Family activities

From the scenic Berkshires to the sea breezes of Cape Cod, Massachusetts agricultural fairs offer something for everyone. See, taste, and experience exceptional local products: farm animal exhibits,  horse shows, arts-and-crafts from local artisans, fruit, vegetable, and garden demonstrations,  4H,  children's activities, and lots of fun for the whole family! There are five types of agricultural fairs in the Commonwealth: major fairs, community fairs, youth fairs, livestock shows, and grange fairs. Go to one. Go to many. Go to them all!

Hang on to your hat. Massachusetts theme parks are perfect for a day out with the family, whether you want a high-speed ride or a low-speed family farm experience, visit a Massachusetts amusement park today.

Parents and kids who go camping together agree, there is almost always something fun to do, whether it’s taking part in organized campground activities, like nature walks or star gazing, going for bike rides, or just hanging out at the lake, campfire or playground. Massachusetts has 29 beautiful state forests and park campgrounds to pitch your tent in!

Take a look at our new CharlieCard Discount Book. It's packed with deals you can't pass up, including arts and entertainment options, restaurants, retail stores, health and fitness services, and more! Plus, most of the listings are easily accessible by the T, Boston's subway system. Find out where to pick one up!

From theme parks and water parks to hands-on exhibits, zoos, and pick-your-own orchards, each region of the Bay State offers fun family friendly events and activities.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a magnificent heritage of lakes and rivers, forests and fields, mountains and beaches. It also has a valuable legacy of parks and park systems, many of them designed by the great landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. This combination of natural and man-made areas give the Commonwealth an exceptional range of recreational opportunities.

Get your Park Passport and start exploring each of the 76 Massachusetts Passport Parks! Check out the stamps online and click on the ones of interest for a photo, short description, trail map, and driving directions.

If you'd like to better understand Massachusetts' sports-crazed culture, do like the locals and experience it firsthand.

Looking for free or inexpensive vacation ideas? The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism has put together 50 great ideas under $50 for couples or a family of four. Locations include Greater Boston, North of Boston and the Merrimack Valley, South of Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Central and Western Massachusetts.

Many farms offer special behind-the-scenes tours, as well as family friendly tours designed for individuals and groups. Find out which ones — and their specialties!

Whether you enjoy rafting, kayaking, sailing, or swimming, Massachusetts' unique location means all the water sports you love are available all summer long.

When it's cold out, Massachusetts is just heating up! Kickstart your outdoor adventures with skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowtubing, ice skating, and more. For indoor fun, try out a seated ice skating sled or indoor skating rink.

Massachusetts offers some great spots for observing animals and nature. All-day adventures at a zoo or aquarium or a quiet afternoon spent at a nature center can be a wonderful break from the daily grind, not to mention fun and educational for the kids.

Whether you are looking for a gourmet dining experience or good fast food take-out, Massachusetts has restaurants to suit every taste. From seafood to steak, Italian to Middle Eastern, Chinese to American classics -- and every other ethnic cuisine in between -- Massachusetts is sure to satisfy your appetite!

Whether you like to shop at consignment stores, have a hankering for antique jewelry, or prefer the outlets, it's easy to find a store near you. Just enter your city, region, or zip code.