Visiting Mass MoCA with Kids - Plus More Things To Do in North Adams, MA in the Berkshires

There's so much for kids to see and explore at Mass MoCA.

North Adams, MA, a hub of arts and culture in the Berkshires, is home to one of the largest centers for visual and performing arts in the US—the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA). Mass MoCA is a massive, vibrant space where creativity knows no bounds, even for the little ones. Amidst the colossal industrial buildings, there are a ton of activities tailored for children.

Mass MoCA is housed in a renovated factory space, which allows for large and open galleries spread throughout 14 buildings and 250,000 square feet. In addition to the museum, there are several retail spots, restaurants, a coffee shop, and some outdoor art exhibits. You can also grab a picnic table or spread out a blanket on a grassy spot and enjoy the sunshine and mountain views. So wear comfortable shoes, grab a map with your tickets, and plan to spend a day exploring Mass MoCA.

I recently visited Mass MoCA with my 11-year-old daughter and 10-year-old niece, and we all had a blast. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Mass MoCA with kids, plus more family-friendly things to do in North Adams, MA (including great North Adams hotels).

Check out our New England Family Travel Guide for more nearby fun, including our list of 25 things to do in the Berkshires with kids.

Trunk-or-Treats near Boston for Halloween 2023

See some amazing displays at these trunk-or-treats near Boston for Halloween 2023! Ghost Busters Trunk or Treat photo by Hawk Visuals out of Norwell, courtesy of  What's Up Weymouth.

Kids have to wait until Halloween to trick-or-treat, but there are trunk-or-treats near Boston all month long. Trunk-or-treating is held at central locations by different organizations and groups. Participants decorate cars and hand out candy from their trunks. These events offer a great alternative to trick-or-treating, when doorbell-ringing traditions get tricky. More communities have been hosting awesome trunk-or-treat activities near Boston each year. So candy-savvy kids end up collecting treats several times before Halloween! We've rounded up several great trunk-or-treat events in the Boston area. We hope you have a fun-filled and Happy Halloween in New England this October.

For more Halloween activities near Boston, explore our Halloween Guide for Boston Kids, and don't miss our list of the best Halloween activities and events in Boston, which includes pumpkin patches, corn mazeshayrides, and of course our top things to do in notoriously witchy Salem

Not-S0-Scary Halloween Events in Houston for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Malloween is a safe Halloween event for younger kids. Photo courtesy of sugarland.com

This October, Houston is jam-packed with fun Halloween events for kids, but if you have a toddler or preschooler in tow, you might prefer events with more fun treats than spooky tricks. Get your little ones' costumes on, because there are many awesome, not scary, Halloween events in Houston for toddlers and preschoolers.

For more Halloween ideas, don't forget to check out our top area Trunk or Treats, and our Houston Halloween Fun Guide.

Not-S0-Scary Halloween Events in Chicago for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Toddlers will love Pumpkin Party. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Halloween events in Chicago can be scary! Luckily, there are plenty of Halloween events for toddlers and preschoolers so that the littlest pumpkins can get their treats without all the tricks. We've rounded up more than 30 parties, concerts, storytimes, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating Halloween events in Chicago for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy.

Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy Halloween events in Chicago during the daylight hours at one of the many trunk-or-treats throughout the Chicago area. Looking for recommendations on where to get a pumpkin, how to dress up, where to trick-or-treat and more? Check out our Chicago Halloween Fun Guide.

Here is our list of top Halloween events in Chicago for toddlers and preschoolers in 2023!

Virginia-Highland with Kids: 35 Best Things to Do in Virginia-Highland, GA

Explore Atlanta's beloved intown neighborhood of Virginia-Highland with our helpful guide!

Tucked between Midtown and Druid Hills, the historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta offers families a fun day of exploring tasty restaurants, shady parks, and popular community festivals. And unlike some Atlanta neighborhoods, Virginia-Highland, GA offers tons of sidewalks, making it extremely walkable and stroller-friendly.

Check out our list of 35 top places for families to visit in Virginia-Highland and the adjacent neighborhood of Morningside. Both neighborhoods--over 100 years old--exude a strong sense of community as evidenced by many festivals and events. Families enjoy locally-owned hangouts and independent retailers amidst tree-lined streets brimming with historic bungalow homes. 

DC Ghost Tour Uncovers the Creepy History of Washington, DC

We were all smiles both before and after the DC Ghosts tour!

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, it's not uncommon to see people dressed like ghosts, goblins, and other creepy characters at Halloween events all over the DC area. But if you're looking for a more authentic experience this October—or all year long—why not try a DC ghost tour? These nighttime walking tours take visitors past places that are said to be haunted by the ghosts of presidents, assassins, heroes, and more.

My family recently went on a DC Ghosts ghost tour operated by US Ghost Adventures. It was the perfect activity to kick off Halloween season, and it taught us some interesting DC history. My 12-year-old twin sons and 9-year-old daughter enjoyed the ghost tour as much as my husband and I did, and while the stories were definitely creepy, the tour wasn't overly scary. In fact, there were several other children in our tour group and no one went home crying. Our kids are still talking about how cool it was.

Did we see any ghosts? You'll have to read on to find out! After you do, visit our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for DC Kids for more spooky (and not-so-spooky) ways to celebrate Halloween, from the best pumpkin patches and corn mazes near DC to the top free Halloween events in the DC area.

Kid-Friendly Factory Tours near Philly from Hershey Factory Tour to US Mint Tour

Hershey's Chocolate World takes visitors through the whole chocolate-making process. Photo by Jody Mercier

Get behind the scenes on everything from chocolate to motorcycles! What better way to enjoy a family-friendly educational experience than with a food or factory tour? From Philadelphia to the suburbs, as well as places that may constitute a day trip, Pennsylvania is a state that makes all sorts of things, and many companies are thrilled to have kids and grown-ups check out the process. That's where factory tours come in. Have you ever wondered how Herr's makes such cheesy cheese puffs? Does your little artist want to visit the Crayola Factory? Does you entire family want to tour the Hershey's Chocolate Factory to learn how they make the chocolate? 

Whether you are just looking for something to do this weekend or take a longer road trip, we have a list for you. Be sure to call or check the websites for the most up-to-date hours and ticket prices. Looking for something in your immediate vicinity? Our Events Calendar always has the latest scoop, and find more ideas for weekend fun with our Weekend Travel Guide

Orlando Trunk-or-Treats and More Halloween Events

Head to Reiter Park on Saturday for the City of Longwood's Truck-or-Treat. Photo courtesy of the City of Longwood

Explore spooktacular Orlando trunk-or-treat events throughout Central Florida this Halloween season! In case you're unfamiliar, trunk-or-treat refers to Halloween celebrations where community organizations, clubs, and businesses adorn their car trunks with fun Halloween displays. Children can go from one trunk to another, collecting candy and other treats.

For more fun events in Orlando this Halloween season, visit our Orlando Halloween Activities Guide, which showcases corn mazesHalloween eventspumpkin patches, and more!

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