As I glanced out the window of our real estate office, located in the Keller Williams Merrimack Valley Center earlier this week, I saw snow falling from the sky – snow and as I look at the forecast, colder weather is returning and more snow in the forecast! It is April, it is spring, Old Man Winter you have worn out your welcome - Bring on spring!

For a realtor of over 16 years, I know that spring means a few things, the return of baseball, a very busy real estate season and April school vacation. As a family, we always get away in February, leaving the April vacation as a staycation. While our kids are older now, we recall their excitement on the last day before vacation and their grumblings about being bored, five days into April vacation! 

Resist giving in to their demands to spend their vacation in front of the television, their phones, laptops/tablets or playing video games with these creative activities to do in the area that will keep kids of all ages busy this vacation.

Acton

Acton is known for its top-rated school systems, its many parks, and its commutability, but what you may not know is that it has some of the area’s best museums. Check out these great museums and camps in Acton.

Acton Discovery Museums

One of the area’s hidden gems is the Discovery Museums in Acton. Made up of three museums, they offer hours of fun for kids of all ages. The Children’s Museum is ideal for young toddlers and early elementary school children. The Museum has interactive, hands-on activities that allow kids to explore their imagination. The Science Discovery Museum is ideal for the scientist in all of us! Designed to spark scientific curiosity, it encourages children to be kids, to dress up, to build, to run, to laugh and learn! The Science Discovery Museum is the perfect place for kids who are scientifically curious! Kids can build, create and discover with interactive science exhibits in a Victorian house and a postmodern building. (We had to mention architecture, we are realtors after all). If the weather cooperates Discovery Woods features one of the largest and coolest tree houses you have EVER seen! Your kids will leave tired and happy after climbing, swinging, jumping and discovering in this great outdoor exhibit.

DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Acton’s DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum offer some fun hands-on activities to keep kids (ages 5 to 12) happy! They can explore their inner artist in fun, creative ways at their April vacation program at the Hive!  PS, adults can explore this inspirational museum while the kids are at camp!  Win/Win!

TeamWorks – April School Vacation Camp

Sporty kids will LOVE TeamWorks sports programs, from soccer to basketball and other fun activities, this is a great way to spend your vacation; check out their programs online.

Westford

We don’t have to tell you how popular Westford is for home buyers; the great schools are drawing more and more families to the town, as well as a myriad of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few things to do this vacation in Westford.

The Butterfly Place

You and your kids’ hearts will go a flutter at Westford’s own Butterfly Place. Marvel at over 500 magnificent butterflies representing over 50 different species from all around the world. Walk along a winding pathway as you observe butterflies basking in the sunshine or drink nectar from flowers, learn more by watching an informative video or talking to the many volunteers or take home a butterfly hatching kit and experience the magic at home. Learn More.

Westford's Kid's League April Vacation Camp Program

Westford’s Kid’s League still has some spots available for their popular full-day vacation break programs. Find out more online.

One Stop Fun

What could be more fun than jumping, ziplining, rock wall climbing or moon walking? We think nothing, so why not check out One Stop Fun’s April vacation program! Learn more on their website.

Kimball Farm

While not all of the activities are open yet, they are serving ice cream, have some animals and have pitch and putt available during April vacation. Nothing says spring/summer in Westford like Kimball Farm.

Escape Room Westford

We mentioned the Escape Room in Westford in our February vacation blog, but it is worth mentioning again. This is a fun way to include the entire family in solving mysteries and clues!

Chelmsford

Known as a family-friendly town with a good school system and community organized events, it is no surprise that we have buyers looking to purchase a home in Chelmsford. It also has several activities to keep kids busy this April vacation.

Freeman Lake – Varney Playgrounds

The residents of North Chelmsford take great pride in their recently renovated play area. Located near Freeman Lake Beach, it includes a basketball court, pathway, baseball field and a huge playground with Medieval structures, ample parking! Don’t forget Fido, the park is pet friendly.

Loch Ness Playcenter

Loch Ness Playcenter in Chelmsford offers drop-in play days for the younger kids. Your child will enjoy bouncing in the bouncy house (better than off your walls, right?), climbing in the castle, doing arts and crafts or just playing with other kids.  Call ahead to make sure there is space or register online.

The Chelmsford Public Library – McKay Library

The building may look familiar to Simpson fans, depicted as Springfield’s Town Hall, it offers a variety of programs for school-aged kids including story time, crafts and a science café! Check out the events schedule.

Littleton

Littleton is fast becoming a top town to purchase a home if you live in or around Littleton and are looking for some kid-friendly place to take the kids, check out Castle in the Trees & Adian’s Playground.

Castle in the Trees and Adian’s Playground

Castle in the Trees and Adian’s Playground is a great community playground located on King Street in Littleton. Kids will enjoy running, climbing and swinging in the fresh air!

General Area

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

If you live in Chelmsford you undoubtedly have taken a stroll or a ride on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Named after Chelmsford’s beloved State Representative, the trail begins in Chelmsford and as of April 3^rd, phase 2A it now extends through Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle and Acton! The trail winds past streams, ponds, woods, and conservation land. Paved and flat, it is ideal for a walk or bike ride on a beautiful spring day!

Learn More or Download a map of the trail system.

City of Lowell

The city of Lowell has much to offer with a variety of museums and restaurants to explore. The Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Lowell National Historic Park, the Quilt Museum and National Streetcar Museum, to name just a few!

Drumlin Farm & Wildlife Sanctuary

If your family is like mine, you love to get out and hike and explore and love nature and animals. That is why the Drumlin Farm in Lincoln is the perfect choice for an afternoon outdoors enjoying nature! Experience first hand what life on a working farm is like, with pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and cows. Or walk the trails to view birds and wildlife, explore the forests, wetlands, and flora of the area.

They also have a great April Vacation program where kids can join for one day or four.