The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 24

Family fun for kids of all ages. You’ve sung the campfire songs. You’ve played UNO ® over a 100 times. Tag, done. Red Rover, over. Kick the can, OK. You cry “uncle” and you head out on the road for something that the kids will enjoy that won’t break the bank. Great ways to spend some time with the kids. DEW Animal Kingdom in Mount Vernon, is part zoo, part sanctuary and an entirely unique place, filled with beautiful, exotic and well-loved animals you’ve likely never heard of before. Take the time to make this place part of your visit. 22 featuring interactive workshops and hikes. Also, see if you can track down Hemingway’s marlin; we promise, it’s there. The Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta is a very cool hands-on play place. And play they do. Be ready to let them exhaust themselves. Fun. Fun. Fun! Hallowell’s lush Vaughan Woods has taken on the name Hobbitland. This ancient feeling mossy place just around the corner from the 21st century will give you a glimpse at what our verdant woods looked like not too long ago. Take a swing — a mini-swing — and grab a cone of the World’s Best Vanilla at our region’s own Gifford’s Ice Cream stands in Skowhegan and Waterville. There is nothing better to top off 18 holes of mini-golf than that, we are certain. Grab a picnic lunch and a Frisbee ® and head out to the Viles Arboretum in Augusta or Fort Halifax Park in Winslow with its broad lawns; you’re bound to make the catch of a lifetime. The LC Bates Natural History Museum in Hinckley defines American natural history for children of all ages. Plus, each summer the museum runs a series of Saturday programs Plan a trip during one of the state’s free fishing days. Free. Just bring a couple of rods and a spirit of adventure. You might even catch a fish or two. For more about Family Activities in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.