Bring the Kids!
By Ann Claffie
June 2007
“Slow down! You’re moving too fast! You got to make the mornin’ last! Just - kickin’ down the cobblestones… looking for fun and feeling groovy!” Simon and Garfunkel’s lyrics are my wake-up call for June! I have to remember to schedule more “down time” in my family’s schedule and, at the same time, look for some neat and cool things for us to do. Recently, I received two requests for family activities—one from my friend, Sue, our new Cub Scout Master and one from a reader of this column. Based on their particulars, here goes….
Families with little ones can feel very comfortable when visiting the Berkshires. Many elementary schools and towns have their own park with swings for babies and toddlers, as well as full scale adventure from balancing on a moveable beam to walking with your hands across a hanging ladder.
There are usually large fields adjacent to the playgrounds that are great for flying kites, a baseball catch or simply running around. My family is lucky as we live next to a large field. Robert is now very much the “guru” kite flier and is able to sweet-talk his Mickey Mouse kite into the air and … keep it flying with the help from two long, black plastic tails!
June has arrived which means that all of the Berkshires attractions are open until mid-October. Yeh! There’s something I have wanted to do as a family activity—step aboard the Berkshire Scenic Railroad in Lenox and enjoy a train ride in a vintage car to Stockbridge.
Upon arrival, my husband, son and I will walk up to the Main Street and begin our walking tour. First, we will stop and tour inside the Mission House, the original dwelling built by Rev. John Sergeant in 1739, the first missionary to the Stockbridge Indians. In my last visit there, I was amazed to see original furnishings and colonial gardens planted according to the time. I think Harry and Robert will really enjoy learning about pioneers’ life in the Berkshires.
From there, we’ll continue walking to the western end of the street for a search inside the Stockbridge Cemetery. I’ll ask Robert to locate the Sedgwick Family plot and its unique pie shaped design. Tucked away behind tall fir trees, the prominent Sedgwick family began their burial plot in a circular design in 1866, so that when Judgement Day arrives, Sedgwicks will be greeting Sedgwicks—as it should be. (chuckle) The plot also is famous because it holds Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, the first African American woman to gain her freedom in court in the newly formed United States 1781. She was buried in a place of honor, near the Hon. Theodore Sedgwick, who defended her in court.
After a lunch break, we’ll walk up Prospect Hill to Naumkeag, the coolest looking Gilded Age Mansion – inside and out! Of course after the house tour, we’ll explore the famous “Blue Steps.” What are those you might ask? Well, you’ll just have to include a visit to Naumkeag to find out.
By the end of the afternoon, we’ll be ready to return to Lenox with an exciting jaunt on the on Berkshire Scenic Rail. It’ll be a great day—I just know it!
In contrast, I think it might be a lot of fun to see the musical Oklahoma, at Mac-Haydn Theatre, East Chatham, NY. This theatre-in-the-round isn’t too far from our home and it’ll be a nice treat for Robert as he finishes 3rd grade. We might even take in a free movie or two—the Common in Pittsfield, Town Hall Green, Adams and other sites.
Also, on June 19, The Eagles Band is in concert at Springside House on upper North Street, Pittsfield. We have always enjoyed their free concerts there. Another favorite venue is Jiminy Peak’s Mountain Adventure Park in Hancock. Robert loves climbing rock walls and they have an awesome climbing wall! The Park is now open seven days a week through the summer. Hmn, I wonder how many times we’ll visit before September?
Finally, we just completed selecting summer camp programs for Robert. Did you know the Berkshires offers a wide variety—basketball, baseball and other sports camps, a performing arts camp, plus day camps at area museums and a nature camp at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Wow! Seems like there’s one to match every child!
So, we’ll really enjoy June… the crowds are small… the weather is nice… and it’s a perfect time to celebrate Father’s Day on June 17th!
About Ann Claffie
A Berkshires native, Ann grew up in Dalton as the oldest of five children who were encouraged to use their imaginations for fun and play. Today, married and living in Pittsfield, Ann and her husband enjoy family fun and adventure with their nine year old son. She has been on staff at the Berkshire Visitors Bureau for more than ten years.