Moms Talk: Summer Vacations

Suffield Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Suffield.

Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in and welcome three of our Suffield moms, Cami Beiter, Wendy Pierman Miztel and Sherry Paquette. The topic today is summer vacations.

What family activity are you most looking forward to this summer? Is it an annual vacation to a favorite summer spot or day trips to the beach? Maybe something closer to home, like cookouts or trips to the park or the pool? Do you have tips for other moms about especially family-friendly places, locations and activities – a place where there's something for everyone (or at least most of the family)?

Sherry Paquette

Summer will be here before we know it. Given the recent weather conditions and what is forecasted for the near future, it seems like we just might hurdle straight from winter to summer and skip spring altogether.

Summer is a time when even die hard New Englanders – true workaholics with stiff upper lips – have an excuse to idle. Vacation is part of the quintessential American dream.

My sons and I have had a love affair with Vermont for a long time. For a single mom on a tight budget, Vermont has offered many cheap lakeside cabin opportunities with the most fun activities for kids.

 Woodstoves to ward off the damp, cool Vermont evenings and lack of cable television are a recipe for, you guessed it, board games, card games, charades and movies. Mix in popcorn and s’mores and before you know it everyone is laughing and having fun TOGETHER. At night – sitting out on the porch while listening to the crickets chirping and fish jumping – it seriously seems like you can reach out and actually touch the stars.

Southern Vermont has a beautiful town called Wilmington. From the wonderful downtown diner to Lake Whitingham and the town’s short distance to the Green Mountain National Forest, the boys and I have had an absolute blast kayaking, hiking, fishing and canoeing here.

Further north, Joe’s Pond in Danville, VT, just outside of its famous sister, Cabot, is also loads of fun. Continuing northbound, we found Shadow Lake to be a nice little hideaway, and Groton Lake to be fantastic, complete with lakeside rentals of canoes, kayaks and paddleboats.

Crossing over to New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee is a really fun destination, especially for preteens and teenagers. Definitely more commercial, the streets are lined with game rooms, restaurants and boutiques. Body surfing is excellent due to the great waves; a trip on the huge boat Mount Washington is a must, and outdoor concerts at night rock.

Just before my oldest son was due to go off to college last year, we wisely decided that a “staycation” was in order due to dwindling family funds as we prepared our scholar to ship off. Surprisingly, staying home during your vacation week(s) can be awesome! Between day trips and having friends and family over, we had such a fantastic time!

Hang out in Northampton, MA, for a day, and then spend a couple hours at the reservoir in Leeds. Look Park, also in Northampton, has a mini water park, train, bumper boats equipped with squirt guns (so fun!), paddle boats, basketball and baseball fields, grills with firewood, Shakespeare in the Park and more.

Take a drive to Forest Park in Springfield, MA, and then go to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Or head to the beach and incorporate Mystic Sea Aquarium. Closer to home, Barkhamsted Reservoir and Stratton Brook State Park (in West Simsbury) are terrific. Then there is the gem in our own backyard – Sunrise Park! Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, grilling, hiking and a playground – on a mountain in a beautiful New England town!

Some of the most wonderful parts of our vacation at home last summer were the cookouts and bonfires in the backyard with friends and family, followed by games and scary movies. As corny as it sounds, being together really is what counts. Everything else is just geography.

Wendy Pierman Mitzel

Just last week I asked the kids to start listing what things they wanted to do or accomplish this summer.

“Mom…” said my exasperated 12 year old. “Everything I want to do is probably too expensive.”

“Probably,” I said. “But put it down anyway.”

 Each year I have a list in my head of all the things I want to when summer comes: museums, parks, hiking, exploring new towns and learning new skills. And when the season draws to a close, despite having checked off many items, I always find myself disappointed that I haven’t done more. Still, there are a few things from recent years that proved highly successful.

I grew up camping – RVing, really – and while I’m not much of a pitch-a-tent kind of girl, I love the concept of being outdoors with lots of activities at the ready. So I found a way to do camping my way – one of those horse-ranch resorts in upstate New York. I saved some cash and spent a few days “camping out” with the kids.

We rode horses, sang cowboy songs by the fire, went on a hayride and kayaked on a little lake. There was even a small water park and pool inside for when it rained. It made a definite impression on the kids, as they all want to go back. And for me, it was roughing it without the port-a-johns and mosquitoes!

Other summer activities that prove to be repeats each summer incude: indoor ice skating on a really hot day, bowling for the rainy ones, library afternoons, bike rides for ice cream, pool parties with friends and heading up to the baseball diamond for a game of kickball. Then there are the visits to a friend’s place at the shore, quick trips to Sturbridge Village, walking around Boston Commons or heading into New York City to climb the rocks in Central Park.

To me summer is an exercise in planning and spontaneity. Not everything has to cost a lot. But some things do. Summer is time for hands-on education in the school of life. And it starts as soon as that last bell rings!

Cami Beiter

Family activities can be stressful. If you hype it up too much, dreams of getting along, harmonious conversations and keeping within budget can immediately switch to unexpected mishaps, ridiculous arguments and an overweight Visa bill.

I found it’s better to relax and not expect too much. If the vacation or activity turns out well, disappointment is minimal. Live for the moment and roll with the punches.

With this question, one particular activity came to mind. Last summer, my mother flew in for her annual visit. We decided to spend the day together doing mother-daughter things. My husband loaded up the kids, and other visiting relatives, then headed to Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park. The park is located in Portland, CT, about a 30-minute trip from Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury.

I have never been, but when they returned home, conversations were dominated by their experiences of rock climbing, cliff jumping, zip lines and swimming. It sounds a bit extreme, but there were safe and appropriate levels of activity for children of all ages.

Daily passes range from $18 to $28. For $18, a general swimming daily pass can be purchased. This includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and biking. Or for $28, an adventure sports daily pass can be purchased. This includes cliff jumping, zip lines, water slides, water boarding, scuba diving and large inflatable water toys. Equipment and watercraft rentals are not included in the entrance fee.

During the 2011 season, Brownstone Park is providing harnesses and helmets for climbers – you can also bring your own. Complimentary life jackets are available. Season passes are also available.

There is a snack shack on the premises with a wide variety of food options. Park guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. The only limitations are no glassware, alcohol or grilling.

Whether you’re venturing on a summer trip or staying closer to home, Brownstone is a great addition to your family fun list. It offers an interactive and physical activity for the entire family. It’s reasonably priced and offers a wide range of family fun. Brownstone is a great place to go, get wet and enjoy each other’s company. Kids arrive home exhausted. Early bed times are guaranteed.