The South Shore of Massachusetts stretches from Boston to Cape Cod along the coasts of Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay. The area is primarily composed of suburban and rural towns and industrialized cities. The South Shore is an area rich in history, and boasts many beaches and sightseeing opportunities, making it a family-friendly region offering a bevy of fun and educational activities.
Flax Pond Farms in Carver, MA is a grower-owned and -operated cranberry bog. Along with the cranberry bogs, the 100-acre site includes a natural pond, blueberry patch, Christmas trees and wildlife. The bog owners host tours of the grounds and are well equipped to inform visitors on cranberry farming, farm equipment and antique harvesting machines. While visiting, children can enter the property's screening house, where they can sort---and eat---the cranberries as they exit an antique separator. Children can also test juice samples and chocolate candies in the gift shop.
Located in Plympton, Sauchuk Farm spans 75 acres and produces a variety of vegetables, berries and flowers---most of which are sold directly to customers on the property. In 2007, the farm opened a large-scale corn maze---the first of its kind in the region. The intricate maze is popular with adults and children, but is only open during the fall season. Other autumn activities on the farm include hayrides, pumpkin picking, face painting and corn cannons.
While visiting Plimouth Plantation, a living-history museum, children receive a colorful and engaging history lesson. Visitors take a step back in time while watching actors reenacting what life was like at the Plymouth settlement. Actors are dressed in period clothing and can be seen tending to cows and chickens, building homes, hoeing their crops or baking. The plantation includes a Wampanoag village, where visitors can meet Wampanoag tribe members and enter the tribe's traditional dome-shaped houses. A 1627 English village features dirt streets, rough-hewn houses and a place of worship.
When the kids are ready to bask in the sun or play in the sand, the South Shore has plenty of beaches to choose from. For instance, Duxbury Beach stretches six miles from Marshfield to Saquish and Gurnet Point. Along with sandy dunes and cool blue waters, Duxbury offers an ice cream shack and lunchroom for snacks as well as a full-service restaurant, Blakeman's Restaurant.
