The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 22

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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.
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 thousands of years 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 couldn’t be more certain.
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 weekend programs
featuring interactive workshops and hikes. Also, see if you
can track down Hemingway’s marlin; we promise, it’s there.
DEW Haven 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. (Closed Mondays.)
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.
Plan a trip during one of the state’s Free Fishing Days. Just
bring a couple of rods and a spirit of adventure. You might
even catch a fish or two.
Holiday parades delight the senses, but what about a Holiday
Whoville Parade? Gardiner’s incredibly clever twist on Dr. Seuss’
classic tale invites participants to come decked out as the citizens
of the town of Whoville (the target of that dastardly Grinch).
Each year magical holiday elves transform downtown Waterville
into the North Pole town of Kringleville. The celebration begins
in late November with the festive Parade of Lights, an event that
only could have been dreamed up in the mind of a child. Will you
line up this year with the scores of children who wait for their
chance to share secret wishes with Santa Claus?
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