Central has indoor and outdoor fun for visitors

Nothing gives you that true sense of New England quite like Old Sturbridge Village, where stories of the past come to life in 40 historic buildings; in exhibitions of the history of parades to early lighting to sewing, weaving, and textiles; and in demonstrations including cooking over an open hearth, making cloth on a loom and cutting the lumber used in the re-created 1830s village. Walk over the Vermont Covered Bridge or into the many buildings such as the school, cider mill, printing office, law office, pottery shop, and blacksmith shop. Outdoors there are gorgeous gardens with hundreds of heirloom plants, heritage-breed animals at the Freeman Farm and three nature trails. Come to Old Sturbridge Village and experience more than a just a museum.

Prepare to be swept away when you enter the Worcester Art Museum, where selections from the museum’s 38,000 objects will take you away to other times and other cultures. See how the natural world inspired the work of Susan Swinand, marvel at exquisite 18th century Japanese folding screens – or go back to medieval times in the expanded collection of chivalric arms and armor. The museum’s stunning paintings from the 16th through 18th centuries have been reinstalled, with interactive elements. Families will feel at home here, with opportunities for play, drawing and relaxation. Ask about public tours, including 20-minute “zip tours” of one artist or work of art. Check the website for current and future exhibits, timed-admission information and safety protocols.

There are so many adventures waiting for you at Southwick’s Zoo, you’ll have some trouble deciding which to do first! You can visit lions, tigers, leopards, sloths, white rhinos, tapirs, alligators, prairie dogs and yaks in their naturalistic environments. You can feed pygmy goats at the petting zoo or fallow deer in the 35-acre Walk-thru Deer Forest. You can offer seed sticks to parakeets and cockatiels in the walk-through aviary or go on a camel or pony ride. And then there are the rides! Soar above the zoo in the seated, two-person zip line or on the Skyfari Sky Ride, walk through a maze or ride aboard the Woodland Express Train through the 50 acres North American Habitat. Dine at Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern located at Southwick’s Zoo, offering an extensive menu year-round.