Face it. You probably have a list of things that you do every summer, like grabbing a cone at a special ice cream shop or spending a day at your favorite beach. Why not give that list a reboot and add a few of these cool activities?
1. Check out the awesome art at the Revere International Sand Sculpting Festival.
Be sure to stop by this incredible sand sculpting competition July 24 - 26. Artists from all over the world converge on Revere Beach to show off their skills. Thousands of spectators watch each artist work to transform 10 pounds of sand into a masterpiece in under 24 hours. Truly not to be missed.
2. Take on the Four Sea’s “Hurricane” ice cream challenge, Centerville.
Need a sweet way to cool off? How about downing 16 scoops of premium Four Sea’s ice cream topped with plenty of syrup and nuts? If you can accomplish this feat in under 30 minutes, the meal is free!
3. Make a splash at Water Wizz, East Wareham.
Have some fun in the sun at Cape Cod’s only water park. This massive complex of water slides and whirlpools is the perfect way to cool off and get your adrenaline going at the same time. They have areas just for kids and inexperienced swimmers, so everyone can have a good time.
4. Go to Boston Calling music festival.
Coachella not in the budget this summer? Boston Calling is seriously just as awesome and won’t cost you a few months’ rent. With an all-star lineup and killer location (you’re not in a field somewhere in the middle of nowhere…you’re right in the heart of Boston), this is one event that music lovers must not miss. Buy tickets now! The festival runs May 27 -28.
5. Visit the Clam Box of Ipswich for a classic meal.
This place is a bone fide Massachusetts treasure. The Clam Box has been serving up the freshest and most delicious friend seafood since 1935. A visit here is probably already on your summer bucket list, but if not, definitely check it out!
6. Visit Six Flags New England.
Thrill-seekers rejoice! This place is still as awesome as you remember. With more attractions and rides being added all the time, Six Flags offers something for every member of the family. Don’t like roller-coasters? Check out the massive water park, live music, or games of skill.
7. Go berry-picking.
This is the summer equivalent to the classic couple’s activity that is apple-picking. Gather as many as you can and bake a delicious pie, or just munch on juicy handfuls as you stroll through the sunny berry patches. Try Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon.
8. Attend the Nantucket Daffodil festival.
Seeing as we don’t have much of a spring around here, I’m just going to lump this May festival in with summer. Check out this incredible celebration of the return of the sun where daffodils are the star of the show. April 29 - May 1.
9. Win an actual yelling contest the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, Northampton.
Dust off that kilt in the back of your closet and head down to the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival on July 18. There will be tradition Scottish athletic games (things with names like "caber" and "braemer stone"), a traditional highland dance (including a sword dance and jigs), and plenty of piping and drumming. And for the kids, don’t miss the haggis toss, sack racing, face painting, rope pull…and yelling contest. For real.
10. Poke around the Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show, Brimfield.
Antique dealers and collectors travel from throughout the United States and abroad to attend the world famous Brimfield Antique Flea Markets. Dig for forgotten treasures or maybe just pick out a few doodads that make you smile. This event has been running for over running for over 50 years and the market opens its gates only three times each year. This year’s dates are May 10-15, July 12-17 and September 6-11.
11. Go to The Big E.
As the heat starts to let up and the tourists start packing their bags, there’s still more summer fun to be had. Check out The Big E, Sept. 18-Oct. 4. The Big E, also known as The Eastern States Exposition, is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the fifth-largest fair in the nation. That doesn’t really cover it though. This is the most EPIC fair you’ll find anywhere. It boasts the coolest rides, the most dazzling performances, and the most mouth-watering carnival food ever. For smaller local offerings, check out the Westfield Fair (August 21-23) or the Barnstable County Fair (July 18-24).
12. Turn up the heat at the Boston Jerkfest.
No, it’s not a gathering of jerks. It’s a huge celebration of spicy Caribbean cuisine running from June 24-25. Check out live music, chef demonstrations, a cocktail competition, as well as craft beer and rum tastings. Stroll down ‘Spice Lane’ to sample the delicious offerings of food vendors. In addition to jerk-spiced dishes, there will be plenty of curried goat, fried plantains, spicy nuts and hot sauces.
13. Celebrate America at Boston Harborfest.
Don’t miss the biggest patriotic celebration in the country. Running from Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, this maritime festival includes over 200 events, including tours of tall ships, historical re-enactments, live music, walking tours, and dinner cruises. The festival opens with an incredible opening ceremony and concludes with Chowderfest, where you can sample clam chowder from local restaurants and vote for your favorite.
14. Get a squirrel's-eye view at Ramblewild, Lanesborough.
Feel like an exhilarating stroll through the treetops? Check out the aerial trails of Ramblewild that lead through the spectacular leafy forest canopy. There are trails for all ages and comfort levels.
15. Walk with butterflies at The Butterfly Place, Westford.
Wander about in an enclosed indoor garden filled with free-flying butterflies of all shapes, colors, and sizes. They even sell butterfly hatching kits that will let you raise your own butterflies at home! This is a great place to teach kids about nature and enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon.
There’s no place like Massachusetts in the summer. What are some of your favorite warm weather bucket list activities?
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