Family Attractions

Bringing the kids along? The whole family is sure to find entertainment at countless family-friendly attractions in Massachusetts. For family fun, let Choice Hotels help you find the perfect attraction for your next family adventure.

In Western Massachusetts

Hancock Shaker Village
Routes 20 & 41
Pittsfield, MA   01201
800-817-1137

Kids and adults alike will be excited to discover the buildings from the 17- and 1800s which reside in this village. Once predominately populated by Shakers, that vigorous religious group of lore, the village now houses craft demonstrations, herbs and heirloom vegetable gardens, and a historic farm. Kids will want to discover the area’s past through wonderful hands-on activities which bring Shaker history to life.

In Central Massachusetts

Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides
520 Northwest Main Street
Douglas, MA   01516
888-821-6222

At the Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides, parents can enjoy a fine pre-packed picnic while watching the kids zoom down one of three 300-foot waterslides. Swimming is a favorite activity in the nearby reservoir, and concessions are available.

EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way
Worcester, MA   01604
508-929-2700

At the EcoTarium, kids will be delighted to explore the world of nature in an indoor/outdoor museum. 3 floors of exhibits beckon kids to interact, and live animals will stun and delight the young and old biology enthusiast. Nature trails through wetlands and meadows and a seasonal Tree Canopy Walkway are almost eclipsed by the prospects of the planetarium and the narrow-gauge train.

Mary Had A Little Lamb Statue
Town Common
Sterling, MA   01564
978-534-2302

Who knew that guests traveling to Massachusetts would be able to discover the actuality behind the tale of Mary and her little lamb? Who knew, for the matter, that Mary was even real? See Mary in all her stone memory’s glory, and get up-close and personal with the woman who inspired one of the most famous nursery rhymes the world has ever seen.

In North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley

"Friendship"
Salem Maritime Historic Site
Salem, MA   01970
978-740-1650

Guests traveling to Massachusetts won’t want to deny the whole family the chance to climb aboard a replica of a 1797 East India Tall Ship. While aboard, guests will be guided through an interpretive educational course on maritime history, and will then take to the hull as they undergo classic rigging demonstrations.

Discovery Museums
177 Main Street
Acton, MA   01720
978-264-4200

The Discovery Museums in Massachusetts are twin museums which cater to your toddler and/or preschooler. Offering theme rooms which encourage creative play, the first museum is an interactive paradise for younglings, while the second museum is a juvenile showcase of scientific erudition, inviting kids to explore and experiment.

Bobby's Ranch
16 Durkee Lane
Acton, MA   01718
978-263-7165

Bobby’s Ranch is the perfect Massachusetts destination for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun in a setting which is authentic to the area and experientially educational. Parents will want to take their kids for an exciting ride on the trail, hay, and sleigh rides which the ranch offers.

In Greater Boston

Boston Children's Museum
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA   02210
617-426-8855

The exhibits housed within the walls of the Boston Children’s Museum are at once imaginative and exciting, combining learning with fun. A giant Japanese house will entice the kids with its Asian flair, while curious children will want to find out exactly how to Climb The Walls. A Science Playground, ZoomZone, and AIRPlay ensure that kids will never run out of things to do here. Many exhibits are rich in art, culture, science and math.

Boston Steamship Company
60 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA   02110
617-542-8000

Kids and adults alike will want to cash in on the opportunity to take a tour aboard a replicated steamship paddle wheel boat. Step aboard the “Harbor Belle,” and be transported to another era of transportation as the whole family takes to the sea for an exciting day of ocean-coursing fun, only in Massachusetts.

Boston Common Frog Pond
84 Beacon Street
Boston Common
Boston, MA   02118
617-635-2120

Take the kids ice-skating in the oldest park in the United States. That’s right, skate around in the oldest park in the United States with the whole family. We bet you’ll want to come back for another day of zooming down the ice. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your skates at home; rentals are avidly available.

In South of Boston

Buttonwood Park Zoo
425 Hawthorn Street
New Bedford, MA   02740
508-991-6178

Learn about the multiple species of animals within the walls of the Buttonwood Park Zoo. The zoo comprises 100 acres and was designed by Olmsted. Kids will be fascinated by the over 250 species contained in this expanse, and when they’re ready to sit down they’ll be happy to take the train ride.

Children's Museum in Easton
9 Sullivan Avenue
The Old Fire Station
North Easton, MA   02356
508-230-3789

This museum is just for kids! Kids will be happy to have a place they can finally call their own, as they wander through the various interactive exhibits on display at the Children’s Museum in Easton. Learn about the arts, sciences, and humanities through fascinating exhibitions which will delight the young and old alike.

Fall River Carousel
1 Central Street
Battleship Cove
Fall River, MA   02720
508-324-4300

This classic and fully-restored carousel is marked by masterful carvings which display the ornate embellished style of the Victorian era. Housed within an elegant period pavilion, the carousel is sure to delight the entire family as they bob up and down while rotating this masterful piece of the past.

In Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Island

Cape Cod Children's Museum
577 Great Neck Road South
Mashpee, MA   02649
508-539-8788

Kid-related attractions abound at the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, where kids of all ages can mosey with their parents through hands-on exhibits which educate and fascinate at the same time. Among other attractions are a pirate ship, an indoor planetarium, a puppet theater, and other daily programs which kids will delight to partake in. For the teeny-weeny, a toddler play area exists.

Discovery Days Children's Museum
444 Main Street
Dennis Port, MA   02639
508-398-1600

Kids will be relieved to finally have a place for their own interests and only their own interests. At the Discovery Days Children’s Museum, kids will learn about the environment, culture, and more through interactive exhibits which are sure to entertain while educating. Call ahead for special events and other programs which kids will love.

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