With Salem schools not starting until Wednesday, September 9, summer is longer and more challenging for weary and cash-strapped parents and caregivers, continually looking for creative and entertaining ways to keep children busy for a few more days.
The New England Aquarium has just the remedy, exclusive to SALEM RESIDENTS ONLY: Free admission for the entire month of September. That is nearly a $100 savings for most families to see the Aquarium’s new exhibit on sea turtle rescue as well as penguins, fur seals, sea lions, harbor seals, sharks, sting rays, and thousands of more aquatic animals.
PROOF OF SALEM RESIDENCE - At the Aquarium’s box office, Salem residents need to show either their licenses, state identification cards, passports, or current mortgage, insurance, utility, or banking statements. Here is the link for more information: www.neaq.org/salem. This offer is not available for phone or online orders, or for school or other group reservations. It may not be combined with other offers and is not valid on the New England Aquarium Whale Watch or in the Simons IMAX Theatre.
SALEM’S BENEFACTOR - Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll stated, "Salem is so fortunate to be the beneficiary of the Norman H. Read Trust, which focuses on funding science education and technology in our schools and for our children.~This September, Salem Days gives all of our residents the opportunity to explore marine science with free admission to the New England Aquarium."
Norman Read, who died in 1992 at age 100, made his fortune in the sciences of oil and natural gas in Texas and Alaska.~ Before he died, he created the trust as a means to enhance excellence in science education for all Salem residents.~Generations of his family were residents of Salem since colonial days.
OTHER FREE & LOW COST ACTIVITIES NEAR THE AQUARIUM – To build out a full, low cost day with kids in Boston beyond a free visit to the Aquarium, Salem residents might consider these other no or low cost entertainment options that are nearby. The Rose Kennedy Greenway in front of the Aquarium is now fully grown in, vibrant and exciting. Kids of all ages should wear their swim suits under their light summer clothing as they are welcome and encouraged to run through the unpredictable water jets of the Rings Fountain on the Greenway. Shrieks of excitement and laughter are guaranteed at no cost. Wander down the green path among the skyscrapers to see the widely acclaimed aerial sculpture that floats between the high rises. Hurry to see it as this ethereal, moving creation will come down in October before late autumn winds create havoc with it.
Stroll over to Quincy Market and check out their always amazing street performers. A bounty of cheap food options abound there, but if cash is really tight, pack a lunch and cross the Greenway to have a pleasant picnic on the wide lawns of Christopher Columbus Park overlooking sailboats tied up in the harbor. This park is truly one of Boston’s best kept secrets as it is tucked between the Long Wharf Marriott and the North End. The lawns are big enough for the kids to play with a ball or a Frisbee as adults get off their feet. Save your dessert for a gelato run as you explore Boston’s iconic Italian neighborhood.
TAKE THE SALEM FERRY - For a car-free adventure, Boston Harbor Cruises offers discounted tickets for Salem residents on the Fast Ferry that runs five crossings a day from Salem’s Blaney Street Pier into Boston’s Long Wharf North, adjacent to the Aquarium.
