When you’re sick of the same old summer day trip destinations, head to this unique spot in Massachusetts that combines the natural splendor of a lakeside park with the excitement of a water park! You’ll love splashing down waterslides in sight of lush green park and the sparkling lake shore.
You'll have an absolute blast at this waterpark and picnic ground in Douglas. Breezy Picnic Grounds is a unique combination of beautiful park space, waterslides, and a gorgeous natural lakeside setting.
This spot has been around since the 1950s and is a true favorite amongst locals and visitors. Generations of Bay Staters have enjoyed wet and wild summer days here.
Here’s how visiting works. Guests over the age of five pay $22 per person for all-day access to the picnic grounds, waterpark, and reservoir. This means that you can ride the slides as many times as you like and hang out from morning to dusk. After 3 p.m., admission drops to $17.
If you don’t care about using the waterslides, admission is $14 per person on weekdays and $10 after 3 p.m.
The slides themselves are suited for almost all ages (kids between two and four must ride with an adult) and are almost 300 feet long! They splash down in a clean pool, not the reservoir.
Once you’re done having fun on the slides, head to the impeccably kept grounds to enjoy lunch. You can bring your own gas grill, small canopy, and umbrella. If you don’t feel like packing your own food, there’s also a snack bar available.
You truly can’t beat the location of this spot. Guests are welcome to take a dip in the waters of the Whitins Reservoir, and there’s a lifeguard on duty to help put parents’ minds at ease.
Visit the Breezy Picnic Grounds website for more information, including current opening hours and weather-related information. For more summer fun in Massachusetts, check our some of our favorite water parks across the state.
Address: 520 Northwest Main Street, Douglas, MA, 01516
The more I travel, the more I realize there is still so much world out there to see. I absolutely love going to new places and having uncharted adventures, but I also enjoy revisiting my all-time favorite spots. This pull for a bit of nostalgia is especially strong since I've had kids and have yearned to share my childhood experiences with them.
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Unfortunately, there aren't many local places from my past that have stood the test of time. However, in my quest to travel back in time, I have come across an attraction that automatically takes me back to my childhood - a good, old-fashioned carousel ride! As I jump on a painted horse and listen to the distinct organ music play, I am automatically transported to a simpler time many years ago. If you also want to relive your youth and are wondering "where to find carousels near me," rest assured. I've found eight wonderful Massachusetts merry-go-rounds that are so much fun for all ages. So jump aboard and pick your pony!
Visit the only ride remaining from Hull's Nantasket Beach’s Paragon Amusement Park. The iconic Paragon Carousel is a true piece of history that will definitely transport you back to your younger years. Built in 1928, the carousel is made up of carved wooden horses, goddesses, and Roman chariots. It also contains some beautiful original works of art. Be sure to visit the nearby Paragon Park Museum to learn more about the history of the park and carousel. More information is available at the Paragon Carousel website.
The carousel at Salem Willows Park by the coast in Salem is my favorite merry-go-round of all! It is also the fastest carousel that I have ever ridden. This classic carousel dates back to 1905 and features, ponies, chickens, deer, pigs, and other animals. Take a spin and then enjoy the arcade games and restaurants at the park. Please visit the Salem Willows Arcade website for more details.
The Greenway Carousel at the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston is a carousel like no other. Instead of sitting on horses, riders can take a spin on hand-carved native land and sea animals like lobsters, butterflies, and codfish as well as some colorful imaginary creatures. The 14 different animals were all inspired by drawings from local children. The merry-go-round is ADA-compliant and is fun for all ages. You can even host a birthday party here. Find out more about riding the carousel at the Rose Kennedy Greenway website.
A visit to Martha’s Vineyard wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the iconic Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs. This gorgeous carousel is the oldest platform carousel in the country. It was built in 1876 and was located to the island in 1884. A spin on this historic ride is a chance to experience a true piece of history. A favorite part of the attraction is the coveted brass ring, which promises a free ride to those lucky enough to grab it. Please see the Vineyard Preservation Trust
website for further information about this very special merry-go-round.
You can find a stunning hand-carved carousel in Western Massachusetts in the town of Holyoke. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round has been spinning near Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor’s Center for over 30 years but dates back to the 1920s when it was once part of the popular Mountain Park amusement park. Discover more about this antique carousel by visiting the
The Frog Pond carousel is such a fun stop when visiting downtown Boston. Located in the middle of Boston Common, this beautiful merry-go-round is a must-see attraction. The carousel may be a newer addition to the Common, but it was built in 1947 by the Allan Herschell Company. The Frog Pond Carousel is handicapped accessible and can be enjoyed by all riders. Find out more at
" target="_blank">The Boston Common Frog Pond website.
Another historic carousel is housed in the city of Fall River near the Battleship Cove Fleet Museum. The ride is over a century old and features 48 hand-painted horses that are sure to take you on a fun, nostalgic journey back in time. Be sure to end your visit with some delicious ice cream from the Carousel Creamery. Please visit the Fall River Carousel & Creamery Facebook page for more details.
A visit to Salisbury Beach should always include a ride on a giraffe, horse, or camel at the Salisbury Beach Carousel. While the current 1909 antique merry-go-round is not the original Salisbury Beach ride, it was manufactured by Looff-Mangels, the same company that created its predecessor, the Salisbury Beach Broadway Flying Horses. More information is available at the Salisbury Beach Carousel website.
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Have you taken a ride on any of these local carousels? Which one is your favorite? While the above eight merry-go-rounds are standalone structures, you can also find carousels within the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Six Flags New England in Agawam. And if you have a little one at home who is obsessed with merry-go-rounds, be sure to check out the book "A Kids' Book of Carousels" by Richie Dawley and Linda Bartash-Dawley.
Summer vacation is right around the corner. If you are like me, you are probably looking for fun things to do with your family. While there are many fun adventures to experience in Massachusetts, some activities are geared toward specific age groups and others are not family-friendly. On a quest to find an amusement park that catered to my mixed-age family, I discovered Seekonk Grand Prix in Seekonk, Massachusetts. This amazing little spot provided my family with a whole day of fun!
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The amusement center may not look like much from the outside, but there is a lot of fun to be had once you walk through these doors.
Amusements include both outdoor and indoor activities. To make the most of your day, I suggest buying an all-day pass. It gives you unlimited access to all of the Grand Prix attractions.
The highlight of the amusement center is the go-kart tracks. There are four different tracks within the park. The family track is perfect for both adults and kids. Smaller children can even ride for free as passengers on this quarter-mile track.
While older kids and adults try out the slick track, younger visitors can take a spin on the kids' track (which is appropriate for those four years and older) and the rookie track (for intermediate drivers). My little one loved the fact that he could drive his very own go-kart!
If you don’t mind being jostled around a bit, I recommend taking a ride on the heated bumper cars.
You may also want to try a family-friendly round of mini golf.
The inside area of the Grand Prix is a great place to cool off on a hot day. There are also tons of activities to keep you busy. The arcade games, virtual reality, and rock climbing wall are all a blast!
I personally attempted this attraction and lived to tell the tale!
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Have you visited the Seekonk Grand Prix? What are your other favorite local places for family fun? More information about this fantastic amusement center can be found on the Seekonk Grand Prix website and the Seekonk Grand Prix Facebook page. For even more amusements, I suggest visiting Kimball Farm in Westford and Six Flags New England in Agawam. If you are visiting Boston, I recommend taking a ride on Codzilla, the high-speed Boston Harbor thrill ride.
