Things To Do With The KidsThings To Do With The Kids

There is tons of fun waiting to be explored It seems summer has hardly begun - and the kids are complaining that there's nothing to do. If the scenario sounds familiar it's time to hit the Johnny Appleseed Trail! The region is filled with interesting and exciting ways to fill an afternoon, a day, or weekend.

Here are some fun things for your family to do in north central Massachusetts. For details on hours or admission prices, use the "Navigating the Trail" section in the back of this Guide.

  1. Apple Picking. Bring the family to any of our great farms for some apple picking. You can chose from Sholan Farm in Leominster, Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Bolton Orchards in Bolton, Carlson Orchards in Harvard, or Clearview Farm in Sterling. No matter which farm you chose, it's seasonal fun for the whole family!
  2. Take Flight. Well, you might not actually get off the ground, but you can learn all about the world of aviation at the Top Fun Aviation Museum in Fitchburg. You'll find a great mixture of educational and fun activities. 
  3. Chill Out. Visit one of the many state parks in the region for a variety of outdoor activities including a refreshing swim or a walk in the woods. 
  4. Pitch a Tent. There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars. Set up camp in a local campground, listen to the sounds of Nature, sing songs around the campfire. 
  5. Get into the Swing. Gone golfing lately? How about a bit of mini-golf? The Lancaster Golf Center, just off Route 2, has a famous mini-golf course, as well as a nine-hole pitch and putt course, along with batting cages and bankshot basketball. Take your best shot! Serving ice cream all year long!
  6. Get out an adventure! Tired of the same old family activities? Try white water rafting or riding the zipline at Zoar Outdoor! Since 1989, Zoar Outdoor has offered the best in New England white water rafting trips, kayaking clinics, zip line canopy tours, canoeing instruction, rock climbing classes and bike rentals for adventurers of all abilities, from beginners to experts. Based of out Charlemont, MA, Zoar offers an adventire for any family.
  7. Get Lost. For a while, at least. Test your navigating skills in the MegaMaze at Davis Farmland in Sterling. The Maze opens at the end of July. There's a new cornfield maze every year, so you never know what you're getting into!
  8. Go Rollin' on the River. Take a steamboat ride on the Connecticut River. The Quinnetukut II riverboat offers a leisurely 12-mile round trip through the gorge, and on to historic Barton Cove, home to nesting eagles and the site of a former dinosaur track quarry. The boat leaves from the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center.
  9. Pick a Peck. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and veggies galore are available at local farms all summer! Many farms allow you to pick your own or you can do it the easy way, and stop by a farm stand to see what's in season.
  10. Pet a Poitu. Or maybe just a friendly baby goat or two. Davis Farmland in Sterling has a did-boggling array of endangered farm animals, and lots of real and play farm machinery to keep the young ones busy for hours. Be a pretend farmer for a day!
  11. Pitch a Tent. There are campgrounds galore along the Johnny Appleseed Trail. Take a dip in a lake, set up the tent, cook hotdogs over a fire, and watch the stars come out! Get away from it all in a local park or campground.
  12. Paddle Your Own Canoe. Or rent one at Nashoba Paddler in West Groton. The region has endless waterways to explore! Pack a picnic lunch, grab a fishin' pole, and se out for a lazy day with the family.
  13. Become a Critic. Everyone’s invited to cast a ballot for their favorite entry at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft. With hundreds of works on display, the choice can be challenging!
  14. Wave the Flag. You can celebrate a real old-fashioned Fourth of July along the Johnny Appleseed Trail. Parades, concerts, fireworks — it’s all here, and more! 
  15. Look to the Sky. The sky’s the limit for contestants in the New England Aerobatics Championship at the Orange Municipal Airport in May. There’s a thrill a minute! 
  16. Go Rolling on the River. Take an educational steamboat ride on the Connecticut River. The Quinnetukut II riverboat offers lessons in both history and geology on a spectacular narrated 12-mile trip through the gorge. The boat leaves from the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, off Route 63.  

 

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