Central Massachusetts has lots of rural and historic things to see and do

There is far more to do at the Worcester Art Museum than walk through the galleries, although considering the museum’s varied and extensive collections, from ancient to contemporary art, that may be your top priority. Interactive elements in the reimagined medieval galleries means you can explore the world through tales of castles, monasteries and trade routes, or contribute “alternate labels” via iPads to Old Masters. Check out a rare suit of jousting armor in the chivalric arms and armor collection or listen to a presentation on what Roman soldiers wore into battle. For children, art carts and touch carts allow them to draw and, yes, touch things. There are also tours and scavenger hunts. Check the website for updates, timed-admission information and safety protocols.

Visit Old Sturbridge Village and you’ll soon discover why people who come for a day end up spending a weekend in the re-created 1830s rural New England town. Watch blacksmiths, potters and cabinetmakers at work in some of the 40 historical buildings on the 200-acre property. Listen to period music, interact with costumed historians, visit with sheep and pigs at the Freeman Farm, take a horse-drawn wagon ride or relax by the mill pond. Stroll through the gorgeous gardens or hike the nature trail through the woods and into the countryside pasture. Dine in the Bullard Tavern. Find gifts, Village-made crafts and famous cookies at the Miner Grant Store or shop for traditional New England treasures at the Ox and Yoke Mercantile. One visit and you’ll see that Old Sturbridge Village is more than a museum!

Your adventure awaits at Southwick’s Zoo. Over 850 animals – tigers, lions, sloths, leopards, prairie dogs, peacocks, capuchin monkeys and so many more! – in naturalistic habitats are waiting for a visit. Take the Woodland Express Train through the North American Exhibit to see elk and trumpeter swans, or see the zoo as a bird might when you get on board the Skyfari Sky Ride, which passes over the Deer Forest and African Plains. There’s also the two-person, seated Soaring Zip Line, pony and camel rides and a petting zoo with pygmy goats. Find your way through the Rainforest Adventure Maze or head to the EARTH Discovery Center to meet some animal ambassadors and watch live presentations. Plenty of places to eat, from snack bars to Galliford’s Restaurant and Tavern.