Perfect Days Just North of Boston

Focus on All Things New England! [New England Focus Logo]( Perfect Days For a memorable weekend outing with your whole crew, say yes to a variety of adventures that’ll have you giggling, engaging in good-natured competition, and trying new things. [Logo]( [2nd Logo]( Sponsored by: [North of Boston]( and [Greater Merrimack Valley]( [Water Park of New England] It’s always a water-play day at Water Park of New England, so book your admission online, pack your suits, and get ready to make a splash. (Water Park of New England) Morning: No matter the weather outside, they’re serving up sunshine on a plate at 30-plus-year-old [Vic’s Waffle House]( in Tewksbury, where there really are waffles hiding under fruity, sweet, and savory toppings and a blizzard of whipped cream. It’s a two-minute drive to [Wamesit Lanes](, which is nothing like the bowling alleys of yore. Arrive at 10 a.m., and claim a ten-pin or candlepin lane with a big flashy screen and automatic scoring. An hour of toppling pins, another hour in the arcade playing retro and state-of-the-art games, and it’s already the best day ever. Afternoon: Load everybody up for the 40-minute drive to the [Discovery Museum]( in Acton. With year-round activities indoors and out—all educational but masquerading as pure, hands-on fun—kids adore this accessible, inclusive attraction. Even hard-to-impress tweens will get a kick out of bending vibrant beams in the Light & Color Gallery and orienteering their way through the woods. Anybody hungry? Pop into [Sorrento’s]( for lunch. With more than 50 specialty pizzas to choose from, you may have to order more than one. From here, it’s a drive of about an hour and 15 minutes to your final stop—worth every mile if you’ve all been missing summer. Evening: At [Water Park of New England]( in Danvers, twilight hours run from 3 to 7 p.m. on weekends, and you’ll pay about half of what each day pass can cost when you opt to splash, slide, and play late in the day. The park’s own [Breezeway Grill & Bar]( serves chowder, lobster rolls, and kid-friendly fare, so you don’t have to venture out again. In fact, you can book an overnight package at the [DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore]( and score four water-park passes for your day of departure, too. More Places to Stay Find family-friendly lodgings at: [Candlewood Suites Boston North Shore](, Danvers [Wylie Inn and Conference Center at Endicott College](, Beverly [Homewood Suites by Hilton](, Billerica [Just North of Boston]( This MA region contains all that New England offers. From the seashore, ski mountains, to cities and farmland to historic landmarks. This guide will give you a reason to visit any time of the year. [Read Now]( SPONSORED [Singing Beach] North Shore beaches are dogs’ favorite places to socialize in the off-season months. (North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau) A Dog’s Day Your canine kin deserve a change of scenery, too. This lineup of activities will make any pup vibrate with excitement. Morning: Swing by [Animal Krackers]( in Gloucester for a new toy and natural treats (there are scones for you across the street at [Alexandra’s Bread]() on your way to [Wingaersheek Beach](. From October through April, this prettiest of North Shore beaches is open to dogs; they can even romp off-leash on odd-numbered days of the week. (On even-numbered days, opt for leash-free play at [Good Harbor Beach]( from October through March.) If your four-legged family member is more of a landlubber, [Endicott Park]( in Danvers welcomes leashed pets year round. There’s an off-leash dog park tucked within this 165-acre natural and cultivated landscape, too, where you’re sure to meet new friends. Afternoon: Hit the drive-through at [Crack’d Kitchen]( in Peabody for a warming bevvy and loaded hash browns on your way to [MarketStreet]( in Lynnfield. More than 30 of the retail establishments here—from Apple to Yankee Candle—are dog friendly. In this community of dog lovers, you’ll enjoy mingling and warming up beside one of the chimineas near the ice rink (open daily from mid-November through late February, with skate rentals available). Before you leave, stock up on turkey-and-cranberry Wonder Nuggets, Clam Chowda sticks, and other doggie delights, made with love in Massachusetts, at [Polkadog Bakery](. Evening: [Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus]( in Lowell welcomes your best friend with a homemade peanut butter treat and you with a nightly menu of fancy tea and coffee drinks, cocktails, pressed sandwiches, and more. Or, check out the scene and the food truck offerings at dog-welcoming [Navigation Brewing Co.](, housed in the same converted mill where [Western Avenue Studios]( is fueling Lowell’s arts renaissance. Pet portraitist [Emily Muller]( is one of more than 350 artists who live and work here, and you can order a custom painting of your dog on her website. Prices start at $50. Staying Over? Find dog-friendly lodgings at: [Sonesta Select Boston Lowell Chelmsford](, Lowell [The Vista](, Gloucester [Residence Inn by Marriott Boston North Shore](, Danvers [Ad-300x250]( SPONSORED [New England]( [TRAVEL]( [FOOD]( [LIVING]( [WEEKENDS WITH YANKEE TV]( [YANKEE MAGAZINE]( [SHOP]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( You received this email because you signed for updates from [NewEngland.com](. If you do not wish to receive our regular e-mail newsletters in the future, please [click here to manage your preferences or unsubscribe](. *Please do not reply to this e-mail* © 2024 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. 1121 Main Street | P.O. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444 [Contact Us]( [View web version](