Parents have a lot on their plates right now and what better way to give yourself a break than to take the kids on an educational trip to #WesternMass? There are tons of options to choose from and safety protocols are in place to keep the family safe while they learn about history, science, art, literature and innovation. Here are just a few of our recommendations:

New England Air Museum presents Mysteries of the Museum after Dark November 12-14^th. Join them for unique stories about aircraft, historical figures and the museum itself.

At Storrowton Village, you’ll find STEAM curriculum which includes science, technology, engineering, art and math. Visitors get activity packets and learn about the 18^th and 19^th century buildings and people who lived and worked in them. See artifacts and inventions from this period and complete a patent drawing of your own new invention. Now through November 20^th.

Historic Deerfield’s Trades Demonstrations provide a firsthand look at creating several New England crafts including brooms, redware pottery and quilling. You’ll also have a chance to meet the 17^th Century locals at the Flynt Center. They’ll be the ones bringing period arts and crafts to life. Now through November 28^th.

Let’s Talk! Animals is the latest exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum examining the tradition of giving human characteristics to animals in children’s literature. Featured are the illustrators who created timeless classic characters like Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland and more. Don’t forget to schedule time in the Art Studio and try a project of your own. Runs through January 24^th.

Quick Pics at the Norman Rockwell Museum are short, 5-minute videos that target grade-schoolers and provide an introduction to Norman Rockwell’s Reimagining Freedom exhibition. Learn fun facts and participate in an activity inspired by each image. November 9^th – January 18^th.

Spark Lab at the Springfield Museums is a dynamic learning space where your family can create, innovate, collaborate, problem solve and ultimately invent! Through hands-on activities, kids will learn about inventing and inventors in American history. They’ll then be able to put their own ideas into action. Advance ticket purchase is suggested. This activity takes place Tuesday – Saturday in the Springfield Science Museum.

CT Science Center’s Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibit uses a combination of hundreds of authentic artifacts, immersive environments, multimedia components and hands-on exhibits. See more than 200 spectacular examples of Maya artistry made by masters of their craft, along with objects from everyday life. Plus, get a peek at the scientific work being carried out at key Maya sites across Central America to understand exactly how we know what we know of the once-hidden Maya of the ancient past. Now through November 29^th.

For more ideas about hands-on learning opportunities in #WesternMass, click here.