Patch Picks: Day Trips and Staycations

• Weston Recreation Department Programs

The Weston Recreation Department offers several programs during April vacation week: Make It & Take It Home-Fun Science Projects, Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for ages 7-12 years old. The fee is $150 with a recreation badge and $170 without a badge;  Spring Chess Workshop, Tuesday, April 19 through Friday, April 22 between the hours of 4 and 5:30 p.m. for grades kindergarten through fifth. The fee for the Spring Chess Workshop is $110 with recreation badge and $130 without recreation badge; and Puddlestompers for Vacation Week, Tuesday through Friday, April 19 to April 22, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon for ages 3-6 years old. The fee is $50 per day with recreation badge and $60 per day without recreation badge. Check out the town's website for more information.

• Drumlin Farm

In nearby Lincoln, you can spend the day walking the trails, learning in the nature center or exploring the working farm. When you need a break, enjoy a picnic on the grounds and compete your day browsing the gift shop. Drumlin Farm offers numerous educational and kid-friendly activities, so this close-to-home option is good for the whole family. Drumlin Farm is open Tuesday through Sunday year round.

• Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Head to Boylston where something is always blooming and you can forget that winter just won't let go this year. Check out the beautiful architecture of the Limonaia or experience the Orangerie, an 18th-century style greenhouse. If you pick a warm day, pack a picnic and enjoy it on the grounds surrounded by the spring gardens. There's plenty here for birders, plant enthusiasts, flower lovers and anyone who just enjoys a beautiful landscape.

• New Bedford Whaling Museum

The whole family can explore this piece of New England history. The new exhibit "Harpoons and Whalecraft" features all variety of "whaling weaponry." For those more interested in the literary history of whales, wander through the exhibit "Visualizing Melville." With exhibits ranging from weaponry to scientific studies of whales, there really is something here for everyone.

• Cape Cod Rail Trail

The rail trail covers 22 miles through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. It has a paved part for cyclists and an unpaved part for horseback riders, runners and hikers. Beaches are easily accessible off the trail and bike rentals are also available.