I found the Eric Carle Museum a bit underwhelming for the price. I also wasn't really sure who the…read moretarget audience was. The museum has two galleries, a paint room, a library, and an auditorium. Personally, I could spend a decent amount of time reading through the gallery exhibits, but younger kids can't really see or reach a lot of them, so I think they'd get bored pretty quickly. There are a few interactive activities like creating your own recipe or using the peg boards but they felt a little gimmicky rather than being a core part of the experience. The paint room was probably the highlight for kids since there were lots of supplies and things to create, but I didn't see anything my son couldn't already do at home. With that said, kids could probably spend an hour or more here so it should definitely keep them busy. That's kind of where the museum confuses me. I thought this was aimed at younger kids but many of the exhibits are better appreciated by adults. At the same time, older kids will probably find the children's activities too basic. It ends up feeling like it's trying to appeal to everyone without fully committing to one audience. Admission should be much cheaper or donation based. If you're visiting the area, check with your local library first because many libraries offer free passes, and that's definitely the way I'd recommend going. Ironically, I think I'd enjoy coming back by myself more than with my kids. I'd take my time going through the galleries and learning about Eric Carle's work. With young kids though, I found myself feeling rushed because they weren't really engaged. I could also see it being a worthwhile visit for aspiring writers, illustrators, or anyone interested in children's literature.

I came here by myself a few weeks ago. I was shocked by how few exhibits there were and now small…read morethey were. I was expecting them to have more on display about his life, artistic process and some of his more famous books. They had a studio and library which would be fun it you brought a child. The overall vibe was charming and very much in the spirit of his books. I just wouldn't go out of my way to go here. The gift shop and info wall about his life was the best part.

A Saturday well spent…read more Hubby found this botanical garden in Massachusetts while looking for activities. It was a four hour (non highway) drive for us and while we had to fill up our gas (expensive, no doubt) on our way home, the bulb show itself was free of charge. They gave a suggested donation of $5. The campus is beautiful. They do such amazing job with their plants. Would love to explore Northampton again in the warmer months.

We've been members of the Botanic Garden of Smith College for ten years. Last year, I called to…read moreverify I could take pictures in the greenhouse on a weekday. But when I got there, not even 5 minutes pass when a woman comes in saying I'm aren't allowed to take pictures. I said I did get permission, besides that there were other people taking pictures at the same time as me. There were very few people there on a weekday morning. She argued that it was disruptive for others. I apologized and was almost ready to go, when she said nevermind, go ahead, and left me alone. I thought that was very odd, but then this year, while enjoying the spring bulb show, a class of possibly 20 five-year-old school children came through screaming, crying, ripping/pulling on the plants, with chaperones shouting to be heard. It was complete pandemonium and ruined the experience for us. This group was not asked to leave for 'disrupting.' I also don't appreciate the unilateral decision that was made (that is, no consultation of Botanic Garden members who contribute annual membership fees) to shut down the annual chrysanthemum show in the fall. They just sent a letter saying "they decided" to do other exhibits instead. I don't know what the fall botanical exhibit was that they did instead, and can't find anything online about what it was. The chrysanthemum show was an extraordinary event that was held annually since the early 1900s. If it had to be discontinued, it would be nice if the botanical exhibit that replaces it would meet or exceed that experience. Instead, nothing at all. Contributing members should be able to contribute their input when these decisions are made. We are a part of the campus community.

We enjoyed several hours walking around old Sturbridge village. We also got to ride on a horse…read morebuggy ride which looped around at a certain part of the town.There were several demonstrations going on around the village and we got to see sheep, goats and pigs. The food at the tavern Cafe was delicious. I'm mentioning specifically the chicken pot pie and new england clam chowder, which we had and was really delicious. The gift shop was worth visiting as well. We brought home a Christmas ornament and some pottery made there.

Longtime visitor, former volunteer. The good- OSV is an…read moreinvaluable historical resource and wealth of information, research, and a breeding ground of historical interpretation methods. If you go to any history or museum conference, you'll find staff and former staff there. They're some of the best in the game, and their staff are unbeatable experts in very niche subjects. Their focus on rural social history was revolutionary when it started and still is revolutionary today. A lot of museums will teach you about political history. Not a lot will teach you about domestic life in OSV's level of detail. For visitors, OSV is sort of a "you get what you want out of it" experience. Some visitors come wanting to talk to interpreters and learn, others want to walk through quickly. Those people don't learn as much. The not so good- management seems more interested in running money laundering charter schools than retaining or paying their excellent staff. I've seen historians who have been interviewed in books and documentaries leave for much less prestigious jobs because it's just not worth it for them to stay. The price- day admission price is really high. I wish more people know there lower cost options. Many regional libraries lend day passes.

Gorgeous old style carousel. Never accommodating to small grandchild…read more Popcorn portion is incredibly small!

This carousel was the old Mountain Park carousel back in the day. I never had the opportunity as a…read morechild but I took 3 spins on it recently as an adult. Staff was friendly and this was a lot of fun!

Sawmill is a truly magical place. Located in Montague, Sawmill is located in the mill area that…read morecontains The Alvah Stone. It's a small but mighty and lovely shop that houses products from 15+ local member artists and 20+ local consignors. The artists take turns running the shop and are very proud of their co-op. If you're even so much as nearby Montague, you simply must stop here. It's really hard to describe such a place. Its jam-packed full of expertly curated paintings, photos, jewelry, scarves, knick-knacks, sculptures, cards and more. No two artists are the same. You can get lost for a very, very long time browsing the selections and getting to know the works of each artist. I mean, just look at my photos below. It is too much fun to turn the corner in the gallery and stumble across something new and colorful. I'm really regretting not purchasing a few wearable art pieces and a pen-and-ink art print of an owl. If you need a gift for someone (or you're like me, and every day is Treat Yo' Self day), Sawmill is a no-brainer of a stop. Not only are you getting an exceptional, handmade gift, but you're supporting local artists and keeping this interesting collaboration thriving. The prices range significantly, but everything here is affordable, and more importantly, uniquely interesting. Love, love, love!

We only did the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden which is next to the Museum. We were early and just…read morepassing through. Parking and Garden was free (weekend) and just a really cool walk down memory lane in a well-done garden. The Sculptures were of some of the our favorite characters from the beloved Dr. Suess. A very nice tribute to a man who still brings the love of reading to all ages. His words were full of wisdom and knowledge hidden between the lines of rhymes.

This is one of the 5 museums included within tickets of Springfield Museums. It is very designed…read morefor kids, lots of colors, arts, decor, legos, pretend play. On lower level, they have creative activities for kids. On second floor, there's more history on the real life Dr. Seuss. Our 5yo spent about 1.5 hours here. Few associates are around to tidy up things and help guests. Restrooms are very well maintained.

I went to Summer Saturday Tea at this house a couple of weeks ago. English black tea was served on…read morethe back porch, with scrumptious desserts available for order and a lovely band playing music. It's a splendid summer experience! I highly recommend stopping in and checking out the calendar - you can see which bands are playing which Summer Saturdays and pick one! I had to get a couple of refills of the tea since the pots were so small, but it was delicious!

Great old house with lots of history and beautiful grounds. Tour guides were very knowledgable and…read moreso helpful. Would highly recommend a visit

Places like this are what make Northampton such a cool town. This gallery shows work by local…read moreartists, with an emphasis on photography, and there is some amazing work to be seen here. The gallery space itself is pretty small so it won't take long to look through everything, so do make sure to pop in.