DCR Programs and Events

Learn about programs and events in state parks. Come out and play!
girl on rock

Come out and play in your Massachusetts State Parks and enjoy a fantastic array of family friendly programs and experiences for all ages.  Enjoy guided experiences or create a park adventure on your own.  There is so much to enjoy and explore in your state parks.

Come for a visit!

Table of Contents

Interpretive Programs

girl with binoculars

Most interpretive programs are seasonal and several parks have educational and community programs throughout the year. Inclement weather may cancel. Call the park for a list of coming events and programs, or visit DCR Park Interpretive Programs and Events.

Parking fees may apply.

Fun in Nature

Fun in Nature
Investigate! Fun in Nature  downloadable activities to enhance your experience at any DCR park!    Activities include seek and find scavenger hunts to awaken all of your senses, a conversation starter set to encourage talks along the trail and creating your own story cube to inspire story- telling!

Additional Resources

DCR Trip Tip Self-Guided Family Adventures

DCR Trip tip

Winter is a wonderful time to experience your state park system!  DCR is offering a variety of family-friendly self -guided opportunities to help you make the most of your vacation and throughout the winter.

Check out DCR Trip-Tip self-guided family adventures featuring over 20 DCR locations!

Also, see below for Fun in Nature downloadable activities to enhance your experience at any DCR park!  Fun and engaging activities include seek and find scavenger hunts to awaken all of your senses, a conversation starter set to encourage talks along the trail and creating your own story cube to inspire story- telling!

The DCR Trip-Tip provides families with information and fun ideas to explore the great outdoors at DCR Massachusetts State Parks and Watersheds. With a little preparation and a sense of adventure, people of all ages can safely enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces during the coldest months. Whether at one park, two parks or a multi-day adventure, Trip-Tip family adventures offer a variety of opportunities and activities to explore wildlife, woodlands, mountainsides, and the shore! See below and choose one near you!

Self-guided Opportunities - Boston Area

Self-Guided Opportunities - Central MA

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

Brimfield State Forest

Callahan State Park

Douglas State Forest

Erving State Forest

Hopkinton State Park

J. Harry Rich

Leominster State Forest

Moore State Park

Mount Grace State Forest

Mount Watatic State Reservation

Nashua River Rail Trail

Otter River State Forest

Pearl Hill State Forest

Quabbin Park & Reservoir

Upton State Forest

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

Wells State Park

Wendell State Forest

Willard Brook State Forest

Self-Guided Opportunities - Northeast MA

Ashland State Park

Bradley Palmer State Park

Breakheart Reservation

  • Stories in Stone   - There are five stops along this self-guided route. Each station has stone artifacts which correspond to an episode in the history of Breakheart Reservation. The map and written directions will help you find each location.
  • Suggested Hikes & Rides

Great Brook Farm State Park

Halibut Point State Park

Harold Parker State Forest

Maudslay State Park

Middlesex Fells State Reservation

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

  • Nature Trail Introductory Walk -Although less than a mile, the self-guided nature trail offers opportunities to explore the barrier beach and salt marsh environments. Trail extends from near the dump station and parallels “Z” St., ending near the boat ramp.

Walden Pond State Reservation

Self-Guided Opportunities - Southeast MA

Self-Guided Opportunities - Western MA

Beartown State Forest

Chester-Blandford State Forest

Chicopee Memorial State Park

Clarksburg State Park

Connecticut River Greenway State Park

DAR State Forest

Fountain Pond State Park

Granville State Forest

Great Falls Discovery Center

Greylock Glen

Jug End State Reservation

Kenneth Dubuque State Forest

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation

Mount Tom State Reservation

Mount Washington State Forest

Mohawk Trail State Forest

Natural Bridge State Park

  • Chasm and Quarry Tour

    A short, easy walk exploring this park's fascinating geologic and industrial story.

Norwottuck Rail Trail

October Mountain State Forest

Pittsfield State Forest

Sandisfield State Fores (York Lake)

Savoy Mountain State Forest

Tolland State Forest

Accessible Trails

There are many different types of accessible trails in Massachusetts state parks. Any rail trail offers you a paved, level experience for access to natural areas and exercise. Several parks also offer accessibly-designed hiking trails in scenic, natural settings. These accessible trails are either paved or made from stone dust and are usually under a mile long.

Visit the DCR Universal Access Program Accessible Trails for more information

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