The Dinosaur Footprints Right Here In Massachusetts To Take Your Dino-Obsessed Kid To

Do you have a kid who is obsessed with dinosaurs? I have a little nephew who is and it never ceases to amaze me how he can dump out a box of them and tell me exactly which species of dinosaur each one is. And pronounces them correctly! It's pretty impressive. There have been a lot of dino exhibits that have come to Massachusetts. But did you know that there's a place right here in Massachusetts where you can find dinosaur footprints? I had no idea, but here's everything you need to know.

Anyone who has been around a kid who loves dinosaurs knows that there comes a time where you may get really sick of hearing about them. Not so fast. The University of Indiana and the University of Wisconsin  looked into the obsession and found some fascinating results. Kids who had an “intense interest” in prehistoric animals may have a higher intelligence. Researchers in the project found that these kids have improved attention, and a more complex way of thinking, as well as processing information. So before you sigh heavily hearing about dinosaurs for the 5,386th time, know that you play a role in whether these benefits stick. Reports say that nurturing their interest and enthusiasm is extremely important. The research shows that most of the obsessions pass. Only about 20% of kids will still be interested at about 5 or 6 years old. Here's one way to nurture it. 

Can you believe that there is a place right here in Massachusetts where you can see dinosaur footprints? Fun fact: dinosaur tracks are Massachusetts' state fossil. To see some, all you have to do is head to Holyoke, MA. The earliest known dino footprints in North America come from the Connecticut River valley, and thousands can be found in the area that runs through Connecticut and western Massachusetts. One of the best places to see them is at Dinosaur Footprints Reservation in Holyoke. You can check them out just off Route 5 (Northampton St.) in Holyoke. There are dozens of tracks that are preserved in sandstone from different types of dinosaurs that came through the area millions of years ago. Here's an account and review from someone who's been there.

https://allosaurusroar.com/dinosaur-footprints-reservation-holyoke-ma/

So if you're looking for something to do with the kids during school vacation week, this could be a fun excursion for your little paleontologist.

February break is just around the corner, and we are all running out of things to do with our kids this Winter Season. This list of fun family outings will help you and get out of the house and have some much needed adventures.

Lighthouse Artspace: 130 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Surround Yourself in the Worlds, Music & Stories of Disney Animation!

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is an innovative celebration that takes you inside the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, from their very earliest, groundbreaking features to the beloved hit movies of today.

Learn more here!

Buy tickets here!

100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114

Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto! Catch a show February 22nd- February 26th!

Get your tickets at ticketmaster.com

310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938

Join the trustees at Cranes Beach in Ipswich for some fun winter activities.

If you look at their event calendar, they have tons of interesting winter exploring options for kids like:

-The Snowy Owl Prowl: Hike the dunes and look for Snowy Owls

-Tracking on the Trails- Track wildlife on the hiking trails

-Castle Hill Hike.. and so much more!

CLICK HERE for events

1 Science Park, Boston, MA, 02114

There are many exhibits to choose from here. One of the most legendary is the "Thunder and Lightning Show." A lot of elementary schools in the area will take the kids on a field trip here during their electricity unit. If you haven't taken your child here, you definitely should. Warning: This show can be loud and can be scary for some small children.

CLICK HERE for tickets

The Planetarium offers a wide variety of shows and is a great way to relax during your visit to the Museum of Science. They even have laser shows to some of your favorite music!

CLICK HERE for showtimes

1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA, 02110

While you are at the aquarium, why not sit back, relax, and enjoy one of their many films about the ocean.

CLICK HERE for Imax tickets & showtimes

This Penguin exhibit is so awesome because it is an open air, 150,00o gallon, salt water habitat. The design of this exhibit allows you to really observe the penguins interacting with each other, and the scientists.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

177 Main St, Acton, MA 01720

The Discovery Museum is a great place to take your toddlers / elementary age kids. Their slogan is "Science, Nature, Play," and that pretty much says it all! Each section has a different theme, and materials for your child to explore. From science experiments, to pretend play, there is bound to be something your child is interested in.

CLICK HERE to visit their website

598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145

This is such a fun family outing. With plenty of exhibits inside, your children will play the day away. If your child likes to build and make things with their hands, this is a great place to go. It may even be fun for you!

CLICK HERE to visit website

50 Walkers Brook Dr, Reading, MA 01867

Are your kids climbing the walls and all over your furniture? Take them to Jordan's Furniture to get out all of that energy.  Walking in looks like the entrance to Candy Land, with Jelly Bean walls and sculptures. This ropes course is so exciting and fun for the kids. You may even be able to get some furniture shopping done!

CLICK HERE to go to website

With 6 locations just in MA, you are never too far from an Altitude Trampoline park. This is a fun place for your kids to jump and play. They have a kids pit, and designated times for toddlers. There is also a rock wall, game courts, and many trampolines for you to choose from.

CLICK HERE to find a location near you

11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505

Are you missing the leaves on trees and flowers blooming this winter? Go visit the indoor section of the Tower Hill Botanic Gardens for a winter flower fix. If you are okay with braving the cold, there are 17 gardens and 171 acres of land to explore here. Be sure to bundle up!

CLICK HERE for their website

38 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108

Located right in the heart of Boston, this is the perfect place to ice skate with the family. There are also lots of great restaurants in the area to grab a quick bite or a warm hot chocolate.

CLICK HERE for more information

308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

With over 23 exhibits, your child with have plenty to choose from. From the Construction Zone, where your child can learn all about construction and even ride a real Bobcat, to the Explore-a-Saurus exhibit, where children learn about dinosaurs and fossils. There are endless options!

CLICK HERE for tickets and information

145 Ipswich St, Boston, MA 02215

325 Revolution Drive 1128, Somerville, MA 02145

From bowling to endless arcade games, this place has it all! Play a few rounds of bowling, arcade games, and have some lunch or dinner. In addition to being such a fun spot, they have a delicious menu and great cocktails for the parents!

CLICK HERE for more information

With 9 different locations in Boston, you should be able to find one close to you. The kids are able to pick out their own piece made out of plaster and paint it however they want. They give the children the freedom to pick what they want to paint and paint in there own way. You get to take home your creations with you. What a creative way to spend the day!

CLICK HERE for website and locations

Snowed in at home? Build your own colorful igloo with these step by step instructions. Make sure the weather will be below freezing temperature overnight and while building. You will need a few things to make this happen. Watch below for step by step instructions. Brrrr!