Is there anything more beautiful than spring in full flower in Massachusetts? The weather is idyllic and there are so many adventures just waiting to happen.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in the spring in Western Massachusetts. As you might expect, there’s plenty of outdoor adventure and exploration included in the mix and enough fun to keep you busy for days.
1. Surround yourself with Fun at Sonny’s Place
Yes, we’re including some places that technically aren’t in Western Mass. However, Sonny’s Place is just across the Connecticut line, and if you include all the extra minutes of excitement and “Are we there yet?” from your kids on the car ride over, then you’re technically starting the adventure while still in Massachusetts.
Sonny’s Place opened for the spring season on April 6. The entertainment center offers tons of fun with outdoor activities that are perfect for springtime.
Mini golf is a favorite, as is rock climbing on the 29-foot outdoor climbing wall. And, for those with a taste for nostalgia, there’s opportunity for a gorgeous carousel ride.
This one’s especially impressive as the historic Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel is almost 100 years old; its horses and chariots enjoy ongoing restoration and improvement to ensure they’re in perfect condition for your family’s ride.
Sonny’s Place offers many other activities for a full day of fun, including an arcade, go karts, laser tag, batting cages and more.
2. Scream, Spin and Splash at Six Flags New England
Bring spring in with a scream by enjoying the wild rides at Six Flags New England. The amusement Park is open for the season as of April 10. Season passes or memberships mean that your springtime fun can extend into the summer and fall as well.
As for adventures, Six Flags New England has plenty of thrilling attractions on the list. From the smooth yet scream-inducing loops of Batman the Dark KnightTM to a 15-story drop on Harley QuinnTM Spinsanity, you’ll get your money’s worth of gravity-defying delight.
And this spring, the Northeast’s largest family amusement park continues its tradition of unveiling incredible new experiences with the launch of CYBORG, a thrilling ride that spins 24 riders through the air at top speed amid state-of-the-art sound effects.
Families with younger children can enjoy all Six Flags has to offer too. Whether they’re chugging along on the New England Express, spinning in the Krazy Kups or shrieking in the Splish Splash Zone, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family included in a day at the park.
3. Make the Dr. Seuss Museum One of the Places You’ll Go
The newest member of Springfield’s museum crowd is focused on children’s literature icon Dr. Seuss. The Dr. Seuss Museum is hands-on for family members of all ages and has a strong focus on Seuss’s Springfield roots.
The museum’s Readingville gives children the opportunity to interact with art and literature displays from favorites like Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. In addition, Seuss lovers of all ages will want to pick up and play the instruments in the Horton’s Whoville Band interactive area.
4. Visit your Local Zoos
Multiple local zoos offer opportunities to interact with animals and get a better understanding of the natural world. We’re highlighting two of the unique options in our area.
Connect with your Wild Side at Lupa Zoo
Lupa Zoo offers wonderful opportunities to play and learn at the same time. The family-friendly zoo has a focus on conservation and on educating its visitors about the interdependence of species on our planet.
Animal friends available for viewing at the zoo include giraffes, bison, ostriches, camels and many more. Open for the season beginning April 6 and hosting special events throughout the spring and summer, Lupa Zoo is a great place to teach your family how special our planet is, and to remind yourself how precious your time with them is.
Find a Natural Oasis at The Zoo in Forest Park
In the middle of 700+ acres of lush woodlands, The Zoo in Forest Park is an oasis from everyday cares, as well as a haven for education and new experiences. This spring, the zoo welcomed bald eagles and a gray fox, in addition to its existing cast of creatures.
Pack a picnic lunch and extend your day of fun. While the zoo does not allow eating on-site, there are picnic tables in the park area surrounding the zoo. You can enjoy your meal, then do some additional exploration of the Forest Park grounds.
5. Soar Across the Sky at Berkshire East – Zipline Canopy Tours
There’s something about springtime weather that just makes you feel energized and alive. If you’re looking for an experience that doubles the zing in your spring, Berkshire East – Zipline Canopy Tours will have your senses soaring.
The canopy tours have been featured by national publications, including USA Today, where they were ranked among the Top 10 ziplines in the country. There are three different ziplines available, with options suitable for beginners and for experienced jumpers.
6. Take Yourself Out to the Ballgame
Spring means the start of baseball season and the New England Collegiate Baseball League is a great way to experience the joy of baseball while watching some of the top collegiate prospects develop their potential. Western Mass is home to two teams you may want to check out this spring:
Get in the Game with the Valley Blue Sox
Get your peanuts and Cracker Jacks ready, because spring means it’s time for baseball season. The Valley Blue Sox are part of the New England Collegiate Baseball League and a day at their stadium is an opportunity for fun and bonding, whether you go with family, celebrate a birthday or plan a corporate team building outing.
Opening day is in early June, so plan accordingly and buy a flex pass to ensure you spend multiple fun days at a ballgame.
Cheer on the Westfield Starfires
Baseball purists will appreciate the league’s all-wood bat rules, while history buffs will love that the stadium dates back to the 1930s and was built as part of the New Deal improvements.
Opening night for the Starfires is May 31, and there are plenty of opportunities to watch the team and evaluate the players’ prospects during the course of the season.
7. Shoot Some Hoops at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Spring marks the end of basketball season with March Madness and the NBA Finals.
However, just because the official season is ending, that doesn’t mean you have to stay off the court for the rest of the spring. Instead, get in the gym and in the game at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
You can enjoy learning about some of the greatest legends of the game (and checking out their shoe sizes!) The hall’s 40,000 square feet of basketball history capture some of the greatest moments in hoops history, and the interactive displays and on-site regulation size court help you put yourself in the game.
8. Cruise Away on a Lady Bea Boat Tour
Not quite ready for full-on water fun in the spring? Enjoy some time on the water, instead of in it, with a river cruise on the Lady Bea.
Excursions start from Brunelle’s Marina in South Hadley. These 75-minute narrated cruises include a little of everything – from beautiful views along the Connecticut River to fantastic recountings of the area’s history.
And, the Lady Bea is fully equipped for any of the potential anomalies of spring weather, with a sun deck, air conditioning and heat available to keep passengers comfortable during the ride.
Cruises generally run beginning in late May (Thursday through Saturday at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.).
9. Let History Move you at the Connecticut Trolley Museum
The Connecticut Trolley Museum’s slogan is “Where History Moves You.” By taking advantage of the museum’s Guest Motorman experience, you can move history at the same time. The experience allows you to drive one of the historic trolley cars over a 1.5 mile railway.
Not up for taking the wheel yet? The museum hosts has plenty to explore, with more than 70 unique railway pieces on display.
Their events calendar offers many opportunities for extracurricular activities on site as well. From tasting local brewery creations to meeting with princesses and superheroes, there’s plenty of fun to appeal to every member of your family.
With so much to do in the Western Massachusetts area, you could fill every weekend in spring with one of these great activities, and still have fun activities to last well into summer. Looking for more options? Check out all the activities Western Mass has to offer.
