MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Sturbridge

Old Sturbridge Village
You may have the most fun in history at this remarkable, 200-acre community that re-creates life in New England from 1790 to 1840. Forty original buildings were moved from different parts of the region to create this living history museum. As you explore the blacksmith shop, town parsonage, and working gristmill, you'll meet friendly, costumed interpreters who'll gladly show you how to make cheese and master a 19th-century dance. They'll even share the latest village gossip. Sturbridge Village goes all out for families, with dozens of daily activities, such as parlor games and storytelling, and special events that include family days, where you can play games from the 1830s. At the Samson's Children's Museum, kids can don period costumes and play school in an old-time schoolhouse. In summer, you can take a boat ride along the Quinebaug River and sign up for the Village at Twilight, an after-hours event during which you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the town green, eat a filling tavern meal, and enjoy period entertainment. Open all year, the village also features Halloween programs, Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, and kids' camps, where children can make period crafts. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge; (800) SEE-1830; Old Sturbridge Village

Central Massachusetts

Ecotarium
The high point of a visit here is the tree canopy walkway, where kids literally explore the treetops. During this seasonal program (there's an extra charge), kids don harnesses and helmets and walk across 40-foot-high platforms and swinging bridges. The walkway is indicative of the new energy at this 60-acre "center for environmental exploration," which is home to 200 animals. At outdoor habitats, kids can visit bald eagles and the polar bears, Ursa Minor and Kenda. Inside, you can take in a planetarium show, enjoy three floors of interactive exhibits, and even ride on a narrow-gauge railroad. Special programs, from jazz concerts to Halloween events, are held throughout the year. 22 Harrington Way, Worcester; (508) 929-2700; Ecotarium

Davis' Mega Maze
Go ahead and get lost at this maize maze, cut from the cornfields at the Davis family farm. Designed by world-renowned maze maker Adrian Fisher, the maze's theme changes every year (pirates, dragons, etc.), but the challenge remains the same. Holding a flag (so the staff can keep tabs on you), your family negotiates endless corn-husk pathways, dead ends, and bridges to find your way out. If you really get desperate, wave your flag and surrender--the staff will come get you. As part of your adventure, you can complete a themed scavenger hunt and be rewarded with a prize. Call ahead for hours of operation. Redstone Hill, Sterling; (978) 422-8888; Davis Farmland

Hyland Orchards and Brewery
Kids appreciate the chance to run around at this 150-acre farm, located at the end of a country road. There are animals to pet and feed, a playground, an ice-cream bar, picnic areas, and seasonal special events. 199 Arnold Rd., Sturbridge; (508) 347-7500.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.