8/10
Mommy Approved Smiling Faces
5 Pine Street
Carver, MA 02330
Edaville Family Theme Park is a holiday must for families with kids. The extravagant village-like decor, outside time in the brisk, fresh air with evergreens in the backdrop, delicious foods, trains, rides, animals and local vendor markets make it a spectacular place for the whole family to enjoy. Kids will want to return again and again for the endless family fun.
In terms of which ages best suit Edaville, “All ages” was the answer I received from long-term employee and attendee of the park herself, Karly Jo. She said even her almost 15-year-old child wants to go the park regularly. Upon my visit and insider tour of Edaville it was apparent how much Karly-Jo loves Edaville. Her enthusiasm was bursting through her face while she recalled personal stories of kind visitors bringing her food, to elated children on the rides and charities that the staff and park collect for and support. These occurrences really brighten her days and make her job worthwhile.
Even without the illumination of night lights, upon walking into Edaville I could feel it’s magic. First we walked into the check-in or ticket area which has an old-fashion vibe with its small, ornate ticket windows and high ceilings. Next we walked through Dickinson village which is the layout of small local vendors that have shops at Edaville in separate little townhouses. Their window displays and charming decor give you the Christmas feels for sure with sparkly wreathes, curious elves and gingerbread houses throughout. Karly-Jo explained that animals are available at Edaville for the kids to pet and ponies to ride that wear antlers in order to look like reindeer. I’m sure all the kids enjoy seeing these ponies dressed-up for Christmas!
I learned that food is sold on-site with an array of diverse selections such as salads, fruits, wraps, gluten-free options and typical kids foods such as chicken nuggets, french fries, burgers. Her personal favorites include the fried Oreos and pretzels. Beer and wine can also be purchased and consumed at Edaville. In the warmer months visitors can find a BBQ pit to enjoy slow-cooked meats.
A huge draw to Edaville for families is the train. They really enjoy the 15-minute train ride around the property that shows off a cranberry bog and goes through a tunnel. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to ride the train the day I visited but, I did go on several stationary cabooses and retired engines. Even that was a cool experience! The kid’s caboose and the retired Boston and Maine trains were my favorite. Watch the video below to see why. Aren’t all adults just overgrown kids inside?
Let’s talk rides! There are numerous rides. Some are geared toward younger children where parents are too large to ride with them. Others are for families to enjoy together. The scrambler and the larger version of the Nut Tree for instance. Normally there is a ferris wheel but it’s under renovations at this time. There’s a smaller train for the kids that goes in an enclosed circle. There’s also a lady bug coaster that also goes in an enclosed loop and doesn’t go upside down. Many rides do have a height requirement but even for kids that aren’t tall enough for all the rides, there is still plenty to enjoy.
Ellis’ Playhouse offers another level of fun but this time indoors! The kids can learn about the history of the local and Edaville. Edaville actually started using a train to assist in Cranberry Bog processes. You can find education about machinery used to grow cranberries and see numerous photographs that capture your attention due to the scarlet color of the bogs in harvest. By the way, on the way into Edaville you can not miss the numerous cranberry bogs that you have to pass by in order to get to the park. They are spectacular! So keep your eyes peeled! Besides the cranberry knowledge, the family can marvel over the vast electronic train model display where visitors can press buttons and activate various features of the train-very cool! Bumper cars, a ball pit, a carousel, an arcade, a market and a few other rides are inside of Ellis’ Playhouse. There is even a separate place for birthday celebrations to be held.
Edaville prides itself on being especially mom-friendly. There are several locations set up for nursing moms to sit indoors comfortably and feed hungry babies while keeping other children happily occupied. One that I found to be cozy and unique was another train caboose converted into a nursing station! How great right?
Stay tuned for changes in the spring. There is a small splash pad. The Dinosaur Land will likely be open and hopefully Thomas Land too.
The Skinny:
- Weather : Edaville is open rain or shine but likely you would visit on a day where the weather is comfortable to be outdoors. They only close during extreme weather conditions for safety.
- Parking : FREE plentiful parking but although the lot is large, I have been told it fills up!
- Admissions : General admissions is $13, general admission and the train rides is $30, general admission, train rides and amusement rides is $40. Kids 5 and under are FREE.
- Location : Village feel with local vender shops, a pond, a train that runs on the property, rides, games and food. Good, old-fashioned family fun happens at Edaville!
- Hours : November 10, 2022-January 1, 2023 Thursday-Friday 4:00PM-8:30PM Saturday-Sunday 2:00PM-8:30PM Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Reopens in April for spring until Halloween
- Duration : Families can spend the endless hours here and be occupied.
- Tips and Recommendations : If your family would want to visit Edaville more often then look into their season passes for more value. No outside food is permitted.
Jewel : 👍🏼
Jamison : 👍🏼
If you are looking for other winter outside activities check out the Providence Rink or Gurney’s Ice Rink both in Rhode Island. Alpine Adventures in New Hampshire is always a great time year round. If it’s too cold you can always take the kids to Connecticut’s IT Indoor Ropes Course or Massachusetts’s Lego Land.
1 comment on “Edaville Family Theme Park”Add yours →