Thank you to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art for hosting our family’s visits and to the Inn on Boltwood for providing a media rate. All opinions are my own.
My aunt and uncle live near Amherst, Massachusetts, and I’ve visited them many times over the years since my early childhood. I love the rural beauty of Western Massachusetts and particularly their farm, which abuts Bull Hill in Leverett. While I made solo trips in 2017 and 2018 to visit them, the kids have not been to Western Massachusetts since 2016 when we took a fall getaway trip to New England. With a few days off around the Fourth of July holiday, we decided to plan a trip to Amherst. Unfortunately, my husband was not able to join us due to work conflicts. Because our kids are now 11, 9 and 4, I felt more comfortable taking on the long car journey as a solo parent. In addition to visiting my aunt and uncle, there are many amazing things to do in Western Massachusetts with kids that made the long drive well worth it.
Where to Stay in Western Massachusetts
Inn on Boltwood
We stayed at Inn on Boltwood, a historic hotel located on the Amherst Common immediately adjacent to Amherst College. Read our full review of the Inn on Boltwood.
Things to Do in Springfield, Massachusetts
Visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
A year ago, I flew into Hartford to visit my aunt and uncle and on my drive between Hartford and Leverett, I passed through the center of Springfield, Massachusetts where a building with a large spherical dome caught my attention. I later discovered that the nine-story dome was the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. I couldn’t fit in a visit during that quick one-night trip, but I knew that my two sons would absolutely love to visit the next time we came to Western Massachusetts as a family. When I started planning our 2019 trip to Amherst, the Basketball Hall of Fame was at the top of our must-see list.
We had started the 575 mile drive the previous day, explored Rochester and stopped for the night near Oneida, New York. We woke up on the Fourth of July and had a three-hour drive to Springfield. Luckily, the Basketball Hall of Fame does not close for Independence Day, and we arrived at about 11 a.m. ready to stretch our legs and check out sports memorabilia. The main lobby had one of our favorite exhibits with players’ favorite quotes and plaques depicting shoe sizes. Shaquille O’Neal, who wore a size 22, had the biggest feet. Here’s the comparison from my daughter’s youth size 11.
At the information desk, we collected our tickets and learned that the Basketball Hall of Fame was hosting a free throw contest at 2:00 p.m. on Center Court to commemorate the Fourth of July holiday. My two boys immediately looked at me and asked if they could participate. I sent a message to my uncle to let him know we would leave after the contest as we entered the Basketball Hall of Fame theater to watch a 12-minute introductory film that provided an overview of basketball history and highlights, including our favorite basketball memory, the Cavaliers’ 2016 national championship win.
As we boarded the elevator, the guide told the kids to look for two gold medals and a golden sneaker. While my boys were most excited to enter the Basketball Hall of Fame, read the mini biographies of the Basketball Hall of Fame inductees and check out basketball memorabilia, my daughter was a bit bored with the Honors Ring, despite the scavenger hunt assignment. She was more interested in what was happening on the court below.
In the Players’ Gallery on the second level, the boys continued spending time reading and exploring the exhibits, particularly those embedded in a locker room display. They learned a great deal of basketball history.
But, all three kids really enjoyed all the interactive exhibits on the second floor. They tested how high they could jump, grab a rebound and tried out a pop-a-shot not unlike the one in our basement.
My younger son loved the virtual hoops game and took eighth place on the leader board. My older son was wearing a royal blue shirt that was almost the identical color to the game’s green screen. As a result, much of his body was invisible on the television screen. He wasn’t able to dribble or shoot and gave up on the game before his turn was over. Our lesson was not to wear royal blue clothes to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Media Center was also a big hit. The kids were able to record a live sports news cast and watch it back and also check out the view of Center Court from a sky box. Those are definitely the best seats in the house.
We finished our tour on Center Court where the kids all shot hoops, tried dunks and checked out the historic hoops, including a peach basket. We decided to eat lunch before the free throw contest. We returned to Center Court about 10 minutes before the contest began. The largest crowd we had seen on Center Court gathered for the contest, and there was a lot of excitement from the participants. The boys took a few warm up shots and lined up.
As the contest began, I turned to the woman next to me and said, “Every one of them thinks they might win.” In round one, each of the 30-40 contestants took a single regulation free throw. Only five made it on to the second round, including my older son. Round two included another single free throw attempt, and my son was one of two contestants who made it to the third and final round. The other finalist was an adult who seemed about twice my son’s height and definitely had basketball experience and skills. It was clear that my son was the underdog but exciting that he made it this far. The host announced that each finalist would take three shots in the final round. The other finalist went first and made one of his three shots. My son missed his first and swished the next two, winning the contest. Check out the video clip of his winning shot below.
His prizes included the basketball used in the contest and a drawstring backpack filled with Basketball Hall of Fame swag, including a t-shirt, hat, basketball cards, net and a miniature basketball. He was elated, and I have to admit that I was both surprised and excited for him. All those hours shooting hoops in the driveway really paid off.
On the way back to our car, we stopped at the Coaches’ Circle Monument, which was sculpted by Brian Hanson and unveiled during the 2015 Hall of Fame Enshrinement. My son was especially excited to be leaving the Hoop Hall with souvenirs.
The Basketball Hall of Fame was all we hoped for and more. Even though the Hall of Fame is currently undergoing a major $22 million renovation that is expected to be completed next year, our visit was truly unforgettable. The boys want to come back every time we visit Western Mass. We definitely recommend a visit to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts for any basketball enthusiast.
- Basketball Hall of Fame Hours: The hours for the Basketball Hall of Fame vary by season, but it is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
- Basketball Hall of Fame Tickets: As of July 2019, Basketball Hall of Fame admission costs $25 for adults age 16 to 65, $20 for seniors age 65+ and $16 for children age 5 to 15. Children age four and under are free.
- Basketball Hall of Fame Parking: Free parking is available in a lot adjacent to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Eat at the Basketball Hall of Fame Restaurants
After we explored the exhibits and did a bit of hoop shooting, we worked up an appetite for lunch. Luckily, the Basketball Hall of Fame includes six restaurants on site that are each open to the public as well as visitors to the Hall of Fame. We headed to the entrance and chose to eat at Max’s Tavern for lunch.
Max’s Tavern served typical American fare and offered a kids’ meal that included several vegetables and reminded me of the food pyramid advocated by Michelle Obama.
My oldest ordered the cheeseburger off of the regular menu, and the burger was at least six inches tall. He has a pretty incredible appetite and polished off the entire burger with no problem. He was completely fueled and ready to compete in the free throw contest. We loved the atmosphere, sports memorabilia and classic tavern decor.
Things to Do in the Amherst Area
We headed from Springfield to the Amherst, Massachusetts area. Amherst is a quintessential Colonial town known as Emily Dickinson’s hometown and the home of Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In addition to visiting my aunt and uncle, we checked out a few of the area’s best attractions as well.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art has been on my list of attractions to visit in Amherst for several years. Eric Carle is an award winning author and illustrator of picture books who is best known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which is one of our family’s favorite picture books and has been rated the #2 best picture book ever by the School Library Journal.
Four large murals painted by Eric Carle for this Museum dominate the entry way. These murals reminded us of Monet’s large scale paintings but with bolder colors and more abstract style. The paintings were my oldest son’s favorite part of the entire collection.
Eric Carle lived nearby in Northampton, Massachusetts for over 30 years and founded The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art with his wife in 2002 to celebrate picture book art. Carle is now 90 years old and resides in Key West, Florida, but continues to collaborate on projects and visits The Carle several times each year. We learned about Eric Carle’s life and his bold, graphic artistic style that unexpectedly led him to picture books.
The Carle’s West, Central and East Galleries all house rotating exhibits that include works both from the Museum’s permanent collection and some that are on loan. The West Gallery currently holds Eric Carle Makes a Book, which explores Carle’s story inspirations. The kids explored this exhibit by completing a scavenger hunt and then working on their own mini-books.
The Central Gallery housed an exhibition honoring the 50th anniversary of William Steig’s Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. My two youngest set to work preparing the most delicious picnic lunch. We weren’t as familiar with William Steig’s books but have already reserved a few from our library.
The East Gallery featured the works of Peter Sis, an author and illustrator who we were also not particularly familiar with but now plan to read his collection. I read Fire Truck to my daughter in the gallery, and the kids used rubbing plates to make labyrinths and also did some maze drawing.
Our favorite part of The Carle was probably the Art Studio. Like many moms, I’m ecstatic when my kids have the opportunity to create art in a bright studio with all the materials already prepared and ready to go. We worked on animal collages. As we worked on our projects, five or six other families came into the studio, and there was plenty of room for everyone.
For younger kids not yet ready to do cutting and gluing, there were magnets, bright blocks and a host of switches and knobs to explore while other family members worked on their projects.
We are so glad we finally made it to The Carle. With so much of its actual collection rotating and many interactive art projects, we would definitely enjoy returning on our next trip to Western Massachusetts.
- The Eric Carle Museum Hours: The Carle is generally open on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Carle is also open on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in July and August.
- The Carle Tickets: As of July 2019, admission to The Carle costs $9 for adults and $6 for youth ages 1-18, students, teachers and seniors. Families can take advantage of a special for admission for two adults and two youth for $22.50.
- The Carle Parking: Free parking is available in a lot adjacent to The Carle.
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens
Magic Wings in South Deerfield, Massachusetts is a truly magical place for families to visit and an ideal way to follow up a visit to The Carle. Magic Wings includes an 8,000 square foot, climate-controlled, glass conservatory filled with about 5,000 absolutely beautiful butterflies. In addition to the conservatory, there are a number of educational exhibits and a cafeteria.
While we often visit butterfly exhibits in botanical gardens and zoos, Magic Wings stands out as exemplary. It is both larger than the average butterfly exhibit and there are so many more butterflies. Visitors are asked not to touch butterflies or hold leaves or twigs as butterfly landing grounds, but those who are patient and stand still are likely to have one of the butterflies land on them at some point.
We purchased a $1 guide to the butterflies in Magic Wings before we left and wish we would have had it with us to help identify the different butterfly species during our visit. We ate lunch at the on site food court and air conditioned eating area. We ordered sandwiches and hot dogs and got soft serve ice cream for dessert. It was the perfect break to butterfly observing, and we were ready to head back into the conservatory for a second visit after our meal.
- Magic Wings Hours: Magic Wings is generally open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Magic Wings Tickets: As of July 2019, admission to Magic Wings costs $16 for adults, $14 for seniors age 62 and over and $10 for youth age 3-17 and through 22 with a valid student identification. Children under age three are free.
- Magic Wings Parking: Free parking is available adjacent to Magic Wings.
- Time Spent at Magic Wings: We spent about two and a half hours at Magic Wings, including lunch.
Yankee Candle Village
Yankee Candle is a scented candle manufacturer and retailer that started in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The flagship store opened in 1982 in South Deerfield, and Yankee Candle Village developed around that store to offer New England crafts, toys, a Bavarian Christmas Village and other gifts and collectibles in addition to scented candles.
We last visited the Yankee Candle Village in 2008 and noticed my oldest’s first tooth while he was laughing at the enormous stuffed animals. It’s no surprise that we spent all of our time in the Yankee Candle Village during this visit in the toy shop and viewing the Christmas display. The kids wanted everything but settled for gumballs from the coolest gumball machine we had ever seen.
- Yankee Candle Village Hours: Yankee Candle Village is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but hours may vary during holidays.
- Yankee Candle Village Parking: Free parking is available adjacent to Yankee Candle Village.
- Time Spent at Yankee Candle Village: We spent about 20 minutes in the toy, candy and Christmas sections of the Village.
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation
I always enjoy going to the highest point in a city or region and getting a birds-eye view of the area. Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield is the perfect location for viewing the Connecticut River. Because it is possible to drive to the summit, it is easily accessible for families with young children. Our trip there in 2008 had added excitement as Mel Gibson just finished filming Edge of Darkness at the summit of Mount Sugarloaf. The observation tower had been temporarily renovated and had not yet been returned to its pre-filming state, and the Fall colors were brilliant.
The view from summit is stunning, and the vantage from the top of the observation tower is even better.
- Mount Sugarloaf Reservation Hours: The Reservation is open from 9 a.m. to sunset. Summit Road is open from mid-May through mid-October.
- Mount Sugarloaf Reservation Admission: There is no admission fee to visit Mount Sugarloaf.
- Mount Sugarloaf Reservation Parking: Parking permits can be purchased at the entrance to Mount Sugarloaf. The parking fee is $5 for cars with Massachusetts license plates and $10 for cars with all other license plates.
- Time Spent at Mount Sugarloaf: We spent about a half hour at Mount Sugarloaf Reservation.
Hiking in Western Massachusetts
There are also many opportunities for hiking in Western Massachusetts. On our last trip in 2016, my aunt and uncle suggested a family hike at Rattlesnake Gutter, which was a perfect location for us to hike with the kids. It was mostly flat with a clear path and beautiful wooded scenery. We found some of the best Fall colors there and collected a few leaves to iron flat to preserve. My daughter enjoyed the hike from the comfort of her carrier and even took a nap.
Because we live in the suburbs, our kids loved the opportunity to spend a day outside hiking.
Experience Farm Life
There are many working farms in the Amherst area, and my kids were delighted that my aunt and uncle live on one of them. We took a hike around their pond, through their barn and circling their fields and got up close and personal with the Belted Galloway cows living on their land. We affectionately call these “oreo cows” because of the white belt at their middle flanked by black sides.
While my aunt and uncle don’t often have young visitors, they diligently pointed out bull frogs in the pond, explained the hay baling process and many other special features on the farm. My kids loved exploring the farm.
We visited as hay harvesting was being finished up on my uncle’s farm. On the first day of our visit, the hay was neatly arranged into rows. When the work was completed, my kids were offered short ATV rides, which they very willingly accepted.
On the second day, the hay was baled and harvested. I found the harvesting process fascinating. The hay baler was connected to a tractor and created compressed bales that were catapulted into the flatbed trailer for easy transportation. There was something artistic about watching the hay bales gracefully fly through the air.
My aunt and uncle’s farm is not open to the public, and every day is definitely not a harvest day. However, there are many farms to visit in the Amherst area.
Places to Eat in the Amherst Area
Atkins Farms
Nancy went to college in Amherst and suggested that we stop at Atkins Farms. It turned out to be the perfect breakfast stop before our visit to The Carle, which is just down the street. The bakery offers so many options of delicious donuts. We each chose our favorites and then ate at a table in the cafe. My daughter enjoyed her chocolate covered donut so much that much of it ended up on her face. We picked up some staples for our long car ride home before heading to The Carle.
BridgeSide Grille
We eat at the BridgeSide Grille almost every visit. It’s a lovely family restaurant with locally sourced meals. I love the homey atmosphere and tasty meals.
- BridgeSide Grille Hours: BridgeSide Grille is generally open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.
- BridgeSide Grille Parking: Free parking is available in an adjacent parking lot.
Sugarloaf Frostie
On Independence Day, many area restaurants were closed; however, Sugarloaf Frostie was open. It was the perfect night for outdoor dining, and the sandwiches were surprisingly good. Of course, we followed up our meal with ice cream for dessert.
Western Massachusetts Itinerary
We packed many activities into our two days in Western Massachusetts and still had plenty of time left for exploring my aunt and uncle’s farm.
Day 1:
- Basketball Hall of Fame
- Fun on my aunt and uncle’s farm
- Dinner at the Sugarloaf Frostie
- Check in at the Inn on Boltwood
Day 2:
- Breakfast at Atkins Farm
- The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
- Watching hay baling
- Magic Wings
- Mount Sugarloaf
- Yankee Candle Village
- Dinner at BridgeSide Grille
There are so many fun things to do in Western Massachusetts that we recommend this area as an ideal weekend destination. Even though it’s a long drive for us, we’ll most certainly be back sooner rather than later. Planning a trip to Western Massachusetts? Check out our entire series of posts relating to New England.