8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

https://www.mass.gov/locations/massasoit-state-park

1361 Middleboro Ave.

East Taunton, MA 02718

(508)828-4231

We all really loved Massasoit State Park! It has so much diversity with the trails, 4 bodies of water, a playground and cranberry bogs ( which none of us had seen before). It is a campground so people do set up shop and stay over.

My kids loved to be in the trails, so much that at some point, I took to walking on the street for better recognition as to how to find my way back to the car and the kids grew frustrated with me. They enjoyed seeing where the paths would lead to and climbing over the gnarly tree roots. There are wooden bridges to go over waterways and they find these intriguing.

Our main objective was to seek out a body of water to have a picnic and read a book while enjoying the beautiful view. We did get there, but my kids wanted to stop along the way several times to explore the sights!  Can’t say that I blame them.

Jewel found a small painted rock in one of the paths that said “Be Kind.” It was so adorable how she believed that this rock was supposed to be found by her and was placed in her route by a magical garden fairy.😍😂 I think it’s great she understand how small acts of kindness like this anonymous rock with a beautiful, yet simple quote can really bring out the best in mankind. I’ve since been using it as a reminder when she is not sharing or listening ( wish me luck🍀 and success there-I’ll need it!)

Anyways, on our walk to the pond we did encounter a huge playground with many cool features like a zip line seat and a big bird’s nest swing. The kids had a blast at this playground.  It has two sides, one for bigger kids and another for smaller ones and it is sectioned off from traffic.

At Middle Pond, there are picnic tables and benches all around it as well as a restroom area. It is quite beautiful. A paved walking trail passes by the pond creating a beautiful backdrop for a walk.  If you choose to walk further, you will find yet more ponds and various trails.  Here we saw benches, people leisurely fishing and bike riders on the trails.

On our way back towards our vehicle, we saw several families riding bikes in the park. It seems to be a well-known bike riding area for serious bikers and a nice place to casually ride too. It’s great to know that as the kids get older, they will still want to come to Massasoit Park and have an activity to enjoy.  The paths here have jumps within the trail off to the side that a hiker wouldn’t be compelled to walk on as they are steep, close together hills. Click here to see more about biking at Massasoit State Park (in case your family bikes😉)

After our walk ended, we went by the cranberry bog. It wasn’t cranberry season so we only saw a few berries but I hear it looks beautiful in the fall. The stretch of land for the berries was vast!  In the car we drove by Lake Rico and it was beautiful. I do want to return to see the berries in full bloom, go for a bike ride and perhaps even take a swim. If you enjoy camping, Massasoit looks like a great place to visit.

 

THE SKINNY:

• Duration : We spent about 2 and a half hours here
• Location : Massachusetts State Park with just about every outdoor activity you can think of including: biking, hiking, swimming, camping, cross country skiing, fishing and non-motorized boating.  There is also a playground to enjoy.
• Hours : Sunup to sundown daily
• Parking and Admission : FREE
• Cons : Gnarly tree roots throughout the hiking trails making it challenging  for younger kids.  I stumbled a few times myself but my 3 year-old son literally tumbled.  He has a can-do attitude so he shrugged it off and kept hiking ( one of his many admirable personality traits ).  Not every child is so easy-going, so use your knowledge of your child to decide wether or not you should hike here.  There is really so much to do I’m sure it won’t be a wasted visit either way!

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

If you liked Massasoit State Park, be sure to check out Blue Hills as they have ponds and trails as well.    Pulaski Park is also a nice place to enjoy with fresh water where you can swim and fish.