“There’s a lot of options to make kids happy within easy walking distance of the town dock. Lots of restaurants, three different ice cream stores, beaches, a library, and a lighthouse.” -Kinsley

Situate, Massachusetts: four and a half stars

Our first morning was peaceful so we loaded everyone up in the kayak and on the paddle board to explore the lighthouse and breakwater. The town dock is at the inner most spot of the harbor and it would have been a long walk to reach the lighthouse. Taking the water route was much faster. Be careful though, the harbor is dredged but shallows very rapidly towards the lighthouse; the dingy wouldn’t have made it.

Zoe strongly recommends sandals or water shoes for this adventure, the mud and seaweed were thick and slippery wading ashore. Kinsley recommends walking the breakwater to the end. There weren’t too many people and many of the rocks had fun words written on them. Some even have holes through them.

We tried Nona’s ice cream shop which shares a building with the adorably tiny town movie theater. Lots of flavors to choose from, and sprinkles are free. If the weather hadn’t been so lovely, we would have loved to stop in for a movie as well. Instead we went for a walk around the town.

In the middle of town is Harbor Lights toys and penny candy. There’s something here for everyone, babies to teens. They sell stuffed animals, dress up clothes, craft kits, and figurines. Zoe approved of the game selection and we added a pocket sized version of Five Crowns to our collection. Kinsley spent much of her time admiring the princess and unicorn collections before moving on to the penny candy.

Parent notes: Situate Massachusetts makes a great stop between Boston and the Cape Cod canal. The harbor is filled with moorings, we didn’t bother making any reservations, just radioed in when we arrived and Easy Rider, the Situate launch, met us and showed us to a mooring. There are showers in the harbormaster’s office and both a grocery store and hardware store within easy walking distance.

(Written by parents, approved by kids)