My family (Husband, son 13, daughter 8 years) and i are travelling around New England for 10 days this winter - Towards the end of our trip we have two free days and on our schedule/map Northampton MA looks like a good location to stay. So basically we are wondering if there is much to do in the winter that will occupy a family.

Thank you for the help

Hi Christine -

Northampton is a fun town, with good eats & shopping. Smith College is nearby, which can be a pretty place to walk around. Mt. Tom is close for skiing, Deerfield is nearby with Yankee Candle (truly a destination) and Deerfield Village. Amherst is also very close, with more good restauraunts and shopping (also Amherst College & UMASS). And, if you like malls, the Holyoke Mall is an easy drive, with tons of shopping. (Be sure to check out the Christmas Tree Shops!)

HI Christine,
Northampton is fun any time of year. As Minnywall stated, the town is full of funky shops and big-city caliber restaurants. Check out the Plant House at Smith College for a respite from the snow and cold. I think it's open everyday, 9-5.
Have fun!
Patti

HI,
Me again. Forgot to mention the Smith College campus was designed as an arboretum by Fredrick Law Olmstead--if you're interested in that sort of thing.
Patti

FYI,The Mount Tom ski area does not operate any more, so you can cross that off the list of things to see/do. In addition to the suggestions above, If your kids like basketball, you can go down to Springfield to the National Basketball Hall of Fame. Have a good trip!