Visit Massachusetts - August 21, 2025

Things to Do Before Back to School in Massachusetts

From swimming holes to fossils to kid-friendly mountain adventures,...

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Back to School Bucket List

There is still time for some summer fun in Massachusetts before the back to school routine takes over! Check out some great ideas here:

Cool off before the school bell rings with a splash at some of Massachusetts’s best pools.
Dive into summer’s last adventures at these fun, family-friendly lakes and ponds.
Go beyond hiking with exciting mountain adventures the whole family can try.
Hunt for sparkling treasures and learn about rocks and minerals in the great outdoors.
Discover hands-on exhibits and kid-approved fun at Cambridge’s coolest museums during Museum Month.
Make the most of your day with ten playful things to do in Western Mass.
Pack a picnic and explore six family-friendly parks in Worcester.
Take a whirl through history on some of the most magical carousels in Massachusetts.
Step up to the plate with a visit to America’s most beloved ballpark.
End the day with a blanket, some snacks, and a sky full of stars on the Cape.

Now is the perfect time to book that quick overnight getaway for your family before the hustle and bustle of September. From city breaks to relaxing lakes, Massachusetts has great family stays.

Book Your Stay

Each month, Visit Massachusetts will be taking you on a regional road trip. We’re kicking things off in Franklin County.

Tucked in northwestern of Massachusetts, at the crossroads of Routes 2 and 91, Franklin County is a destination where New England rural charm meets outdoor adventure meets family-friendly fun!

From a place where it snows every six minutes year-round to the freshest ice cream and a zippy mountain coaster, you’ll see why there is more to Franklin County!

Get the Itinerary

Aug 23 | Dance | Join José Mateo Ballet Theatre in Dorchester for free trial classes for young dancers ages 3-10.

Aug 23 | Summer Mountain Games | Wachusett Mountain in Princeton invites you to watch the best lumberjacks of the northeast in head-to-head timber competition along with lawn games and contests for all ages.

Aug 27 | Walking Tour | Explore, question, and connect with the wonders of the ocean with a special whale-themed tour of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Sep 5 | First Friday | Stroll the streets, ride the trolley, enjoy live music, uncover local treasures, and soak in the Cape Cod vibe for the last First Friday event of the summer in Orleans.

Sep 8 | Porchfest | Williamsburg Porchfest is a new addition to the Williamstown Grange Fair. Enjoy artisans, food, and now live music from eight performers on porches throughout downtown

Sep 13-28 | Trails & Sails | Discover extraordinary places in and around Essex County during Trails & Sails, a free event series brought to you by Essex Heritage.

More Events in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism · One Ashburton Place · Room 2101 · Boston, Massachusetts 02108 · USA
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