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Museums & Zoos

Even if you're not outdoorsy, Massachusetts has so many ways you can explore nature and its creatures.

At the Springfield Science Museum, explore the eco-center, the dinosaur and African halls, the mineral hall and the planetarium. Visit the Southwick's Zoo in Central Massachusetts — it's New England's largest zoo, with delightfully large and small animals. The Berkshire Museum in Western Massachusetts offers art, natural science and a history exhibit, along with a touch-tank aquarium and children's programs.

And with a variety of museums made just for kids, Massachusetts is the place for budding young naturalists and scientists. In the Greater Merrimack Valley, the two museums of the Discovery Museums encourage toddlers and older children to explore, experiment and play as they learn about science. The Children's Museum at Holyoke, in Western Massachusetts, offers hands-on exhibits for all ages. And adults and kids will find plenty to do at the Boston Children's Museum, where you can climb a rock wall, visit Japan and so much more.

Quick hits:

Robots and holograms are just two of the cutting-edge science exhibits on display at Cambridge's MIT Museum...Out on Nantucket, the Loines Observatory offers a glimpse of the marine life of salt marshes, harbors and near-shore waters...To experience the sea indoors, visit the world-famous New England Aquarium in Boston, home to 2,000 species of exotic fish, sharks and sea turtles in a giant ocean tank, plus a penguin colony and more.