You might not believe it, but Massachusetts is a wonderful place to have an animal adventure. Say hello to the kangaroos at Southwick’s Zoo, the gorillas at the Franklin Park Zoo, and the penguins at the New England Aquarium. If you’re looking to check some more birds off your list, the Berkshires is one of the best bird watching locations in the country. Then there’s horseback riding, with ranches for riding and learning all over the state. If your kids like to get up close and personal with the animals, the petting zoos at destinations like Smolak Farms and Lookout Farm are for them.

  • Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen

    East Sandwich

    Green Briar offers natural history classes for all ages, changing art exhibitions, live animal exhibits, a wildflower garden and nature... more

  • Maria Mitchell Association's Aquarium

    Nantucket

    View marine life of island salt marshes, harbors, and near-shore waters; marine life collecting trips. more

  • Northeast Fisheries Science Center

    Woods Hole

    Complete with a walk through aquarium and petting zoo. The center seeks to better understand living resources and their ecosystems. more

  • Sandwich Fish Hatchery

    Sandwich

    MassWildlife currently manages four fish hatchery facilities, open to the public,located in Sandwich, Belchertown, Montague and Sunderland. Rainbow, brown,... more

  • Science Library

    Nantucket

    Science and nature books, children's collection, and historic manuscripts. more

  • Taylor-Bray Farm

    N. Yarmouth Port

    If you're a Cape Cod native or recent wash-ashore or visiting the Cape on vacation, a visit to Taylor-Bray Farm... more

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