Staycations and Spring Day Trips Around Boston

Spring day trips from Boston show kids nature's beauty. Photo courtesy of Heritage Museums & Gardens

1. Ride the Swan Boats - Boston

Celebrate the season with a spin around the pond in the Public Garden on the Swan Boats, which open for the season on April 16. Then stroll through the park to take in the spring flowers, and complete your outing with a walk down Newbury Street for a scoop of the best ice cream in the world.

2. Arnold Arboretum - Jamaica Plain

Arnold Arboretum is in full bloom during the spring, making it a must-do trip. The main attraction? The beautiful smelling lilacs that blossom mid to late season.

3. Kelleher Rose Garden - Fenway

Stop and smell the roses at Kelleher Rose Garden in the Fenway. The gardens open in May, and the flowers bloom in late spring. Explore the parks and playgounds allong the Fens, or take a tour of historic Fenway Park.

4. Larz Anderson Park - Brookline

Larz Anderson Park is bustling in the spring with 64-acres of picnic areas, a dog park, trails for walking, and a playground. Make sure to climb the park’s big hill for spectacular views of Boston.

5.  Blue Hills Reservation - Milton

Lace up your hiking boots and go for a hike at Blue Hills Reservation just south of the city in Milton. Make sure to check out the Trailside Museum at the base while visiting. 

6. Robbins Farm Park - Arlington

Feel like you've been there, done that with all the city playgrounds? Hop in the car and take a ride to Arlington to race down dueling slides at Robbins Farm Park. 

Staycations and Spring Day Trips Near Boston

7. Joppa Flats National Wildlife Refuge - Newburyport

Head to Newburyport for a visit to Joppa Flats National Wildlife Refuge, one of the state's best places for bird watching. Make sure to check the website calendar as the refuge frequently offers fun activities and programs for kids.

8. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary - Ipswich

Explore the 12 miles of trails making up the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Look for birds and turtles in your journey, and don't miss the Nature Play Area at the visitor's main entrance—kids can build a log cabin, scale a miniature observation tower, balance on log beams, and more.

Kids can explore on a spring day trip to the deCordova Sculpture Park. Photo courtesy of The Trustees

9. The deCordova Sculpture Garden and Museum - Lincoln

Spring is also the perfect time to visit the deCordova Sculpture Garden and Museum in Lincoln where, unlike many museums, kids are encouraged to touch and interact with the art. 

10. Treetop Adventures - Canton

Looking for a soaring excursion? Spend the day zipping through the forest in Canton at Treetop Adventures zipline course. Mark your calendar, the zipline course opens April 15.

11. Davis Farmland - Sterling

Davis Farmland in Sterling opens on April 13, and this massive farm and fun center is worthy of a day trip—yes, you will need the entire day. Hold baby goats, play with kittens, go for a pony ride, bounce on a giant pillow, and so much more.

 
Discovery Woods is an all-seasons, outdoor wooden wonderland for kids. Photo courtesy of the Discovery Museum

12. Discovery Museum - Acton

While the inside of the Discovery Museum in Acton is a trip in itself, a visit in the warmer weather will definitely have your kids playing outside at the Discovery Woods exhibit, complete with a huge treehouse and nature play areas. 

13. American Museum of Bird Art - Canton

The birds are singing at the American Museum of Bird Art in Canton. Hike the property in search of birds, play nature bingo, and take part in a nature scavenger hunt.

14. Southwick's Zoo - Mendon

Head to Central Massachusetts for a visit to Southwick's Zoo in Mendon. Along with zoo exhibits featuring animals like tigers and alligators, there's also the Butterfly Kingdom and a duck pond. Once you're done with the animals hit the concessions for some ice cream. The Zoo opens in April, just in time for school vacation week!

Staycations and Spring Day Trips 2 Hours from Boston (or less!)

15. The Heritage Museum and Gardens - Sandwich

Visit The Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich to see whats in bloom. Star Magnolias stir in March. April sees daffodils, crocusses, and pansies May flowers include colorful Rhododendrons. Save plenty of time to play in the natural playscape (Hidden Hollow) where kids can happily spend a whole day.

16. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum - Springfield

Another museum that is open year-round, but brings a little something extra when the weather shifts to spring, is Springfirld's Dr. Seuss Museum. Along with its interactive experience inside, the museum has a sculpture garden featuring over 30 bronze statues ranging from famous characters like the Cat in the Hat to Dr. Seuss himself.

17. Basketball Hall of Fame - Springfield

Are the kids too big for Dr. Seuss? How about Dr. J and the rest of the NBA's legends? You can learn the history of the sport and even play some hoops at the National Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum in Springfield!

18. EcoTarium - Worcester

While the EcoTarium in Worcester offers up year-round fun, a visit in the spring brings added adventures. The museum's outside spaces are filled with hiking trails, live animals, a nature playground, and even a train that circles the property.

19. Plimoth Patuxet Museums - Plymouth

Head south of Boston to climb aboard the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the real deal. Then tour the recreated villages of Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) to see how the pilgrims and the Patuxet natives lived centuries ago.

20.  Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge

You don't have to drive too far to travel back in time—just take a drive to Old Sturbridge Village. This outdoor living history museum really starts to come to life after a long cold winter with live animals, gardens, and demonstrations. 

The Cape's bike paths provide miles of fun on a spring day trip. Photo courtesy of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

21. Nickerson State Park - Brewster

Throw your bikes in the car and head to Nickerson State Park in Cape Cod to cruise along the 22-mile long bike trail. Pack a picnic or plan a stop at Colby's, attached to the trail, for lunch or ice cream!

22. Nantucket

Hop aboard a ferry and spend the day on Nantucket admiring the island's blooming daffodils and building sandcastles at Children's Beach. Traditional and high-speed ferries depart from Hyannis daily.

23. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - Mystic

Take a drive to Mystic, CT for a visit the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center featuring an onsite natural history museum with live animals! Over 10 miles of trails include a new meditation walking path for quiet reflection.

24. The Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen's Wharf - Newport

Head to coastal Newport, RI in May for their annual Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen's Wharf. Double dare your kiddos to give the tasty mollusks a try! The free feast is scheduled for the weekend before Memorial Day, and details are forthcoming. But any time you're in town, be sure to visit the Tennis Hall of Fame, and tour some of the historic mansions.

25. Martha's Vineyard

Take a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard, where more than just the beach awaits families. Visit Island Alpaca to meet baby Alpacas, play frisbee golf, and hike miles of trails at the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.