western MA pit stop on way to ME - I-90

[clownmidget]

I'm heading from the Finger Lakes region of NY (Watkins Glen/Ithaca area) up to the Bath, ME area at the end of August and will have my two kids along (6 & 11). I'll be making the trip in one day but will want to break it up with a good solid pit-stop somewhere that involves getting everyone out of the vehicle and moving. I'll be taking I-90 through western MA and that area looks like a good mid-point for a break. So, anyone have any "local" good ideas? Hiking, museums, parks, etc would all be great. Thanks in advance for the ideas!

Mike R.

 

[Splangy]

There are some dinosaur footprints in Holyoke along route 5. Kinda neat for the kids and the adults to see.

Dinosaur Footprints | Holyoke, MA | The Trustees of Reservations

 

[edwjmcgrath]

It's not a stop and walk around thing, but I would drive down the section of Route 20 in Palmer (?) that got destroyed in the tornado. The devastation is still there and it's amazing to see what wind can do. It's a short detour off the pike. And there's Old Sturbridge nearby.

 

[tarsier10]

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is an idea. http://www.carlemuseum.org/

 

[landtank]

this place is pretty cool Higgins Armory Museum | Arms and armor ranging from ancient Greek Corinthian helmets to ornate suits of armor crafted at the height of the Renaissance.

I went there when I was a kid 40 years ago and really enjoyed it.

 

[clownmidget]

Great info! Thanks for the leads so far.

 

[REDrum]

After 5 hours in car with kids, this may be a good option:

From 90, if you swing north thru Worcester to rt 2, there is small ski area/state park called Mt Wachusett, which has some great moderate hiking trails. Everything from 40 minutes to 3 hour hikes depending on route up/down. Copper Kettle restaurant on the mountain ain't bad. You can then take rt 2 east to 495 and continue up No'th. It may add 30 minutes of extra travel, but after a hike it may gain hours of the kids sleeping...

Happy motoring!

 

[clownmidget]

REDrum, thanks for the hiking info! Sleeping kids will definitely make the drive faster...