Summer Fun

So You Wanna…Entertain the Kids

SEE A ROX STAR
Part of the independent Canadian-American pro league, the Brockton Rox is a babysitting enterprise masquerading as a ball club. At the team’s Campanelli Stadium home, there’s a picnic pavilion, a play area, and even a baby suite stocked with every necessity. Best of all, box seats go for less than $10, even when Papelbon is pitching. (Jonathan’s little brother, Josh, is a team member.) One Feinberg Way, Brockton, 508-559-7000, brocktonrox.com.

GOLF WITH DINOSAURS
Route 1 in Saugus is the area’s epicenter of kitsch, the best evidence of which is the giant fiberglass dinosaur standing guard at Route 1 Miniature Golf and Batting Cages. Start your evening with a lobster roll at nearby Kelly’s, then let the kids wear themselves out with bats, balls, clubs, and (of course) ice cream. An on-site Dairy Castle maximizes the retro vibe. 1575 Broadway, Saugus, 781-233-2811, theorangedinosaur.com.

GET DOWN ON THE FARM
Lincoln’s Drumlin Farm, operated by Mass Audubon, is a wildlife sanctuary and working organic farm stocked with cows, ponies, chickens, pigs, and other animals you thought lived only in Vermont. Hang out with the critters, hike the hills, dig in the dirt, or take one of the many kid-friendly classes, such as “Spider Safari” or “Bird-Venturers.” And definitely pick up fresh veggies at the farmstand on your way out. 208 S. Great Rd., Lincoln, 781-259-2200, massaudubon.org.

FLOAT THE LAZY RIVER
Waterparks usually make us think two things: long lines and pink eye. But not CoCo Key, which offers twisting slides, water cannons, and a lazy tube ride. Tickets start at $20 in Fitchburg and $25 in Danvers. Just make sure you buy them in advance – and avoid the big holidays. Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg, 150 Royal Plaza Dr., Fitchburg, 978-342-7100; Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore, 50 FernCroft Rd., Danvers, 866-754-6959; cocokeywaterresort.com.