Tag: Franklin Park Zoo

Friday Fun: Race for a Good Cause

Have you ever wanted to feel what it was like to drive a race car or run like a cheetah? Have you ever wanted to race down the middle of the street or another area where racing is usually frowned upon without getting in trouble? Have you ever thought about turning a corner so fast that you leave everyone behind you in the dust? Well, if you answered “yes” to any and/or all of these questions, you may be in luck because there are a couple of events this weekend that will not only allow you to demonstrate your racing prowess but will also allow you to experience a warm, fuzzy feeling whether you win or lose.

First, the Boston Police Athletic League (PAL) is hosting the 5th Annual Boston PAL Grand Prix tomorrow, September 21, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event, which takes place in the Seaport District of Boston, is a team go-cart race in which members of each team of six will take turns driving through a street course that is designed to mimic a Formula 1 race track. However, the race track is not the only thing designed to mimic the Formula 1 experience, as the go-cart that each team will drive is said to handle in much the same way as an F1 race car. In fact, each go-cart will allow racers to soar by their families and friends at speeds of up to 45 mph. Fortunately, any friends and family that are a little squeamish at the thought of watching their loved ones race around the track, let alone driving it themselves, will have plenty of face painting, balloon animals, food, drinks, and other activities to keep them busy at the Grand Prix carnival. Best of all, all of the proceeds from the event will go to help pay for PAL’s youth programs. For more information on the 5th Annual Boston PAL Grand Prix and/or to register for the race, please visit the Boston Police Athletic League’s website or call 1-617-699-7099.

Secondly, if you’re more interested in a race that allows you to put your feet to the test than your driving skills, the Franklin Park Zoo may have the answer. This is because the Franklin Park Zoo is hosting the Run Wild 5K on Sunday, September 22, 2013. This race, which begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., features a 3.1 mile course that will allow runners to race through the zoo, Franklin Park, and White Stadium. Then, once the race is over, everyone 21 or over is invited to join their fellow runners for a “wild” party with drinks, music, games, and more. For more information on the Run Wild 5K or to register for the event, please visit the Race Menu website.

Friday Fun: Father’s Day Weekend

A couple of months ago, the United States had some really dry weather, and if you had asked people what they wanted for weather at the time, a lot of people would have said rain. In fact, some areas of the country received two to three inches of rain less than they typically get, and there were a lot of people concerned about the possibility of a serious drought. However, if you were to ask the same question about the weather now, most people would probably tell you that they would really like to see the sun again sometime during their lifetime. For, as you might guess, it has now been raining pretty much nonstop for the last month and, as the old saying goes, “when it rains, it pours.” Fortunately, if you are one of the people who would really like to see the sun again, it may make your day to know that the weather is beginning to look a lot more promising just in time for Father’s Day Weekend. And, if you’re looking for something interesting to do with your father this weekend, there are a number of events in the Boston area that you should definitely check out.

The first event that you may want to check out if you’re looking for something to do with your father this Father’s Day weekend is the Father’s Day Weekend Vintage Baseball Triple Header. The Vintage Baseball Triple Header is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day for any father that is a big fan of baseball and/or a big fan of history as it will actually give you the opportunity to watch two teams go head to head in a game of baseball using the actual rules from the 1860’s. This means that you will only see underhand pitches, catches that count as outs even though the ball bounced once, and players that are a lot more hardcore than some of the professional players you may have seen because the players in this game have to catch the ball without a glove. The Vintage Baseball Triple Header will also feature demonstrations that show you how bats and balls are made, activities for kids, food, drinks, and a bunch of different souvenirs. For more information on the Vintage Baseball Triple Header, which takes place at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, MA, please visit the Vintage Baseball Triple Header’s website or call 978-462-2634.

Another place that you may want to consider if you’re father isn’t a big fan of baseball or you just think your father belongs in a zoo is Zoo New England. This is because both of Zoo New England’s locations, including the Stone Zoo and the Franklin park Zoo, are offering free admission to the zoo for fathers on Father’s Day. In fact, if you and your father can make it to the Franklin Park Zoo around noon on Sunday, there will also be music, games, and prizes courtesy of Magic 106.7. For more information on the Father’s Day events at the zoos, please visit the special events page for The Stone Zoo and/or the Franklin Park Zoo.

Finally, if your father really isn’t into the zoo, you can always take him to a museum. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and a number of other museums in the Boston area are offering free or discounted admission for fathers on Father’s Day.

Friday Fun: Mother’s Day

This weekend, as you may already know, is Mother’s Day weekend, which means that it is a time to celebrate all of the things that your mother has done for you and a time to apologize for all of the trouble that you have caused over the past year. Unfortunately, you’ve probably already realized that it’s not always easy to come up with a way to honor the incredible amount of time, effort, and money that your mother put into raising you. In fact, finding a way to atone for all of the mischief you may have caused when were younger (or are still causing) can be even more difficult, and if you’re one of the fine, upstanding individuals who totally forgot about the holiday, you may be desperately seeking a way to demonstrate your respect for your mother this weekend. Fortunately, if you’re at a loss as to what to do for your mother this Mother’s Day, you’ll be happy to know that there a number of events specifically designed to honor your mother occurring throughout the weekend.

First, if your mother has a favorite museum or a favorite hobby that is related to one of the museums in your local area, you may want to look into taking her there. Many museums have special events and/or discounts this weekend specifically for mothers, and your mother may be able to get into the museum for free or at a large discount, view special exhibits, have brunch with other mothers, and/or take part in a bunch of activities specifically geared towards mothers and their children. Some of the museums in the Northeast offering special exhibits, brunches, and/or free admission to mothers this weekend include the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, the Discovery Museums, the Providence Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Secondly, if your mother isn’t really a big fan of museums, but she likes animals, you may want to check out your local zoo or aquarium. A large number of zoos and aquariums offer free admission, discounts on food and gifts, and other special offers for mothers this weekend. In fact, mothers living in the Boston area can get into the Franklin Park Zoo, the Stone Zoo, and the New England Aquarium for free on Sunday (although your mother will have to go with someone purchasing a full-priced ticket to take advantage of the Aquarium offer.)

Finally, if all else fails, you can always take your mother to her favorite restaurant. A lot of restaurants offer a special brunch or other special meals for mothers this weekend, and these meals can be a excellent way to celebrate the holiday and get some great food. However, it is important to remember that these brunches can be pretty pricey, and they tend to fill up fast. As a result, it is always a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation before you head over to the restaurant.