Mystic Seaport’s Neverland

The age span of children having fun at Mystic Seaport’s playscape area sometimes surprises me. One would expect the appeal of climbing on the boats “anchored” there would be limited to the younger set – but not always.  I think of that song “I Won’t Grow Up” from the Peter Pan soundtrack. The lyrics start like this: I won’t grow up; I don’t want to go to school….

Whether pretending their playscape boat is being attacked by pirates; or that they are fishermen hauling in a net full of fish; or they are on the lookout for whales,  harpoon at the ready – it’s refreshing to see that outdoor play can once in a while  trump indoor video games. Childhood imaginations remain alive and well as boys and girls act out their own playscape adventures.

But as the carefree days of summer vacation draw to a close, it will probably get a little quieter and less raucous outside our office window. The toddlers and preschoolers will reclaim the playscape boats for themselves  until one day they, too, will grow up and have to go to school. Peter Pan’s followers shouted – “Not me! Not me! No sir! Not me!” But alas, we all do.

The sound of children at play is music to my ears and a reminder of just how sweet those childhood years are.  I hope I never grow up past the point of vicariously joining the children at Mystic Seaport’s playscape.

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

Fall into Fun at Mystic Seaport

Many people travel north to Vermont and New Hampshire to enjoy the vibrant colors of a New England autumn. With recent fuel prices and economic troubles weighing on the shoulders of leaf peepers everywhere, a trip north may not be feasible. Mystic Seaport offers the perfect solution. The Museum boasts 19 acres of beautiful grounds brimming with autumnal glory. Wander in and out of incredible exhibits and enjoy a true New England fall day in our re-created seafaring community.

The area of Mystic, CT, has a 300-year maritime history and fortunately for you, Mystic Seaport is striving to preserve that history. Many of the vessels you can see along our waterfront were built locally, or have roots in the New England maritime community. Your appreciation for 19^th-century craftsmanship is sure to be heightened by the framing of nature’s beauty.

The picture above was taken facing the Mystic River from the Planetarium located on the north end of the grounds.

The fall air a little too crisp for you? Step inside the Shipsmith shop and warm up while watching our craftsmen hard at work. Or, venture over to the Buckingham-Hall House and see what’s cooking over the flames.

 

If you’re looking for a spook or two, join us for the Nautical Nightmares. Tickets are on sale now. Find out more at www.mysticseaport.org.

 

Kids can’t seem to resist the sound of crunching leaves. They’re sure to also love our kid-friendly area near the Planetarium which features a Children’s Museum, The Art Spot and our very own fleet of wooden boats where kids can pretend to be captains and pirates in a sea of leaves.

 

And what’s the best part about autumn at Mystic Seaport? Children who visit us on October 24-25 and November 1-2 will get into the Museum for half price! Pretty good bargain if you ask us.

 

Make sure you Fall into Fun this autumn at Mystic Seaport! We’ll hold onto the majestic autumn leaves as long as we can.