Massachusetts

Hampton Ponds State Park is located near Westfield, Mass, and is just the place for a relaxing summer day. Spend some time on the water before having lunch at one the many grill-equipped picnic areas.

Hammond Pond is located in Newton, Mass, just west of Boston that features dozens of trails to hike and interesting rock formations to climb. You can also fish.

On a clear day, visitors to Halibut Point State Park will be able to see Mount Agamenticus, located 81 miles away in Maine, and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

The Great Falls Discovery Center features exhibits illustrating the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed and Turners Falls. Engaging wildlife habitat dioramas are fully accessible and child-friendly.

This 1000-acre park features more than 20 miles of trails. You can see notable Native American sites and 17th-century cellar holes leftover from English settlers. There's also an active dairy farm that offers free tours on weekends.

If you're looking to break away from the busy day-to-day, this park is the place to be. Campsites deep in the woods offer peace and quiet. Plenty of other activities include hiking, biking, and snowshoeing.

Explore over 1,000 acres of forest for year-round activities. Hike and bike during the warmer months. After the snow falls, hit the trails for skiing and snowmobiling.

This 5000-acre forest includes 25 miles of trails for hiking, horse-back riding, or off-roading (dirt bikes only). It's also home to a Wampanoag reservation.

Covering over 843 acres, Franklin State Forest is a minimally developed piece of land. The forest offers miles of weaving trails and fire roads. Trails are open for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.

There's plenty of grass on which to sit and relax during concert or performance at the Martini Memorial Shell Head. Across the street at the Moynihan Recreation Area, you'll find athletic fields, a playground, and a spray deck.