We are staying at a timeshare resort for a week in the Pittsfield, Mass. area in early August and using it as a base to do New England college visits and as a central location to catch up with relatives (we live in St. Louis). On our down days we are trying to arrange a few get-togethers with aunts, uncles and children ages 5-17 who live fairly close by in Connecticut and New Hampshire. I'm seeking ideas for family-friendly activities within a fairly decent drive of Pittsfield (hour or less). Was thinking zip lining (though the youngest might be too young), tubing, rafting, day at a lake, fun but not too strenuous hike, or something of that sort. Ideally, we'd be able to have a nice early dinner somewhere in a fun or easy-going restaurant. Any ideas or specific recommendations?

This site might help:

Massachusetts Guide - Berkshires/Pioneer Valley/Mohawk Trail

Berkshire East has zip linning Berkshire East Mountain Resort ? Southern New England?s Year-Round Outdoor Destination
Zoar Outdoor has zip linning and rafting, etc. White Water Rafting, Zip Line Canopy Tours - Massachusetts, Vermont - Zoar Outdoor

Also Hancock Shaker Village might be interesting for you. https://hancockshakervillage.org/

There's a very pretty lake in Pittsfield, Onota Lake, and it has quite a nice public beach in Burbank Park. The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield is interesting and worthwhile, it's kind of an eclectic mix of natural history, art, science, and ancient civilization, and they have some exhibits aimed at kids:

https://berkshiremuseum.org

There are so many great museums and historic properties to visit in the Berkshires, and lots of theater, dance, and music (Tanglewood is really special), but since that doesn't seem to be the sort of thing you're looking for, I won't tell you about those. However, your family members might enjoy visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, I found it to be much more interesting than I expected.

I've enjoyed the drive up to Mount Greylock. Never hiked but they have some nice trails.

https://www.mass.gov/locations/mount...te-reservation

Take a look at the Tanglewood Music Festival calendar and see if there is anything that you might enjoy.

Thank you for the recommendations. I know we will try to catch a concert at Tanglewood on one of our evenings. Mount Graylock looks like a very nice option for a group hike with active kids.