35 Things to do this Summer in Central Mass with Kids!

Family Fun in Central MA!

Worcester is the second largest city in New England, making Central Mass a gold mine for kid-friendly things to do in the summer.  For more fall family fun, check our regular calendar of events.

35 Things to do this Summer in Central MA

• Visit the EcoTarium. Ride the train and visit the animals. The EcoTarium is a unique indoor-outdoor science and nature museum located in Worcester. A family favorite of locals. See the changing indoor & outdoor exhibits science and nature exhibits, ride the train, visit the animals and play in the outdoor Nature Explore® Exhibit. The newly reopened Planetarium has daily shows. Closed on Mondays.
• Purgatory Chasm for a family summer hike!
• Spend the day at Old Sturbridge Village and travel back in time. Interact with costumed historians and learn about life in the 19th century.
• See what is happening at Discovery Museum in Acton. Summer is a great time to burn some energy in their Treehouse and Adventure Hill. Friday evenings in summer (4:30-7:30) are free admission nights. Advance tickets are always required to visit the museum.
• Find a new playground to explore!
  

  Castle in the Trees

• Visit Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon. Check out their upcoming special events  Southwick’s Zoo! 
• Book a summer summer trail ride in Princeton at Cornerstone Ranch!
• Go berry picking!  Find a farm near you with our PYO Summer Fruit Guide.
• Visit the Davis Farmland & Splash & Play! We love Davis Farmland! This is the largest endangered farm for farm animals!  We love their mission and love all the memories that we make here.

• Visit New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill The Ramble! The Ramble is a magical children’s garden, perfect for the littles.  And they have special activities, Nature Play Days Monday – Friday for the kids.

• Spend the afternoon at West End Creamery. Mini Golf, animals and awesome ice cream!
• Cheer on the Worcester Bravehearts!  Very affordable and family-friendly! See their schedule here.
• Worcester Common Oval Out to Lunch Series: Music, farmer’s market, performers and more! August 3, 17 and 31.
• Check out American Heritage Museum in Hudson . They also have special events year round.
• Visit Worcester Art Museum. Scavenger hunts, arm & armor demos, art carts and more! See here for their family activities.  Kids under 17 always free admission.  The first Sunday of each month is free to the public.
• Visit Dinosaurs Among Us at Roger Williams Park Zoo Through August 13. It’s worth the short trip from the Worcester area.
• Summer is a great time to experience Boundless Adventures Aerial Park in Berlin! Courses for all ages & abilities.
• Rent Kayaks and Canoes at Nashoba Paddler Rentals through October 23.
• Hike the Mass Audubon trails at Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester or Wachusett Meadow in Princeton.
• Explore Shrewbury’s Secret Garden
  

  Shrewsbury’s Secret Garden

• Listen to live music at Stone Cow Brewery. Get yummy ice cream and maybe a brew. Kids will love the farm animals and playground.
• Visit the barnyard friends at Greenhill Park!
• Movies on the Common- Outdoor movies on Worcester Common.  3 Evenings on July 20, August 17 and September 21. Begins at 6:30pm.
• Check out Moore State Park in Paxton.
• See the Art in the Park Display at historic Elm Park.  Runs daily through 10/6.

• Rock House Reservation – One of our favorite hikes
• Looking to escape the heat? Get a day pass to Great Wolf Lodge for some water fun without the heat.
• Breezy Waterslides in Douglas is open daily!
• Slightly out of Central MA, but worth the trip. Take a Connecticut Riverboat Cruise out of Northfield, MA
• Pick a rainy day and escape to one of the awesome indoor play spots in the area!

• I scream, you scream…..you know how it goes. See our guide to local scoops.

• Cool off in one of the Central MA Pools, Ponds or Pads!

• Hollis Hills Farm Live Music Series – Fridays – Sundays all summer.  Some of the best music and ice cream around!
• Visit the Enchanted Garden in Lunenburg.  We love finding the nursery rhyme rigures throughout the beautiful gardens and trails.

Enchanted Garden

Nursery Rhyme Friends Throughout

• Kimball Farm Westford – Bumper Boats, Mini Golf, Zip Line, Animal Shows, Arcade, Pony Rides, Ice Cream and more!

What did we miss?  Tell us about it in comments!

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