Deerfield, Massachusetts is a beautiful New England town that it bursting with history. There are loads of activities to keep kids engaged, so that they won’t even notice that they are learning! Here us a list of our favorite things to do in Deerfield, MA:
1. Hug the widest tree east of the Mississippi
On your way into town, be sure to stop at the Buttonball tree on North Main Street in Sunderland. This American Sycamore is about 400 years old and famed for having lived there since the signing of the Constitution. The impressively big tree is marked with a plaque and hard to miss.
2. Climb Mount Sugarloaf
For a short hike, follow the blue blazed Pocumtuck Ridge Trail from the main parking lot to the summit of South Sugarloaf. This is a direct route up the mountain, so it is quite steep but will allow for some spectacular views over the Connecticut River Valley. If hiking is not your forte, drive up the summit road, which is open mid-May through mid-October. There is an observation tower at the top as well as many picnic areas equipped with grills. Click here for a trail map.
Address: 300 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield, MA 01373
3. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
This 8,000 square foot indoor conservatory is home to 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies. The tropical environment is a great place to visit in the winter. There are plenty of benches to sit and observe the butterflies. Magic Wings is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Address: 281 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373
4. Yankee Candle Village
The Yankee Candle Village is a really fun place to visit throughout the year, although it is extra special around Christmas. My kids love dipping candles, watching the snow fall in the Bavarian Village and eating Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. They recently added a Build a Bear Workshop. Santa makes appearances in the toy shop throughout the year.
Address: 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373
5. Historic Deerfield
Travel back in time to see what an authentic New England town looked like. You can walk down the streets on your own, or purchase a ticket to go on a house tour and attend a live demonstration. The Wells-Thorn House and Williams House are recommended for families with children. We enjoyed walking the Channing Blake Footpath and meeting the local cows. Click here for a town map.
At the Apprentice’s Workshop in the Dwight House we watched a wood working demonstration to see how furniture was made. My son made an English ceramic and tried his hand on a loom. There is also a great children’s play space in the History Workshop.
6. Richardson’s Candy Store
Don’t miss trying a Dixie at Richardson’s Candy Store, which is a cluster of nuts mixed with caramel and coasted with chocolate. They are all handmade with their private chocolate recipe and sinfully delicious.
Address: 500 Greenfield Rd, Deerfield, MA 01342
7. The Rock Fossil Dinosaur Shop
If you have a child interested in dinosaurs, the Rock Fossil Dinosaur Shop is a must because you can learn all about the creatures that roamed this very area thousands of years ago. This roadside attraction takes an immersive approach to learning with life size dinosaurs in their forest walk and kids can pan for fossils.
Address: 213 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373
8. Have a cozy stay at the Deerfield Inn
We loved our stay at the Deerfield Inn. It is located right in the middle of Historic Deerfield, making it the perfect home base for exploring the area. There was a roaring fire in the lobby, a cozy tavern to settle into at night and a hearty breakfast included for guests. To read all about our stay, click here.
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Deerfield, MA. Did I miss anything? Please let me know in the comments below!
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