Six Kid-Friendly Day Trips in Central Mass

Saturday, May 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Features Team

Kids can ride a camel at Southwick's Zoo. Photo: Flickr, Eric Kilby.

Time for a family day trip? Take the tots and teens to these kid-friendly destinations, where children of all ages are welcome. Explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun!

Visit Old Sturbridge Village

There’s always something happening at the Old Sturbridge Village, where children under the age of 3 get in free. Tour educational exhibits on 1830s New England life and stop by the Crafts Center, where Village craftspeople will help kids construct a 19th Century keepsake to bring home. Check the OSV website for seasonal events.
Children 3-17: $8, Adults: $24
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA
(508) 347-3362
http://www.osv.org/

Explore the EcoTarium

Meet wildlife and catch a virtual planetarium tour at Worcester’s EcoTarium. This indoor-outdoor museum is a perfect way to spend the day anytime of the year. Drop by on Wednesdays for preschool and toddler programs.
Children: 2-18: $8, Adults: $14, Seniors, College Students: $10
22 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA
(508) 929-2700
www.ecotarium.org

Old Sturbridge Village is a fun and educational idea. Photo: Flickr, lcm1863.

Take an Day Trip to Southwick’s Zoo

Delight little animal lovers with a trip to Southwick’s Zoo. Visit animal exhibits featuring lions, tigers, and primates. See the zoo from a different view on the Skyfari ride, or hop on the back of a camel and go for a ride! The zoo is open from April-November.
Children: 3-12, $15, Adults: $20, Seniors: $15
2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA
1-800-258-9182
www.southwickszoo.com

Roller Skate at Skylite

Get kids rolling at the Skylite Roller Skating Center in Worcester. The rink is open for ages 2 and older, and provides rental skates. Just remember to bring helmets and pads! Call (508) 757-8640 for rink hours, which are subject to change.
648 Park Avenue, Webster Square, Worcester, MA
(508) 757-8640

Paint Pottery at Claytime

Claytime is a perfect way to spend a rainy day with little artists. Choose from over a hundred shapes of pottery, and get painting right away! Check the website for kids’ workshops, and look into the make-your-own-stuffed-animal offering, Stuff a Critter.
124 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA
(508) 798-9950
www.claytimestudio.com

Picnic at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Open seasonally, Purgatory Chasm is a unique park with granite walls for climbing. Explore a variety of trails and rock formations, and don’t forget a picnic basket!
198 Purgatory Road, Sutton, MA
(508) 234-3733
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm