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.
Central Massachusetts
The central region of Massachusetts has plenty to explore! As the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed, the region has nature adventures and historic elements, including the largest zoo in New England, interactive historic communities, and adventure-filled activities like water parks and rock climbing.
Accommodations
Photo: Colleen BlairGreat Wolf Lodge Water Park | New England
150 GREAT WOLF DR, FITCHBURG, MA 01420
This family-friendly resort is close to Leominster State Forest and Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. The spacious suites have fun themed decor and convenient amenities. Kids will love the indoor water park, amusement rides, laser tag, and kid-friendly spa. There are also ropes courses, mini-golf, a bowling alley, and an arcade.
Photo: Homewood Suites Worcester
Photo: Maguire HouseMaguire House Bed and Breakfast
30 COBB RD, ASHBURNHAM, MA 01430
The Maguire House is situated in the heart of Massachusetts. Surrounded by over 44 private acres, relax by a warm fire, stroll along the pristine lake, or simply rest on the porch enjoying the spectacular view of Mt. Monadnock, Upper Naukeag Lake, and the surrounding hills. The property offers plush queen-sized beds with private baths, fresh flowers, gourmet chocolates, full breakfast made to order with daily specials, complimentary afternoon refreshments, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Photo: Discover Central MAPublick House Historic Inn On the Common
277 MAIN ST, STURBRIDGE, MA 01566
When bringing the family to the Publick House Inn, start the day at the Bake Shoppe for some heavenly pastries, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or enjoy the spa and fitness room. For young history buffs, enjoy the Revolutionary-era ambiance and grab a bite to eat at Ebenezer’s Tavern, with light Yankee fare for lunch and dinner includes a children’s menu with a turkey meal, fish and chips, and burgers.
Dining
Photo: @food_newengland (IG)
Photo: @westernmaandbeyond (IG)B.T.’s Smokehouse
392 MAIN ST, STURBRIDGE, MA 01566
B.T.’s Smokehouse is a roadside BBQ joint in Sturbridge, MA, that pays homage to the regional BBQ joints that scatter the southern states. It serves fine quality natural meats that have been dry rubbed and slow smoked for up to 24 hours with local cherry and hickory woods, and while it doesn't offer a dedicated kids menu, the meals are perfect for sharing with the whole family. Also make sure to take a look at B.T.'s Smokehouse's sister restaurant, B.T.'s Fried Chicken in Worcester.
Photo: Boynton RestaurantBoynton Restaurant & Spirits
117 HIGHLAND ST, WORCESTER, MA 01609
With an extensive menu, everyone will find something they love at the Boynton Restaurant, where everyone feels like family! Kids can choose from the kids menu, or venture to the main menu with delectable items such as pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Plus, the restaurant offers 51 beers on tap, including three cask ales, for parents to enjoy.
Photo: Gibbet Hill GrillGibbet Hill Grill
61 LOWELL RD, GROTON, MA 01450
Gibbet Hill Grill is one of the only restaurants in New England that has a produce farm on site, and the chef shapes the menu around what is seasonally available, plus the kids menu has all the family favorites. Located on the 500-acre Gibbet Hill Farm, diners can experience farm-to-table dining while enjoying the beautiful landscape of Gibbet Hill.
Educational Activities
Photo: Discover Central MA
Photo: Old Sturbridge VillageOld Sturbridge Village
1 OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE ROAD, STURBRIDGE, MA 01566
Old Sturbridge Village is a recreated 1830s rural New England town offering over 200 acres and 40 historical buildings. Visitors can chat with costumed historians as they work the tasks of the past, and be inspired by the stories of early 19th-century rural New England life.
Indoor Activities
Photo: @that_aqua_tofana (IG)
Central Rock Gym
299 BARBER AVE, WORCESTER, MA 01606
Central Rock Gym exists to provide visitors with access to world-class indoor rock climbing facilities. In addition to climbing, these gyms help build strong communities through their youth programs, member events, meetups, competitions, and fundraising events. They strive to create an experience and atmosphere within their gyms that is welcoming and accessible to all climbers, regardless of experience or background.
Photo: Erb/Dufault PhotographyWorcester Art Museum
55 SALISBURY ST, WORCESTER, MA 01609
Immerse your family in artistic wonder at the Worcester Art Museum. With over 35,000 pieces, including Roman mosaics, European and American art, and Japanese prints, it offers a captivating experience for all. Explore cultures from around the world and inspire your kids' creativity.
Photo: Erb/Dufault PhotographyWorcester Historical Museum
30 ELM ST, WORCESTER, MA 01609
Discover Worcester's captivating history at the Library and Archives of Worcester Historical Museum. With a vast collection of manuscripts, photographs, books, and more, it's a fascinating resource for families. Spark your kids' curiosity about local history and uncover intriguing stories together.
Outdoor Activities
Photo: Davis FarmlandDavis Farmland
145 REDSTONE HILL RD, STERLING, MA 01564
[OPEN SEASONALLY] Davis Farmland is a historic working family farm in Sterling, MA, operating since 1846. It proudly houses the largest sanctuary of endangered farm animals in North America, offers discovery play and learning areas, an Adventureland with playgrounds and go-karts, and hayrides through the grounds.
Photo: Indian PrincessIndian Princess
200 GORE ROAD, PIER #1, WEBSTER, MA 01570
[OPEN SEASONALLY] The Indian Princess is a captivating paddlewheel riverboat docked at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA. It offers scenic cruises along the river featuring an open-air upper deck and a climate-controlled Princess Dining Room below. With a full bar and picturesque views of the working paddle wheels, it's a unique experience for families.
Photo: Chelsea OuelletSouthwick Zoo
2 SOUTHWICK ST, MENDON, MA 01756
[OPEN SEASONALLY] Prepare to be amazed viewing giraffes, lions, tigers, white rhinos, and chimpanzees in 200 acres of naturalistic habitats. Southwick Zoo is home to 850 exotic animals from around the world and features interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Stroll leisurely through the deer forest where the deer roam free, ride the Woodlands Express train ride through the North American Elk habitat and wetlands, and view the African Plains and other animal exhibits from new heights on the Skyfari Skyride.
Photo: Discover Central MAWachusett Mountain State Reservation
345 MOUNTAIN RD, PRINCETON, MA 01541
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation spans 3,000 acres of diverse landscapes. Enjoy 17 miles of scenic trails for hiking and walking, along with bird watching, cycling, and skiing. Plus, from the summit, soak in stunning 360° views.