6 Amazing Family Friendly Destinations

Fuel a good time for the whole crew with these family-focused favorites. 

Southwick’s Zoo 

As a Mendon staple, Southwick’s Zoo sits in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley, spanning 200 acres and housing animals in their naturalistic habitats. Lions, tigers, giraffes, chimpanzees, rhinos and two-toned sloths are just a few of the creatures you can spend the day with at New England’s largest zoological experience, plus an on-site restaurant that remains open for diners year-round. 

Worcester Historical Museum  

Discover the true heart and history behind Worcester and its role in the wider world with a visit to the Worcester Historical Museum. Specially designed to incorporate four notable local spaces, the Alden Family Gallery offers a curated experience for children, families, teachers, school groups and members—uncover Worcester’s history together in a community-inclusive and imaginative manner. While you’re there, be sure to check out the second floor’s dedicated smiley face room.  

Old Sturbridge Village 

A day trip to Sturbridge will bring you back—to rural New England as it stood 200 years ago. Old Sturbridge Village, one of the nation’s largest outdoor history museums, is a total immersion into early American history through historic buildings and landscapes. With special discovery programs and offerings during school vacation weeks, Old Sturbridge Village allows children to truly step back in time as they couldn’t elsewhere.  

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill  

Make your way to Boylston for floral magic you won’t soon forget. With beautifully lined trails, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill boasts a display of the finest nature, carefully planned gardens and collections of ornamentals, edible and native plants—with room for kiddos to run and explore the nature that lies within. They even offer options for birthday celebrations, as well as online resources for children’s learning, featuring at-home arts & craft prompts, adventure packs, wonders of nature and ideas for indoor/outdoor fun.  

The EcoTarium  

As an immersive museum concept, the EcoTarium marries indoor and outdoor learning opportunities to inspire a passion for scientific and nature-based education. With science programs, a digital planetarium, live animal habitats, nature trails and a fully packed outdoor exhibit (with areas for digging, building, climbing and train riding) the EcoTarium is a rare local gem for engaging even the pickiest of crowds.
 

The Beechwood Hotel

The ultimate family staycation starts at the Beechwood Hotel, the only AAA Four-Diamond luxury boutique hotel close to home in Central MA. The Beechwood offers beautiful neighboring walking areas, close proximity to museums, sailing, adventure, and golf, and features a world-class private art collection, spacious reimagined guest rooms and fireplace suites, ample free on-site parking, and unprecedented concierge service, all delivered with a true passion for hospitality.

Even More Ideas for Kids 

Look no further than our 91 Things to Do with Kids guide. Your kiddos will be inspired by visiting free exhibits at ArtsWorcester, picking out a book at Annie’s Book Stop and discovering Bancroft Tower. Then, get hands on with creativity at Brush It Off or a drop-in class at ArtReach. For the musically inclined, explore classes at Joy of Music or take them to a Music Worcester performance. For the tots driven by food, stop in the iconic George’s Coney Island for a hot dog and finish off the meal with a Table Talk pie.