If you need ideas for a staycation in Massachusetts for kids and families, here are some deals and programs going on across the Commonwealth.
Newton Sewing Camp
April Vacation Camp
Tuesday April 16th-Friday April 19th
Newton Boys Soccer Camp
Time: 9am – 12am
Location: Newton Field (most likely Weeks Field)
Watertown Arts Camp
Soccer Camp in Brookline
Greater Boston
Awesome Animal Adaptations at the Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester
The Franklin Park Zoo combines animal encounters, arts and crafts, behind-the-scenes tours, games, and other activities in this vacation-long program! Pre-registration is required. zoonewengland.org
Normandy Farms, Foxboro
New England’s finest camping resort has a whole week of special family programs planned, ranging from games and crafts to food, movies, and much more! normandyfarms.com
Underground Railway Theater Camp, Cambridge
During “Science on Stage!“ young thespians spend the week with Underground Railroad Theatre Teaching Artists and Central Square Theatre professionals, exploring the science of “paying attention”. There will be guest-led workshops and a field trip to the MIT Museum. centralsquaretheat
North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley
Plumfield Fun Week at the Orchard House, Concord
Spend each day living the life of a different character from Louisa May Alcott’s stories! Trained staff will help children act, write, make a craft, and draw just like Alcott and her sisters. Pre-registration is required. louisamayalcott.org
Cooking Classes at Verrill Farm, Concord
Verrill Farm’s cooking classes have become favorites for adults and children alike. During vacation week, they will have two special classes geared toward 1st through 3rd graders and 4th through 6th graders. Future chefs will get to take home and share what they’ve made! Registration is required. verrillfarm.com
South of Boston
John Carver Inn Family Vacation Package, Plymouth
The John Carver Inn is providing a special for families during vacation week that includes a meal allowance and admission to the Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool, equipped with water slides, saunas, a fitness room, and spa. johncarverinn.com
Battleship Cove, Fall River
Explore and learn about historic naval ships, and during school vacation week, kids can go on a scavenger hunt for adorable stuffed rats and enter to win a special prize. There will be additional activities and entertainment, and even the chance to sleep overnight in a WWII battleship! battleshipcove.org
Children’s Museum, Easton
Get Pumped! Inspiring kids and adults to get physically fit, this week will feature ways to get everyone more aware of how movement and food are vital to health and longevity. Throughout the week, you’ll be able to try out a variety of sports, games, dances, and fun activities. childrensmuseumineaston.org
Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth
Make your own history during this week of special family programming, including guided tours, demonstrations, 17th century games, arts and crafts, and more! Most activities are free with admission. plimouth.org
Cape Cod and the Islands
Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis
The Family Vacation Package is perfect for a family that’s looking to escape for a few days. The deal includes a meal allowance and admission to the indoor wave pool with water slides, whirlpool, saunas, a full spa, and a heated outdoor pool. capecodderresort.com
Hyannis Whale Watcher, Hyannis
Whale watch earlier in the season than ever as Hyannis Whale Watcher opens on April 14 for school vacation week. Massachusetts is one of the top ten whale watching locations in the world, and April is a great time to see whales returning from their winter migration. whales.net
Central Massachusetts
Earth Week at the EcoTarium, Worcester
At this unique indoor-outdoor museum, visitors can meet wildlife, explore nature trails, and enjoy hands-on, family-friendly exhibits. During April vacation and Earth week, the EcoTarium will be concentrating on space exploration, culminating in Earth Day on April 19th, which will feature half-price admission and many special vendors and exhibits. ecotarium.org
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
The Old Sturbridge Village will be hosting a wide range of activities for the week, such as crafts, meeting baby animals, watching musket demonstrations, and many other games and exhibitions. osv.org
Western Massachusetts
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Over the months of April and May, many new baby animals will be born at the Hancock Shaker Farm. Come welcome and learn about them! Children 12 and under are free for the baby animals program. hancockshakervillage.org
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
For the school vacation week, the museum will be holding a special program, free with admission, on the Wonder of Wordless Picture Books. Learn more about the art and even create your own picture book in hands-on workshops. nrm.org