Massachusetts - Central

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature
222 Harrington Way
Worcester, MA  01604
Phone: 508-929-2700
Fax: 508-929-2701

Inspiring a Passion for Science and Nature

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Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

Fitchburg Art Museum
25 Merriam Parkway
Fitchburg, MA  01420
Phone: 978-345-4207
Fax: 978-345-2319

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This family-friendly museum is the areas oldest cultural institution, and the region's most important center for art study and appreciation. With 12 galleries, featuring American and European paintings, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Asian and Pre-Colombian antiquities this Museum hosts changing exhibitions in a 3-building complex. Tours, lectures, studio classes and private functions available. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4pm.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20
Sturbridge, MA  01566
Phone: 508-347-3362
Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830

Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation

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Step out of your world and into ours. Explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Celebrate yesterday's proud traditions on your remarkable journey into America's past. Old Sturbridge Village offers a variety of ways to experience the artifacts, activities, and seasonal celebrations of rural New England during the first 50 years following the American Revolution (1790-1840). The centerpiece of the museum is a recreated rural New England town of the 1830s encompassing a center village, mills area, and countryside. Period handcrafts, heirloom gardens, and heritage breeds of farm animals are part of every village visit. Hands-on opportunities abound. The Visitor Center is home to our new History Gateway, including Kidstory an early learning gallery and Icons of New England exhibit, focusing on the history of what makes New England unique. Open year-round, daily except Mondays. Call ahead for holiday schedules.

Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick Street
Mendon, MA  01756
Toll-Free: 800-258-9182
Fax: 508-883-0242

New Skyfari Sky Ride - Explore the Zoo from New Heights

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Southwick’s Zoo is situated within the historic Blackstone Valley. Surrounded by 300 shady acres and home to hundreds of animals representing many species, Southwick's is more than a zoo, it's an adventure for all ages! As well as an impressive display of animals, Southwick's also offers educational programs, live animal presentations, a petting zoo, deer forest, elephant rides, and children’s play park. There are also picnic grounds, kiddie rides, food venues, and free parking. Visit our new and extensive gift shop, the Purple Peacock. Operating hours for Southwick's Zoo are 10:00am to 5:00pm from April through October 18th... 7 days a week including holidays. Check out our non-profit Earth Eco-Education Center.

The Last Green Valley
111 Main Street
Danielson, CT  06239
Phone: 860-774-3300
Toll-Free: 866-363-7226

Enjoy a Variety of Activites in Southern New England's Outdoor Jewel

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The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley or northeastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts has been called "The Last Green Valley" in the sprawling metropolitan Boston-New York-Washington corridor. At night, the region appears distinctively dark amid the urban and suburban glow when viewed from satellites or aircraft; In the daytime, the green fields and forests confirm the surprisingly rural character of this area, and the rugged hills that surround them.
This relatively undeveloped rural "island" in the midst of the most urbanized region in the nation makes it a resource of local, regional, and national importance. It is our mission to preserve the significant natural and cultural resources of the region while encouraging compatible economic development. And we invite you and your family to explore all we have to offer.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
P.O. Box 598
Boylston, MA  01505
Phone: 508-869-6111
Fax: 508-869-0314

Experience "a world class garden, that's always in season!"

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Located on 132 bucolic acres in Worcester County, less than an hour from Boston, Tower Hill is one of the largest and most comprehensive botanic gardens in the region. It is the home of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, founded in 1842 to "advance the science, and encourage and improve the practice of horticulture." The breathtaking view provides an extraordinary setting for a variety of garden styles, at once stunningly beautiful and highly educational. Stroll through a Lawn Garden, Secret Garden, Cottage Garden, Vegetable Garden, Systematic Garden, and magical woodland paths. In winter, the Orangerie is filled with flowering subtropical plants. Browse the Gift Shop and enjoy lunch at Twigs Café.

Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA  01609
Phone: 508-799-4406
Fax: 508-798-5646

Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; third Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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The Worcester Art Museum, founded “for the benefit of all the people,” is world-renowned for its 35,000-piece collection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photography, prints, drawings and new media. The works span more than 50 centuries of creative spirit.
Stroll the many galleries and magnificent Renaissance Court to discover a diverse world of art and ideas. Explore mosaics unearthed from ancient Antioch. Step inside a medieval chapter house. Admire paintings by Baroque and Renaissance masters. Enjoy the delicate brushwork and rich imagery of Asian paintings. Relive American history in Colonial portraits and decorative arts. Experience the evolution of art movements such as Impressionism and Abstraction. Meet the emerging international artists of today.
Special tours, concerts, family days, lectures, workshops, classes, films and special events are organized throughout the year to accompany specific exhibitions and works of art in the collection. A complete day at the Worcester Art Museum will include visits to The Museum Shop and The Museum Café.