Central has indoor and outdoor fun for visitors

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature

222 Harrington Way Worcester, MA 01604 Phone: 508-929-2700 Fax: 508-929-2701

Inspiring a Passion for Science and Nature

Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

Fitchburg Art Museum

25 Merriam Parkway Fitchburg, MA 01420 Phone: 978-345-4207 Fax: 978-345-2319

Fitchburg Art Museum, is one of New England's oldest and most treasured cultural institutions. This world-class family-friendly museum has a permanent collection spanning 5,000 years. Visitors can experience a wealth of masterpieces in 12 galleries that feature American, European, Greek, Roman, Asian, and Pre-Colombian art. Also, visit their newly renovated and interactive Egyptian gallery. The museum's educational programs inspire all to learn about the importance of world cultures, art history, and contemporary life. Additionally, the museum's historic and contemporary facility is an architectural jewel and a perfect venue for private functions and events. Don't miss this truly extraordinary museum in the beautiful hills of North Central Massachusetts.

Museum Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 12-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11 –5. Open the following bank holiday Mondays – Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Patriot’s Day and Columbus Day. The Museum is open late and free the first Thursday of every month. For more information, follow our link above.

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20 Sturbridge, MA 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830

Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation

Step out of your world and into ours. Explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Celebrate yesterday's proud traditions on your remarkable journey into America's past. Old Sturbridge Village offers a variety of ways to experience the artifacts, activities, and seasonal celebrations of rural New England during the first 50 years following the American Revolution (1790-1840). The centerpiece of the museum is a recreated rural New England town of the 1830s encompassing a center village, mills area, and countryside. Period handcrafts, heirloom gardens, and heritage breeds of farm animals are part of every village visit. Hands-on opportunities abound. The Visitor Center is home to our new History Gateway, including Kidstory an early learning gallery and Icons of New England exhibit, focusing on the history of what makes New England unique. Open year-round, daily except Mondays. Call ahead for holiday schedules.

Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA 01756 Toll-Free: 800-258-9182 Fax: 508-883-0242

Opening for the 2012 season on April 14th.

Southwick’s Zoo is situated within the historic Blackstone Valley. Surrounded by 300 shady acres and home to hundreds of animals representing many species, Southwick’s is more than a zoo, it’s an adventure for all ages! You can soar above Southwick’s Zoo on the Skyfari Sky Ride. Get up close with many of the animals in the petting zoo and Deer Forest. Southwick’s offers food venues, picnic grounds, shows, rides, a play park, the Purple Peacock Gift Shop and more. Visit Parakeet Landing a walk-thru Aviary or learn about different species of parrots at Bird Talk, an interactive show. Southwick’s Zoo also offers presentations at the Earth Discovery Center. The Woodlands Express takes you through the North American Wetlands Habitat. All new for 2012 is the Giraffe Habitat, Hyena Exhibit, Siamang Habitat and more!

Operating hours for Southwick’s Zoo are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week, mid –April to mid-October, with limited operations to Christmas.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden

11 French Drive
P.O. Box 598 Boylston, MA 01505 Phone: 508-869-6111 Fax: 508-869-0314

Experience

Located on 132 bucolic acres in Worcester County, less than an hour from Boston, Tower Hill is one of the largest and most comprehensive botanic gardens in the region. It is the home of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, founded in 1842 to "advance the science, and encourage and improve the practice of horticulture." The breathtaking view provides an extraordinary setting for a variety of garden styles, at once stunningly beautiful and highly educational. Stroll through a Lawn Garden, Secret Garden, Cottage Garden, Vegetable Garden, Systematic Garden, and magical woodland paths. In winter, the Orangerie is filled with flowering subtropical plants. Browse the Gift Shop and enjoy lunch at Twigs Café.