Family-Friendly Ways to Unplug in Concord

BY CINDY ATOJI KEENE

Concord has the cure for nature-deficit disorder, a condition that worsened during the pandemic. As kids and parents spend more time indoors and less time in nature, they’re becoming more stressed and anxious. But as the beloved sage of Concord, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” The transcendent moments that he and others experienced here can still be felt today by communing with nature and feeling the beauty around you.

If you think you already know Concord and all it has to offer, think again. It’s a revolutionary town and in more than one way. Here are our top picks for family-friendly activities in Concord:

Bike riding promotes feelings of calm and wellbeing – and is an environmentally friendly way to get around. Concord’s new bike share program allows you to rent a bike for $1.50 an hour, a convenient and fun way to cycle to the historic sites or pedal along the scenic Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (brucefreemanrailtrail. org). Pick up a bike behind the Visitor’s Center (visitconcord.org/visit/visitorcenter) or in West Concord (facebook.com/ westconcordcommunity).

The Rideout Playground (visitconcord.org/ listing-category/outdoor-recreation) is the answer. For little ones, there’s a rain stick, periscope, kid-size picnic table, and Brailleteaching clock; for older daredevils, a net cage that connects to a winding slide, fire pole, and steep steps.

Of course, you can find books, books, and more books – but also baby chicks in the Fowler Branch; free wifi hotspots, and in the children’s department, recommendations for staff-curated collections about cats, books, pizza, and superheroes.

said Henry David Thoreau. In 1849, this storied Concord naturalist observed the Concord River, believing it “remarkable for the gentleness of its current, which is scarcely perceptible.” He also wrote, “It is worth the while to make a voyage up this stream… if only to see how much country there is in the rear of us; great hills… and farm-houses. Many waves are there agitated by the wind, keeping nature fresh, the spray blowing in your face, reeds and rushes waving.” Rent a canoe or kayak at the South Bridge Boat House (southbridgeboathouse. com) and see the magic for yourself.

Yes, it’s ice cream, which contains protein and fat, which helps elevate our mood – and who doesn’t need that? Ice cream gives you Reasons to Be Cheerful (cheerful-reasons.com) or savor a cone from Bedford Farms (bedfordfarmsicecream. com). Satisfy your sweet tooth as well at Concord Teacakes (concordteacakes.com), Priscilla’s Candy Shop (priscillascandy. com), Gräem Nuts and Chocolate (graemroasters.com), Dunkin’ (locations. dunkindonuts.com/en/ma/concord), or with a yummy dessert from Main Streets Café (mainstreetsmarketandcafe.com).

Meander around the Old Manse (thetrustees.org/place/the-old-manse); play chase near the Old North Bridge (nps. gov/mima/north-bridge-questions.htm); see Paul Revere’s lantern at the Concord Museum (concordmuseum.org); leave a note, coin, or pebble at Louisa May Alcott’s grave at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (concordma. gov/1956/Sleepy-Hollow-Cemetery), or sign up for a tour at the Concord Visitor Center (visitconcord.org/visit/visitor-center), where you can also buy water, a tricorn hat, or get trail maps for hiking.

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees,” said Thoreau, and you and your family can also experience the transformative power of adventure in Concord. Nature deficit? Not anymore, thanks to all that Concord has to offer.

Stop by the Concord Visitor Center, 58 Main Street, Concord (978-318-3061) for more information on activities and town resources. visitconcord.org

Cindy Atoji Keene is a former supplements editor and copy editor at the Boston Herald. She is also a longtime contributor to the Boston Globe and has acted as creative director at Science and Theology News.