Whether you are looking to take a day-trip, or a weekend staycation in Massachusetts, consider adding these Massachusetts family attractions on your “to-do” list this summer.
The Butterfly Place:
120 Tyngsboro Road Westford, MA 01886 | Website
Get an up close view of butterflies flying freely in their natural habitat at The Butterfly Place located in Westford, MA. With just on step into the indoor atrium, visitors will be able to see local butterflies as well as tropical species from all over the world, as well as koi fish and quail birds that roam around freely. Before or after your visit with the butterflies, watch a 15 minute video and learn about the butterfly life cycle as well as fun facts. You can also see the butterfly life cycle first hand as you explore the exhibits and observe eggs, caterpillars, cocoons and chrysalides. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the outdoor picnic area, where there is also a covered tent.
Tips: The indoor atrium is kept at 80-85 degrees so dress appropriately. Typical visit lasts about 1 hour.
Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm:
208 South Great Road Lincoln, MA 01773 | Website
Head on over to Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary located in Lincoln for a day filled with outdoor fun. Children and adults will enjoy seeing farm animals including sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, and cows. Stop by Bird Hill and Drumlin Underground for an up-close view of an owl, hawk, fox, and more, and if you are feeling adventurous, head out on a nature hike and explore 4 miles of trails. Don’t forget to walk through the Learning Garden to see what vegetables and spices are growing.
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of walking. Strollers are perfect for the young children in case they get tired. Bring a cooler, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade. Pack sunscreen.
EcoTarium:
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604 | Website
The EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum in Worcester, MA. This unique museum is filled with hands on family friendly activities and two floors of education exhibits that are fun and interactive as well as an outdoor area. Spend just a few hours, or the entire day exploring their indoor and outdoor exhibits that include an indoor preschool discovery area, African communities, indoor freshwater ecosystem, and digital planetarium. Test your mountaineering skills on the bouldering wall and experience hurricane like winds in the Hurricane Simulator located on the second floor.
On a typical day, animal encounters at the exhibits can include frogs, hawks, red fox, river otter, turtles, striped skunk, hedgehogs, bald eagles, porcupines, or keep an eye out and see what wildlife in their natural habitat by taking a stroll on three different nature trails. Kids will love the newest addition, the Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit, that inspires creativity and imaginative play with a sand digging area, water play area, climbing & crawling area, music area and more.
New England Aquarium:
1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 | Website
Explore the underwater world and get an up close experience with marine life at the New England Aquarium. There are thousands of aquatic animals to see including green sea turtles, penguins, California Sea Lion, Northern Fur Seal, Giant Pacific Octopus, Cownose Ray, and a Leafy Seadragon. Before leaving, make sure to catch a viewing of Humpback Whales 3D, Great White Shark 3D, or Secret Ocean 3D in the state of-the-art Simons IMAX Theatre.
Kimballs Farm:
400 Littleton Road (Rt. 110) Westford, MA 01886 | Website
A family favorite for many generations, Kimballs Farm has been serving delicious homemade ice cream for 75 years. In addition to a large ice cream stand and country store the Westford MA location features mini golf, bumper boats, a driving range, batting cages, pony rides, arcade and a new interactive exhibit that features exotic animals and reptiles from around the wold including an Amierican Alligator, Canadian Lynx, Eurasian Eagle Owl and more.
Note: Arrive hungry, the servings sizes are huge!
Great Wolf Lodge:
150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg MA 01420 | Website | Our Visit
Located in Fitchburg, MA, the Great Wolf Lodge is boosting with fun that they whole family will enjoy. Plan a day-trip, or stay the night. From morning till nightfall, there is always something fun to do, whether it’s spending time splashing at the water park, playing games at the Northern Lights Arcade, balancing on the ropes course, bowling, or participating in one of the many activities offered by the Great Wolf Lodge staff. Pack refreshments and food as there is a fridge located in every guest room, or don’t bring any at all as there are several restaurant options right inside the resort including a Dunkin Donuts. Water slides, family activities, children’s mani & pedi, restaurants, shops …there’s no need to leave the resort once you arrive.
Six Flags New England:
1623 Main St,, Agawam, MA 01001 | Website
Spend the day at Six Flags New England where there is something for everyone in the family – live entertainment, character appearances, rides, food, and more! Roller coasters for the thrill seekers, more easy going and gentler rides that they whole family will enjoy and over a dozen rides plus water areas for the kiddies. Make sure to pack a bathing suit and head on over to Hurricane Harbor Water Park and cool down on the water slides, large pools, lazy rivers, and multi-passanger rafting rides.
Stay tuned as we’ll be adding more attractions to our list!
