April Break Adventures in the Berkshires

The Berkshires has that spring feeling – throw open the windows, breathe in that fresh air, and hear the birdsongs. April break is also on the way!  It’s a great time to get outdoors to walk and bike, take a class, and to see the exciting new exhibits at local museums. Check out these family-friendly adventures.

Barrington Stage Company

Teens (ages 12-16) and kids (ages 7-11) who love theater are invited to attend Spring Break Camp at Barrington Stage.  Build communications, performance, and improvisation skills, and create a musical with the team to be performed on the final day of the program.

Berkshire Botanical Garden

It’s time for April Farm in the Garden School Break Camp for children ages 5-10!  Come get your hands in the soil and plant seeds, learn how to take care of a garden, and explore the outdoors with friends. Join the staff at BBG for a full day of activities, garden chores, play time, and stories, and learn about the growing cycle in the Berkshires.

Photo by Christina Lane Photography

Berkshires Outside

This new site covers categories from adventure to winter sports, and everything in between. Select your location, preferred activity, then choose a filter for family-friendly and dog-friendly options, and so much more. Use the interactive map to learn about specific locations, find directions, and start your April vacation planning!

Hancock Shaker Village

Who doesn’t love to see adorable baby animals! Between April 13 and May 5, you are invited to visit all the newest farm babies – lambs, piglets, calves, and chicks! In addition, experience life as a Shaker with craft demonstrations, daily talks, and walk along the Farm & Forest Trail.

Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Bring the kids to Pleasant Valley’s Nature Play area. There, they can explore, discover, play on a natural outdoor playground – and possibly find turtles and salamanders along the way! Join a guided birding trip, or take the All Persons Trail to observe beavers at dusk.

MASS MoCA

Come be creative in a bright and colorful space dedicated just to kids. The ArtBar, a hands-on studio, is open to kids each day during the April break. Sit in on Family Storytime, or try out the Slow Art Day museum tour to take a deep dive into art.

Mount Greylock State Reservation

There are plentiful self-guided walks and hikes to enjoy as a family. Check out the multiple outings, appropriate for all ages, at the Mount Greylock State Reservation.  Find a hike just right for the kids, geocaching, or tree identification!

Norman Rockwell museum. Photo by Great Sky Media.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Through-out the break week – families can enjoy exploring the galleries with a scavenger hunt and receive a complimentary activity book for the current exhibition featuring children’s book illustrator and graphic designer, Leo Lionni. Discover climbable outdoor sculptures by Peter Rockwell along a nature walk, and new FAQ display panels across the campus.

Zoar Outdoor

For the daring-at-heart, try out the Zip & Dip Trip at Zoar, combining ziplining with a half day of rafting on the Deerfield River. Check the website for spring rafting trips on the Concord, Millers, and West Rivers. A short drive outside of the Berkshires.

Spring Skiing
If you are still seeking a ski adventure, the Spring Equinox Pass is for you!  Valid at Berkshire East and Catamount Mountain there are no black out dates. Enjoy unlimited skiing or riding between March 1 and the end of the season at both locations.

This list will be updated as new events/opportunities become available.

Find inspiration for visiting in the Spring! Explore things to do, places to stay, camps, and where to find amazing eats, shopping experiences,  family activities, and more in the Berkshires.

Return to the Berkshire Blog.

Cover photo: MASS MoCA by Kaelan Burkett