The Berkshires are the perfect vacation destination, no matter your age. The Berkshires feature endless family-friendly activities, so your teen can put down their phone and enjoy all the area offers.
BEST BERKSHIRE ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS
The Berkshires offers year-round activities. Visit the mountains for adventure trails in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. Museums offer the chance to explore the area's significant natural and cultural history. Those looking to travel with teens to the Berkshires will love all the outdoor spaces for fresh-air fun.
JIMINY PEAK
Jiminy Peak is the place to go for year-round fun. Jiminy Peak offers classes, and visitors can immerse themselves in skiing and snowboarding. The mountain has lit trails and is open late so that visitors can ski until 10 PM.
When the snow melts, guests can buy a Mountain Adventures Pass to access various activities. The Mountain Adventures Pass includes the trampolines, Mountain Coaster, the Alpine Slide, and the Giant Swing.
The Aerial Adventure Park features six challenge courses located in the forest. The courses include zip lines, suspended bridges, and tight ropes.
OUTDOOR FUN
The Appalachian Trail is an iconic trail that runs from North Georgia to Maine. Ninety miles of the trail run through Massachusetts. Walking the entire path might be a bucket list item, but families can enjoy a taste of trail life by joining a trailhead in the Berkshires. For a popular Appalachian Trail hike, check out Mount Greylock in the summer and fall.
Bash Bish Falls is one of America's most stunning waterfalls. The waterfalls drop about 80 feet into a beautiful pool. Visitors can choose from hikes ranging from 1/2 miles to 12.4 miles to reach the falls.
Hancock Shaker Village is home to a historical Shaker community. While exploring this beautiful working farm, families can learn about the Shaker belief system and lifestyle.
Demonstrations are held daily, and visitors can see Shaker dancing, blacksmithing, and house building examples. Visit
Interactive exhibits allow kids hands-on practice, and families can try milking a cow or spinning wool.
TEEN-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
The Norman Rockwell Museum is one of Berkshire's most iconic and beloved museums. Norman Rockwell is America's most treasured illustrator, and the museum exhibits his most influential works.
In the museum, visitors can see Rockwell's WWII magazine covers as well as his civil-rights work. Teens can learn about America's past and Rockwell's artistic process.
Berkshire Museum offers interactive exhibits, activities, and an aquarium. Visitors can see displays that focus on mammals, rocks, and different American habitats.
Teens will enjoy the reptile area and aquarium, which features pythons, a tarantula, a scorpion, and frogs.
MassMOCA is an art museum located on 16 acres. The museum is spread across converted mill buildings and features contemporary art. MassMOCA has a KidSpace with art that appeals to kids and teens. Families can get an art kit here and create their artwork.
ATTRACTIONS
Naumkeag is a Gilded Age mansion that offers several teen-friendly programs. Visitors can tour the mansion and hear stories about its occupants. The estate is set on 48 acres and is home to extensive gardens. Teens will enjoy visiting the secluded Asian Pavillion and writing haikus.
The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory Garden has an 8,000 square foot observatory filled with butterflies. The garden features relaxing music and a beautiful waterfall. The indoor conservatory is open year-round and offers a tropical escape in the heart of the Berkshires.
ESCAPE TO THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY BERKSHIRES
The Berkshires are a fabulous place to visit with your family, and there's no need to leave your four-legged family members behind. Check out our best tips for travel with pets.