Mt. Sugarloaf, Sunderland, MA

In the words of my children, "this definitely looks like a hiking zone." We parked way up at the top, so the only hiking we did was up the stairs of the observation tower. There are a number of beautiful picnic spots, including a large pavillion with tables beneath.
The summit is very parklike, and the kids had a great time romping around, inspecting bugs and rocks. The view made an initial impression on them, but they quickly forgot about it. My oldest, at 4, spent the longest time admiring the view, noticing that the cars were very small, and lo and behold, the road was small too. The observation tower was alluring as a castle hosting one red dragon and one blue prince.
Take 116 all the way through Sunderland and into Deerfield (over the blue bridge). A couple of intersections later turn right; immediately start looking for the brown DCR sign on your right hand side. The road to the summit has at least one secondary parking area that I noticed, perhaps there are more. There is a $2 parking fee.

Mt. Sugarloaf

Dr. Spooky's, South Deerfield, MA

"I vill Suck zee Money out of your Wallet!"

Dr. Spooky's cost us $26.50 to get in with 2 parents and 2 kids . However, there were a lot of cool exhibits. Spiders, bats, birds, and rodents were the stars of this zoo. There was also a dinosaur section which included killing claw fossils (the second toe of many carnivorous raptors was elongated, curved, and razor sharp), a model of a large pterosaur, and a somewhat disappointing "dinosaur fight" where you basically go in a dark tent and they play a recording of roars and thundering footsteps. The store area had a lot of dinosaurs also. It was open to the rest of the museum (slightly annoying).

On one hand I would love to go back to see it again, on the other hand.... $26.50? I could take us all out to lunch.

Magic Wings Butterfly Museum, South Deerfield, MA

This is a truly magical experience. This large facility has a greenhouse filled with flowering plants, birds, lizards, and THOUSANDS of amazing butterflies.

Parking is free, the lot is large. You enter into an atrium filled with butterfly art and information. Off to the right is a cafeteria. The food prices are ok, not great. You are not supposed to bring outside food, but I have done so in the past without a problem. The last time I visited my middle son requested a dish of fresh pineapple, which I bought for him even though it was $2.50 - it was a pretty good deal as the pineapple was fresh (not canned) and fresh (cut that day) and the portion was fairly generous. There are two entrances to the butterfly area proper. One is through a gift shop - it looks lovely but is filled with countless butterfly decorations made of glass and other non-child friendly materials. I have steered as clear as possible. The other entrance leads through a bug zoo. Many glass cases contain insects of note, and the displays are really great. You will get a lecture on the rules of the butterfly sanctuary but, in short, don't run, don't kill, and don't touch.

Each tour gives you about an hour in the butterfly area, which is a good amount of time. Aides handle the lizards and bugs and allow kids plenty of opportunity to touch them and learn about them. In addition to butterflies, many lizards and birds are housed here.

Look out - it is HOT in here - about 85 degrees year round. Dress yourself and kids in light clothing. There is a coat closet in the main room that you enter into.

Restrooms were not memorable, so, fine.

Magic Wings