We are taking our toddler (2 yr 9 months) to the Berkshires in August for his first Tanglewood experience. We will be there for 4 days/4 nights. We have been to Berkshires a number of times before but that was before our son was born. So we are now seeking input for toddler-friendly sights.

There are 2 main attractions I read about that I think will be suitable for him:
Hancock Shaker Village in PIttsfield, and
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox

I've never been to either, so if you've been there, do you think they are appropriate for a toddler? We visited Old Sturbridge Village last Fall and we all enjoyed it.

Any thoughts? Are there other suggestions? If you know of any great playgrounds or other toddler-friendly places, we'd love to hear it. We are staying at Santarella in Tyringham; we are willing to travel up to 20-30 minutes drive, but no further because we need to go back for our son's midday nap. We would also love any restaurant suggestions that are casual. Thanks!

Hancock Shaker Village would be fine. There are indoor and outdoor areas that you can visit.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary has wooded trails, and a boardwalk/trail around a pond. If you are running after your little one, this may be challenging.. the paths are uneven and there are open ponds. However, when you first enter there is a paved path.

The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield has programs for children including toddlers.

It is fun to drive up to the top of Mt Greylock on a clear day. At the summit there is a lodge with a casual restaurant and very long views.

There is a sweet old fashioned playground by a stream that I will ask my wife the location of and get back to you.

Bistro box in Great Barrington is delicious and casual.
Both the Guidos, an upscale grocery , in Pittsfield/ Lenox have great take out as well as cafés for eating in casually. The gelato is fabulous.

There is an interesting small museum in Pittsfield which has dinosaur bones and other fossils

Thank you! I will look into the places you suggested! My son is not a runner, so no worries about him doing anything dangerous at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

yk, the playground which has shade is between Kripalu and the Norman Rockwell museum on 183 in Interlaken, closer to Stockbridge than Lenox.

http://berkshires.org/business_categ...ly-activities/

http://berkshirefamilyfocus.com

Deb, thanks! jubilada, thanks for getting back to me.

For a little lake time you can go to Lenox Town Beach on Laurel Lake between Lenox and Lee on Rt20.

When I saw the thread title, I thought of the Hancock Shaker Village. I haven't been there for a while and am not sure what activities they have for kids, but I would think the farm would appeal to a young child. It is a beautiful spot.

If you and your husband like art, I would try a visit to the Clark Art Institute where you can switch off adult museum and outdoor time with your son. There is some outdoor sculpture
Families page with suggestions
http://www.clarkart.edu/visit/families

I used to love Pleasant Valley Sanctuary! We had school field trips there in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, and it was very cool for our age group. I recall animal exhibits being particularly interesting. And for some unknown reason, we were all very fascinated by an old well there. That is a vague memory now, and I'm curious as to why the fascination looking back. Maybe it was a wishing well and I believed it? Would love to know if that is still there and what it is all about! . It's a pretty drive in.

Bash Bish Falls is a simple walk from the parking lot, and is a fantastic sight for kids and adults as well. You will be at base of the falls looking back up at them.

I second the trip to the top of Greylock as well. It's a very pretty drive up after leaving Rte 7, and beautiful views from the top into 3 (I believe) states.

He will love just running around in the Tanglewood grounds too, of course, if you go in In the afternoon. Heck, I love running around in the grounds too! Sure do miss my old stomping grounds when I read about trips like yours. Have a wonderful time!

They sell really good ice cream at Tanglewood, by the way.

Hoping someone would see this late at night or early in the AM? We have tomorrow morning free before we head back. Debating between Chesterwood (grounds only) and Berkshire Botanical Garden. Just wondering which one might be more interesting to my son?