Western Massachusetts is largely a rural area dotted with farmland, sloping hills, lakes and streams. This region of the state presents a wide variety of activity options that can be both educational and entertaining for families with small children. Whether it's a day on the farm picking fruit or dinosaur hunting, your trip to Western Massachusetts will be one the kids won't soon forget.
Norwottuck Rail Trail
The Norwottuck Rail Trail is an 11-mile path safely situated away from vehicular traffic connecting three Western Massachusetts towns. Kids of all ages will enjoy the easily navigable, largely paved trail, via bicycle or in a parents jogger or stroller. The path follows the now defunct Central Massachusetts Railroad through Elwell State Park, across bridges, and through winding meadows. Norwottuck is a safe and worry-free way to explore the Western Massachusetts wilderness and wildlife that both children and parents can enjoy.
Green River Farms
Williamstown, Massachusetts is home to Green River Farm, a fully functional farm that doubles as an orchard and petting zoo. Family and kids oriented activities include farming demonstrations and discussions and seasonal vegetable and fruit picking.The Green River Farm petting zoo is home to a myriad of species including baby calves, yaks, potbellied pigs, llamas, rabbits, goats and turtles. Wagon tours transport families to the banks of the Green River for picnics and evening campfires. A seasonal corn maze is also built each autumn.
Mt. Holyhoke Childrens Museum
The Mt. Holyoke Children's Museum features a broad range of hands-on, participatory and engaging exhibits designed by education professionals. Exhibits allow kids to explore nature, art, interactive design and physical activity. The museum also features an optical illusion room, paper-making factory and kids TV studio. The secluded tot lot is geared specifically for visitors aged two and under. It provides developmentally appropriate games and resources for young children as well as a seating area for nursing mothers. Tots can play with dolls, toys, books and mobiles.
Six Flags New England
The nationally renowned Six Flags theme park chain operates an expansive resort just outside of Springfield, Massachusetts. While older kids will enjoy the parks many snack stands, roller coasters and games, the park also has four separate areas for young children. These areas include "Looney Tunes" Movie Town, Wiggles World, Thomas the Tank Engine Town and Mr. Six Splash Island. The park also has several family-friendly rides that excite young thrill seekers without dangerous speeds or inclines. The Six Flags water park features an expansive children's area and wave pool where small children can swim with their parents.
Dinosaur Footprints
The park known as Dinosaur Footprints is an eight-acre expanse in Holyoke that is home to 130 tracks left in sandstone by dinosaurs 190 million years ago. The slow sloping and easily navigable trails will thrill kids of all ages. Several informative placards are erected throughout the park which offer insight into the tracks, fossils and fish skeletons visible in the rocks. The park is open from April first to the end of November from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the park is free. Coming face-to-face with prehistoric creatures is an experience that kids will find unforgettable.
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