Massachusetts Vacations Travel Guide

General Information

Baby Equipment Rentals - companies in Massachusetts that rent baby gear and equipment including car seats, strollers, cribs and more

Family Resorts in Massachusetts - resorts, hotels and other family friendly lodging

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism - things to do, places to stay, maps, calendar of events and more.

Zoos

Capron Park Zoo
201 County St
Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703
Phone: (508) 222-3047

Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Rd
Boston, Massachusetts 02121
Phone: 617-541-LION (5466)
The Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre site comprised of four main exhibit areas, each with its own distinct character.  The African Tropical Forest is a three acre complex thematically designed to represent carious habitats within the tropical forests of Africa. Bird's World is a 7 acre complex contains hundreds of bird species in a naturalistic habitat-based exhibits. The Children's Zoo is 5 acre area with outdoor barns and yards, built to simulate a New England farm. Displayed are several rare minor breeds of domestic animals including Cotswald and Jacob sheep, Pilgrim geese, and a Scotch Highland cow.  Hooves & Horns is the oldest area of the zoo. It is home to the zoo's major hoof collection.

New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Phone: (617) 973-5200

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Massachusetts Audubon Society
South Great Road
Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773
Phone: (781) 259-2200
Experience life on a working New England farm, complete with pigs, horses, cows, and more. Take a hayride along the farmyard trail and enjoy the sights and sounds of farm animals (see baby animals seasonally).

Buttonwood Park Zoo
425 Hawthorn Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Phone: (508) 991-6178
Buttonwood Park Zoo has around 200 species of animals ranging from tiny frogs to enormous elephants.  Most of the animals carry out the zoo's theme, "From the Berkshires to the Sea." The focus is on the land and water based wildlife of Massachusetts, with special emphasis on creating the natural habitats in which the animals actually live.

Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180
Phone: 617-541-LION (5466)
Located next to the sparkling Spot Pond Reservoir, Stone Zoo is the perfect place to get close to awesome animals, exhilarating exhibits, and exciting events going on daily, year-round. Areas of the Zoo include Yukon Creek features featuring bald eagles, a lynx, reindeer and more; Windows to the Wild, which features a variety of small birds, mammals, and primates from around the world, including African-crested porcupines, hyacinth macaws, and emperor tamarins. Treasures of the Sierra Madre focuses on jaguars, cougars, coyotes, and Gila monsters, as well as examine the interactions between them and the human inhabitants of the region. Barnyard is where children can get up close and personal with some of the friendliest critters down on the farm at Stone Zoo's Barnyard. At Stone Zoo's Himalayan Highlands, you will find snow leopards, Markhor goats and yaks.

The Butterfly Place
120 Tyngsboro Road
Westford, Massachusetts 01886
Phone: (978) 392-0955
The Butterfly Place is an indoor living environment which has been carefully designed for the propagation and development of some of nature’s most colorful living creations. This wonderful man-made habitat is contained within a 3,100 sq. ft. glass atrium building towering to a height of over 27 ft. at its peak. Within this atrium’s living butterfly environment can be found a variety of colorful plants and shrubs, each of which has been selected as a source of nectar for the butterflies.  At any given time, the atrium may contain up to 500 butterflies representing as many as 50 different species from around the world, although butterflies which are native to the New England region are featured whenever possible.

National Parks

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston, Massachusetts
Phone: (617) 223-8666
Boston Harbor Islands national park area includes 30 islands situated within the Greater Boston shoreline.  The Boston Harbor Islands offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy beaches, fishing and hiking, historic structures, picnic and camping areas, wildlife, and spectacular views of Massachusetts Bay and the Boston skyline. Ranger-led tours about history and nature are available on several of the islands and on Boston Harbor.

Boston National Historic Park
Boston, Massachusetts
Phone: (617) 242-5642
In downtown Boston, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House and Old North Church bring to life the American ideals of freedom of speech, religion, government, and self-determination. In Charlestown, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution, the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the nation's first naval shipyards and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.

John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
Brookline, Massachusetts
Phone: (617) 566-7937
John F. Kennedy National Historic Site preserves the birthplace in 1917 and boyhood home of the 35th President of the United States.  Visitors may view the site in an "open house" format during which time they can go through the house at their own pace while listening to recordings of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy discussing the different rooms. Special tours of the nearby Brookline neighborhood including the church attended by the President's family, boyhood schools, and second family home are offered periodically during the visitor season and explore some of the factors that influenced the future president between 1917 and 1931.

Lowell National Historic Park
Lowell, Massachusetts
Phone: (978) 970-5000
The history of America's Industrial Revolution is commemorated in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Boott Cotton Mills Museum with its operating weave room of 88 power looms, "mill girl" boardinghouses, the Suffolk Mill Turbine Exhibit and guided tours tell the story of the transition from farm to factory, chronicle immigrant and labor history and trace industrial technology. The park includes textile mills, worker housing, 5.6 miles of canals, and 19th-century commercial buildings.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem, Massachusetts
Phone: (978)740-1650
Salem Maritime, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System, was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The Site consists of about nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the waterfront in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as a Visitor Center in downtown Salem.

Museums

Discovery and Science Museum
177 Main Street
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Phone: (978) 264-4200
Interactive exhibits for children of all ages using focused spaces and hands-on activities inviting exploration and discovery.

The Children's Museum
300 Congress St.
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
Phone: (617) 426-8855
The Children's Museum pioneered the concept of interactive exhibitions used widely in museums today. Designed and built in-house, exhibits from The Children's Museum of Boston have been replicated at prestigious institutions throughout the world. Exhibits focus on early childhood development and have four themes: arts, culture, science and technology.

Museum of Science
Science Park
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Phone: (617) 723-2500
The mission of the Museum of Science, Boston is to stimulate interest in and further understanding of science and technology and their importance for individuals and for society.

USS Constitution Museum
P.O. Box 1812
Boston, Massachusetts 02129
Phone: (617) 426-1812
The USS Constitution Museum brings to life the stories of the individuals who authorized, built, served on and preserved USS Constitution. Through hands-on exhibits, displays of historic artifacts, computer simulated re-enactments, and public programming, the Museum strives to make a personal connection to our American past and the heritage of USS Constitution. The Museum is located adjacent to USS Constitution, in Building 22, Boston National Historical Park, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston.

Battleship Massachusetts
Fall River, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 678-1100
For over thirty years, Battleship Massachusetts has welcomed visitors of all ages.  Our historic naval ships, military exhibits, and related memorabilia tell the stories of brave sailors and their proud fighting days long ago. Walk where these sailors fought, man the guns they used to defend our freedom, or try on a Navy bunk for size!

United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum
739 Washington Street
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
Welcome to the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum. Located in historic Quincy, Massachusetts, USNSM is home to USS Salem CA-139, the world's only preserved heavy cruiser. We are located in the former Bethlehem Steel Quincy Fore River shipyard, once one of the nation's largest shipbuilding enterprises.

Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
Salem, Massachusetts 01970-3783
Phone: (978) 745-9500 / (866) 745-1876
The recently transformed Peabody Essex Museum presents art and culture from New England and around the world. The museum's collections are among the finest of their kind, showcasing an unrivaled spectrum of American art and architecture (including four National Historic Landmark buildings) and outstanding Asian, Asian Export, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime, and Photography collections. In addition to its vast collections, the museum offers a vibrant schedule of changing exhibitions and a hands-on education center. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens, and 24 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year old house that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture on display in the United States.

The New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: (978) 741-2800
The unique and little-known history of New England sea-robbers comes alive at the Pirate Museum. Relive the adventures of Captains Kidd and Blackbeard, who roamed freely offshore plundering merchant ships. Participate in an educational, historically accurate and entertaining, live walking tour with a qualified guide who encourages student participation and questions.

Salem Witch Museum
Washington Square
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: (978)744-1692
The Salem Witch Museum brings you back to Salem 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration - an overview of the Witch Trials of 1692.

Springfield Science Museum
Springfield, Massachusetts
A favorite with families from the Northeast, the museum features a Dinosaur Hall dominated by a life-sized replica of Tyrannosaurus Rex; the multi-level R.E. Phelon African Hall with a mounted elephant, giraffe and other animals, as well as exhibits on traditional African cultures; the Solutia Eco-Center, an aquarium and live animal center; a new Mineral Hall; the Exploration Center with hands-on exhibits investigating natural and physical science; Native American Hall; a 100-seat planetarium; an observatory; and an exhibit on the Springfield-based aviation pioneers, the Granville Brothers.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd. (just off Route 20)
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Phone: (800) SEE-1830
There's something for everyone at Old Sturbridge Village, with changing daily activities and seasonal celebrations. OSV is the largest outdoor living history museum in the northeast. Set on 200 acres, there are 40 historical buildings, including households, farms, crafts shops, and water-powered mills, with heirloom gardens and hands-on activities throughout! Take in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of 1830s New England. On-site Samson's Children's Museum for children ages 3-7 with and adult, with space to try on period costumes, play 1830s school or house, and even stage a puppet show.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Six Flags New England
Route 159, 1623 Main St,
P.O. Box 307
Agawam, Massachusetts 01001
Phone: (413) 786-9300
Six Flags is New England's largest family theme park and water park! Six Flags New England offers all the thrills and magic you would expect from America's Favorite Thrill Park! From Superman the No. 1 megacoaster on the Planet to the Batman Stunt Show to Bugs Bunny and pals. It's New England's own powerhouse of world-class excitement and adventure!

CoCo Key Water Resort
50 Ferncroft Rd.
Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: 978-777-2500
With over 65,000 sq.ft. of water resort adventures, CoCo Key Water Resort offers a real Key West adventure. From thrilling water slides, an activity pool, dip in theater, indoor adventure river, indoor/outdoor spa, interactive wave play island, outdoor splash pad, wave pool, snack bar, lounge, arcade, cabanas, private parties and birthday parties there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides
520 Northwest Main Street
Douglas, Massachusetts 01516
Phone: (508) 476-2664 / TOLL-FREE: 1 888 821-6222
Children, as well as their parents and grandparents, can have a full day of family fun at Breezy. Just pack a lunch for a picnic ... or visit our snack bar. Everyone will enjoy swimming in crystal-clear Whitins Reservoir, riding our Alpine waterslides … including our new Tunnel Twister Slide (all with unlimited rides!), and relaxing in our clean, well-groomed grounds.

Spooky World (Horror Theme Park)
60 Washington St. (Route 1)
(Behind Foxboro Stadium)
Foxboro, Massachusetts 02035
Phone: (978) 838 0200
6 Elaborately Detailed Haunted Houses; 3 World Famous Halloween Museums; The Black Hole Abyss and the New Historical Chamber of Horrors; Try your luck on the Monster Midway Games; See your favorite TV/movie celebrities!

Family Activities

New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, Massachusetts 01701
Phone: (508) 877-7630
45-acre botanic garden and headquarters of the Society. An accredited living museum with 1,500 native plant species and cultivars on exhibit, including more than 150 rare and endangered species. Take guided tours weekdays at 10; weekends at 2. Walking trails feature thousands of native plants blooming through the seasons. All proceeds support plant conservation.. Stop at the wildflower sales nursery for perfect plants for the family garden. The Society features America’s largest native plant education program including family nature programs. Become a better gardener and help children reconnect with nature.

If you know of a family activity in Massachusetts, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Cape Cod, Massachusetts - Cape Codders generally refer to the different sections of the peninsula as Upper Cape, Mid-Cape and Lower Cape / Outer Cape.  The Upper Cape contains the towns of Bourne, Falmouth, Maspee, and Sandwich. Click here for Upper Cape Beach Guide.  The Mid-Cape contains the towns of Barnstable (the Cape's largest town), Dennis, and Yarmouth. Click here for Mid-Cape Beach Guide.  The Lower Cape contains the towns of Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham.  Click here for Lower Cape Beach Guide.  The Outer Cape contains the towns of Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. Click here for Outer Cape Beach Guide.  One of the most interesting things about Cape Cod is its individual towns. Each one has its own unique character and its own distinct look, so you can pretty much pick a locale to fit your vacation plans or personality.  Another helpful website for Cape Cod information, things to do, shopping, lodging and other travel information is Cape Code Travel.com

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts - The largest of New England's islands (10 x 20 miles) and sits about seven miles off the "shoulder" of Cape Cod.
Click here for Martha's Vineyard Beach Guide

Nantucket, Massachusetts - Located 26 miles off the Cape Cod coast, it is swaddled by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and is one of the most temperate Atlantic offshore islands. Since the late 1800s, people have sought out this tiny curve of sand for its pristine beaches, its cool ocean breezes, and its cobblestone streets lined with historic homes.  Click here for Nantucket Beach Guide.

Tougas Family Farm
246 Ball Street
Northboro, MA 01532
Phone: 508-393-6406
Massachusetts' and New England's premiere Pick Your Own Farm, just a short drive from Worcester and Boston. Opening for the season in June and continuing through the summer and fall, the farm offers pick your own strawberries, blueberries, summer raspberries, peaches, apples, fall raspberries and pumpkins all for your family to pick, take home, and enjoy. Enjoy a scenic hayride around the farm through our orchards and berry fields. The barnyard, playground, and farm kitchen are family friendly activities all will enjoy. Visit the barnyard to see the goats climb their mountain of stone and enjoy farm fresh homemade baked goods, ice cream, and lunch items in the Tougas Farm Kitchen.

Quabbin Res. - This is the largest inland lake body of water in Massachusetts.  Biking, hiking and nature walking.  Boating is only allow with special passes on certain areas.  The Quabbin Reservoir is a drinking water reservoir so activities are very limited to protect the watershed.  Visit their web site for more information.  Located near U.S. 202 and Massachusetts State Route 9.

Boston Harbor - With hundreds of great restaurants, historic museums, theaters, fine shops and great stores, Boston is truly one of America's premier resort ports. With 50 square miles of protected water, 30 beautiful harbor islands, and great fishing, whale watching, sailing and cruising just minutes away.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

Berkshire East Ski Resort
South River Road
Charlemont, Massachusetts
Phone: (413) 339-6617

Blandford Ski Area
Blandford, Massachusetts 01008
Phone: (413)848-2860
Blandford Ski Area is Equipped with 26 trails, snowmaking, 3 chairs, a T-Bar and a beginner tow, Blandford has skiing for all abilities but is most proud of it's 65 year history of teaching families to ski or snowboard.

Bousquet Ski Area
Dan Fox Drive
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
Phone: (413) 442-8316
Great skiing during the winter and fun activities during the summer.

Brodie Mountain Ski Resort
US Route 7
New Ashford, Massachusetts 01237
Phone: (413) 443-4752
Skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Butternut Basin
Route 23
Great Barrington / Haverhill, Massachusetts 01230
Phone: (413) 528-2000
Ski Butternut offers skiing & snowboarding on 22 trails. 2 terrain parks open to both skiers and boarders. 8-kilometer cross-country center is open Thursday - Sunday and holidays. Cross Country rentals and lessons are also available. Ski Butternut is regarded by many as the ideal place to learn to ski or snowboard because of its gentle beginner terrain, quality rental equipment and outstanding ski & snowboard school.

Jiminy Peak
Corey Rd
Hancock, Massachusetts 01237
Phone: (413) 738-5500
Great wide open trails for beginners to experts.  Skiing and snowboarding allowed.

Otis Ridge
Rt. 23
Otis, Massachusetts 01253
Phone: (413) 269 4444
At Otis Ridge you will find the facilities of a larger ski area, yet small enough to be personal. Snowmaking equipment adds to what mother nature provides, and northeastern exposure protects your cover.  While Otis Ridge welcomes beginner skiers and provides an excellent atmosphere for the first time skiers, we are equally proud of the variety of terrain. Our beginner trails wind out and around the ends of the ridge, while one of our expert slopes drops right over a small headwall.  Skiers of all abilities and ages will find something to please and challenge them.

Ski Bradford
South Cross Road
Bradford, Massachusetts 01835
Phone: (978) 373-0071
Ski Bradford has an uphill capacity of 8000 skiers per hour on two triple chair lifts, two T-bars, and four Rope tows servicing our thirteen trails. With Ski Lessons for all ages and abilities, NASTAR racing, complete rental shop, full-service snackbar, large base lodge, ample parking, and over 80 hours of operation per week, you'll find skiing at Bradford convenient, affordable and fun, day and night!

Ski Ward Ski Area
1000 Main Street
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545
Phone: (508) 842-6346
Whether you're a beginner or advanced skier, young or old you'll enjoy the thrill of skiing at Ski Ward. Located just minutes from major highways in Shrewsbury, Mass. only 30 minutes from the Rhode Island line! Beautifully groomed trails, 4 lifts, mogul field and half pipe provide the right amount of challenge day or night. With state of the art snow making and grooming equipment, you can show up any time and enjoy the thrills of beautiful skiing conditions without the 3 hour drive and long lift lines!

Helpful websites and services

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Massachusets, let us know and we will add it here.

Travel Specials & Vacation Packages