Location: Amherst
Top Things to do in Amherst
7 Things to do Good for Kids in Amherst That You Shouldn't Miss
Amherst (/ˈæmərst/ ( listen)) is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the highest populated municipality in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges. The name of the town is pronounced without the h ("AM-erst"), giving rise to the local saying, "only the 'h' is silent", in reference both to the pronunciation and to the town's politically active populace.
Restaurants in Amherst
1. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By 661maryannh
This museum was originally a "time-filler" between activities while we were visiting our son at UMass for the weekend. Once we arrived at the museum, we were pleasantly surprised at the variety of topics covered. Although many of the exhibits were display molds, a good number were genuine artifacts discovered through archaeological digs and findings. the museum is located in a great area - centrally located to anything we needed. Added bonus that the exhibit was free; we'll be back!
2. Amherst College
3. Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By judyhE4831TD - Belchertown, United States
A moderate hike resulting in some stunning views of the Valley at the Summit. The Summit House was closed for repairs - hope to get back up there soon!
4. Amherst Cinema Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Amherst Cinema is a non-profit, independent theater. Our mission is to inspire, inform and entertain through the universal language of cinema arts and to serve as a cultural and educational resource for all. The core of our programming at Amherst Cinema is first-run independent film and classic repertory. We show over 120 superb films each year - most are first-run gems not even considered by commercial cineplexes. Decisions about film selection are made by our programming experts who know film and who know our audiences, not - as with many multiplex theaters - by a central office in a distant location. HISTORY 1926: The Amherst Theater opened in a renovated livery building in downtown Amherst, MA. It screened many classic films and hosted occasional stage performances. 1955: the theater was sold to Samuel Goldstein and renamed Amherst Cinema. Through the 1990s, the building deteriorated due to a lack of basic maintenance. The theater closed in 1999. 2000: a group of local film buffs and arts lovers formed the nonprofit Amherst Cinema entity to save the historic structure from the auction block. With substantial help from hundreds of individuals, institutions and businesses, the group raised funds and developed plans for a cinema center. 2006: With help from hundreds of supporters, we raised nearly $3,000,000 for the Amherst Cinema's home. In May 2006, our nonprofit organization broke ground to build a new, state-of-the-art, three-screen cinema. The Amherst Cinema opened November 22, 2006. 2013: A new studio theater was opened adjacent to the main building.
Reviewed By 663lenb
A movie house with five screens, different size theaters, terrific choices each week among films, film-loving audiences.
5. Puffer's Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By BilB126357 - Boston, United States
Puffer's Pond was very beautiful in general! There was a gorgeous pond where people could swim. The only thing wrong with the pond is that there are multiple signs saying what you cannot do there, one of those things being smoking. Yet, there were multiple people smoking in plain sight at the pond. Then there was a stunning forest to hike through! The forest was enchanting, there was a hut that someone made, and train bridge that went over the river there. The hike was not difficult, except for a few small hills. The hike was overall really enjoyable. But, be careful where you step and where you walk. My eldest daughter was crossing a bridge that goes over the river, and as she was walking, some horrible large black flying bug stung her on the leg! From what I could tell, the sting was very painful since she was crying a lot, and it hurt for her to walk on that leg for the rest of the day. Overall, besides the smokers and the bug sting, I really recommend Puffer's Pond! Absolutely beautiful!!
6. Amherst Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Amherst Farmers' Market is the longest running market in the area. Started in 1972 by a small group of farmers, the market has expanded to over 40 vendors and includes live music and delicious locally grown and prepared foods. The Pioneer Valley is known for the abundance of farms and good quality local food, so come check it out and experience what has been rated Best of the Valley for 5 years!
7. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 reviews
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a stunning, 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Five College area of Western MA is loved by families, art aficionados and book lovers alike. The Museum houses three Galleries with rotating exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, and a permanent collection which includes works by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Rosemary Wells. A hands-on Art Studio allows visitors to create their own masterpiece any time the Museum is open. The Auditorium hosts regular live performances, daily films, and frequent lectures and guest appearances by renowned authors and illustrators. The comfortable Reading Library is the perfect spot to settle in with a book and a friend, or take in Storytime. The Museum Shop, called by Parent's Choice "the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world," is stocked with unique gifts and a beautiful array of picture books.
Reviewed By MyKidzBookshelf
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a fantastic destination for fans of all ages that enjoy illustration! This wonderful museum features not only gorgeously curated exhibits, but also an art room for kids to create, an auditorium for programs, speakers and performances, a library, oversized photo-op props and a gift shop! We’ve visited this museum four times in the past four years and will absolutely be returning! The exhibits are definitely not just for kids—the art is fantastic—and there are always plenty of hands-on parts to the exhibits to round out the experience for the younger set! In the nicer weather, venture out to enjoy the outdoor gardens that were designed and dedicated to Eric Carle’s wife and co-founder, Barbara, or Bobbie as she was affectionately known. For fans of illustration, this is the museum to visit. Located near Amherst, MA, - it is about 20 minutes off of the highway and is a must-see destination for those who love art, illustration and a good museum!
