The Edge Sports Center of Bedford is a recreational facility for sports teams of every age. There is an ice rink inside which is the home of a triple A hockey team called the East Coast Wizards and also has open ice skating times for amateur skaters and the public. The local high school hockey teams also play here. In addition, there is an indoor turf which houses the youth soccer, lacrosse, baseball and football teams. This location hosts private birthday parties and other special events. There is an open gym available to adults daily. Equipment rentals and physical therapy are also provided here. Edge is open daily.
The After School Club is a childcare program for school aged children, based out of facilities located at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. On school days the program runs from 2:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m., while during school vacations and in the summer full days are available. The After School Club can only serve a capacity of 45 children at a time. The program is fully licensed with staff trained in first aid and CPR.
This well-known North Reading sports re-seller is located on Main Street (Route 28). At Play It Again Sports, customers may earn cash for used sports gear, trade up for another sports line, buy new items, consign or donate. According to its website, the shop offers a wide range of favorite sports brands like Adidas, Nike, Easton, Wilson and Taylor Made, to name a few.
Tiny Tunes is a music school for children located in the Olde Andover Shopping complex. This location accepts children from infants through 12 years of age. It teaches live music classes each day and have an after school music program. Tiny Tunes also offers a Saturday class.
Boston's Museum of Science is a favorite museum among locals for its varied, relevant, and highly interactive exhibits. There is truly something for everyone; the MoS does not feel like your typical stand-around-and-stare-at-stuff museum. In addition to the museum's ever-changing and always exciting visiting exhibits, there are many permanent exhibits; plan for anywhere from two to five hours to explore the museum. Plus, you have to see an Omni film. And play in the massive gift shop. Maybe just plan to come back again and see what you didn't get to see the first time; there's always more.
Best and worst time to go to the Museum of Science
Because the museum is especially fun for kids and has so many interactive exhibits, it will be crowded when kids are out of school. If possible, go on a weekday, and avoid school vacation weeks when possible. If you must go during a vacation week, go later on in the week. Try to get there when the museum first opens at 9 a.m. or stay until after the kids are all in bed. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights, making for a sweet albeit geeky date night.
Must see/do at the Museum of Science
See a movie at the Mugar Omni Theater. You'll get the most out of this immersive, domed screen experience if you choose a film featuring something underwater or adrenalin-inducing.
The Hayden Planetarium is also very popular as it is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, plus it offers psychadelic laser shows for a more chill evening.
The Lightning! demonstration is one of the museum's oldest and still best shows. The world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator will definitely spark your interest. Get to an early showing, as this popular demo fills up.
Admission to the Museum of Science
You'll pay just over twenty bucks to get in to the museum and only save a few for seniors and children (though kids under three are free). The Omni Theater, Planetarium, 4-D Theater, and Butterfly Garden each cost about another five dollars as an add-on to your museum entry. Each of these special tickets costs about ten dollars if purchased independently.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Museum of Science
Parking at the museum's garage is the most convenient option, though a little pricey. The garage does fill up on weekends and school vacation days; once again, get there early to find a spot and beat the museum crowds. You can also park a half a mile away at the Cambridgeside Galleria garage to save a few bucks (the shorter your museum stay, the more significant the savings, or take the T and save even more. Take the Green Line's E train to Science Park Station and then cross the Charles River over the bridge. Further details and directions from other T stops are available on the museum's website.
Food at the Museum of Science
The Riverview Cafe offers some yummy choices with a splendid view of Boston over the Charles River, but you'll pay a premium. There are a variety of other options including but not limited to burritos, a salad bar, and Starbucks, but if you're on a budget, pack a lunch and save your money for the awesome stuff at the gift shop.
Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Science
It's certainly easy to spend hours aimlessly wandering around the museum, but you can also plan your day ahead of time to make sure you get to see the things you didn't even know you wanted to see. The museum lists daily schedules on the website including live animal demonstrations, drop-in activities and challenges, and theater showtimes. Get tickets online ahead of time for the Omni movie or Planetarium show you really want to see and plan your day accordingly while also spending less time on line at the museum buying tickets.
For Boston visitors or locals playing tourist, save money and time by purchasing a Boston CityPass or Go Boston Card, and search for discount codes for these online. For Boston area locals, check with your town library, as many offer free or discounted day passes.
Friday nights, you can also venture to the roof of the parking garage to visit the Gililand Observatory for free and see the stars with the guidance of a an astronomy expert. Weather permitting, March through November; check the website or call for more details and to see if you'll be the only one there or not.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She still remembers spending an overnight in the museum with her Girl Scout Troop and getting a yellow t-shirt with a T-Rex on it. It was her favorite shirt until her parents went to Paris and got her a new, tres chic Eiffel Tower shirt.
This locally-owned business offers numerous entertainment options for all ages. The 40,000-square-foot facility has 20 bowling lanes, a private bowling suite, pool tables, 30 arcade games, laser tag and event and party rooms. Attached to Pinz is the Blue Dog Sports Bar & Grille, which features American fare and widescreen TVs. Check the Web site for specials and events.
