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.
Riverside Park is one of Hartford's oldest public parks and its location on the waterfront invites all for a relaxing stroll or bike ride next to the water. The series of four, 148-acre parks on both sides of the River are popular picnicking and excursion spots for Hartford's residents and the many people who work Downtown during the week. Visitors can use the boathouse for rowing along the Connecticut River, get permits to go fishing or during the summer months, and even attend one of the numerous events at the riverfront venue, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
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.
This cluster of museums, plus a library and a national memorial, on the corner of Chestnut Street and State Street comprises the Quadrangle. The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is the oldest of the group, and consists of collection of ancient art and artifacts from Greek and Roman civilizations. The Michele & Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts is where you can find the collection of work by European and American artists collected over time. Among the most notable collection in the permanent exhibit of the museum includes paintings of John Singleton Copley and Currier & Ives' lithograph works. The Springfield Science Museum is a fine center where you can learn about the physical and natural science and its exhibits display such things as life size models and remains of dinosaurs and animals from Savannah. Various antique automobiles and weapons that were part of the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, are displayed inside the Museum of Springfield History that opened to the public in 2009. The Quadrangle also houses the Springfield City Library, which was built in 1913, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Hours and prices vary for each museum and attraction.
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.
Explore the outdoors at the Chicopee Memorial State Park, formerly called the Cooley Brook Reservoir and Watershed. This large state park has hiking trails, biking paths, and a lake where you can go swimming or fishing. Bring the kids and relax on the lake's beach then have lunch at one the picnic spots. With its tranquil setting and recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, Chicopee Memorial State Park serves as a popular destination for local residents and visitors seeking outdoor activities and a serene escape within the natural landscapes of Massachusetts.
Quabbin Reservoir Park is a large, scenic, and important water supply reservoir located in central Massachusetts. The reservoir is surrounded by vast wooded areas and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, boating, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the reservoir, the surrounding forests, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Fishing is also a popular activity at Quabbin Reservoir, with anglers having the chance to catch a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and salmon.
The Botanic Garden of Smith College is a beautiful oasis located on the Smith College campus. Home to various species of trees, plants, shrubs, herbs, and colorful flowers, the Botanic Garden is one of the must-visit attractions in the city. This wonderful garden was the initiative taken by the college's first president in the 1880s. Over the hundred years, the garden kept growing into a spectacular ecosystem for the globe. This stunning attraction is almost like a museum spread over 10-gardens and greenhouses. This slice of paradise can be visited year-round.
Built during the 17th century, The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is a rich heritage structure located in the heart of Hadley. This fascinating site has a quirky layout that has been modified over the centuries. This house museum is full of treasures consisting of vintage and rare furniture, art, household objects, and other exhibits belonging to the Porter-Phelps-Huntington and their relationship to the place over the years. This beautiful house is surrounded by greenery and has a calm and relaxed vibe. It has also been listed on the National Register of Historic places.
Old Sturbridge Village has been a staple for school children and families in New England since 1946. This 200-acre (81-hectare) living history museum features beautiful grounds with buildings transported to Sturbridge, Massachusetts from all around the Northeast. The tours of the property begin at the Visitor Center, where visitors can see special exhibits and videos about life in early 19th-century New England. Within the buildings, historians dressed in period costumes explain the origins of the structures and their role in the community. There are over 40 buildings on the property, including a schoolhouse, gristmill, smithery, bake shop, law office, printers and typical 1830s-style homes. There is an on-site restaurant, the Oliver Wight Tavern, where one can enjoy lunches or brunches on the weekends.
The Northwest Park is a popular recreational landmark. It features a nature center as well as soccer fields and walking trails. Comprising of 473 acres (191 hectares) of verdant land and forests, this park plays host to summer camps and several programs for education about the nature and environment. The park also holds a fair that takes place once a year.
Westmoor Park is located on Flogg Road in West Hartford, and is managed by the Leisure Services Department. The park is spread over an area of 62 acres (25 hectares), and includes a variety of natural habitats for visitors to explore. Open from dawn to dusk, the park is dedicated to promoting environmental education and awareness. There is a large garden that is dedicated to flowering plants, herbs and vegetables. The park is also home to a number of barnyard animals like horses, donkeys, sheep’s, goats, ducks etc. It is a perfect place for kids to see and observe farm animals and explore nature. The park also has an education center, a nature discovery room and meeting rooms that are available for classes and community use. There are special summer programs for kids and educational courses conducted all round the year.