Family runs joyfully through a field, arms outstretched, silhouetted by the setting sun.

 Family-Friendly Activities in Hatfield and Northampton, MA

Situated in the scenic Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, Hatfield and Northampton offer a delightful mix of educational sites, outdoor adventures, and classic family fun. Whether you're exploring biking trails, catering to nature lovers, or seeking playful attractions, both towns present an array of experiences that the whole family will enjoy.


Here are some of our favorite family-friendly attractions and activities in Hatfield and Northampton. 

Girl in pink jacket petting a brown and white goat at an outdoor petting zoo.

Look Park

Location: Northampton


Look Park—officially the Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park—is a beloved 150‑acre recreational haven in the Florence section of Northampton, Massachusetts. Donated to the city by Mrs. Fannie Burr Look in honor of her husband, the park opened in 1930 and remains a privately operated non‑profit. Visitors are greeted by an abundance of family‑friendly amenities. These include:


  • Steamer Train: A charming one-mile miniature railroad through wooded paths. Perfect for little adventurers, this 10-minute ride turns into a festive “Santa’s Train” during the holiday season. 
  • Water Spray Park: Ideal on hot days, it keeps kids cool with interactive fountains and spray features. This 5,000-square foot park also includes jets, water umbrellas, and buckets that dump water. 
  • Mini-golf: Play 18 holes of miniature golf on this beautifully landscaped garden course. Enjoy making the putt with the whole family. This course welcomes players ages three and up.   
  • Pedal boats: Rent a four-seater pedal boat and cruise around Willow Lake. This relaxing activity is perfect for a family outing and showcases the beauty of the park. 
  • Playgrounds: Let your kids play at one of four playgrounds while you sit in the shade and enjoy the scenery.
  • Christenson Wildlife Center: A delightful small zoo featuring pygmy goats, peacocks, and barred owls. Admission is free all year, making this destination a favorite for kids and adults alike!
  • The Sweet Shoppe: Grab a soft serve ice cream cone to help beat the summer heat after having a picnic lunch at one of the pavilions. 
  • Events & shows: From Santa’s Train rides at holiday time to summer amphitheater concerts, there’s year‑round magic.


Additional attractions include tennis and pickleball courts, walking paths along the Mill River, classic covered bridges, and picturesque picnic pavilions and shelters. Special events and concerts also take place at the park and provide the perfect way to spend some quality family time together. 

Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting

Location: Hatfield 


Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting in Hatfield, MA, delivers excitement for both kids and adults in a safe, welcoming setting. Operating since 2012, it’s Western Massachusetts’ only locally owned indoor gas-powered karting facility. With karts capable of going up to 50 mph, the facility offers the fastest actual on-track speeds in the state. 


The 1,000‑foot road course accommodates up to eight karts per heat, featuring long straightaways and sweeping corners that challenge both first‑timers and seasoned racers alike. Walk-in sessions run daily, and family racing is encouraged. Kids as young as eight can race independently, and parents can even join junior racers in the same heat.


Families will love the thrilling adventure and friendly competition! The race track is open seven days a week and prices vary depending on the package purchased.

Norwottuck Rail Trail

Location: Hatfield


The Norwottuck Rail Trail, formally part of the Mass Central Rail Trail, offers a scenic and family-friendly 11-mile paved path stretching from downtown Northampton through Hadley and Amherst, ending just into Belchertown. Established in 1993 on the former Central Massachusetts Railroad bed, the trail was later refurbished to better accommodate increasing foot, bicycle, and inline traffic. 


The journey along the paved trail includes beautiful highlights such as the nearly 1,500-foot lattice truss bridge over the Connecticut River, shady wooded stretches, and a beaver pond supporting local wildlife including herons, ducks, turtles, and woodpeckers. It’s ideal for casual strolls, family bike rides, or wildlife spotting.


Families can also enjoy picnics at the picnic facilities and the educational programs that are held in the area. The trail is open dawn to dusk with free parking areas available in Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst.

Young child in a yellow and black go-kart, wearing a helmet, on an indoor track.
Picnic basket on a checkered blanket in a grassy park; grapes, croissant, and cheese visible.

Pulaski Park

Location: Northampton


Pulaski Park is a thoughtfully designed one-acre urban oasis found along Main Street in the heart of downtown Northampton. Recently reimagined in 2016, the space blends civic pride with ecological mindfulness. The plaza features moveable colorful tables and chairs, a local Goshen stone fountain that doubles as a playful bird watering spot, and a bioswale planted with indigenous grasses and perennials. 


Despite its compact footprint, Pulaski Park is remarkably versatile. A soft green lawn backs the plaza and provides an adaptable village‑green for gatherings, casual picnicking, or spontaneous games. In one corner, a creative nature play space offers informal play for children, while a wooden deck gives parents a comfortable vantage point. 


The park also hosts events like summer concerts, salsa lessons, or community performances on the lawn’s adjacent stage and plaza. With a sustainable design, ecological education, and inclusive public art woven into its fabric, Pulaski Park is an excellent spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors together. 

Stay at The Old Mill Inn

Located just a short distance from the attractions listed above, The Old Mill Inn is the perfect place for your family to begin their adventures. We’re also only a few minutes away from five local colleges and universities including Smith College and UMass Amherst. 


Our boutique accommodations are perfectly appointed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. We even offer a complimentary breakfast at The Old Mill Cafe complete with house-baked pastries, fresh fruits, and coffee. Book your reservation with us today and come enjoy all the family-friendly things to do in Hatfield and Northampton!