Whether you are looking for a day trip to New England or a weekend getaway, think beyond Boston and plan a visit to western Massachusetts and in the Grand Springfield region. Nicknamed the “city of the first”, there are a lot of fun things to do in Springfield, Ma – for children, sports fans, museum lovers, etc. Springfield has been on a revitalization track for a few years, bringing new restaurants, breweries and attractions to the third city in Massachusetts.
During my more than 20 years of life in New England, I visited Springfield several times, in all seasons. Sitting at the intersection of the interstate 90 and 91, it is a good stop on your way to the Berkshires or the Vermont. You can also go to Springfield by train or bus (did you know that the Peter Pan bus line was launched in Springfield?). But ideally, you will visit a road trip so you can get out of the city center to discover some of the things to do near Springfield.
Things to do in Springfield my
Did you know that Springfield was the birthplace of basketball and Theodor Geisel, better known as “Dr Seuss”? Explore this heritage and more with these best things to do (and near) from Springfield, Massachusetts.
If you visit in the fall, plan to try to escape Mike MazeA large themed labyrinth in Sunderland, nearby, and attend “The Grand E»At the Eastern States Exhibition. Current for 17 days, this formidable event has parades, live entertainment, animals, crafts and tons of food stands. For holiday events in Massachusetts, see Bright Nights in Forest Park with a three -thousand long vacation light display.
Play at the temple of the Basketball Naismith Memorial basketball
You don’t need to be a fucking basketball fan to enjoy the naismith memorial Basketball renowned temple. He has a story, interactive exhibitions, a playable basketball court and memories of all the great of the game.
You might be surprised to learn that basketball was created just in Springfield by James Naismith in a local college. The museum also covers the evolution of women’s basketball and even dives into SportsCasting.
When you visit, you can try to dip a basketball ball and stand in the footprints of some of the biggest players. With 40,000 square feet of basketball history, you can easily spend an entire afternoon, especially those invested in the game (be sure to check the size of Shaq shoes !!)
They also organize clinics and shooting competitions and you can discover these special events as well as hours of admission and prices here. If you are hungry, Plan B Burger is located right next to it for tasty burgers.
If volleyball is more your sport, see the International volleyball temple Near Holyoke instead.
Read in the incredible world of Dr Seuss Museum
Springfield museums are a big draw in the city center and an essential visit to families is the incredible world of Dr. Seuss Museum. As a new collection museum, the museum presents interactive exhibitions (in Spanish and English) in the real style of Dr. Seuss. On the second floor, the studio and the living room of Theodor Geisel (AKA Dr. Seuss) were recreated with the furniture and the art materials he used.
Each room in the Dr Seuss museum is full of possibilities for fun photos. There is also a Dr Seuss sculpture garden, a coffee, a gift shop and a lot of space to sit to take advantage of the day or take a picnic. It is a must for anyone who is a fan of Dr. Seuss’s books.
Teach Springfield Museums
Located in the heart of the city center of Springfield, the Springfield museums Offer visitors the possibility of enjoying five museums on a single admission ticket. This facilitates travel with a group with different interests, because there is something for everyone.
There are two art museums, one focuses on fine arts while the other has more eclectic pieces. There is a science museum, a history and most popular museum, the incredible world of the Dr Seuss museum, mentioned above. In everyone, there are a lot of practical activities and fun exhibitions for children.
Explore Springfield fresh paint
Springfield is a very accessible city on foot. Whether you want to walk in the Italian district for lunch, the business district for work or the seafront for leisure, Springfield is very easy to navigate on foot. By walking from destination to destination, be careful because you could find wall paintings that seem greater than the lifespan behind each tower.
Taste craft beer in White Lion Brewery
Although Springfield has a rich story in Brewing, The White Lion Brewing Company is the only brewery that is preparing in the city center today. This brewery belonging to blacks opened its doors in 2014 to provide a place to the community to meet on good beer, food and events. Today, you can enjoy Trivia nights, live music or just sit and look at people when the garage doors take place in summer.
White Lion is the official beer of the Hockey team Thunderbirds and they also have a collaboration with the basketball star Marcus Camby. Beers range from chocolate vanilla rope to fruity souers with blond beers, pils and IPAs between the two. The brewery also joined the Native restaurant in Springfield and the local restaurant Andrew Brow (from Jackalope and High Brow) to create a delicious menu of small unique plates and the main generous dishes. Do not miss the sticky ribs and the Brussels cabbage!
Be delighted with six flags New England
The curly capital of New England, Six flagshas something for everyone. Whether you enjoy games and concessions or want to set up the roller coaster to the contents of your heart, they covered you. The park covers 200 acres with more than 100 rides, including 12 roller coaster, shows, attractions and the largest water park in New England, Hurbour Harbor.
In summer, Hurricane Harbor keeps the guests cool with more than 15 water trips and a wave swimming pool of 500,000 gallons. In the fall, Fright Fest returns to scare all the souls who dare to enter the doors of the largest lair event in New England.
Yankee candle village
THE Yankee candle villageLocated in Deerfield, nearby, MA, is home to simple candles. Inside, you can expect to find more than 200,000 candles and 200 perfumes. Much more than just a candle, the Village of Candles Yankee has practical activities, a country store, a toy store, a restaurant and a Bavarian village worthy of a visit.
You can try wax work, where you can make a mold with your hand, customize the candle wax colors for your own candle and dip a creature. Wax Works is very popular with the younger crowd.
For those who have more stable hands, be sure to visit the candle bar. Here is where you can be precise on the personalization of the candle. You choose the color jar and actually mix the scent yourself using essential oils and mixing them in a soy-based wax, which is known for burn longer and cleaner. There are not two identical candles. This experience is worth every penny and leaves you your own candle to remember the trip.
For Christmas fans, it is worth stopping just to see the Bavarian Christmas village, where it snows every four minutes and is full of all Christmas. The toy store, the candy shop, the general store, the gift shop with a coffee and a Ben & Jerry ice cream complete this incredible store.
Be inspired at Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
THE Eric Carle Museum Nearby, Amherst is another must for families with young children, in particular those who appreciate some of its classics such as the very hungry caterpillar or the brown bear, Brown Bear, what are you doing See?.
The Carle museum collects, preserves and presents pictures of images and illustrations of image books. At the museum, visitors can discover pictures of images in many ways, including listening to stories, reading a favorite book, the manufacture of art, the walking of wild flowers and the study of the adhesion of the illustration of the Image Book. Be sure to check online hours and special events.
Get front at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens
Another popular attraction for children is the conservatory and gardens of Magic Wings Butterfly in Deerfield nearby, Massachusetts. This interior conservatory of 8,000 square feet is
home to 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies. The tropical environment pays a nice visit all year round!
If you visit in hot weather, the exterior garden of an acre has many types of flowers and native trees which attract species of native butterflies. There is also a gift shop and an on -site catering area.
Where to stay near Springfield Ma
Note: Accommodation was organized by the Great Springfield Convention and the visitors’ office, all opinions are mine.
MGM Springfield
THE MGM Springfield is the perfect choice of accommodation during the visit of Springfield. Spacious rooms, a casino, a dining room from all the calibers, a movie theater, a bowling alley, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a spa make it the ideal base for visitors outside the city.
The hotel even has a spacious outdoor space where free concerts can appear, they organize food truck events where you can simply enjoy fresh air. The outdoor courtyard is built where Dr. Seuss was born, because his childhood house once lived from the steps of the doors of the casino. You can even see the floors of his childhood house exhibited at TAP Sports Bar located at MGM Springfield.
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Tamara Gruber is the founder and publisher of We3Travel. Former director of marketing and travel advisor, Tamara is a award -winning and expert travel writer recognized in family trips. Tamara is a member of Satw, Natja, Ifwtwa and Adventure Travel Trade Association, and headquarters to the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimeTofly.com and the co-host of the Mavens Travel Podcast Podcast.