Things to know before you go
Things to know before you go:
- All programs are free unless noted.
- Please be aware parking fees may apply – visit the park web page for applicable parking fees at Massachusetts State Parks or to learn how to borrow a ParksPass from a community partner.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Be season smart and safe. Dress for the weather by wearing sturdy footgear and dressing in layers for maximum comfort.
- Carry drinking water and snacks.
- Have a map and cell phone.
- Seasonal weather such as heavy rains and storms affect parks and trails. All events, programs and activities are subject to change. Please take a moment to call ahead to confirm.
- April Vacation Programs are listed by geographical region, date and time.
Central Massachusetts
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA
Kidleidoscope
Thursday, April 24, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Join us for Kidleidoscope! We will read a short book, followed by an activity, and a kid-friendly craft that relates to the story. For ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome.
Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center at Worcester, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA
Kidleidoscope
Thursday, April 24, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us for Kidleidoscope! We will read a short book, followed by a light outdoor activity or hike. Afterwards, enjoy a kid-friendly craft that relates to the story. Each session will have its own theme. For ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome.
Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center at Worcester, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA
Kidleidoscope
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us for Kidleidoscope! We will read a short book, followed by a light outdoor activity or hike. Afterwards, enjoy a kid-friendly craft that relates to the story. Each session will have its own theme. For ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome.
Northeastern Massachusetts
Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest St, Saugus, MA
StoryWalk®: It’s Spring!
Daily, Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 27
Stop by the Visitor Center to embark upon a fun 0.5-mile Story Walk. Great for all ages and abilities!
Halibut Point State Park,4 Gott Ave, Rockport, MA
April School Vacation="Explor"ation!
Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 27, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Family Fun Features: Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt; StoryWalk®; and/or Self-Guided Quarry Tour for all ages! Dress for the weather, wear layers for the wind and bring water and sunblock. Start at the Visitor Center.
Halibut Point State Park,4 Gott Ave, Rockport, MA
Spring Birding for Beginners
Sunday, April 20, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Stroll our seaside treasure with birding basics. Hear the symphony of bird song! Watch for them in the field’s, woodland’s, and at ocean’s edges. Learn about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy Extraordinary views. Bring your binoculars, For all ages. Sorry no dogs. Dress for the weather, wear layers for the wind and bring water and sunblock. Meet in the parking area.
Halibut Point State Park,4 Gott Ave, Rockport, MA
Creature Feature: Live Animal Presentation
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Live Frogs & Salamanders, our vernal pond ambassadors, will visit Halibut Point with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. Get up close to these animals and learn about their behaviors and habitats. Co-Sponsored with Friends of Halibut Point State Park. Great for all ages. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA
Guided Museum Tour
Tuesday, April 22, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of our permanent museum exhibits, Lawrence: A Planned Industrial City, City of Workers, and The People and Places That Shaped Lawrence, and discover the important role Lawrence and its immigrant population played in the Industrial Revolution and Labor Movement. Best for ages 10+, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, please contact (978) 794-1655.
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA
Great Stone Dam Walking Tour
Wednesday, April 23, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
History flows on this walking tour to the Great Stone Dam, once the largest in the world! Discover how waterpower propelled Lawrence’s textile industry onto the world stage. Light rain or shine. Dress for the weather, walk is approximately 1.5-miles. Best for ages 8+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, please contact (978) 794-1655.
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA
Bread and Roses Strike Walking Tour
Thursday, April 24, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Come walk in the footsteps of the workers of the Great Textile Strike of 1912, known today as the Bread & Roses Strike, and hear about the stories that led workers to walk out of the mills and into the streets for better wages and conditions. Light rain or shine. Best for ages 8+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, please contact (978) 794-1655.
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA
Kidleidoscope
Friday, April 25, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
This preschool-aged program includes a story, craft, and exploration. Children may spend time both indoors and outdoors, depending on the topic. Please dress for the weather. For children ages 3-5, siblings are welcome to join. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, please contact (978) 794-1655.
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA
Guided Museum Tour
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of our permanent museum exhibits, Lawrence: A Planned Industrial City, City of Workers, and The People and Places That Shaped Lawrence, and discover the important role Lawrence and its immigrant population played in the Industrial Revolution and Labor Movement. Best for ages 10+, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, please contact (978) 794-1655.
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Visitor Center: Open Hours
Daily, Monday, April 21 through Sunday, April 27, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Investigate the life & legacy of Thoreau through exhibits, art, and film. Our "Walden" Film shows every 1/2 hour, with last show at 3:30 pm. Gallery exhibition, The Kaleidoscopic Seasons of Walden, by local artist Tracy Levesque, through April 31. Great for all ages!
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Concord's Two Revolutions: Rebels, Writers, and Transcendentalists
Monday, April 21, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Join historian Richard Smith on Patriot’s Day, 2025, for an entertaining and educational look at Concord’s two revolutions: the Revolutionary War and the Revolution of early American writers: the spiritual, literary and intellectual movement which became known as Transcendentalism. Richard will speak about Concord in the 18th and 19th Centuries, the two revolutions that started here, and the repercussions from those events that are still felt today. Great for adults and children 8+. Meet at the Visitor Center. Program is free, parking fees apply. For more information, please contact (978) 405-2082.
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
Thoreau House Talks
Wednesday, April 23 & Thursday, April 24, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Swing by the Thoreau House Replica to learn about naturalist Henry David Thoreau's 2 year stay at Walden during these ongoing 10-minute talks with a Park Interpreter. Great for all ages. Program is free, parking fees apply. For more information, please contact (978) 405-2082.
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
The Beavers are Back!
Saturday, April 26, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Join a Park Interpreter for this guided 1mile roundtrip hike to Heywood’s Meadow to see signs of our resident beavers. Learn how these rodents improve the local ecology. Wear sturdy hikers. Binoculars encouraged! Ages 10 and up. Program is free, parking fees apply. For more information, please contact (978) 405-2082.
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
"Walking Walden Transcendentally"
Sunday, April 27, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join transcendentalist author Jim Sherblom on the release of his new book "Concord Stories, volume one" to discuss why transcendentalist experiences are often the result of the convergence of a particular place and mental space. Weather permitting, a transcendental walk of Walden to follow at 2 pm. Meet at the Visitor Center. For ages 8+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Program is free, parking fees apply. For more information, please contact (978) 405-2082.
Southeastern Massachusetts
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Family Nature Exploration: Fire in the Hills
Saturday, April 19, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Forest fires have impacted these hills for as long as humans have lived here. Discover the history of fires in the Blue Hills, what was done right and wrong to fight them, and what impact climate change has for fighting fires in Massachusetts in the future. Great for all ages. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center for this 2-mile walk. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Nice and Easy Walk
Saturday, April 19, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Looking to get outdoors and take a gentle, guided hike in the beautiful Blue Hills? Join us for our weekly series of leisurely paced nature hikes (1.5-3 miles long). Learn about nature at your own pace and make some friends along the way. Great for all ages. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Nature’s Classroom – I spy
Tuesday, April 22, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Discover the mysterious and hidden world of fungi. Ancient in the extreme, fungi are crucial to nearly all life on earth. Fungi are much more than just beautiful and sometimes deadly mushrooms, are the foundations of life and human civilization. Great for all ages. Approximately 1-mile walk, dress for the weather. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Exploring the Blue Hills
Tuesday, April 22, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore the hidden trails behind Houghton’s Pond on this 2.5-mile hike. Great for families and adults. Dress for the weather and bring drinking water. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Wellness in the Wilderness
Wednesday, April 23, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us for quiet and contemplative forest bathing program in the beautiful and peaceful Blue Hills. De-stress and reconnect with nature on this slow and gentle 1.1-mile forest meditation walk. Dress for the weather. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
History in the Hills
Thursday, April 24, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Farming in these rocky Blue Hills has never been easy. Learn how colonial farmers dealt with the challenges and changed the landscape in their quest to make a new home among the hills. Accessible seated lecture at Visitor Center. Great for ages 12+. Meet inside Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Rain or shine. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Vernal Adventures
Thursday, April 24, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The lovely Marigold Marsh is a vital habitat and home to many species of birds and reptiles, learn how they are making their preparations for spring. Great for all ages. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Kidleidoscope
Friday, April 25, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Join us for a nature craft and nature facts! Each week we will feature a different nature theme, story, and craft on that theme. Great for ages 2-5. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Rain or shine. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Family Nature Exploration: Animal Detectives
Saturday, April 26, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Animal tracks tell the story of wildlife in the forest—where they go, what they eat, and who’s trying to eat them. Learn how to tell what these animals are up to when no one is around. Great for all ages. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center for this 2-mile walk. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Blue Hills Reservation, 640 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
Nice and Easy Walk
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Looking to get outdoors and take a gentle, guided hike in the beautiful Blue Hills? Join us for our weekly series of leisurely paced nature hikes (1.5-3 miles long). Learn about nature at your own pace and make some friends along the way. Great for all ages. Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, please call (857) 208-8498.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Mansion Tour: Building a Home
Saturday, April 19 & Sunday, April 20, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Step back in time and explore the first floor of the historic Ames Mansion. Free guided tours are offered throughout the week. Themes and times vary. Tours are thirty minutes long, first
floor only. Accessible. Advance registration required. Great for ages 10+. Rain or shine. Meet in front of the Ames Mansion.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Kids Mansion Tour
Saturday, April 19 & Sunday, April 20, 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Step back in time and explore the first floor of the historic Ames Mansion. Free guided tours are offered throughout the week. Themes and times vary. Tours are thirty minutes long, first
floor only. Accessible. Advance registration required. Great for ages 10+. Rain or shine. Meet in front of the Ames Mansion.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Mansion Tour: Orchids and Oakes
Saturday, April 19 & Sunday, April 20, 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Step back in time and explore the first floor of the historic Ames Mansion. Free guided tours are offered throughout the week. Themes and times vary. Tours are thirty minutes long, first
floor only. Accessible. Advance registration required. Great for ages 10+. Rain or shine. Meet in front of the Ames Mansion.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Kidleidoscope
Sunday, April 20, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Learn about the natural world through beautifully illustrated books and hands-on activities. We will feature a new book and craft each week. Best for ages 4+. Meet inside the Visitor Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Gardening for Kids
Wednesday, April 23, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Registration required, email borderland.park@mass.gov
Join Ellen Farmer for spring planting basics! Together you’ll learn some basic planting techniques for the first planting of the season including what soils to use and what plants can tolerate cooler temperatures! She’ll even show off some ideas for designing and arranging different planters. Great for ages 8+. Inclement weather will cancel.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Off The Beaten Path Hike
Friday, April 25, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join Park Staff for a guided hike. Explore different trails each week. Hikes are between 2-4 miles long on varied terrain at a moderate pace. Bring drinking water and dress for the weather. For adults and older children. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, please call (508) 238-6566.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Explore Nature Series: By the Pond
Friday, April 25, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Have you ever wondered who lives above and below the surface of Borderland’s ponds? Explore pond life through different hands-on activities. Meet at the Visitor Center, short walk to the pond. Great for ages 7+. Please wear clothing that can get wet. Inclement weather will cancel. For more information, please call (508) 238-6566.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Explore Nature Series: In the Trees
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Who calls the woods of Borderland home? What birds are you hearing sing as you explore the trails? Learn about life in Borderland’s forests through different hands-on activities and a short 0.75-mile walk. Dress for the weather and meet at the Visitor Center. Great for ages 7+. For more information, please call (508) 238-6566.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Kidleidoscope
Sunday, April 27, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Learn about the natural world through beautifully illustrated books and hands-on activities. We will feature a new book and craft each week. Best for ages 4+. Meet inside the Visitor Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Nice and Easy Walk
Sunday, April 27, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Want to get out on the trails, but don’t want to venture too far or hike anywhere too intense? Join Park Staff for a nice and easy walk where we’ll explore some well-trodden paths at Borderland together. Walks are 1-2 miles long and are a relaxed pace. Dress for the weather and meet at the Visitor Center. Inclement weather will cancel. For more information, please call (508) 238-6566.
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA
Friends of Borderland Three Floor Mansion Tours
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Explore the history of the estate of Oakes and Blanche Ames while supporting the Friends of Borderland State Park. Volunteer tour guides will tell the story of Oakes and Blanche Ames, the mansion, and their love of nature. Tours run every 30-minutes. Great for ages 10+. Meet in front of the Ames Mansion. Rain or shine. For more information, please call (508) 238-6566.
Fall River Heritage State , 100 Davol Street, Fall River, MA
Fall River Movie Marathon
Sunday, April 20 through Saturday, April 26, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
We’re playing some of our favorite films celebrating Fall River. Films will play continuously throughout the day, so drop in anytime. Each film highlights a specific theme. Appropriate for viewers age 8+. Meet inside the Visitor Center. All films are also available by request.
Monday: Industry - Fabric of Fall River (30 mins)
Tuesday: Maritime - The Fall River Line (57 mins)
Wednesday: Heroes - Thomas Hudner Video (30 mins)
Thursday: Abolitionists - Safe Houses: the Underground Railroad (20 mins)
Friday: Fun Places– Lincoln Park Remembered (45 mins)
Fall River Heritage State , 100 Davol Street, Fall River, MA
Poesia: A Celebration of the Portuguese through Poetry
Saturday, April 26, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Come celebrate the beautiful language and incredible people of the Portuguese-American community. Enjoy poetry readings, performance art, and music. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Rain or shine. Great for all ages!
Fall River Heritage State , 100 Davol Street, Fall River, MA
Scavenger Hunts and Word Games
Sunday, April 20 through Saturday, April 26, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Fall River is rich with history. These scavenger hunts and word games put you on the path to discovering the people and stories that are the fabric of our community. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Rain or shine. Great for all ages!
South Cape Beach, 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee, MA
South Cape Beach Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, April 22, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for a walk along the beach looking for different shells, egg cases and crab molts. We’ll bring magnets and magnifiers for a few other activities. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at South Cape Beach, 668 Great Oak Rd, Mashpee. Note: There are no bathrooms. Rain or strong winds cancels.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth, MA
Finding Flounder
Monday, April 21
11:00AM-12:00PM preschool/K with an adult
1:00PM-2:00PM age 6+ with an adult
The estuary is a nursery to many creatures including a variety of fish. We’ll use dipnets to see what young fish we can find, and then make a wiggly fish to take home. Rain or shine. Please bring/ wear shoes/boots that can get wet.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth, MA
Looking for Spat
Wednesday, April 23
11:00AM-12:00PM preschool/K with an adult
1:00PM-2:00PM age 6+ with an adult
Did you know that spat are young shellfish? Join us as we search for oyster spat on our oysters and other shellfish spat along the beach. We will also play a matching game and make a tide pool to take home. Rain or shine. Please bring/wear shoes/boots that can get wet.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth, MA
Blue, Fiddler and Hermits
Thursday, April 24
11:00AM-12:00PM preschool/K with an adult
1:00PM-2:00PM age 6+ with an adult
We will explore the beach for young crabs and discover what makes them different. We’ll make a crab hat as our art project. Rain or shine. Please bring/wear shoes/boots that can get wet.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth, MA
Nesting Osprey
Friday, April 25, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
It is nesting time for our Osprey! Join us for a drop-in program on Ospreys. You can watch them up-close with our scope or from our Osprey Cam, play an egg game, make a nest and other fun Osprey activities. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine.
Western Massachusetts
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
Buildwave: A hands-on building game!
Tuesday, April 22, 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
For families with children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult. Have fun building, using the materials provided! Call the Carnegie Library 413-863-3214 to register your child. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. Meet in the Great Hall.
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Who Lives in a Tree?
Friday, April 25, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome.
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
Earth Week Investigation Station and Indoor Storywalk® - One Earth
Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 27
Join us at the welcome desk during school vacation week for activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Enjoy indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, crafts, and activities to honor the Earth, our shared home. Includes the indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, which is an invitation to both celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. For all ages.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
Discover Greylock Family Friendly Trail Hike
Friday, April 18, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Enjoy a guided, easy-moderate, one-to-two-mile, family-friendly trail hike! Look for signs of wildlife, explore seasonal changes in the forest. Dress for variable weather. Trails may be muddy. Bring water and snack. Call ahead for meeting location. Inclement weather cancels. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
Mountain Mindfulness: Signs of Spring Walk
Saturday, April 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Registration required, call (413) 499-4262
For all abilities. Come explore signs of spring along a slow, sauntering meditative walk with Kripalu Outdoor Mindfulness Guide Suzy Conroy. Breathe easy and gain inspiration from the living earth. Duration of 2 hours. Space is limited. Registration is required. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
EGGS-ellent Nature Scavenger Hunt!
Sunday, April 20, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join us for an adventurous "seek and find" outdoor quest that appeals to all ages and abilities. Follow the path of EGGS in search of the hidden treasure. A fun way to explore springtime features at scenic Mount Greylock. Duration of 2 hours. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
EARTH DAY: Open House!
Tuesday, April 22, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us for activities that inspire taking care of where we live, and honoring the Earth, our shared home! Explore how you can Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle with an Earth Day craft! All materials provided while supplies last. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
Mountain Mindfulness: Forest Walk and Yoga with Jala
Wednesday, April 23, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
All skill levels welcome. Discover Inner Peace and Vitality with volunteer Mindfulness guide Jala. This special forest walk combines the natural health benefits of fresh mountain air and the joy of yoga practice. The 1-hour walk is followed by a Yoga and Meditation session starting at 12:00 p.m. Join one, or both sessions! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a yoga mat, water, and a snack. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Co-sponsored by Jala Pritchard.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
Geocaching 101
Thursday, April 24, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Looking for a fun way to engage your tech-savvy kids with the natural world? This outdoor activity combines hiking with a tech-aided treasure hunt. Beginners welcome! No experience necessary. To participate fully, download the free geocaching.com app. Dress appropriately for variable weather. Trails may be muddy. Bring water and a snack. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
ARBOR DAY: Discover Greylock Forest Health Walk
Friday, April 25, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Registration required, call (413) 499-4262
Celebrate Arbor Day by exploring how to identify trees emerging from their winter slumber and learning all about tree health with DCR Forest Health Director Nicole Keleher. This workshop includes a short trail walk, suitable for families able to walk an easy-moderate one to two miles. Space is limited. Registration required, call ahead. Dress in layers for variable weather. Trails may be muddy. Bring water and a snack. Inclement weather cancels. Great for ages 8+, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 27, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Enjoy several "seek and find" scavenger hunts designed for all ages and skill levels. These adventurous quests invite you to explore the natural and cultural treasures at Mount Greylock. Indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts available at the Visitor Center. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Watershed
Meet at Mass Central Rail Trail- Sterling Spur, 25 Gates Road, Sterling, MA
Pools and Ponds Walk
Tuesday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Take a closer look at water sources during this slow-paced family-friendly walk. These nearby water features attract a variety of wildlife that depend on these habitats. We'll listen for frog calls and look for other signs of wildlife. Up to a 1-mile easy walk. All ages are welcome. Dogs are not allowed.
Wachusett Reservoir, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston, MA
Salt Sleuth Community Science
Saturday, April 26, Drop in between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Become a Salt Sleuth to do freshwater forensics! Volunteers will contribute valuable data as increasing chloride levels have been documented from road salt in the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed. Collect a water sample from any body of water during Earth Day Week. Bring the water sample with you or pick up a sampling kit at the Wachusett Reservoir Headquarters, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston, on Saturday, April 26, between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. DCR Environmental Quality Staff will test for conductivity, map the results, and demonstrate salt measurement techniques. All ages are welcome. Dogs are not allowed. For additional information please call 617-352-4044 or email Kathryn.Parent@mass.gov
DCR Visitor Centers and Exhibits
The Massachusetts’ State Park system, managed and operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation provides many year-round visitation opportunities at which you can learn about our rich natural and cultural history, a heritage that tells fascinating stories of the past. Recreational opportunities also abound. Below is a list of our Visitor Centers by region.
*Please note, some visitor centers are closed for holidays and hours can vary based on staffing and weather emergencies. Please call ahead.*
Northeastern Massachusetts
Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest St., Saugus
Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center
Open Wednesday- Sunday, 8:30am-3:30pm
This picturesque visitor center was built in the style of Ben Johnson’s Lodge. Ben Johnson along with two friends built the lodge that opened in 1891 for their private hunting reserve, the origin of Breakheart Reservation. The Civilian Conservation Corps also built much of the park infrastructure. Enjoy the rustic warmth of the visitor center. The Visitor Center has displays on local animals and indigenous people along with a history with a property. Dogs are allowed within the reservation on a leash. Parking is free, but limited. Parking is also available at the shopping center near the approach. Accessible. For more information, please call (781) 233-0834.
Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport
Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Quarrying History at Visitor Center
Investigate working on the edge of Halibut Point! We have artifacts, photographs, the “Uncut Block” video, and quarry tools to share the Park’s history. Bring your questions and curiosity!
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden St., Concord
Walden Pond Visitor Center
Open Daily, 10:00am-4:00pm
Henry David Thoreau’s legacy has rippled across the globe and is tastefully presented in exhibits and displays. Get a look at our Gold LEED-Certified, earth-friendly, energy efficient building constructed from sustainable materials. A replica of the cabin he built and lived in from 1845-1847 is located near the visitor center for public viewing. No pets are allowed within the reservation. Daily parking fee: $8 per vehicle with MA plates, $30 per vehicle for out-of-state plates. Accessible. For more information, please call 978-396-325
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence
Open Daily, 9:00am-4:00pm
Come learn about the history and development of Lawrence, Massachusetts, one of the nation’s first planned industrial cities. The 22-minute film shows on request. Visit the Gallery for temporary art and historical exhibits. Free parking and admission. Accessible. For more information, please call 978-794-1655.
Central Massachusetts
Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
River Bend Farm Visitor Center
Daily, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Dunn State Park, 289 Pearl St, Gardner
Daily, 7:00am- 6:00pm
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Rd. , Sutton, MA
Weekdays, 9:00am- 3:00pm, Weekends, 9:00am- 4:00pm
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 345 Mountain Road, Princeton
John Hitchcock Visitor Center
Open daily 8:00am – 3:30pm
The Visitor Center features exhibits detailing the mountain’s unique geologic history, including the effects of the last glacial period. Exhibits also highlight Wachusett Mountain’s human history, from the Native Americans living in the area who gave the mountain its name, to the European colonists who settled the area. The Visitor Center features displays explaining the ancient trees found on the mountain, the only old-growth forest east of the Connecticut River. There is also an antique collection of preserved birds that are found in the area. Interpretive staff are on site Tuesday through Saturday to answer all questions. Accessible. For more information, please call 978-464-2987.
Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown
Open every day except Wednesdays, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Visitor Center & Exhibits
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Along with the Wachusett Reservoir and Ware River, it is the source of high quality water for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system. The 412 billion gallon reservoir covers 39 square miles with 181 miles of shoreline. Come learn about the history of the Quabbin Valley and how the reservoir was built. Also, learn about wildlife at the Quabbin and some of the research being done there. Visitors may request viewing one of several short videos about the area as well. For more information, please call 413-323-722. Check out self-guided self-guided activities.
Southeastern Massachusetts
Houghton Pond Visitor Center, 840 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186
Open Daily, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton
Open Daily, 8:00am - 7:00pm
Visitor Center "Ames Family History Gallery"
Borderland is one of the most historically significant tracts of publicly owned land in the Commonwealth. Created in the early 1900s by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her botanist husband Oakes, Borderland offers many of the same pleasures that the Ames family enjoyed. Learn about the family through the park’s exhibits. Then enjoy the winter recreational experiences once enjoyed by this famous family at their “Borderland.” A variety of self-guided walk brochures are available in the Visitor Center vestibule. Accessible. For more information or directions, please call (508) 238-6566. There is a $5.00 per vehicle parking fee; $20.00 for out-of-state vehicles.
Fall River Heritage State Park, 200 Davol St., Fall River
Open Daily, 8:00am - 3:30pm
The Visitor Center at Fall River Heritage State Park offers insight into the City’s unique past as a thriving textile center and confluence of cultures. Sit back in the comfort and warmth of the park’s movie theater and watch a marathon of four films about Fall River’s past from its role as the leading textile hub in America, to its critical role in the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War. Enjoy the majesty of the luxurious Fall River Line ships that sailed here from New York. Re-live the fun days of locals at play at everyone’s favorite local amusement park. Try your hand at crafts. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you enjoy the beautiful views of Battleship Cove and the waterfront. Linger in the galleries for historic photos and an exhibit on African Americans in the Civil War. There is something for everyone and it’s all free! Parking is free at the adjacent DCR Lot at 5 Water Street. Accessible. For more information or directions please call (508) 675-5759, ext. 0.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Hwy (Rte. 28), E. Falmouth
Western Massachusetts
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
Wednesdays-Sundays 10am-4pm
Explore the natural, cultural and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed in our dynamic exhibits. Next to the Canalside Rail Trail, the center includes the Great Hall exhibit gallery, restrooms, and drinking water. Wheelchair accessible.
Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke
Tuesday - Sunday, 12pm - 4pm
Explore Holyoke’s industrial history. Exhibits celebrate the city's rich blend of cultures and people. Special programs are offered year-round. Also located within the park are The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame. Visitor information available. Wheelchair accessible. For more information or directions, please call (413) 534-1723.
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA
Open daily, 9:00am-4:00pm
The Visitor Center is the primary information and orientation site for visitors to Mount Greylock State Reservation. Located within a mix of open fields and woods and offers a spectacular panoramic view south across the Berkshire Hills and the Taconic Mountains. Dynamic exhibits and an orientation film explore the history and nature of the highest point in the Commonwealth. A recreational opportunity here includes an easy 1.8 mile loop hike along the Bradley Farm Interpretive Trail. Visitor information available. Wheelchair accessible. Call 413-499-4262 for more information.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park
Thursdays through Mondays, 10:00am-4:00pm.
115 State Street, Building # 4, North Adams, MA 01247
Visitors to this former railroad yard in North Adams, MA may discover about the controversial and dangerous construction of the 4.75-mile Hoosac Tunnel, which spanned 1851-1875. Offered is a short documentary film about the tunnel, still in use today.Visitors can see historical artifacts and exhibits to better understand this historic engineering feat and the cultural-industrial story of this smallest in Massachusetts. Visitor information available. Wheelchair accessible. Call 413-663-6312 for more information.
Ongoing Resources
- Self-Guided Hikes
- Recommended Hikes
- Introductory hikes for families and children and Signature hikes of that highlight the best park features
- Fun in Nature Series
- Downloadable activities to enhance your experience at any DCR park! Fun and engaging activities include seek and find scavenger hunts to awaken all of your senses, a conversation starter set to encourage talks along the trail and creating your own story cube to inspire story- telling!