill Middle School at 95 Powder Mill Road from September 8 through October 6. It's open to kids in grades Pre-K through eighth. Cost is only $40 for the five week session and that price includes a t-shirt and a race medal for all participants. If you sign up by Sunday, August 18, the cost is only $35/child! 

The Healthy Kids Running Series has been running (literally) for 10 years with groups in 35 states. This is the second season locally here in Southwick -- their spring 2019 session had nearly 200 participants!

The program was created in 2009 by Jeff Long, founder and president of Pattison Sports Group to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. 

So run over to the registration page today and get your kiddos signed up before this deal expires. If you register by 11:59 p.m. on August 18, 2019 you'll save $5 off the already affordable price of $40/child so your kiddos can run for only $35 this session. 

Age group races are as follows:

Pre-K (ages 2 & 3) run a 50 yard dash

Pre-K (ages 4 & 5) run a 75 yard dash

Kids in kindergarten & first grade run 1/4 mile

Kids in second & third grade run 1/2 mile

Kids in fourth through eighth grade run 1 mile

Participants compete each week for a chance to earn points. At the end of the series boys and girls who accumulate the most points in their respective distances are awarded trophies. All participants receive a medal on Week 5. 

I'm excited for my girls to participate because it's a beautiful time of year to be outside, I love the low commitment of one hour per week on a Sunday afternoon, and I love that it's all ages together as a group but separated off for their own races. See you at the track! 

 

Gotta Visit: New England Disc Golf Center (Southwick)

 

New England Disc Golf Center in Southwick offers a perfect outdoor recreation activity for families of all ages. If you're looking for a memory-making outdoor exploration for you multi-generational family -- this is the place. The easy-to-navigate trails and simple premise of the game make disc golf an activity all ages can enjoy -- from toddlers to seniors. 

'But I don't know anything about disc golf,' you're thinking. Me neither. And that's OK. Learn by doing. Or just go check it out and have some fun outside with your kids. Disc golf is a great family sport and something you can all learn together. If you can throw a Frisbee you can participate in disc golf. 

It's just what it sounds like -- (according to dictionary.com): a game in which a concave plastic disc is thrown into each of a series of metal baskets situated on an outdoor course, the object being to complete the course using the fewest possible throws. In the simplest form, disc golf is golf with Frisbee. And you're aiming at metal baskets instead of tiny holes in the ground. In its competitive form the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is a membership-based organization with more than 120,000 members and there are more than 8,000 disc golf courses around the world. We're lucky to have one right here in Western Mass. 

*Photo courtesy New England Disc Golf Center

The site is open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Admission is $10/person/day for unlimited play -- stay as long or as little as you want. Payment is made on the honor system at the cash box near the shed in the parking lot -- that means CASH ONLY. All you need to bring with you is water, sunscreen, bug spray, and snacks. If you don't have discs to use there are always discs on site that you can borrow while you play. 

New England Disc Golf Center was created to help preserve the beautiful forest that makes up the grounds. It's a great example of sustainable recreation in our area. You can follow along with all of their events and announcements on their Facebook page. 

The site hosts league events and special events throughout the year. We enjoyed their Fireflies and Glow Disc Golf event earlier this summer and we can't wait to go back. 

*Photo courtesy New England Disc Golf Center

New England Disc Golf Center is located at 51 John Mason Road in Southwick. Set the GPS and keep driving until you're sure you're lost in the woods -- all of a sudden you'll be there. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! 

It's never too late to bloom

These gorgeous Zinnias have become the showpiece of my garden this season. The seeds came out of an old (expired) box of flower seeds given to me by someone who was moving and was cleaning out. I think the box had a price tag of $1 on it, but it also had a clearance tag that said 90% off. The were so old, I just threw them in a plot of dirt and forgot about them -- I figured if anything bloomed at all it would be a miracle.

A few weeks later, here we are. Beautiful, healthy, strong, abundant flowers. I can't help but take a few lessons away from this experience:

• You're never too old to bloom
• Your price tag does not determine your worth
• Sometimes a plot of dirt is all you need
• Even if you're discarded, you still have value
• If someone thinks you're not worth the effort, show them how wrong they are

According to FlowerMeaning.com:

The zinnia is one tough flower so the symbolism has evolved to mean endurance in all of it’s many forms.  This includes spontaneous endurance: from youth to old age the zinnia endures and continues to bloom. It is also believed to mean joyous endurance, happy to bloom in the broiling heat of summer. The zinnia also endures through any trials and tribulations (unforgiving heat, drought, bugs) and continues to put forth beautiful flowers in many shades of red, orange, apricot, yellow, white, lilac and even lime green.

 

Bloom, Mamas. Bloom.

Gotta Visit: Boulder Park/Chester-Blandford State Forest (Chester) #hikingwithkids

I've got the most fun little forest scramble to share with you -- Boulder Park in Chester. This spot looks like nothing more than a rest stop on the side of Route 20 in Chester but it's actually an old recreation site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s. The kids will have a great time exploring the site and looking for the old ruins. 

The trail is open and clear -- it's basically just a straight line from one end of the trail to the other. Along the way you can cross a few stone and wood bridges, find the old outhouses and a pavilion and see how many stone grills you can find which are slowly being reclaimed by the forest. The trail is marked with blue blazes -- it's hard to get lost. There are a few trails that head up into the hills; however, they are not marked and are pretty overgrown. We explored a bit but there was not much to see so we headed back down to the base trail. 

There's a large parking lot for Boulder Park, just pull in and take any of the stone stairways up to the trail. The kids will love scrambling up and down the stone steps. However, if you take the grassy slope from the parking lot the trail is considered Universal Access. 

Boulder Park is named for the large rocks scattered through the property which were left by glacial ice sheets. Many are too big and shear to climb, but some fun bouldering can be done here. There is a stream that runs through the property but it was pretty dry when we visited. 

This was a solitary trek -- we were the only ones on the trail. And although it was peaceful in the woods, it was not quiet. You can hear the traffic from Route 20 as the trail runs parallel to the busy road. I've driven past this site dozens of time and have never seen a single car in the lot. I'm surprised since it's a such a fun explore. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! 

This hike makes a great stop on the way out to the Hilltowns or Berkshire attractions, or you can pair it with a hike at Sanderson Brook Falls which is a few miles down the road or with a visit to the Chester Railway Museum. 

There are no amenities on site but it such a short explore you don't even need to bring anything with you -- your car is only a few hundred feet away at all times. Don't forget the bug spray and wear long pants -- we're pretty sure we spotted poison ivy along the trail. 

Boulder Park is located on Route 20 in Chester. See you on the trail! 

Summer 2019 List 10: FREE Swim Lessons and Pool Time

For those in the 413 without backyard pools, there are plenty of FREE ways to swim this summer. Here is a list of our local state owned public pools, which traditionally offer FREE swim lessons each summer.  **I have not yet heard back from the facilities regarding swim lessons for this year -- I will update this post as soon as I have solid information to share.** 

Agawam: Gerald J. Mason Memorial Swimming Pool, Armory Street, Agawam, Public Swim Monday - Sunday, 11:15 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Open June 22 - August 22. FREE.

Chicopee: Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Swimming Pool, Meadow Street, Chicopee, Public Swim Monday - Sunday, 11:15 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Thursdays in July until 7:45 p.m., Thursdays in August until 7:30 p.m. Open June 22 - August 22. FREE. 

Springfield: John H. Thomas Memorial Swimming Pool, Roosevelt Avenue (on Blunt Park Road), Public Swim, Monday - Sunday 11:15 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Open June 22 - August 22. FREE. 

If one of these programs is too far for you, check with your town's Parks & Recreation Department (this link will get you to your town's website, you can find the Parks & Rec link from there) or local YMCA. Many communities have clean and lovely town pools open for public swim for a small fee (our local pool charges $1/person per day). Also, many towns host YMCA sponsored swim lessons at their local pool for a fee (about $65). 

Wishing you many cool afternoons at the pool this summer!

Summer 2019 List 8: Playgrounds in the shade #getoutsideandplay

Nothing ruins a playground date faster in the summer than having no place to escape the sun. In that light, here is a list of some of the best shady playgrounds in the 413 (park admission is FREE unless otherwise noted):

• Agawam: Borgatti Field Playground, 257 River Road. This is a smallish playground but it does have a lot of baby swings. And a lot of shade. Very close to the Agawam Bike Trail along the Connecticut River, where you can also bike or take a stroll. Makes a nice afternoon. Picnic tables make lunch easy.
• Belchertown: Jessica's Boundless Playground, 59 State St., Belchertown. Not only is this playground fully accessible, it also has nice shade canopies over the playscape. Lots of swings, unique climbing and play elements. 
• Longmeadow: Greenwood Park Playground, 231 Maple Street. A nicely shaded, two-playscape playground with elements for all ages. Nice paths for bikes or scooters. This park also has a pool available for use by non-residents, admission is $11/day. 
• Easthampton: Nonotuck Park, 1 Daley Field Road. This park also has a pool (non-resident admission $6/adult, $4/child) and splash pad, walking paths and bike trails. Lots of picnic tables. Leashed dogs welcome. Can definitely make an afternoon of it. $3 admission fee for park weekends only/FREE on weekdays. 
• Enfield, CT: Enfield Rotary Accessible Playground, 104 Middle Road, Enfield. Although this fully accessible playground does not have shade over the play structure it does offer a nice picnic pavilion where you can catch a break from the sun. This playground shares property with the Enfield Public Library which has a fun children's room with puzzles, toys and sometimes a drop-in craft going on. So you can break up the visit with some air conditioned play time. 
• Holyoke: Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. Brand new playground equipment installed for this season (suggested for ages 5-15) AND a new spray deck. Lots of shade trees surrounding the play areas. FREE with FREE parking on site at the Holyoke Merry Go Round parking lot. 
• Northampton: Look Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence. Look Park has several playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds, three of which have partial shade. Lots of swings, lots of different elements for all ages. FREE splashpad and zoo. Many other attractions available for additional fee including mini golf, train ride, bumper boats, paddle boats. Tons of bike and walking paths. Beautiful grounds to explore. Concessions available for purchase but can get pricey. Bring a good sized picnic if you plan to spend the day. Vehicle entry fee: $9/weekends, $7/weekdays. FREE vehicle entry with valid military ID. 
• Pittsfield: Common Park, First Street, Pittsfield. The playground on the Pittsfield Common has some shaded elements and is adjacent to a stand of trees so depending on which part of the day you're visiting you can catch a good amount of shade. There is also a new splash pad at this park and plenty of picnic space. 
• Springfield: Forest Park, 302 Sumner Avenue. Park includes beautiful grounds to explore, duck pond, zoo (separate admission fee), picnic spots, and two playgrounds. Both have some shade -- the one behind the zoo is the shadiest. $3 admission fee for park. 
• Westfield: Stanley Park Playground, 400 Western Avenue. Although this awesome playground itself is not shaded, it does have a shade-covered sand pit where you can get some relief from the sun. Playground is huge with tons of swings for big and little kids and several shaded picnic pavilions (available for public use unless reserved for a party). Stanley Park also offers many shaded walking paths through it's nature preserve as well as a lovely shaded duck/koi pond area. Bring a picnic, be prepared to stay the afternoon. 
• West Springfield: Mittenague Park Playground, 100 Churchill Road, (Main entrance is at 1695 Westfield Street, but the playground is on Churchill). Playground is nicely shaded, with two play scapes, and plenty of big kid and baby swings. Mittenague Park also has nice hiking spots and a lovely stream to splash in. Plenty of shaded, grassy lawn to enjoy a picnic on as well. 
• Windsor, CT: Northwest Park Playground, 145 Lang Road, has a mostly-shaded playground with two age specific playscapes, as well as a a nice set of 8 swings (two bucket swings). This park also has animals to visit, an indoor Nature Center play area with educational displays, indoor bathrooms, plenty of picnic tables and lots of hiking trails to explore. Worth the drive for those of us in the lower 413. 

Hope you get out and explore a new-to-you playground this summer. We'll see you there! 

*Don't forget -- we'll resurrect our "What to do with the kids tomorrow" posts beginning on June 24 to help you plan FREE and low cost summer fun all season long.*

Summer 2019 List 7: Pick Your Own Farms #eatlocal #supportyourfarmers

No summer would be complete without visiting our local PYO farms. Strawberries, blueberries, and apples at the end of the season are some of our must-dos. 

We've all read the studies showing that when kids are involved in harvesting or preparing their own healthy food they are more likely to eat it. Pick-your-own fruits and veggies are a great way to test that theory. 

Here's a run down of some of the best pick-your-own farms right here in the 413:

• Chester: Jameson's High Meadow Farm, 410 Skyline Trail, Chester. Blueberries in mid-July. Call 413-667-3640 for picking conditions.
• South Deerfield: Atlas Farm, 218 Greenfield Road, organic strawberries available mid-late June, PYO 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., seven days a week .  Call 413-397-3587 for conditions. 
  
• Feeding Hills: Brown's Provin Mountain Farm, 443 North West Street, strawberries now, blueberries in July, many other PYO fruits and veggies throughout the season. Tuesday - Sunday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cash or check only. Call 413-786-0495 for crops and conditions.
• Granby: Dickinson Farm, 309 East State Street. Strawberries at field on New Ludlow Road, $3/pound, cash or check only, blueberries Mid-July, Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Call 413-467-3715 for picking conditions.
• Lanesborough: Mountain View Farm, 45 Old Cheshire Road, PYO Strawberries begin soon, cash or credit only (no credit cards), weekdays 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., weekends, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. PYO blueberries begin mid-July.
• Westfield: Kosinksi Farms, PYO Strawberries soon at 639 Shaker Road location, weekends beginning at 8 a.m.; Blueberries mid-July at 336 Russellville Road location. Call 413-572-4344 for conditions.

You can find SO many more local farms with these links:

• pickyourown.org
• mass.gov
• visit-massachusetts.com

Wishing you an abundance of PYO fun this season! #knowwhereyourfoodcomesfrom

Summer 2019 List 2: Best Splash Pads in Western Mass

Spray parks are a hot item on our summer must do list. I love spray parks because they are usually free, don't require any special equipment, are usually open all day and into the evening, and kids of all ages can enjoy them with parents being able to relax and enjoy a low-risk way to cool off. They can provide a quick stop after a morning of errands or an all-day retreat. We are lucky to have several newer splash pads in the area. I also have some updates here on when parks are opening this season, and which ones are out of commission. Here's my summer list of the best spray parks in the 413:

Agawam: School Street Park, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily, Corey Street entrance. Opens June 24. 

Chicopee: Szot Park, Lincoln Grove, Wisniowski, Garrity, Rivers and Fairview, open noon - 7 p.m., open now (Szot Park and Williams currently under repair). 

Easthampton: Nonotuck Park, Daley Field Road, open through early September, open 7 days weather permitting, $4  park entrance fee on weekends, FREE weekdays (except holidays). 

Greenfield: Hillside Park Splash Pad, Grove Street. Spray Park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., daily. Check link for updates.  

Hampden: Hampden Memorial Spray Park, Main Street, opening for the season June 22, seven days a week 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (From July 8-August 16 public hours are 3-8 p.m. Monday - Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Florence: Look Park Spray Park, North Main Street, parking fee required for park entry $7/weekdays, $9/weekends, FREE for those with military ID or handicap placard, open daily 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Holyoke: Pulaski Park, Lyman Street; Springdale Park, Main Street, Community Field, Community Field Road, brand new splash pad at Heritage State Park open daily 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., other parks will open daily after school is finished for the year.

Pittsfield: The Common, First Street. Spray park open for the season, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., 7 days a week. 

South Hadley: Beachgrounds Park, Main Street; Buttery Brook Park, Willimansett Street, spray parks open daily June 18 from 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

Springfield: Forest Park Splash Pad, Sumner Avenue ($3/in state, $5/out of state parking fee required for park entry), brand new splash pad at Riverfront Park at West Columbus Avenue and State Street, as of June 14 there is no set date for the spray parks to be open daily -- according to the Parks Department "hopefully by the end of the month."  

West Springfield: Alice Corson Water Park, 373 Main St. & Memorial Pool Splash Pad, 51 Smyrna St., open June 24-August 11, 12:30-4:15 p.m. and 5:30-7:15 p.m. SwimSplash Time for Tots ONLY at Memorial Pool Splash Pad: T, W, Th, 9-11 a.m. (ages 5 and under), pool pass required, FREE for West Springfield residents. Daily rate for non-residents, $3/children, $4/adult. 

Westfield: Westfield Municipal Spray Park, Greylock Street, June - September, daily hours 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.