Central region offer indoor & outdoor fun for children and families

Families in New England weren’t so different 200 years ago, yet the lives they lived were very different. How they worked and made a living, fed and cared for themselves and each other, raised children and planned for the future. Their story is preserved here in one of America’s largest and most celebrated living history museums with 40 antique homes, buildings and water-powered mills from the 1800’s. You and your family can experience that time again on an early stagecoach ride, up close to old breeds of farm animals, in a chat with a costumed interpreter, and under the watchful eye of an experienced blacksmith, cooper, potter, or farmer doing what he did then. Over 30 special weekend events with hands-on craft work and more offered daily.

There is great family fun and creative magic at the Fitchburg Art Museum. FAM present galleries filled with antiquities from Egypt, Greece and Rome, Africa and 19th century New England. Take a journey across time and you’ll discover sculptures, everyday objects, realistic reproductions of tomb walls, and even a mummy. Intriguing Learning Lounges feature interactive spaces where you can listen to an artist describe her own process, create your own art project, or contribute to a communal art work. Bring a sketch pad and pencils, and let draw your reactions to the art you see. Check out the exhibitions of art from schools, community organizations, and local artist groups in the Community Gallery and even show something that you’ve created.

For family adventure, fun and education it’s hard to beat this amazing museum. With exciting interactive programs, events and more for every age, the WAM offers a look into the extraordinary breadth of human creativity and showcases the world’s art treasures from ancient times to modern days. You’ll discover paintings by Cassatt, Gauguin, Goya, Monet, Sargent, and Homer; floor mosaics from the ancient city of Antioch; and stand face to visor with knights in armor. Kids will love getting creative in Helmutt’s Drop-in Studio. Take a guided tour or a live drawing class. Enjoy lunch at the Museum Café, and shop for unique gifts and mementos. WAM is considered one of the finest mid-sized museums in the country. For exhibitions and program schedules, follow our link above to our website.

New England’s largest zoo is now open with an all new prairie dog digs, two toed sloths and cheetahs. Learn about your favorite animals at the Earth Discovery Center. You’ll find 115 species of animals large and small on foot, from the Woodlands Express train ride or high above on the Skyfari Sky Ride, Meet elk, native birds, painted turtles and toads, Step into the 35 acre deer forest, ride over the playful chimpanzees, stately camels, scary alligators, colorful zebra and ostrich. Enjoy a day’s worth of shows, animal encounters, a petting zoo, parakeet aviary and animal exhibits to take your breath away with big cats, white rhino, snakes, dragons, and WATCH OUT - the popular Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. Always free parking and handicap accessible.