Fantastic, Little Known, Cambridge Parks – 4 Things to Know About Artesani Park and Wading Pool

My favorite Boston park has to be Artesani Park.  This little gem is one of the few parks that seem to have all the perks; a river side view, a splash pad, a bathroom, free parking, on yeah… and a free wading pool complete with life guards.  Every time we’ve come here we’ve had a blast and left eagerly looking forward to coming again.

Fantastic, Little Known, Cambridge Parks - 4 Things to Know About Artesani Park and Wading Pool

Things to Note:

1) Price
Free.  Parking is free. The splash pad is free. The wading pool complete with life guards is free.

2) Park Features

  • Free parking and a big parking lot
  • A public bus that drops off right by the park
  • A great splash pad (newly added 2015)
  • Two different gated mini playgrounds, one for young children, one for older children
  • Bathrooms and a shower
  • A river view/ river walk
  • A free wading pool with life guards
Artesani Park and Wading Pool
He was actually really happy, but impatient about having to wait for me to take a picture

3) About the Wading Pool

  • You have to take a shower before entering.  There is often a life guard posted at the entrance to enforce that this actually happens.
  • There is a limit to how many people can enter the pool at time, again this is enforced by the door guard on busy days (if the pool is full you can always hang out at the splash pad or parks and try again in a few minutes).
  • You need a proper swimsuit and if your child is not potty trained they will need a swim diaper.
  • There is no eating or snacking by the pool.
  • The pool is fantastic for people of all ages, there is a gradient entry so babies can sit at any depth that is comfortable and the pools goes to depth just above your knees.
  • There are different sized spray features in the middle of the pool keeping it interesting for older children.
Artesani Park splash pad

4) Crowd Control
As you can imagine this is a pretty popular park, you can expect a decent crowd of people to be here any given day of the week and if you want quick entry to the wading pool I would suggest getting there when it opens.

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  This park makes for a fantastic summer outing.  The wading pool is awesome and I have as much fun there as my son does.  We usually start out swimming/splashing for a while, then leave and play at the parks for a little bit while we eat our lunch and if we have any energy left we run through the splash pad on our way to the car.  Artesani Park is a great alternative to the Frog Pond on those hot summer days.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Artesani Park and Wading Pool
1255 Soldiers Field Rd.
Boston, MA 02135

Phone: 617.626.4973
Website: http://www.bostoncentral.com/activities/artesani_wading_pool/p1940.php

Hours: June 27-September 7 Open daily 9:30 a.m.- 7p.m.

Big List of Objects That Start with the Letter “O”

Big list of objects that start with letter O
A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “O” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “O” objects.
  1. Oak: A type of large, sturdy tree that typically has broad leaves and produces acorns.
  2. Oar: A long pole with a flat blade used for rowing or steering a boat.
  3. Oat: A cereal grain that is commonly used for making oatmeal or in baking.
  4. Oatmeal: A type of porridge made from ground oats, often cooked with water or milk and served as a breakfast food.
  5. Oatmeal Cookies: Cookies made with oatmeal as one of the main ingredients, often combined with other ingredients such as raisins or chocolate chips.
  6. Obelisk: A tall, narrow monument or pillar that is typically pointed at the top.
  7. Obi: A wide belt or sash worn with a traditional Japanese kimono.
  8. Oboe: A woodwind instrument with a double reed and a distinct, high-pitched sound.
  9. Oboist: A musician who plays the oboe.
  10. Observatory: A building or area equipped with telescopes and other instruments for observing celestial bodies and phenomena.
  11. Obsidian: A natural volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava, often used in jewelry or as a cutting tool.
  12. Obstacle: Something that blocks or hinders progress or movement.
  13. Ocarina: A small wind instrument with a compact oval or spherical shape.
  14. Ocean: A vast body of saltwater that covers a large portion of the Earth’s surface.
  15. Oceanographer: A scientist who studies the physical and biological aspects of the ocean.
  16. Ocelot: A small wild cat with distinctive markings, native to Central and South America.
  17. Octagon: A polygon with eight sides and angles.
  18. Octopus: A marine mollusk characterized by its soft body, eight arms, and typically a rounded sac-like structure called a mantle.
  19. Off-Road Vehicle: A vehicle designed for driving on unpaved or rough terrain, often equipped with larger tires and increased ground clearance.
  20. Office: A place or room used for administrative or professional work.
  21. Oil: A viscous liquid derived from petroleum, used as fuel or to lubricate machinery.
  22. Oil Color Painting: A painting technique that uses pigments mixed with oil as a medium.
  23. Ointment: A thick, oily substance used to treat or soothe skin conditions.
  24. Okra: A flowering plant commonly cultivated for its edible green pods.
  25. Old Maid (Kid Card Game): A traditional card game played with a special deck of cards that includes an “old maid” card.
  26. Old Man: A term used to refer to an elderly male.
  27. Old Woman: A term used to refer to an elderly female.
  28. Oldenburg (horse breed): A breed of warmblood horse originating from the Oldenburg region in Germany, often used for dressage and show jumping.
  29. Oleo: A margarine-like spread made from vegetable oils.
  30. Olive: A small oval fruit with a hard pit, typically used to produce oil or eaten as a pickled or stuffed delicacy.
  31. Olive Oil: An oil extracted from olives, commonly used in cooking and as a salad dressing.
  32. Omelet: A dish made by beating eggs and cooking them in a frying pan with various ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, or meat.
  33. Omelette Pan: A special pan designed for making omelets, typically shallow and non-stick.
  34. Omnivore: An animal or person that consumes both plants and animal products.
  35. One: The number after zero and before two; the numerical value of a single item.
  36. Onion: A pungent bulb vegetable with many layers, used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
  37. Onion Rings: Sliced onions that are battered and deep-fried, often served as a side dish or appetizer.
  38. Onyx: A semiprecious stone with a smooth, black surface.
  39. Onyx Necklace: A necklace made with beads or a pendant crafted from onyx.
  40. Onyx Ring: A ring adorned with an onyx gemstone.
  41. Opal: A gemstone known for its play of colors and iridescence.
  42. Opera: A form of classical music that combines singing and acting, usually performed in an elaborate theatrical setting.
  43. Opera Glasses: Small binoculars or telescopes used to view performances in a theater or opera houses.
  44. Ophthalmoscope: A handheld instrument used by ophthalmologists to examine the inside of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
  45. Opossum: A small marsupial animal found in the Americas, known for its long tail and ability to feign death when threatened.
  46. Opposites: Two things that are completely different or contradictory to each other.
  47. Optometrist: A healthcare professional who examines and tests eyes for vision problems, prescribes corrective lenses, and treats certain eye conditions.
  48. Oracle: A person or object regarded as a source of wise and insightful guidance or prophecy.
  49. Orange: A citrus fruit with a round shape, typically orange-colored flesh, and a tangy flavor.
  50. Orange Blossom: The fragrant flower of the orange tree.
  51. Orange Juice: A beverage made by extracting juice from oranges.
  52. Orangery: A greenhouse or conservatory where orange trees and other citrus plants are grown.
  53. Orangutan: A large ape native to Indonesia and Malaysia, known for their long arms and reddish-brown hair.
  54. Orb: A spherical or round object.
  55. Orbit: In astronomy, the path followed by a celestial object, such as a planet, around another object, such as the sun. In the context of Orbit Gum, it is a brand of chewing gum.
  56. Orca: A type of large predatory marine mammal, also known as a killer whale.
  57. Orchard: An area of land where fruit trees are grown.
  58. Orchestra: A large ensemble of musicians who play various instruments, typically performing classical music.
  59. Orchid: A flowering plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family, known for its beautiful and diverse range of flower shapes and colors.
  60. Oregano: An aromatic herb commonly used in cooking, known for its distinctive flavor.
  61. Oreo: A popular sandwich cookie consisting of two chocolate wafers with a sweet cream filling in between.
  62. Organ: A musical instrument with pipes or reeds that produce sound by air being forced through them.
  63. Organza: A thin, sheer fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers, often used for formal clothing or decorative purposes.
  64. Origami: The Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures.
  65. Oriole: A colorful songbird with a melodious voice, often found in North America.
  66. Ornament: A decorative item used to enhance the appearance of something, often hung on a Christmas tree or worn as jewelry.
  67. Ornithologist: A scientist who studies birds, their behavior, and their habitats.
  68. Orthodontist: A dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using braces or other orthodontic appliances.
  69. Orthopedic Shoes: Footwear specially designed to support and align the feet and ankles, often used to treat foot or musculoskeletal conditions.
  70. Orzo: A type of pasta shaped like rice grains, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
  71. Oscar (award): An annual award given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in recognition of excellence in the film industry.
  72. Osprey: A large fish-eating bird of prey with a white underside and brown upperparts, also known as a sea hawk or fish eagle.
  73. Osteopath: A healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, often using manual techniques.
  74. Ostrich: A large flightless bird native to Africa, known for its long neck and legs.
  75. Otologist: A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear.
  76. Otter: A semiaquatic mammal with a streamlined body, webbed feet, and a long tail, known for its playful behavior.
  77. Otterbox (phone case): A brand of protective phone cases known for their durability and impact resistance.
  78. Ottoman: A low upholstered seat or footstool without a backrest, often used as a footrest or for additional seating.
  79. Outfit: A set of clothing items worn together as a coordinated ensemble.
  80. Outhouse: A small, detached structure located outdoors that serves as a toilet or bathroom.
  81. Oval: A shape that resembles an elongated circle with two equal and symmetrical ends.
  82. Oven: An enclosed appliance used for baking, roasting, or heating food.
  83. Overalls: Protective or casual one-piece garments typically covering the torso and legs, often worn for work or utility purposes.
  84. Overcoat: A heavy, long coat worn over regular clothing for warmth, usually during cold weather.
  85. Overhead Projector: A device that projects images or text onto a screen or surface from above, typically used for presentations or lectures.
  86. Overnight Bag: A small suitcase or bag used to pack essentials for an overnight trip or short stay.
  87. Overnight Train: A train service that runs overnight, allowing passengers to travel and sleep on board.
  88. Oversized Chair: A large chair designed to accommodate more than one person or provide extra space for comfort.
  89. Owl: A nocturnal bird of prey characterized by its large eyes, a flat face, and sharp beak, known for its hooting sound.
  90. Ox: A domesticated hoofed mammal, usually a male, trained for work, often used in agriculture or as a draft animal.
  91. Ox Cart: A cart or wagon pulled by an ox or oxen, used for transportation or hauling heavy loads.
  92. Oxygen: A chemical element essential for life, constituting about 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere and necessary for respiration.
  93. Oyster: A shellfish found in marine or brackish waters, known for its hard shell and prized for its edible meat.
  94. Oyster Sauce: A thick, flavorful sauce made from oysters, often used in Asian cuisine as a condiment or cooking ingredient.
  95. Oyster Shell: The hard, protective outer covering of an oyster, typically discarded after the meat inside is consumed.

Can you think of any other letter “O” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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