9/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces
259 Massapoag Ave.
North Easton, MA 02356
https://www.mass.gov/locations/borderland-state-park
The kids had a ball here. When we parked and started our exploration, we used bikes initially. However, the paths were gravel and too bumpy and uncomfortable for my new bike riders. They opted to put their bikes back in the car and head out again but this time on foot. There was a lot to see on paths that went down stairs or uphill so for these two, it was easier to hoof it than bike this terrain. The area around the historic mansion was really whimsical and the kids loved to wander around seeing what else they would come across. It remined me of a real life fairy house with archways made of winding brown vines and stone staircases. It was quite pretty and inviting. The area is currently being renovated so I’m sure it will look even better once it is complete. It already looks marvelous.
After we explored the grounds by the mansion, we decided to follow the Pond Trail and see if we could find any animals-to be more specific frogs. We were not so lucky to find any animals that we could catch or hold but the kids did see several ducks and swans which made them happy. We could hear loud frog / toad sounds in the pond (watch the clip below), but we never actually saw them. They are seriously good at camouflage! The Pond Trail had 2 small waterfalls with bridges going over them. Both were very pretty and had noisy gushing water the way my kids like. That way, they hear the waterfall before they see it allowing for the excitement to grow! This trail extends about 3 miles in a loop providing a great water view for the majority of the hike. There are several other trails here too though if you opt for something else. We did switch to the West Side Trail when headed back to the car and found it to be very rooty and more challenging with inclines more so than the Pond Trail.
The Skinny:
- Weather : When visiting with the kids, you definitely want a nice dry day as this is an outdoor location
- Pricing & Admissions : The parking / admission fees are self-pay through an electronic meter towards the front of the parking lot. We arrived late in the day and weren’t sure if it was going to rain, but since we are out-of-state the fee is $20. In-state residents pay $5. (luckily it didn’t rain and we loved it here so it’s all good-money well spent!)
- Location : This is a Historic State Park with a mansion built and furnished in 1910 ( tours normally available but not now during COVID) with ample grounds for recreational activities including : hiking, mountain biking, dog-walking and dogs off leashed, disc golf, fishing, non-motorized boats, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, tennis and educational activities.
- Parking : There is a large lot but on a weekend during COVID we arrived around 2 and there weren’t many spots left.
- Hours : Open daily 8:00 am-7:00 pm closes at 8 starting in May and 6 during winter months
- Duration : We stayed here about 3-4 hours poking around by the pond, exploring the grounds near the mansion and hiking the trails. We did not eat lunch on the grounds but if we had we could have stayed longer. There is a ton to see and do here.
- Tips and Recommendations : Carpooling would be a great recommendation to save money and ensure you get a spot. Also we went on a dry day but there was a fair amount of mud my son enjoyed jumping in, so boots would be ideal even if the weather is dry -especially during spring.
- Cons : The mansion, visitor’s center and restrooms were all closed due to COVID
Jewel Approved 👍🏼
Jamison Approved 👍🏼
Check out Blue Hills Recreational Park which also has various trails such as the Skyline Trail and Houghton’s Pond trail for more outdoor fun. I’m not sure which I would recommend more. They are both a great time and definitely worth visiting. Happy Adventuring!
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