There are boundless opportunities for families to explore Central Massachusetts during April Vacation Week! Here are just some of the featured destinations and events we know families will love.
Featured Attractions
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
- 11 French Dr.
- (508) 869-6111
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a garden destination and horticultural resource in the heart of New England. Located in Boylston, MA, the Garden is…
Museum of Worcester
- 30 Elm St.
- (508) 753-8278
The Museum of Worcester is the only institution devoted to local history. It includes a research library of over 7,000 titles, an archive that houses thousands of…
EcoTarium
- 222 Harrington Way
- (508) 929-2738
About the EcoTarium EcoTarium is New England’s leading museum of science and nature, an indoor-outdoor experience dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and…
Worcester Art Museum
- 55 Salisbury St.
- (508) 799-4406
Founded in 1896, the Worcester Art Museum's encyclopedic 37,500-piece collection covers 51 centuries of art. Highlights include the Medieval Chapter House…
Southwick's Zoo
- 2 Southwick St.
- (508) 883-9182
Located in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley, just minutes away from Routes 495 and 146, Southwick’s Zoo offers a full day of adventure for guests of all…
Old Sturbridge Village
- 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd.
- (800) 733-1830
Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Step inside more than 40 original…
Green Hill Park and Golf Course
- 50 Skyline Dr.
- (508) 799-1190
Green Hill Park is Worcester’s largest municipal park. It is over 480 acres and houses a number of activities and facilities. It contains two ponds, a zoo, picnic…
Brush It Off Art & Pottery Studio
- 559 Main St.
- (774) 241-3444
Centrally located in Sturbridge MA, Brush It Off is a 4,800 square foot art studio in an Old Mill at the waterfalls with 5 rooms of FUN! Splatter Paint Room, Pottery…
Featured Events
At the Museum of Worcester, “From Worcester to the Stars: The Goddard Rocket Centennial” offers an inspiring look at local innovator Robert Goddard and the city’s connection to space exploration. Curious kids and parents alike can enjoy a fascinating blend of hometown history and big imagination. There are also revolutionary tours for families to explore the sites in the city connected to the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
Museum of Worcester - “From Worcester to the Stars: The Goddard Rocket Centennial”
- Museum of Worcester
- Recurring daily
Museum of Worcester is excited to be presenting the official exhibition for the Dr, Robert Goddard rocket centennial celebration. Worcester to the Stars: the Goddard…
At the EcoTarium in Worcester, Community Science Vacation Week brings special programming throughout school break. With indoor exhibits, outdoor trails, live animals, and family-friendly science experiences, this favorite destination makes it easy to spend a full day discovering something new together.
At Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Family Field Days runs April 18–26 and transforms the historic village into a playground of old-fashioned fun. Families can join in friendly competitions, scavenger hunts, tug-of-war, jump rope challenges, and 19th-century games that invite kids to move, laugh, and learn through play. It’s a lively way to step into New England history while enjoying the outdoors together.
At the Massachusetts State Police Museum & Learning Center, families can explore an Open House featuring historic cruisers, uniforms, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of policing in Massachusetts. Later in the week, the Police Technology and Robotics Expo showcases modern tools, robotics, and demonstrations that spark curiosity for kids interested in science, engineering, and how things work. A fun, educational school vacation week stop for all ages.
Museum Open House
- Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Saturday
The Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center will be open to the public for tours every Tuesday and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Our Museum gift shop also has an extensive selection of…
At New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Planet Protectors Week takes place April 18–23 with hands-on activities inspired by the Earth and environment. Families can explore interactive stations, creative crafts, and engaging games surrounded by one of the region’s most beautiful spring settings. It’s equal parts adventure, learning, and seasonal wonder.
Looking for creative school vacation fun? Worcester offers plenty of ways for kids to make and imagine. Worcester Center for Crafts features hands-on art experiences, ArtsWorcester inspires with vibrant exhibits, Worcester Public Library hosts family-friendly programs, and Brush It Off lets kids create their own colorful masterpiece. Perfect stops for parents seeking screen-free fun with a creative twist.
Open Studio ART & POTTERY
- Brush It Off Art & Pottery Studio
- Recurring every 48 weeks on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Choose from hundreds of Ceramic pieces to either paint and take or Glaze and we will fire them for you. Resin Pouring, Acrylic paint pouring, Wooden Cut outs, Bird…
The Worcester Art Museum invites kids and parents to explore world-class galleries, colorful collections, and creative discoveries around every corner. Gallery tours add an engaging way to experience art together, with stories and highlights that make each visit fun and approachable. A perfect school vacation stop for curious minds of all ages.
Tour of “Fever Dreams of a Cool-Breathed Earth” and “A Weather Eye”
- Worcester Art Museum
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
Come tour the Worcester Art Museum's two new temporary exhibitions. From folklore and witchcraft to meteorology and climate science, travel through centuries of humanity’s shared experience with…
Catch the excitement of WooSox baseball at Polar Park, where kid-friendly energy, ballpark treats, and big-league atmosphere make every game a hit. Over at Clark University, Clark baseball offers a relaxed way to enjoy America’s pastime while cheering on local college talent. Two great ways to spend a spring day together.
Looking for an unforgettable outing? Dog Man: The Musical at The Hanover Theatre brings Dav Pilkey’s beloved hero to life with laugh-out-loud comedy, music, and action kids will love. Then experience the magic of The Princess Concert at Mechanics Hall, where favorite fairytale songs and sparkling performances create a royal celebration little princes and princesses won’t want to miss.
More Ideas
Now is the perfect time to check out our 2026 Family Fun Guide - it will inspire more ideas for April Vacation, and help you with summer fun planning too!
Family Fun Guide
Discover the ultimate guide curated for kids and their caretakers.