Summer is in full swing, and we’ve arrived at that special time of year. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and the end-of-school excitement is wearing off, only to be replaced by its dreaded antitheses — boredom. When the kids aren’t at camp or with the grandparents, finding affordable, engaging activities can seem near impossible.
Though a maritime museum may not be the obvious choice, parents are often pleasantly surprised at how much fun their little ones have navigating the galleries in the Mariners’ Museum. Add a 550-acre park to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a kid-approved outing that won’t break the bank — the Park is free to the public and the Museum is just $1 per person! Here are six things to do with your kids this summer at the Mariners’ Museum and Park.
1. Have a Picnic
Discovering the perfect spot, stretching your blanket out over the grass, divvying out the contents of your basket — this one’s a classic for a reason. Whether you opt for hot dogs and chips or go full-on European with charcuterie and baguettes, there’s something timelessly quaint about a simple picnic. Mariners’ Park has many spots to set up your al fresco delights, some of which have fantastic views of the serene Mariners’ Lake. So pack up a basket, bubbles, and a board game and enjoy the fresh air!
2. Go on a Museum Scavenger Hunt
What is it about scavenger hunts that kids love so much? Are they the pint-sized version of to-do lists? Perhaps we’ll never know, but we do know that when a child gets their hands on a Mariners’ scavenger hunt, the Museum suddenly transforms. The galleries become their investigation scene as these little sleuths search high and low, all for the satisfaction of checking off the next item on their list. The best part? They’re learning about historical objects in the Museum’s Collection and staying engaged as they complete their hunt. Although the simple act of solving the mystery is enough to bring a smile to a kid’s face, if they bring their completed hunt to the admissions desk, they also get to select a prize!
3. Look for Wildlife
The Park is home to more than 600 wildlife species. Turtles and ducks are a consistent favorite among our youngest mariners, but you can spot a wide variety of birds, reptiles, butterflies, raccoons, and deer scattered throughout the Park. The Noland Trail is fairly flat and easy to walk, making it ideal for little legs. As you meander along the trail, you’ll come across several footbridges that provide the perfect lookout spots for aquatic creatures, and you’ll see — and hear! — lots of other friends from the animal kingdom scurrying throughout the Park. (Please remember, do NOT feed or touch the animals!)
4. Traverse the Exploration Gallery
The Exploration Gallery is a fun, educational space customized for school-aged children. This colorful gallery is split into two sections: The Mediterranean and China. These spaces help kids find answers to two questions: 1) Why do we explore? 2) How do we know where we’re going?
The Mediterranean gallery features a huge Mediterranean map painted on the floor, along with additional maps on the walls and navigational artifacts placed around the room. The space also includes a boat that kids can climb aboard and hands-on activities that teach young mariners how boats work and what geography skills are needed to navigate the Mediterranean Sea. This summer, the gallery received a new addition: an interactive kiosk that displays an animated video our Multimedia Team crafted specifically for young learners.
In the China gallery, a map of China extends across the wall, providing a backdrop for a massive Chinese junk vessel model perched in the middle of the room. Kids learn about the technology and inventions the earliest Chinese explorers used and the vessels they employed to voyage across the sea.
5. Explore the Playground and Bumblebee Learning Garden
When the kids are ready to let loose, it’s time to head to the playground! Lil’ Mariners’ Play Zone is a unique play area designed using natural materials. This is a great area for kids to build imagination skills while leaping across tree stumps, playing on a giant checkers board, or playing hopscotch.
Just a few steps away, The Bumblebee Learning Garden teaches kids about the importance of native, urban green spaces that attract local pollinators. The play area and garden get plenty of shade from the surrounding trees and contain several benches, so if you’re looking for an all-in-one spot to set up your picnic, this is it!
If you have kids ages 2-4, don’t miss our new early childhood program, Wonder Wednesdays! This popular storytime takes place in the Bumblebee Learning Garden each Wednesday until August 28, 2024. Learn more or register today!
6. Kayak on Mariners’ Lake
If your tots love the water, kayaking is an excellent way to show them they can have aquatic adventures beyond swimming. The calm waters of Mariners’ Lake provide excellent conditions for beginner kayakers. Adventurous kids can hop in a child-sized kayak alone, or you can slowly introduce them to the activity with a two-person kayak. The Mariners’ has a trained team devoted to Lake safety, so you can rest assured that this will be a positive experience for the entire family.
These are just a few of our top choices, but there’s plenty more for kids to see and do at The Mariners’. What matters most is that you’re making memories and spending quality time together. The same things that fascinate you can spark curiosity and interest in your little one, giving you new ways to bond as a family — so bring the entire crew out to enjoy this beloved community resource!