Lifetime Wave Kayaks are Great Starters!

Lifetime Wave Kayaks are very bouyant, stable and great platforms to learn on.

We live near a tidal cove that is great for our four year old to play in especially at mid tide when the water is about as deep as a wading pool. It's allowed 'B' to become comfortable with the water as we have done water activities like swimming, jumping in waves and even kayaking together.  My kayak has a baby seat that he has used in the past, but his sister is ready to start using that spot, and it was time for 'B' to have his own kayak.

I looked around for a kayak that would help get him started, and even though he is a tall 4 year old, most of the kayaks I looked at were just too big for him.  Then our neighbor brought home the perfect solution for her six year old - the [amazon B004EEF5RQ inline]. We saw how quickly her son took to it and ran out to buy our own.

The [amazon B004EEF5RQ inline] is the perfect learning platform for a novice kayak.  It's extremely bouyant, and can handle a paddler with a passenger no problem. The kayak is very stable and small children seem to be right at home as they learn to maneuver and paddle. It's actually so stable that B has no problem standing on it while it floats, and I can see him using it as a SUP board before the Summer is over!

The Wave will float in less than 6" of water, which makes it perfect for learning kayaking skills in very shallow water.  If your child is not worried about tipping over or falling into deep water while they are learning, they'll be more accepting to being taught and less likely to panic. 'B' found that falling in is pretty fun when the water is shallow!

The most innovative feature of the [amazon B004EEF5RQ inline] is that it is designed to make it as easy as possible to board the kayak from behind. 'B' had no problem getting on from behind without a life jacket and struggled a little when he was wearing one.  He eventually figured out a way to do it easily wearing a life jacket, which sets us free to explore deeper waters.  If he feels comfortable knowing that he can get back on if he falls off, he'll be free to explore and discovery because of his new vehicle.

A boy who's family rented a home next to ours for a weekly rental befriended 'B' for the week so they used the Wave together. He was able to be under way and paddling around within a matter of minutes, and before we knew it they were having adventures together as one paddled and the other jumped off the back of the kayak.

We picked ours up at Dick's sporting goods in Danvers for $99 in early June, but have learned that the price has recently increased to $119.  The package included the paddle, so it's pretty short money for the amount of fun we'll get out of it.  We also found this at amazon for $149, and that includes free shipping if you choose that option.  Check out the Amazon page here: [amazon B004EEF5RQ inline].

This kayak is built from high-density polyethylene plastic, which makes it light enough for my 4 year old to drag, and ensures that it is durable enough to to last through my next child using it to learn on.

Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Music Together - Tuesday in Marblehead

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® of Salem classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

STEM Club at MPL

Stem Club for kids in grades 3-6 at the public library in Manchester Public Library
Have some fun and learn a little science too at STEM Club! This group meets every third Thursday from 4-5 and is for grades 4-6. 
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Pajama Story Time at Manchester Public Library

Kids are invited to the pajama time book reading at the Public Library in Manchester by the Sea Massachusetts.
Join Miss Audrey for a cozy pajama storytime and craft the first Thursday of every month from 6-7. This program is for kids ages 4 and up and their families. 
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Chess Club at Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library hosts a weekly chess club for all ages on Tuesday evenings.
Salem Public Library the library is hosting weekly chess nights where players of all ages can play and learn from each other.  Whether you're new to the game or a veteran player, all skill levels welcome, and basic instruction
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 19

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Family Open House: Caring for the Coast

Family Open House: Caring for the Coast at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts
To celebrate Earth Month, our Family Open House will focus on ocean and coastal conservation and what we are doing to protect beaches and wetlands. Drop in to see our tide pool touch tank and meet some moon snails, hermit crabs and sea stars! Learn about shorebird protection and find out what lives...
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Tortoise & Hare 10k/5k Race & Color Run

Tortoise & Hare 5k/10k & Color Run raises funds for the Recreation Department in Salisbury Massachusetts
Come celebrate the arrival of Spring at the Tortoise and the Hare 5K & 10K and Color Run!! The color run is not timed, but sure to be fun! The event continues to fundraise for the Salisbury Parks and Recreation.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Sunday, April 20

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Monday, April 21

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

April Vacation at Cape Ann Art Haven

April Vacation Programs at Art Haven in Gloucester Massachusetts
Cape Ann Art Haven has a week full of fun activities planned for kids during April Vacation week. There are programs for kids k-5th grade that will appeal to many styles of artistic expression with morning classes from 9am to Noon or 9am to 3pm. Scholarships are available. Open to elementary...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

April Vacation at MIT Museum

Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm