The Swan Boats at the Boston Public Gardens
The latest O’Keefe family inexpensive outing was (oops, I was about to say my all time favorite, then remembered I already said that about Castle Island !) one of my very favorites–Boston’s own storied Swan Boats. The truth of it is, I truly love many of 
the things you can do in Boston -especially the ones for $$short money. I’ll take you all on many of these excursions throughout the summer. So, please, sit back and enjoy the FREE ride!
This past Friday my entire family (myself, sons: Paul (12) & Sean (10), my mom (Marion Connolly), niece Mairead (4), nephews: Tommy (7), and Patrick (5) went to The Swan Boats in downtown Boston. We packed a lunch and took the ‘T’, which was in itself an adventure since the kids are used to being driven everywhere. We got off the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing, walked across the Boston Common where we bumped into Ben Franklin giving tours of the Freedom Trail, passed by the Frog Pond and into The Public Gardens. We stopped by the famous statues of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ based on the book by Robert McCloskey. The little ones all took turns sitting on statues finally making their way to the Mother Duck. Before we boarded the boats we had an absolute blast feeding the ducks…but sadly learned it is not allowed…and for good reasons…overpopulation and non-migration, among others.
The Swan Boat ride was extremely enjoyable. It was paddled by nice young man. Ducks followed along our merry water-way. We saw swans nesting and a large turtle sunning itself on a small island. My mom watched from the bridge to take pictures…thanks Mom! I do have to admit though that my 12 year old felt he was a little too mature for this outing…they grow up so fast!
After that we got ice cream and ate them by the little park in front of The Copley Library. I have been to The Swan Boats countless times in my life and the charm is always 
as fresh as it was the first time.
Talk to everyone soon. And here’s a hint about the next outing: Fire, Water, Peace.
Parkway Soccer Family Day at Millennium Park in West Roxbury–What a Blast!
What a fabulous time! The Parkway Youth Soccer League and the Parkway Family Day task force organizations really outdid themselves this year in a combined community-wide effort that resulted in a very successful Parkway Soccer Family Day this past Saturday, June 16Th at Millennium Park in West Roxbury, MA. 
So many families volunteered, local businesses donated food, pastries, and other give aways. There were pony rides, two (2) moonwalks, a duck pond toss, a theatre production, patriotic songs, trivia games, and The Boston Fire Department allowed children to play on and learn about the fire engines. The Parkway Idol Contest was a big hit as usual…and so much more!
A cookout included burgers, dogs, slush, popcorn, cotton candy and much more-all free! 
My kids, Paul and Sean, and my husband Tom had a blast. They bumped into lots of friends and relatives. Many local politicians were also there which gave people a chance to meet them on a more personal level.
I would like to thank all who had a hand in this fabulous day…each year it gets better and better. Keep up the good work!
Free Fun for All at Castle Island in South Boston
Hi All,
My name is Maureen O’Keefe. My husband Tom and I both grew up in West Roxbury. We have two (2) sons: Paul age 12 and Sean age 10. Both of our parents are also Bostonians and they taught us to truly appreciate the benefits of this wonderful city. I will be blogging on free or inexpensive family-friendly field trips in and around Boston. At times members of our extended family or friends may also tag along.
Our first field trip…one of my all time favorite places…Castle Island, South Boston, a 24 acre urban park on the waterfront. There is so much to do there we could never get to it all in one day, therefore we will be taking a few trips over the summer.
We went on Saturday evening of the Memorial Day Weekend. Having such a busy weekend with chores, yard-work, errands, etc., we weren’t able to do something special for the kids and the guilt was setting in. So we threw a blanket in the trunk, gave my mother and sister a call and took the short 10 minute drive to Castle Island. Paul’s friend Joey was around so he joined us. It was around 6:30 and still brutally hot but there is always a gorgeous sea breeze and we remembered to bring sweat shirts. First we stopped at Sullivans, a famous fast food place which has been around for as long as I can remember. The Cost of dinner for two adults and three children: $30.
We set up our blanket at the top of a grassy hill by the castle and enjoyed the scenery and cool breeze while we ate. My sister Siobhan, her husband and five kids, Hannah 10, Caroline 9, Emma Jane 8, Patrick 5, Maeve 18 mos, and my mother Marion (who would never pass up an invite to Castle Island) met us there. The younger kids played tag and rolled down the hill while the older ones took a walk around the castle and checked out the fishing pier. They ran back out of breath and excited because a man had caught a giant crab and a ’monster size’ fish. We all enjoyed watching the planes land and take off from nearby Logan Airport. We then walked over to Sullivan’s for ice cream and shakes ($10 for one adult and three kids-I was good and passed on the extra calories, but my husband…). It was a fabulous evening…short ride, short money, and free parking. We arrived home refreshed and in good moods.
Other great things to do at Castle Island include Castle Tours (including a sunset tour which I hear is breath taking) conducted by The Castle Island Association (all volunteers), walking around the Sugar Bowl, swimming in the ocean (yes it’s clean and safe), biking, picnic area, playground area, fishing off the pier, flying kites. There are also special events held in the castle such as a haunted house on Halloween. For more info call the Castle Island Association @ 617-268-5744.
Let me know what you think:)
Maureen
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