Built in the style of an Italian villa in 1895, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum houses an eclectic collection of artifacts from Ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt and China, plus artworks, Chinese ceramics, Japanese armor and plaster casts of major European sculptures. This art museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts of all ages who are visiting the Springfield Museums, especially with the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center that encourages children to learn about art and history through interactive displays and activities.

The Springfield Science Museum and Seymour Planetarium is dedicated to the natural sciences and artifacts found throughout New England. Children can explore and learn about the habitats of the Amazon rainforest, African savanna, a coral reef or the New England coastal areas. If a trip through time is more their thing, the Dinosaur Hall has replicas of Tyrannosaurus Rex as well as some dinosaurs native to the Connecticut River Valley. Tickets to the Seymour Planetarium (the nation's oldest) can be purchased separately, so sit back and check out over 7000 stars from our solar system.

One of the most unique public spaces in the country, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden has five different statues and sculptures of some of Dr Seuss' most beloved characters. A ten-foot tall Horton, plus the Lorax, Yertle the Turtle and the Cat in the Hat are some of the cartoon creatures that come to life in this playful garden. The largest sculpture is an enormous replica of Oh, the Places You'll Go!, and there is also a statue of Dr. Seuss sitting at his writing desk. Free and open daily, the garden is a great stop for anyone and everyone who loves Dr. Seuss.

Conveniently located in downtown Springfield, La Quinta Inn & Suites Springfield Hotel is a cheerful pet friendly hotel. Start the day out with the hotel's complimentary breakfast or swim a few laps in the heated indoor swimming pool. The comfortable guest rooms include modern amenities, such as WiFi, a microwave, and a refrigerator.

The Zoo in Forest Park is home to 200 animals from all over the world. From camels to lemurs and leopards, the Zoo in Forest Park is a great place to spend a fun day out with the family. In addition to all the fun animals, the zoo has a propane driven train so guests can enjoy a fun ride around the zoo when their feet get tired. One of the most interesting things about the Zoo in Forest Park is their Adopt an Animal program, where you can sponsor an animal and receive information about your animal, free zoo passes, and your name on a plaque commemorating your support of the animal. Open hours vary depending on the time of year and weather.

Storrowton Village is a living history museum located on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. The antique buildings around the mini-town within the fairgrounds recreate a New England town during the 19th Century. The Village is primarily open during the summer months and gets the most visitors of the year during The Big E fair. Take a tour, and have a costumed volunteer docent answer your questions about Storrowton Village, or enjoy a meal at the Storrowton Tavern.

Forest Park is 785 acres of pure outdoor fun. With all kinds of entertainment, including a zoo, paddleboats, tennis courts, bocce ball, playgrounds and hiking trails, Forest Park has something for everyone. In the winter, the park is a great location for sledding and snowshoeing. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall, Forest Park has got it all.

This West Springfield Clarion Hotel is located just off Interstate 91 and one mile from the Connecticut River bank. Free Wi-Fi is accessible. All spacious guest rooms are elegantly furnished with a work desk and chest of drawers. A coffee maker and cable TV are also included. Non-smoking rooms are offered. Cold weather hook-ups, valet cleaning services and a hotel safe are all available for added convenience. Guests can also visit the on-site waterpark at discounted rates. A free hot breakfast is served each morning and includes eggs, waffles, yogurt, and more. A number of food outlets are found in the hotel’s surroundings and room service is available. A varied assortment of shops, boutiques and entertainment venues are within walking distance from the hotel. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield is 4.3 miles away.

Six Flags New England is a prominent attraction of Massachusetts and a haven for adventure seekers of all ages. Housed within this sprawling wonderland are several white-knuckle rides that are sure to raise your adrenaline. The park is also home to the Hurricane Harbor Water Park, which is an enticing destination for aquaphiles. If you happen to visit around Halloween, you will enjoy the opportunity of being in one of New England's scariest spots, as Six Flags puts on its annual Fright Fest.

Let your kid's imagination soar at the Amelia Park Children's Museum. This friendly museum is perfect for young children since they'll love all the interactive exhibits. Your kid can pretend to be an astronaut in the space exploration exhibit or act like a teller at the bank exhibit. There are also daily activates and special events, like craft hour and science demonstrations. This museum makes learning fun!

Stop by McCray's Farm for a fun daytime outing with your kids. This farm features great outdoor family-friendly entertainment, including a petting zoo and miniature golf. Make sure to visit McCray's Farm near Halloween when there are hayrides and you can pick your own pumpkin. You might even want to leave the little ones at home and visit after dark in October when the farm hosts the spooky Monster Mash Scream Park.

D. Hotel & Suites will make you feel right at home with its friendly service and mixture of comfy and modern decor. Stay in one of their comfortable guest rooms or opt for a spacious suite that includes a kitchenette. The Deluxe Suite is similar to a small apartment and with a full kitchen and separate bedroom it is perfect if you're on a trip with your family or a long-term stay for business. Take a lap in the heated indoor swimming pool or work out at their fitness center. Guests will also love the hotel's complementary breakfast.