Winter in Massachusetts can be a cold, grey time. Between snowstorms and freezing winds, you might not feel like getting out and exploring. However, there are some places that are actually so much more fun in the winter. Here are a few places to visit in Massachusetts in winter that you should definitely check out; they’re some of the best winter day trips in Massachusetts!

1. Water Park of New England, Danvers
50 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA 01923, USA
Facebook/CoCo Key Boston North Shore
Our list of the best winter day trips in Massachusetts begins with a water park. Yes, you read that right – this water park is actually better in the winter. That's because the Water Park of New England (Formerly CoCo Key) is an entirely indoor water park that's the perfect place for a winter beach day. Ride the waterslides, relax on the lazy river, or warm up in the hot tubs. Learn more by visiting the official Water Park of New England website.
2. Cornerstone Ranch, Princeton
29 Dowds Ln, Princeton, MA 01541, USA
Cornerstone Ranch / Facebook
Who says you can't have fun outdoors in the winter? Cornerstone Ranch is a little family enterprise that offers amazing horse-drawn sleigh rides through the forest. Take the whole family or just that special someone for an afternoon you'll never forget. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Cornerstone Ranch website and start planning your visit!
3. Smith College Greenhouses, Northampton
16 College Ln, Northampton, MA 01063, USA
Flickr/Putneypics
If you want a dose of springtime in the winter, head to the Smith College greenhouses. They've been around since 1895 and are kept in bloom all through the winter. Best of all, they're open to the public.
4. Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Flickr/Jean Gazis
Massachusetts' tallest waterfall is Bash Bish Falls on Mount Washington. Though it stuns visitors with its roaring waters in the summertime, visiting in the winter means witnessing the cascades frozen over and glittering like diamonds. It's a gorgeous sight. Learn more about this beautiful and easy waterfall hike in Massachusetts.

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5. Nashoba Valley’s Snow Tubing Park, Littleton
179 Great Rd, Littleton, MA 01460, USA
Facebook/Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Don't know how to ski? No problem! Head to this amazing snow tubing park for the ride of a lifetime. Guests of all ages and experience levels can enjoy whizzing down the slopes on inflatable snow tubes. It's a great way to get outside with friends and family in the winter. For rates and additional details, be sure to check out the Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing Park website.
6. Ridge Valley Riding Stables, Grafton
286 Upton St, Grafton, MA 01519, USA
Ridge Valley Riding Stables
What could be more magical than taking a gentle horseback ride through the snowy woods? Ridge Valley Riding Stables offers guided horse rides for all experience levels, and there's no better time to try this activity than in the winter.
7. Concord
Concord, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
The beautiful town of Concord is a delight to visit any time of year, but there's something special about wandering its historic streets in the wintertime. Head to Walden Pond and Minute Man National Park to take in the area's natural beauty.
8. Boston Frog Pond, Boston
Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Flickr/MOTT
Whirl around in a winter wonderland on the Boston Frog Pond. This spot is a pretty pond in the summer, but it transforms into a gorgeous ice rink in the winter. You can rent skates there, so just bring your coziest sweater and a friend.
9. Deerfield
Deerfield, MA, USA
Flickr/MOTT
The town of Deerfield is filled with stunning winter sights, especially after a healthy dusting of snow. Stroll the historic streets, learn about our nation's earliest days, and warm up with a hot meal at the Deerfield Inn. When it comes to the best winter day trips in Massachusetts, Deerfield is hard to beat!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Massachusetts when wintery weather hits? Do you have some go-to places to visit in Massachusetts in winter? Share and let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For another cool winter adventure in the Bay State, check out the town of Concord.

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Winter day trips in Massachusetts

Beth C. | December 13, 2021

What are the best winter hikes in Massachusetts?

There's no doubt about it; Massachusetts can be downright harsh in the wintertime. And yet, you'd be remiss not to venture out at least a few times to explore the snow-covered trails. If you love the idea of a winter hike in Massachusetts, here are a few suggestions:

  • Tyringham Cobble
  • Coggshall Park in Fitchburg
  • The Let Conservation Area in Westport
  • Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire
  • Blue Hills Reservation in Milton
  • Walden Pond in Concord
  • Arnold Arboretum in Boston
  • Mohawk Trail State Forest
  • Norwottuck Rail Trail

Check out this article to learn more about these breathtaking winter hikes in Massachusetts.

What's the snowiest town in Massachusetts?

There are several towns in Massachusetts that get a large amount of snow every winter. Some of those places include:

  • Pittsfield
  • Worcester
  • Haverhill
  • Burlington
  • Farmington

But there is one town that earns the title of snowiest town in Massachusetts, and that's Fitchburg. This town of nearly 40,000 sees an average of 82 inches per year. Fortunately, this heavy amount of snowfall doesn't slow things down too much in Fitchburg. The plows are always at the ready to clear the roads for residents and visitors alike. And while the snow can be somewhat of an inconvenience, most would agree that Fitchburg is nothing short of a winter wonderland. Learn more about what real life is like inside the snowiest town in Massachusetts.

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