The end of the school year means summer vacation and family adventures and more time with kids and grandchildren. Across the Berkshires, you’ll find destinations that delight kids of all ages.
Whitewater rafting? Head to Zoar Outdoor in Claremont. Catch a fish 2,000 feet above sea level? Drop your line at Berry Pond at Pittsfield State Forest. Here’s a selection of family-friendly places that score high on kid-appeal. They’re easy to reach and open all summer wherever your Berkshires home is located.
River Rafting: Zoar Outdoor, Charlemont MA
Located on Route 2 along the Deerfield River, Zoar Outdoor is a top New England destination for whitewater rafting, ziplining, and kayaking. Zoar Outdoor offers whitewater rafting trips for paddlers as young as 7 and float trips for kids as young as 5. While the Zoar Gap whitewater adventure is filled with the thrill of Class II and Class III rapids, the float trip provides just enough excitement for young children who may be learning to paddle for the first time. Tours are guided by professionals and include a riverside lunch or light dinner.
Trail Hiking with a View: Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield
One of the jewels of the Berkshires, Pittsfield State Forest sits at the crest of the Taconic Mountains that separate New York and Massachusetts. Thirty miles of trails lead to spectacular views past wild azaleas, waterfalls, and streams. At more than 2,000 feet above sea level, Berry Pond is a favorite place for fishing. Two picnic areas and the paved Tranquility Trail make this an ideal destination for the whole family.
A Geological Wonder: Natural Bridge State Park, North Adams
You and your family can explore a natural bridge carved from 550-million-year-old marble and see an abandoned marble quarry at Natural Bridge State Park. One of the best examples of glaciation in North America, the natural bridge arches over Hudson Brook as the water drops into a deep gorge. Picnic facilities are available along with summertime interpreters who provide those teachable moments that explain how the bridge was created.
Rare Guitars and a Cool Aquarium: Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
With displays of electric guitars, performance videos, and hands-on activities, and touchscreens, GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World is a fascinating special exhibit at the Berkshire Museum that will captivate kids and teens. The installation is on view through September 4 and features the world’s largest guitar—43 feet long and 16 feet wide, and yes, you can play it.
Did you know the Berkshire Museum has an aquarium? Head to the lower level, where the deep blue walls are lined with more than 35 tanks showcasing fish, frogs, reptiles, and more. A visit to the aquarium is a great activity for a hot day. Drop by at “chow time” every Saturday at 12:30 to help the staff fix lunch for the aquarium residents.
Butterfly Paradise: Magic Wings, South Deerfield
Exploring a butterfly garden is an unforgettable experience, especially for children. The glass conservatory at Magic Wings Conservatory and Gardens creates a tropical paradise for thousands of butterflies flying amid plants and flowers. It’s exhilarating and tranquil at the same time. With lunch served daily at the food court and a seasonal outdoor garden, this butterfly garden is ideal even for the youngest members of the family.
“Old Quarry, Natural Bridge” by Kim Carpenter is licensed under CC BY 2.0
