BaystateParent MASSACHUSETTS’
PREMIER MAGAZINE FOR FAMILIES SINCE 1996
+
The one tip that can save kids from drowning Father’s Day fun: 7 cool events for dads Splash pad & spray park guide
SECRET
gardens Magical places to explore with kids
JUNE 2022 | PRICELESS
2 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
Table of
contents June 2022
volume 27
number 2
in every issue 5 6 7 8 9
Editor’s note Good to Know Finally Forever DIY: Ice Chalk Paints Herding Goofballs
Lemonade, the perfect summer drink, meets strawberry, the yummiest summer fruit.
on the agenda 14
The List: 7 Cool Father’s Day Events
15
Adventures: 18 Things to do with the Kids This Month
bites 20
Goose’s Goodies: Strawberry Lemonade
21
Local moms band together amid formula shortage
features BaystateParent
10
MASSACHUSETTS’
+
PREMIER MAGAZINE
FOR FAMILIES SINCE
1996
JUNE 2022 | PRICELESS
The one tip that can save kids from drowning
Cover Story: Children’s Gardens Your Kids Will Really Dig
Father’s Day fun: 7 cool events for dads Splash pad & spray park guide
SECRET
gardens Magical places to explore with kids
22
These Are The Safest Colors For Children’s Swimsuits
on the cover Max Bernier, 4, of Brookfi eld, sits by a reflecting pond at the Secret Garden in Shrewsbury. AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 3
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2020
MY
favorite GETTY IMAGES
THINGS
BUBBLELICK
editor’s note
GET T
Y IM AGES
Apparently my kids aren’t the only ones who’ve tried to lick the bubble wand. Bub blelick off ers a twist on the beloved child hood activity with edible bubbles – think fl ying candy! Flavors include watermelon, cinnamon roll, cotton candy, and chocolate chip.
The annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl – the sweetest cancer fundraiser ever – moves from Boston to Patriot Place in Fox borough this year. On June 18, enjoy all youcaneat ice cream, live entertainment, games, and more, all for a good cause!
I’ve had four years of kiddie pools and pop sicles, beach days and fi reside s’mores, but I’m counting this as my fi rst real summer as a mom. That’s because for the fi rst time for me, summer ushers in more than sunscreen and slurpees – it marks the end of the school year, and the beginning of months on end with a kid at home. The reprieve from lunchbox packing and that seemingly endless afterschool pick up line is welcome, but I can almost hear him already telling me how bored he is. Though experts say there are actually benefi ts to a little boredom – unscheduled, unstructured time can help kids discover or reconnect with their imagination and creativ ity – it’s good to have some ideas for enter taining the kids up your sleeve. First, fi nd your goto place to cool off this summer. Maybe it’s a pool or sprinkler in the backyard, a town beach, or a sandy seashore. For even more playful water fun, check out the Splash Pad and Spray Park Guide on page 19, with over a dozen places to get your splash on. Part water park, part playground, these sum mer spots are a big hit with kids of all ages. And, since many are free, these cooloff spots are pretty chill with parents, too! You’ll also want some ideas for getting out side. Summer is the perfect time to explore nature, and there are some lovely, local gar dens that are worth a walk. On page 11, we’ve rounded up fi ve gardens created just for kids, including a secret spot in Shrewsbury full of whimsy and wonder, and The Ramble, in Boylston, a justopened woodland retreat at the New England Botanic Garden. Make sure you're stocked up on things to keep the little ones busy at home, too. Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are cheap, easy, and time less. On page 10, see how to take your chalk art to the next level by making ice chalk paints. Perfect for a hot summer day! The next school year will be here before we know it. Until then, enjoy the break, have some fun, and soak it all in. Amanda
Who doesn’t love a donut? June 3 marks National Donut Day and shops are cele brating with a “hole” lotta freebies. Go to baystateparent.com for a roundup of the delicious deals.
WIPEOUT
You might not even have to nag your kid to wear this bike helmet: Wipeout makes dryerase protective gear that children can draw on, wipe off , draw again. In addition to helmets and pads, they just launched a cool dryerase skateboard.
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 5
GOOD TO
know G
ET
TY
IM
AG
ES
v Two kidfriendly establishments are offering free admission on select days this summer. The Discovery Museum in Acton hosts First Friday Nights Free, with nocost admission to explore the museum and Discovery Woods on June 3 from 4:30 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made 10 days in advance.
x Strawberries, spinach and kale are the top offend ers on this year’s Dirty Dozen list, an annual ranking of the most pesticideladen produce by the nonprof it advocacy organization Environmental Working Group.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
GETTY IMAGES
Long Hill, a Trustees estate with lush gardens and walking paths in Beverly, is offering nocost admission once a month through September. The stunning house and gardens, woodland trails, and horticultural learning campus will open for free this month on June 24. Preregistration is required.
Also among the top 12: collard and mustard greens, nectarines, apples, grapes, bell and hot peppers, cherries, peaches, pears, celery and tomatoes. Kale, collard and mustard greens, hot peppers and bell peppers had the most pesticides, according to the group. A single sample of kale, collard and mustard greens had up to 21 different pesticides.
x A new Little Free Library opened at the YWCA of Central Massachusetts Westborough Early Education Childcare Center.
Onions, papaya, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, hon eydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, mushrooms, cantaloupe, mangoes, watermelon and sweet potatoes were also on the “clean” list. Nearly 70% of the fruits and veg gies on the list had no detectable pesticide residues, while just under 5% had residues of two or more pes ticides, the report said.
w The state Department of Recreation will offer free “Learn to Swim” classes at various DCRmanaged pools this summer.
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The lessons are available on a firstcome first serve basis to children ages 4plus and will be held in three, twoweek sessions. Children must be at least 4 years old by the first lesson. Check your local DCR swimming pool’s website to be alerted to when lessons are announced and for registration information. You can find a list of DCR pools at mass.gov/swimming poolswadingpoolsandspraydecks.
6 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
STOREY PU
Want produce with the least amount of pesticides? Avocados, sweet corn and pineapple topped the group’s “Clean Fifteen.”
BLISHING
The group recommends consuming organic versions of these fruits and vegetables if possible, to limit exposure to pesticides.
The Little Free Library will make antiracist literature freely acces sible to children and adults in the community. It’s the second Little Free Library installed in Westbor ough; the first was installed on Juneteenth last year at 27 Olde Coach Road. A map of other book sharing boxes in the state is at littlefreelibrary.org.
x New nature workbooks for kids are building nature literacy and knowl edge while also supporting Mass Audubon. The nonprofit teamed up with North Adamsbased Storey Publishing to create Nature Smarts, a series that just launched with two books featuring outdoor science experiments, puzzles, and handson projects based on the organization’s acclaimed nature camp curriculum. The workbooks, for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 9, introduce kids to the investigation method, geology, earth science, wildlife habits, and basic botany. With activities to do indoors and outdoors, these books are sure to keep kids engaged all summer. Available wherever books are sold, including all Mass Audubon gift shops, Nature Smarts Workbooks $9.95 each with proceeds providing financial aid to Mass Audubon summer programs at wildlife sanctuaries across the state.
FINALLY
forever
June’s Child: Meet Raelynn
Welcome Summer 2022!
Raelynn, 4, is a very special little girl. Raelynn is a sweet young girl of caucasian descent who enjoys play ing with her toys, listen ing to music, going out side on the swings and taking long walks in her stroller. Raelynn also loves receiving attention and having physical con tact with those around her. Her social worker de scribes her as “precious” and “very special.” Raelynn has complex medical needs and with support she has been able to make great progress. She is currently not able to walk or crawl and will most likely be wheel chairdependent. Howev er, her providers say that over the past year she has made great progress in terms of her health and cognitive development and especially in her so cial development. Al though Raelynn has re sided in a medical facility her whole life, she has re cently been able to transi tion to a specialized foster home. Legally freed for adop tion, Raelynn’s social worker is seeking a loving family of any constella tion that is able to support her medical and develop mental needs. Her social worker feels that Raelynn will do well as an only child or with siblings. Any family for Raelynn must be open to helping her maintain a relationship with her paternal grand parents who are very in
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volved in her care and medical treatment. If you’re at least 18, have a stable source of in come and room in your heart, you may be a per fect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married or partnered; ex perienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ+ singles and couples. As an adoptive parent, you won’t have to pay any fees; adoption from foster care is completely free in
Massachusetts. The process to adopt a child from foster care in cludes training, inter views and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you. These steps will help match you with a child or sibling group that your family will fi t well with. To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Ex change at (617) 9646273 or visit www.mareinc.org.
520 Northwest Main Street., Douglas, MA 01516 www.breezysummer.com
BaystateParent BaystatePa rent is a monthly pu blicat dedicated t ion o the families o Massachuse f tts
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We are available at more than 1,000 locations across more than 90 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Do you have a story idea? Email your suggestion to acollinsbernier@gannett.com
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 7
DIY
Ice Chalk Paints While this activity can be done indoors using a large sheet of paper, it is best done outdoors on a hard surface so that your children can make huge movements as they explore the diff erent color paints.
What You Need
Chalk Paint
h Chalk paint or Tastesafe chalk paint (see recipes at right)
h Colored chalks
h Adhesive putty h Icecube trays h Popsicle sticks h Paintbrush
Preparation & Instructions 1. Make your chalk paints in several colors the night before you want to do this activity.
HOW TO CREATE LITTLE HAPPY LEARNERS
2. Press a little adhesive putty into the bottom of each compartment in the icecube trays. 3. Push a popsicle stick into each piece of putty. 4. Pour the various colors of chalk paint into the tray and freeze overnight.
h 1 tablespoon water per color Place a colored chalk stick in a sealable plastic bag (one color per bag). Using a rolling pin or hammer, crush the chalk into a fi ne powder. Add the water and stir until a paste forms.
Taste-Safe ‘Chalk’ Paint h 1 tablespoon cornstarch h 2 tablespoons water h Gel food coloring Place the cornstarch, water and a drop of food coloring in a bowl and mix well. Continue mixing in the coloring a drop at a time until you get the shade you want. Repeat this process to make as many colors as you like.
Through the Ages AGE 1+ Make tastesafe chalk paint and spread out a large sheet of paper. Explore with your toddler how the paints melt. Can you paint a rainbow together? AGE 2+ Experiment with the ice cubes. Prompt your child to paint their hands and feet, and to make footprints. AGE 3+ Encourage your child to make different marks with the ice cubes. Prompt them to use the
popsicle sticks, their hands and feet, and even a paintbrush. What do they notice happens when they change tools? AGE 4+ Look at a wet painting and then look at a dry painting. What does your child notice is different between wet and dry paint? AGE 5+ Explore mixing the chalk paint colors. Can it be done? What happens to each of the colors? Prompt your child to tell you exactly what they have painted.
Excerpted from “How to Create Little Happy Learners” by Sophie David, which features 60 fun, tried and tested activities for parents and their children to enjoy. 8 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
HERDING
goofballs
CHECKING IN Josh Farnsworth Guest Columnist
1. The lights of downtown Montreal. 2. A glamorous, modern ball at the nicest club in the city. 3. On a historic American fi eld watching a Civil War era cannon fi re a shot into the night sky. 4. Small, stinky feet jamming into my ribs in a cook ie cutter hotel room. Those are some of the impactful sights I have been lucky enough to witness on New Year’s Eves through out my life. You have one guess to solve the mystery of which one of those examples came while with kids. (Hint: my ribs are on the mend.) No. 4 occurred this past New Year’s Eve. It’s a holi day that lost much of its luster for me once sleep be came more scattered in parenthood. In an eff ort to re vitalize the holiday, our family of four decided to grab a hotel room close to the coast so we could watch the fi rst sunrise of the new year come up over the Atlantic Ocean. Despite a cloudy morning ruining the sun’s fi rst tri umphant hello of 2022, the weekend was a complete success thanks to an unlikely hero: the hotel. After spending three separate nights at three diff er ent modest hotels in the past six months, nothing has captured my two boys’ amazement and collective wonder as an overnight stay in a chain hotel.
Our rooms are hardly the high roller suites in a swanky Las Vegas casino. Nope. Just the ones where the smell of burnt lobby coff ee collides with waves of chlorine hitting you when the door to the pool room opens and shuts. The experience of staying at a localish hotel seems backwards: diverting money from my mortgage obli gation of paying for the rooms in my building (Read: home) to pay extra for money to sleep in a diff erent room of a diff erent building. After our third such overnight stay, it was clear how excited my kids get when staying at a hotel. Namely, the fl ood of tears that comes when it is time to leave is a dead giveaway. What wasn’t so clear was one ques tion… Why?? The things they were reacting so positively to didn’t help answer anything… Them: “We have a bed!” Me: “You HAVE a bed at home. And it’s bigger there.” Them: “We have a weird, cool thing in this closet.” Me: “That’s an iron. We won’t be needing to iron your Sonic the Hedgehog shirt today. Also, once again, we have one at home.” Them: (looking at a single plastic cup in the room
covered by a clear plastic bag) “It’s so fancy!” Me: Fancy? We routinely buy 100 of these at a time for $3. Them: (Gasp). “They have Starburst candies in the vending machine!” Me: You have Starburst candies in your luggage right there! Remember that you begged me to get some? They didn’t remember. Oh well. Without question, the biggest attraction at the hotel is the pool. And I get it. To swim anywhere in New Eng land before Memorial Day without a wetsuit is a lavish treat. But on one of our stay overs, the pool declared swimmable and open by hotel personnel sat cold and cloudy with a deep green fi lm forming at the bottom. Still, it was to quote two young goofballs I was stay ing with, the “best trip ever!” Did the greensludged pool fumes impact their judgment? Their overwhelming joy couldn’t have been the al lure of the continental breakfast either. With their food allergies, other eating arrangements were made. So close to the doityourself waffl e maker, yet so far from an answer. Why then? Why? I asked them plenty of questions in the days that followed each trip to learn what I could. After listening to their answers, remembering their reactions and the answer became clear. We broke our routine and created a new experience. That’s it. While it may seem a bit hilarious to think of kids needing to break free of the daily grind, that’s some times what everyone needs, age 4114. We invested our time and energy and found a way to provide each other with a new adventure even if much of the “new expe rience” was doing what we normally do in a diff erent setting. While our muse seems to be an occasional trip to a hotel, I could see other families fi nding similar new ex perience traditions ones that don’t need to cost a dime. Just think, plan and go. You’ll be rewarded, I promise. If you could see the reaction they got from a wrapped paper cup or a vend ing machine snack, you’d understand. These hotels might as well have been the twinkling Montreal New Year’s lights or the fancy ball in the big city. Maybe even better. No, defi nitely better. Taking a New Year’s Eve trip to a hotel is offi cially our new tradition. Here’s to hoping we see the sun this time around. Even if we don’t, there will still be plenty of coff ee waiting for me in the lobby to keep me awake. And that burnt smell? It’s just the scent of our one night home away from home. Josh Farnsworth is a husband, father of goofballs Cooper and Milo, goofball himself, and awardwin ning writer and columnist living in Worcester. He can be reached for column ideas at josh.farnsworth@ya hoo.com. BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 9
cover story
W
E D R N ING A
welcome
The Ramble, a garden for kids, opens at New England Botanic Garden Amanda Collins Bernier Bay State Parent Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK
E
arthy and colorful, with so much to see and smell, a botanical garden might just be the perfect place for children to explore, though it might not be the fi rst place parents think of bringing them. But a newly opened space at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill more than wel comes curious kids – “it’s an explicit invitation,” says the organization’s CEO.
10 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
Grace Elton describes The Ramble, a whimsical 1.5 acre garden, as “not a playground, not just garden, but somewhere in between.” It offi cially opened in May at the sprawling botanical garden in Boylston, formerly known as Tower Hill. “This is a huge invitation,” Elton said, referring to kids and families. “This is a space that we created just for you.” While the entire 170acre campus, with its 18 dis tinct gardens, open woodland spaces, hiking trails and apple orchard, has always been family friendly, Elton said they’re hoping to draw more children and parents with the addition of “a little whimsy and a little fun.” The Ramble has been in the works for at least a doz en years, as the NEBG community dreamed of a garden that would inspire the next generation of nature lov ers. Designed by renowned landscape architect and artist W. Gary Smith, it’s among a growing number of gardens created for children that have popped up around the country in recent years, according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation. But community chil dren’s gardens date back much further; one of the fi rst, according to the American Horticultural Society, is the River Farm Children’s Garden, based in Alexandria, Virginia, which opened in the 1990s and includes sev eral themed areas for kids including a bat cave and a prairie garden. With fully accessible paths and immersive activ ities, The Ramble draws families in ways not possible at Tower Hill in the past. Children can climb and scramble tree stumps in the “Stumerpy,” crawl through a tunnel of woven branches, or play lawn games in the grass. It’s a botanical garden where parents won’t fi nd themselves yelling “don’t touch that!” Still, it has the stately beauty you’d expect from a botanical garden. Landscaped with hundreds of pe rennials, shrubs, and trees, it features a brook, a pond, and waterfall. “It’s more of a childscale garden that really wel comes them and use their imagination,” said Elton. There’s also an outcrop amphitheater, a pavilion for outdoor classes, picnic tables, and quiet spots for reading or drawing. A forage garden with edible plants will be used to teach children where food comes from. Familyfriendly amenities at The Ramble include bathrooms and handwashing stations. Inside, there is a Mamava lactation pod for breastfeeding or pumping parents. The New England Botanic Garden has long boasted unique off erings for children and families. They hold workshops like fairy house making and insect safaris, themed weeklong celebrations over school vacations, and Garden Bud classes geared toward preschoolers. Elton says the opening of The Ramble will make for even more robust children’s programming. The space will host drop in activities, nature play days, and even birthday parties. “Every day of the week there will be something go ing on,” she said. New England Bontanic Garden is dogfriendly and open daily 10 a.m.5 p.m. Tickets are available inper son, or online at negb.org.
The new garden is fully accessible. TOP: Daily activities for kids will be offered at NEBG’s newest garden. FACING: A tunnel of woven branches for children to crawl through at The Ramble. PHOTOS COURTESY NEW ENGLAND BOTANIC GARDEN AT TOWER HILL
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 11
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4 MORE
gardens YOUR KIDS WILL REALLY DIG
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Weezie’s Garden for Children at The Garden at Elm Bank
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Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley boasts this playful garden for kids. Inspired by an unfurling fern, the garden layout mimics a series of fern fronds, each ‘frond’ or ‘room’ off ering a diff erent theme to engage the senses. Rooms include a pollinator garden, backyard wildlife garden, and more. A highlight of this garden is the misting water feature surrounded by colorful stones. The stones are petrifi ed wood, a form of fossil, which ties into the prehistor ic plants and ginkgo tree growing nearby. Stop to smell the fragrant fl owers in the Pollinator Garden, which support diff er ent pollinators, such as bees, moths, and butterfl ies. Then, feel the fuzzy leaves of lamb’s ear and mullein as you settle into the birds’ nests of the Backyard Wildlife Garden. Listen to the babbling water in the New England Waterways Garden and search for fi sh and tadpoles hiding in the shade of plants that grow there. Look for themes like a Native American Garden and a Victory Garden. Weezie’s Garden for Children is among 16 distinct gardens at the 36acre Garden at Elm Bank, including a Goddess Garden, Temple and Asian Garden, and a Maple Grove where concerts, picnics and events are held. Massachusetts Horticultural Society hosts an array of youth and family pro grams. Dropin programs are off ered three mornings a week: Garden Tails Story Time on Mondays and Wednesdays and Family Fun in the Garden on Saturdays. Throughout the year, seasonal events feature activities geared toward children and families, including Christmas in July from July 2331. The Garden at Elm Bank is open daily, April 1 through Oct. 31. Children 12 and under are free. More at masshort.org.
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Amanda Collins Bernier Bay State Parent Magazine | USA TODAY NETWORK
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12 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Children’s Discovery Garden at the Berkshire Botanical Garden
Located on 100 acres on the banks of Shawme Pond in Sandwich, Heritage Museums and Gardens have something for everyone, and something extra special for kids. The twoacre Hidden Hollow, designed for children between the ages of 210, is a place for explo ration of the outdoors with a variety of play areas and monthly themes. Children can climb stepping stumps, navigate log balance beams, construct forts, create na tureinspired art, build with blocks, dig in sand, ex periment with water, make music, engage in sensory investigation with plants, and more. The most popular feature in Hidden Hollow is the splash area, which allows kids to safely experiment with water and its properties. There is also a Discovery Trail with a StoryWalk, a grassy space for running and rolling, a building area, treehouse and even “bee ho tels.” Hidden Hollow is one of the fi rst certifi ed Nature Explore Classrooms in New England and was the fi rst certifi ed Nature Explore Classroom at a museum. Outside of Hidden Hollow, Heritage off ers three gal lery buildings housing permanent exhibits of world class automobiles, a working vintage carousel, Amer ican folk art, and featured special exhibitions. You can wander through collections of hydrangeas, daylilies, hostas, herb, heather gardens, and more than a thou sand varieties of trees, shrubs and fl owers along beau tiful and easily walked paths. Heritage will host several familyfriendly events throughout the summer, including food truck nights, Wampanoag Heritage Day, and an Earth Extravaganza Day. Heritage Museums and Gardens is open from April 23 to Oct. 16, 10 a.m.5 p.m. daily. More at heritage museumsandgardens.org.
A day trip to Stockbridge off ers plenty for kids at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. The Children’s Discovery Garden is an interactive garden with a colorful purple playhouse, food crops and fl owers. Playful features in clude a fairy garden and a tic tac toe set carved from wood. Children will love venturing into the other 30+ gar dens at the 24acre center, including an Edible Garden (sampling is allowed!), a wideopen Meadow Walk where they can run amid the wildfl owers, and a new Topiary Garden featuring 21 “live” sculptures including a waterspouting elephant and other creatures. You’ll also want to check out The Fitzpatrick Conservatory, an historic curved glass house, home to a container ized collection of succulents and tropical plants. The Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Rose Garden will be in bloom in June, and its historic Daylily Walk will be blooming in late July. A series of Monday evening concerts kicks off on July 12. The grounds are open daily, May 1 through Oct. 31, 95 p.m. Children under 12 are free. More at berkshirebotanical.org.
AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
Hidden Hollow at Heritage Museums & Gardens
Shrewsbury Secret Garden Off a residential street in Shrewsbury, a shady path full of wonder and whimsy loops through the woods. Known as the “Secret Garden,” it’s the pet project of a man who goes by Chief Joseph, and welcomes the young and young at heart to wander through – free of charge. The path starts right at the pond on Stoney Hill Rd., just at the intersection of Nightingale Drive. There is plenty of free street parking. Along the pond you’ll fi nd various artwork, statues, benches and a towering totem pole. A Little Free Li brary off ers free books for kids and adults. Then, the path branches off to the left, into the woods and along a stream – and this is where it gets truly magical. There is whimsical artwork and statues hidden in every nook cranny of this short, woodsy path. Look up, look down – there are little details everywhere. Inspi rational quotes are dotted among the trees, sparkling baubles dangle from branches, and wind chimes make music in the breeze. There’s spaces to sit next the stream, footbridges to cross, and even a display of painted rocks to explore. The real hit with the kids are the seemingly endless statues and sculptures that greet them along the path. There’s a giant stone turtle, a Big Foot, a Santa Claus, and a towering castle. A favorite among the little ones is the massive sitting bear nestled among the trees. His giant, open paw makes the perfect place to sit for a photo.
Presenting puppets, princesses, pirates, storytelling and much more! Call today for more information All Ages. Birthday Parties, Schools, Fairs, Day Care Centers, Etc.
HERITAGE MUSEUM AND GARDENS
www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832
WM-30215858
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 13
the list Father’s Day Bash at Stevens-Coolidge North Andover This twoday bash features a picnic and concert in the stunning gardens of StevensCoolidge House & Gardens. Visiting food and brewery vendors will dish out eats and drinks. The music lineup features Dwayne Haggins Band and Cold Chocolate. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Preregistration is required for all participants over 2 years old. Adults $20, children $5; members $12/$3.
GETTY IMAGES
BBQ & Bluegrass at Powisset
Father’s Day Road Race & Family Fun Walk
From a picnic at the ballpark to a quiet hike in the woods, here are some fun happenings to celebrate dad.
Easton The Children’s Museum in Easton hosts its 26th annual Father’s Day Road Race and Family Fun Walk, a looping 5k course in the historic North Easton Village. The course is mostly flat with a couple of rolling hills. Fun for kids will be offered in the Wild Place, the mu seum’s certified nature outdoor learn ing center. Stay after the race to cele brate the museum’s 30th anniversary. Registration fee is $35 day of race, or $30 in advance.
Father’s Day Picnic at Polar Park
Father’s Day Car Show
Pizza, Beer, BBQ & Bluegrass
Worcester The home of the WooSox is hosting a Father’s Day filled with baseball, bever ages, and burgers as the Worcester Red Sox take on the Toledo MudHens. A special Father’s Day Picnic ticket in cludes access to the Hanover Deck and an allyoucaneat buffet of burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and more start ing at noon. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m., and after the final out is made, fans are welcome to come down onto the field for Kids Run the Bases. Tickets $41.
Hyannis Rare, antique, classic and muscle cars – and other 4wheeled surprises – line both sides of Hyannis’ historic, seaside Main Street. Check out over 300 cars from around New England and New York at the largest car show in New England. Join in the fun at the craft show on Hyannis Village Green (Sat urday and Sunday) plus family and chil dren’s entertainment. Admission is free.
Hamilton Bring Dad to Appleton Farms on Fa ther’s Day weekend for some local beer, local BBQ and great, live bluegrass music. Craft breweries will serve up cold suds while Fat Belly BBQ serves up fantastic barbecue from their food truck. Enjoy lawn games and live music throughout the afternoon. Tickets are by the car, $10 for Trustees members and $20 for nonmembers. Space is limited and preregistration is suggest ed.
7 COOL THINGS TO DO WITH DAD ON
Father’s Day
14 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
Dover BBQ, beer and bluegrass music – the perfect recipe for Father’s Day! Bring dad and the family for a summer expe rience at Powisset Farm including au thentic Blue Ribbon Barbecue, live blue grass music, lawn games and visits with the barnyard animals. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic blankets or claim a picnic table. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Ticket price includes barbecue, sides and nonalco holic beverages. Adults $65, children $25; members $52/$20.
Father’s Day Hike at Cormier Woods Uxbridge Treat Dad to a morning trek for Father’s Day. Guides will lead your family through the beautiful Cormier Woods and take stops to identify birds, local plant life, and the unique history of the property. Don’t forget to bring your thermos, as complimentary coffee will be provided at the start of the hike. Adults $10, children $5; members $5/ free.
Father’s Day Deals & Freebies Discounted $20 admission for fathers at Southwick’s Zoo, Sat urday and Sunday, June 1819. Free admissions for fathers at Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo, Sunday, June 19. Advance online tickets are required for all other guests. Free admission and compli mentary massages for dads at Davis Farmland Saturday and Sunday, June 1819. Must reserve “Dad’s Free Ticket” online.
ON THE
agenda y Sunset Family Owl Prowls
JUNE ADVENTURES
June 4, 11, 18 & 25 Royalston Learn about the owls that breed in Massachusetts during this guided fam ily hike at Tully Lake Campground. Learn how to identify owls by call, where to fi nd them, and how owls can successfully hunt at night. On the trail, listen for owls along Long Pond. End the night with a bedtime story – “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen. Adults $15, cildren $10; members $9/$6. thetrustees.org.
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17 things to do with the kids this month
x Worcester Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival June 4 Worcester Enjoy a day of eating, drinking...and eating some more at the 10th Annual Worcester Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival on the Worcester Common. Thirty of New England's most popular food trucks will dish out fan favorites while 50+ na tional, regional and local craft beers will be available to wash it all down. Enjoy lawn games, live music, free face painting and familyfriendly fun. Mexican street corn, delicious jumbo sausages, yummy whoopie pies and more are on the lineup. Tickets start at $5; children under 12 free. showpass.com/worcester.
THE TRUSTEES
x Family Days at Fruitlands June 4 & 18, July 2 Harvard Fruitlands Museum hosts storytimes and related art activities for children and families in these biweekly pro grams, using art and storytelling to sup port positive identity development in young children and encourage a greater understanding of themselves and ap preciation for the natural world. Story times are scheduled for 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. with other activities ongoing. Your ticket includes admission to the grounds and museum galleries. Adults $12, children $6, members free. thetrustees.org.
MUSEUM OPEN WED. - SUN. 10 AM TO 5 PM
“An absolute must see for history lovers!” - Google Review
w Seuss-iversary
SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS
June 4 Springfi eld A day of family fun at the Springfi eld Museums in celebration of the 5th anni versary of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the 20th anniversa ry of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Meet several Dr. Seuss characters including The Lorax, Thing 1 & 2, The Grinch, and The Cat in the Hat. Take on Seussthemed chal lenges and enjoy handson activities and free face painting. Included with admission. springfi eldmuseums.org.
568 Main Street, Hudson, MA (978) 562-9182
www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 15
THE HANOVER THEATRE
y Strawberry Festival June 11 Topsfi eld Bowls and bowls of fresh strawber ries, whipped cream and piles of short cakes are prepared and served up at this annual festival. Enjoy community booths, fi ne artisans, a book sale, live music and plenty of games for the kids. Free. topsfi eldhistory.org.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
x Walk for Birthdays
x Blippi the Musical
THE TRUSTEES
y ARTfull Play June 8 Lincoln A playbased hour at deCordova fea turing a unique opportunity to engage with art, stories, materials, nature, and new friends. The conversation and sto ries start just after 10:30 a.m., then look at the art, and create your own inspired by what you’ve seen and heard. Best for children ages 25 accompanied by a ca regiver. Advance tickets required. Tickets include admission to the Mu seum and Sculpture Park. $18. thetrustees.org.
x OUT at the Farm June 10 Dover Delicious farmfresh food, beautiful views, lawn games and live music make Powisset Farm Dinners a “must do” on your summer bucket list. At this low key, farm to table experience, you can enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine, munch on an hors d’oeuvre, play lawn games and then enjoy a delicious dinner made with farm ingredients. This Farm Dinner is part of Powisset’s OUT at the Farm monthlong celebration, to which all are welcome. Registration for this event will close 48 hours in advance. Adults $75, children $30, members $60/$24. thetrustees.org. 16 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
THE TRUSTEES
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y Women’s History Weekend at OSV June 11 & 12 Sturbridge How did early 19thcentury women see themselves? How did society view the woman’s sphere? Stop outside the historic houses of Old Sturbridge Village to learn about how women ran their households, managing the essential work of clothes construction, cooking, laundry, and more. Join interpreters in the gardens for talks on Indigenous plants, medicine, and discussions on the roles of women and children in gar dening. Beyond the domestic sphere, explore issues surrounding gender, freedom, and rights occurring during the 1830s through readings of fi rstper son accounts of the 19th century. In cluded with admission. osv.org.
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
June 7 Worcester This oneofakind show brings Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world class production, audience engagement and amazing music. In the live show, children will learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along. This show contains fl ashing lights, fog, and confetti. Tickets start at $42. thehanovertheatre.org.
June 12 Newton This fundraising walk raises critical ly needed funds for Birthday Wishes, a local nonprofi t that provides birthday parties for homeless children. Walk or jog along the Cochituate Rail Trail then stay for family fun including games, music, kids activities, and amazing raf fl e prizes. You'll also have the opportu nity to join the biggestever Birthday inaBox building event where you can help fi ll a BirthdayinaBox that will go directly to a birthday kid. Registration is $35 per adult and $20 per child. Chil dren 3 and under are free and do not need to register. birthdaywishes.org.
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x Stroller Tours at deCordova June 15 Lincoln Visit deCordova with your little one for a date with art, history and the land scape. Trained guides off er a unique onehour stroller tour of sculptures in the park. Each tour is a lively conversa tion about artist, process, materials, and deCordova’s rich history. Ask the guides about your favorite sculpture, new acquisitions, or the history of Ju lian deCordova himself. Each group size is limited to 5 and tickets must be pur chased in advance. Best for parents and caregivers with children newborn to 2 years old. $20, members $12. thetrustees.org.
y On-the-River Science Cruise
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June 25 Merrimack River Explore the lower Merrimack River ecosystem with a Mass Audubon educator and the crew of the Yankee Clipper during this handson science cruise. Do some birdwatching, examine marine plankton, and investigate tide pool touch tubs on every trip. Enjoy cruising and learning about this vital part of the area's natural history. Register by 4 p.m. the day before the program, which is also off ered July 30 and Aug. 20. massaudubon.org.
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June 18 Westford The historic Westford Common hosts this annual event featuring delicious food, creative crafts and entertainment. Feast on strawberry shortcake, groove to live music and peruse oneofakind crafts and specialty items from an array of exhibi tors. Free. fi rstparishwestford.org.
3 MONTH Summer MEMBERSHIPS Don’t just join a gym, join a community! No enrollment Fee!
Join by July 1 and receive 4 guest passes • Outdoor & Indoor Pool • Virtual & Studio Live Classes • Full Fitness Center • Pickleball • Outdoor & Indoor Basketball Courts • Summer Camp* • Preschool And More! *6-month+ membership must be in effect thru 8/31/2022 for members pricing.
The JCC is a great mix of friends from all backgrounds, cultures and ages!
WM-30291888
633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA • www.worcesterjcc.org • 508.756.7109 BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 17
THE TRUSTEES
y Summer of Reptiles at Davis Farmland Daily starting June 18 Sterling Reptile Man, Michael Ralbovsky from Rainforest Reptile Shows, is spending the summer at Davis Farmland. Enjoy daily, handson reptile shows, a tortoise exhibit, eyespy turtle pond, giant snakes, lizards, alligators and other slitherin’ summer fun! Through Labor Day. Included with admission. davisfarmland.com.
x Summer Concerts with the Concord Band
THE TRUSTEES
DEREK T. STERLING
Wednesdays beginning June 22 Harvard Gather on the lawn at the Fruitlands Museum for a picnic concert with stun ning sunset views. The Concord Band, a group of 65 musicians from 40 area towns, will treat concertgoers to a fun roster of timeless music, including pieces memorializing historic events, show tunes, holiday favorites and more. Concerts begin at 7:15 p.m., gates open at 5. Concerts run every Wednesday through July 13. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and picnic basket. Dogs welcome. $20 per carload; members $15. thetrustees.org.
x Trustees Quest Daily Various locations The Trustees Quest is an outdoor, selfguided exploration experience for fam ilies with schoolaged children at fi ve Trustees properties spread out across the state. Navigate through the properties by following fun clues while discovering ex citing places and fun activities along the way. To participate, sign up for Trustees Quest and receive clues to follow that lead to a special location at each property where you can scan a QR code and earn a digital badge. Hikes at each of the fi ve properties take between 3060 minutes each, and no special gear is required to participate. The fi ve properties are: Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffi eld; Copicut Woods, Fall River; Long Hill, Beverly; Rock House Reservation, West Brookfi eld; and Rocky Woods, Medfi eld. Free. thetrustees.org.
SensoryFriendly/Inclusive Programs
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SensoryFriendly Films:
x Hike with Goats Weekends in June Southborough Take a leisurely hike through Chestnut Hill Farm’s beautiful grounds and trails, accompanied by one or more of their friendly goats. Hiking with goats is a fun and unique way to spend some time in nature and make some cuddly goat friends at the same time. Your reservation gets you and your group of family or friends an hour long experience with a friendly goat on its own harness and leash. Bring your pa tience and sense of adventure. Group tickets for up to four people are $95; members $75. Children under 4 are free. Preregistration is required. thetrustees.org. 18 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
AMC Theatres off ers familyfriendly movie showings with the lights up and sound down on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Check local listings for specifi c showtimes.
Morningstar Program at Boston Children’s Museum: Saturday, June 4. Children with spe cial needs/medical needs can visit the museum with few other visitors. Regis tration required.
Sensory Friendly Hour at Apex: Sunday, June 5. Enjoy all that Apex Entertainment in Marlborough has to off er in a sensoryfriendly environment.
SensoryFriendly Afternoon at Discovery Museum: Tuesday, June 7. Group visits and
birthday parties are not scheduled, to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits. Registration required.
Sensory Friendly Saturday at Springfi eld Museums: Saturday, June 11. Exhibits modifi ed and sensoryfriendly crafts off ered.
Evening for Families with D/HH and KODA Children: Saturday, June 11. Play and explore in the ADAcompliant and universally de signed museum during this special, free afternoon dedicated to families with d/ Deaf, hard of hearing, and KODA chil dren. The museum will be closed to the general public and headcount will be limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. Dinner, includ ing a glutenfree option, will be provid ed. Advance registration is required.
feature
Make a
splash!
Pond and has a lighted basketball court, playground, athletic fields and a water spray facility. Take a walk to the fishing pier and boat ramp. Waltham: Nipper Maher Park 65 Dartmouth St. Stand under a giant spraying flower or run through the geysers at this park that features a playground, basketball and tennis courts.
Splash pads and spray parks to cool off at this summer Arlington: North Union Spray Park 60 N. Union St. This park has a playground, athletic fields, picnic area, basketball hoops and a seasonal Spray Park. Picnic area and fields are available for rent; permit re quired. Belmont: Beaver Brook Reservation Spray Deck & Playground 621 Trapelo Rd. A softsurface spray deck with multiple zones and different activation se quences. Children can scramble across the rocks and splash in popup sprin klers at this woodsy retreat. Ponds and a waterfall make this 59acre park’s a great place for a walk or picnic. Boston: Christian Science Center Splash Fountain Massachusetts Ave. The long reflecting pool at this Boston landmark mirrors the Christian Science Church and the Back Bay skyline. The fountain at the northern end of the pool features 180 water jets that shoot di rectly out of the ground, providing endless fun for little ones. Boston: Boston Frog Pond Spray Pool 38 Beacon St. Located on the historic Boston Com mon, Frog Pond Spray Pool is a favorite among city dwellers and visitors alike. Big kids can splash their way to the giant, spraying fountain in the middle of the wading pool, while littler ones can soak in the outskirts.
Take a dip in the lake, play in the sand, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the spa cious grounds. The big draw here are the three 300foot waterslides. BREEZY PICNIC GROUNDS
Fitchburg: Park Hill Splash Park 27 Franklin Rd. Kids can splash in geysers and run through colorful waterspraying rings. Nearby in the park, enjoy a skatepark, play area and sports fields. Hudson: Cellucci Park Splash Pad 15 Houghton St. Kiddos can run under fountains and through geysers to cool off at this park, which also features a playground and skatepark. Marlboro: Ghiloni Park 239 Concord Rd. Along with a splash pad, you’ll find a skate park, basketball courts, athletic fields, a walking track and nature trails. Medway: Choate Park 7 Oak St. Choate Park has a fencedin playground that has a small splash pad open to the public in summer. Adjacent to this is a large shade structure with picnic tables. There is a walking path around the pond. Oxford: Carbuncle Pond Splash Pad 12 Carbuncle Dr. Cool off at the fencedin 4,000square foot splash area with several water spray features , or head over to the beach to swim in the pond.
Concord: Emerson Playground & Spray Fountain 261 Thoreau St. A small splash pad is part of this park that includes a playground with slides, accessible swings, a zip line and climb ing structures, basketball courts, a walking track, athletic fields, shady picnic areas and more. Look for the button to turn on the splash pad near the Recreation Center.
Sterling: Adventure Spray & Play at Davis Farmland 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling This spray park features two spray pads one for toddlers and one for multi generational fun. Play in misters, sprin klers and geysers and cool off under the water tower or giant sunflowers. There’s also a kiddy car wash, slip and slide and inflatable waterslide.
Douglas: Breezy Picnic Grounds & Waterslides 520 Northwest Main St.
Topsfield: Bradley Palmer Spray Deck 40 Asbury St. A play area, shady spots for picnics and
a kidactivated spray deck make this a popular place in the summer. The wad ing pool is large and shallow perfect for little ones. Waltham: Drake Playground 3 Hazel St. Find children’s play structures, basket ball courts, athletic fields and a water spray facility. Opens at 3 p.m. on school days. Waltham: Lazazzero Playground 7 Shore Rd. This neighborhood park abuts Hardy
Come cel
Worcester: Cristoforo Colombo Spray Park (East Park) 180 Shrewsbury St. This splash park also features a pad dedsurface playground, climbing structures, amphitheater and acres of undeveloped hillsides with trail connec tions to Bell Pond Park and Green Hill Park leading all the way to Lake Quinsi gamond. Worcester: Greenwood Spray Park 14 Forsberg St. Splash in the sprinklers to cool off at this park on the south end of the city, then enjoy a nature trail, picnic area and sporting fields.
years of 0 4 te ebra
Discovery!
Free! STEM + Movie Nights on the Lawn 7:30pm - 10:00pm June 23 - A Bug’s Life July 21 - FernGully August 11 - Hidden Figures
Free! Community Day
Month of 1982 Admission Prices
September 10
October 1 - 31
and more! 177 Main Street, Acton discoveryacton.org 978-264-4200
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 19
GOOSE’S
goodies
HOMEMADE
Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients 4 lemons 41⁄ 2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed and halved ⁄ 2 cup sugar (more or less to taste)
1
Water ice Directions Place strawberries and one cup of the water into a blender and blend until liquefi ed.
L
emonade, the perfect summer drink, meets strawberry, the yummiest summer fruit. Whip up a batch after taking the kids strawberry picking, or any time you’re craving a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Juice the lemons. You should get about 1 cup of lemon juice. In a bowl or pitcher, mix the sugar with about 1⁄ 2 cup of hot water. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. In a 2quart pitcher, add strawberry juice, lemon juice, and the sugar mixture. Fill the pitcher halfway with ice, then add 4 to 5 cups water. Stir. Give it a taste. Add more sugar, if desired. Serve cold, and enjoy!
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AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
Known as “Goose” to her grandkids, Laurie Silva Collins has perfected her recipes over years of cooking for her three daughters and six grandchildren. 20 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
bites
‘It takes a
Local moms band together amid formula shortage Amanda Collins Bernier Bay State Parent Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
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village’ A
s the mom of a boy born as the world shut down in March 2020 and a girl born in April 2021, Kerry Cole has only known pandem ic parenting. h Diapers and infant formula were sometimes hard to come by when her son was born, so the second time around, Cole knew to be prepared. She stocked up on the necessities before the birth of her daughter. h Still, the current formula shortage is nothing she could have prepared for. “Honestly, it’s terrifying,” said Cole. “We’re being very strategic, but it’s get ting harder and harder.” At least 43% of baby formula sellers were out of stock nationwide for the week ending May 8, according to Da taAssembly. Supply chain issues and a major recall have meant empty shelves and panicked parents, as moms and dads scramble to fi nd food for their ba bies. Stores that do have formula in stock are imposing strict purchase limits. Cole spends her lunch break scouring stores’ online stock. She said she’s lucky – her daughter is on a basic formula that’s easier to come by than specialty types – but she’s still been searching
within 30 minutes of her home in Stur bridge, and her work, in Springfi eld. “I feel confi dent that we’ll be OK for the next couple weeks, but beyond that, who knows,” she said. “We’re coming up with plans and strategies; things I never thought I’d have to think about as a mom. I’m writing down questions for my pediatrician that I never thought I’d have to ask.” The infant formula shortage has con tinued to intensify since February when Abbott, the maker of about 40 percent of the nation’s baby formula, recalled three types of powdered mix that were linked to the hospitalization of at least four ba bies. Two of them died. An Abbott plant that’s been closed
since the recall is expected to reopen in the next two weeks, contingent on FDA approval, but the company announced last week that from that point, “it will take six to eight weeks before product is available on shelves.” For moms like Stephanie Carlson, of Dudley, that means at least two more months of “desperation.” Her sixmonth old needs a hypoallergenic formula that was part of the recall, and now is almost impossible to fi nd. After having to throw out 12 recalled cans, she’s tried giving her son several other specialty formulas, but hasn’t found anything else that he can tolerate. “Every week we have no idea how we’ll fi nd the next bunch,” she said. She has family and friends in Western Mass., Cape Cod, and even as far as California and Minnesota, on the lookout. “When they said it takes a village, it really does,” she said. On Facebook, the virtual “village” is growing by the day. Charlton mom Kris tina Harper started the group “Baby For mula Hike and Seek,” which has amassed hundreds of followers in just one week. Members post photos of formula shelves at local stores along with the date and time of the spotting. Harper, whose oldest child is 3 and well beyond the bottlefeeding age, said she was moved to start the group after seeing the so many local friends in a pan ic. “I saw people driving up to two hours out of state searching for formula. We can’t be everywhere all the time. Face book is such a powerful tool and if enough people are shopping and posting pictures of what diff erent stores have and when, it may help,” she said. Parents are also using social media to share and exchange formula they don’t need. “Half of the bottles I’ve been able to feed my son these last several months are in thanks to the other local moms, and local Facebook groups,” said Carl son. “I have received so many leads, sup port from other local moms that I have never met.” Breastfeeding moms are stepping up, too. In one town community group, a mother off ered to nurse any babies in need. In the Worcester County Parents and Caregivers Facebook group, another mom off ered up her stash of breastmilk. “I have about 12 bags of 6 oz.,” she wrote. “I know it’s not a lot, but does any one know any places or people who will take it?”
Moms want to help, said Ann Marie Lindquist, director of community rela tions at Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast. The Newtonbased milk bank, which provides pasteurized donor human milk to babies in fragile health, has seen “an enormous infl ux of inquiries about do nating milk,” she said. While donor milk isn’t designed to re place full feeds for healthy fullterm ba bies, Lindquist encourages potential do nors to reach out. “We are asking anyone who wishes to donate milk to be patient since our phones and emails are over whelmed right now.”
What to do – and not do – if you can’t fi nd formula If you can’t fi nd the formula you usu ally use, experts say the fi rst thing to do is try another type or check a smaller store. All infant formula manufactured and sold in the United States needs to meet the minimum nutrient and quality standards as dictated by the Infant For mula Act of 1980. Smaller stores and pharmacies have been less aff ected by supply chain issues than bigger box stores like Walmart or Target. Food pantries may receive donations of formula and also might be able to help families in need. But be careful where you look. The Better Business Bureau is warning of scammers posting photos of formula cans for sale on social media, accepting payments, then disappearing. And for mula sold online from outside the U.S. is not FDA reviewed and could be misla beled or counterfeit. Whatever you do, don’t water down formula or try a homemade recipe, ex perts warn. “Diluting infant formula could result in dangerous nutrient imbalances for your baby,” said Susan Tripp, a neonatal registered dietician at UMass Memorial Medical Center. “Homemade formula recipes are not safe and can lack impor tant nutrients for growing babies.” Tripp also cautioned against replac ing formula with other foods or drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastmilk and infant for mula as the sole source of nutrition until babies are six months, and the primary source of nutrition for the fi rst year of life. “If you are still having diffi culty fi nd ing formula reach out to your healthcare provider who may have a small supply of formula samples for emergency situa tions,” said Tripp. BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 21
feature
Swimsuit
COLOR safety This one tip could save your child from drowning Janelle Randazza Reviewed.com
22 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
W
hile you’re shopping for your child’s new swimsuits, you’re probably most focused on fi nding a style they like – emblazoned with action fi gures or Disney icons. But there is an important factor that you may not be giving enough attention to, and one that signifi cantly factors into water safety: The visibility of the swimsuit, should your child go underwater. The color of your child’s bathing suit may be more important than you realize. Alive Solutions, a company that specializes in aquatic safety, training, and risk assessment, tested 14 swimsuits in varying colors fi rst in a pool and then in a lake and the results of the test may shock you.
Here are some expert tips for upping your kids' safety during water play.
Most swimsuit colors virtually disap pear or appear to be a cluster of leaves or debris—not a struggling child—when only 18 inches below the surface of the water. Visibility continues to decrease exponentially with any sort of water ag itation, like in a moderatelyactive swimming pool or water park, or in a lake or ocean with any amount of wave activity.
Be close and constant This goes without saying, but while parents may feel as though they are watching their children, sometimes they aren't watching as closely as they should. Most waterrelated injuries happen when adults were distracted or thought someone else was watching the child.
The tests For each test, Alive placed each swimsuit color on the surface of the wa ter. They then submerged the suits and agitated the water, allowing the suits to sink about 18 inches deep—a depth where visibility is crucial for lifesaving during water accidents. Alive then took photos at two addi tional levels—shore level and then slightly elevated, about dock or boat lev el—to simulate heights lifeguards or caregivers might be at when searching for a child in the water. The degree to which a swimsuit becomes diffi cult, if not impossible, to spot varied widely based on its color. Popular swimsuit col ors, like blues and greens, almost com pletely disappeared.
Which colors work best for open water and pools In open water, bright, neon colors, in cluding orange, yellow, and lime green, fared best. Pools were a bit more forgiv ing overall, but it was pointed out by the testers that “although the darker colors show up on a light pool bottom they can often be dismissed for a pile of leaves, dirt, or a shadow so I tend to stay away from those colors when possible.” As for open water, white suits were also cau tioned against, as they appeared to be patches of cloud refl ections. The post recommended that, no mat ter where you plan to swim, opt for bright and contrasting suit colors. Just
Tips for keeping kids safe in the water
Bright and contrasting colors are recommended as the safest choice when buying swimwear. ALIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.
Supervising adults should be close, constant, and free from distractions. It’s recommended to have a designated “watcher” at all times. That watcher should be free from conversations and any other distractions. Keep small children within arm's reach
like a brightly colored outfi t can help you fi nd your child in a crowd, Alive found that bright visibility was crucial to identifying a child in a body of water. The fi ndings also note that it’s impor tant to consider other environmental factors that may impact visibility when packing up for a day of water play, in cluding water clarity, lighting, currents, and the weather. While bright neon col ors were the best options overall, it’s in teresting to note that some colors, like neon pink, were highly visible in a pool setting but nearly disappeared when tested in a lake. What that means is it’s important to select a suit that provides high visibility in the type of water you plan to visit. According to the post, “This test also reinforced how important it is in lakes, beaches, rivers, [and] open water envi ronments to keep people on the surface (with life jackets).”
Why this matters Drowning is the leading cause of ac cidental deaths in children: It’s quick, it’s quiet, and it can happen to anyone— even strong swimmers. The majority of drownings and neardrownings occur in residential swimming pools and in open water sites. But while proper dress will help improve your ability to spot a child in distress, Alive Solutions did caution that shouldn’t be the only water safety measure you take. With child drown ings linked to caregiver’s distractions, including the use of cell phones, it’s im portant to know that brightly colored clothes can’t replace a lack of vigilance with supervision. The group states: “Remember…the bright and contrasting colors help vis ibility, but it doesn’t matter what color your kids are wearing if you aren’t su pervising eff ectively and actively watching.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends "touch supervision" for beginning swimmers, meaning the adult should be within an arm's reach of the child so he or she can pull the child out of the water if the child's head becomes submerged. Invest in swim lessons While even the strongest swimmers aren’t safe from accidents, teaching your kids how to swim and how to behave safely around water are key to preventing drowning. Kids can start swimming lessons as early as 1 year old and selfrescue techniques, as well as basic swimming skills, should be reinforced annually.
BayStateParent | JUNE 2022 | 23
Introducing our new IVF Center. No matter how your path to pregnancy turns, we’re prepared for every step and every stage.
The path to pregnancy can be an overwhelming maze of emotions. You need the right team with the right capabilities. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the addition of our on-site IVF Center to round out our robust fertility services — ensuring convenient, state-of-the-art care, close to home. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.
For appointments, call 855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763) or visit umassmemorial.org/IVF. 24 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent
