Family-Friendly Travel In Massachusetts
With endless family memories to be made, explore all Massachusetts has to offer for travelers of all ages. The Bay State welcomes visitors with all interests to experience our museums, nature exhibits, and interactive activities. For families looking for an activity for a rainy day or to continue their learning over school breaks, each region has something special to offer. For those who want to travel as a family, here’s where to learn about family-friendly attractions, activities, dining, and lodging in Massachusetts. Plan the ultimate family road trip in Massachusetts, any time of the year.
- Western Massachusetts
Explore the outdoors, museums, and historic destinations with the whole family.
- Central Massachusetts
Explore historic villages, quaint towns, and nature escapes.
- North of Boston
Explore family-friendly beaches, historic landmarks, and seafaring activities.
- South of Boston
Explore historic activities, thrilling adventures, and ocean escapades.
- Cape Cod & The Islands
Explore beaches, marine life, and charming seaside towns.
- Greater Boston
Explore the history, food, and culture of this world-class region.
Western Massachusetts
Explore Western Massachusetts where families will find adventures on and above the ground! From incredible hiking trails to museums to unique historic experiences, the region has something for all kinds of travelers and families.
Accommodations
Photo: Paul Franz
Hotel on North
297 NORTH STREET, PITTSFIELD, MA 01201
The hotel has an on-site casual-dining restaurant, free parking in the back, and spacious rooms, including extended-stay accommodations with a kitchenette and washer/dryer. Furry friends can even tag along as a limited number of rooms are pet-friendly.
Photo: Jiminy PeakJiminy Peak Mountain Resort
37 COREY RD, HANCOCK, MA 01237
The best part for families about staying at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is the fun-filled onsite activities ranging from zip lining, mountain biking, or zooming down the mountain on an alpine slide. The Berkshire resort’s Country Inn has over 100 suites as well as an outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor heated whirlpools and an exercise room. Condo communities on the resort property feature spacious, well-appointed two- and three-bedroom units with full kitchens, some with washer/dryers.
Dining
Photo: @amber.g.fisher (IG)
Photo: Frigo Foods
Photo: @out2din (IG)
Photo: Lynne GravesPaul and Elizabeth’s
150 MAIN ST, NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060
Paul & Elizabeth’s Restaurant opened its doors in Thornes Marketplace, Northampton Massachusetts, in the fall of 1978. Rooted in macrobiotic cooking and Japanese training, the family-run establishment delivers a menu that has developed over time while still remaining true to its founding ideals.
Photo: @xinfuladventure (IG)Red Rose Pizzeria
1060 MAIN ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103
Serving fresh, authentic cuisine, Red Rose Pizza serves delicious pizza that still uses the original recipe straight from Naples, Italy. Plus, diners can utilize the observation windows to peer into the kitchen and watch the magic happen.
Educational Activities
Hancock Shaker Village
1843 WEST HOUSATONIC ST, PITTSFIELD MA, 01201
[OPEN SEASONALLY] Hancock Shaker Village is a landmark destination of 750 acres, 20 historic Shaker buildings, and over 22,000 Shaker artifacts. Through multifaceted programming in art, music, farming, food and thought, the Village shares the Shaker legacy and strives to ignite curiosity for history.
Historic Deerfield
80 OLD MAIN ST, DEERFIELD, MA 01342
This quintessential New England village is surrounded by working farms and rolling cornfields along the Deerfield River dating back to the 1730s. Inside visitors will find one of the best public collections of art and antiques in America while exploring the lifestyle of early New England in a working village of endless beauty.
Indoor Activities
Photo: Eric Carle MuseumEric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
125 WEST BAY ROAD, AMHERST, MA 01002
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion for picture books. The museum collects, preserves, and exhibits original illustrations, and encourages guests of all ages to read and create art.
Photo: Magic WingsMagic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
281 GREENFIELD RD, SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA 01373
Magic Wings features an 8,000-square foot indoor conservatory home to some 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment, ideal for families interested in butterfly-related education, recreation, and entertainment.
Photo: Explore Western MassNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 HALL OF FAME AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01105
Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally — ideal for families with basketball lovers.
Photo: Lindsey BasaraSpringfield Museums
21 EDWARDS STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103
Visit the Springfield Museums for an immersive, hands-on experience that offers access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission.
Outdoor Activities
Photo: Adventure East
Photo: Forest Park Zoo / Explore Western MassForest Park
302 SUMNER AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01108
A visit here will keep the family busy all day, walking through the winding trails and rose garden, visiting the duck pond, skating in the indoor skating rink, and visiting the zoo full of a wide range of mammals, birds, amphibians, and more.
