It is at that point in the summer when children who are out of school start to complain how “bored” they are. Although visits to the beach can be fun, traffic and the cost of parking in some beach areas may not be an option every day. There are things in the Milford area that are free, or very low cost, that can entertain the children as well as the adults in the house.
The Mispillion Riverwalk is a beautiful place to take a walk, talk about the river and the creatures who live in it. There are grassy areas where you can enjoy a picnic lunch as well. The Milford Riverwalk project began in 1974 and was one of the first established by a municipality in the state. The walk is one mile, threading its way through the heart of downtown. Take a stroll through Goat Island where you will find educational plaques explaining the area. Be sure to stop and enjoy the Augusta statues, painted by local artists and students, that pay homage to the city’s shipbuilding past.
The Milford Museum is another free activity for families providing details of the history of Milford and the surrounding area. Located at 121 South Walnut Street in Milford, the museum is currently housed in the first post office in Milford. There is also a research library where those interested can search for details on Milford’s past.
DuPont Nature Center and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center also offer programs that are free or have very low fees. DuPont Nature Center provides details on the local environment and wildlife while Abbott’s Mill allows you to explore nature trails and learn about the unique ecosystem surrounding a functioning grist mill.
Milford Public Library also offers many free or low-cost events for children, teens and adults. They have an extensive children’s library as well as a Teen Center that can provide entertainment for children of all ages.
There are several playgrounds located throughout Milford as well. Memorial Park is the newest playground, but there is also playground equipment on the Parks & Recreation property at 207 Franklin Street. The Can-Do Playground, located in Tony Silicato Park near the Boys & Girls Club, offers equipment that is designed for children of all abilities. School district playgrounds are also available for use by the public.
Want to keep your children active over the summer? Milford also offers free pickleball courts in Memorial Park and Marvel Square. Memorial Park is located directly across from the Milford Public Library while Marvel Square is located next to Parks & Recreation. Courts are free but are first-come-first-served. Both courts have free parking areas as well.
The City of Milford is working on other recreational options including an indoor recreation park, disc golf courses, outdoor workout equipment, beach volleyball and more over the next five years.
