Massachusetts - Kids Trails in Central Massachusetts/Sturbridge

Carlson Orchards
Harvard, MA  01451
Phone: 800-286-3916

This working farm welcomes kids and families out to the country throughout the year to pick fruit crops: blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, peaches, nectarines, apples. Parents and children are welcome to take a tour of the apple orchard watch cider production in action – from selecting apples, to making the mash, to pasteurizing, to bottling and labeling.

Davis’ Farmland & Mega Maze
Sterling, MA  01564
Phone: 978-422-MOOO (6666)

Founded as a petting zoo and sanctuary for endangered breeds of farm livestock, this Children’s Discovery Farm offers a window for kids and families into traditional New England farming life. Visitors may observe and pet the animals, cool off during the summer in the Adventure Play & Spray water park, and roam (from August through October) in a three-dimensional corn maze.

Keown Orchards
Sutton, MA  01590
Phone: 508-865-6706

Farmstand and farm gift shop where kids and families are welcome to pick apples, pumpkins, fresh vegetables, strawberries and more. Special events during the season include Herb Weekend, Corn and Tomato Festival, Peach Party, Heritage Homecoming and Farm Day, Pumpkin Fest, and Apple Tasting. Gift packs, fruit baskets, and honey available. Open April 1 to December 24.

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

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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.

The Butterfly Place
Westford, MA  01886
Phone: 978-392-0955

Massive glass atrium building contains up to 500 butterflies of 50 species from around the world. Display cases in the observation area contain butterflies at various stages of development. This area also includes a 15-minute video describing the life cycle of a butterfly. At the Show & Tell Bench, staff members discuss these fascinating creatures. Gift shop features Papillon Hatching Kits.