Family-Friendly Holiday Activities To Do in Springfield, Mass

I had the pleasure of joining three other journalists and content creators for a festive trip to Springfield and The Berkshires in Massachusetts last week. Our jam-packed itinerary was brimming with TONS of family-friendly holiday activities in Springfield to enjoy!

Over three days and two nights, we immersed ourselves in the holiday spirit while exploring Springfield, Deerfield, and the Berkshires. The experience was truly spectacular, and I’m eager to share with you all the exciting things you can do for the holidays in these fantastic locations.

Our itinerary overflowed with so much merriment that I decided to unfold this adventure across a series of articles. Each is dedicated to spotlighting the unique charms of these destinations. Get ready to be swept away into a world of holiday enchantment as I unwrap the holidays on my unforgettable journey!

At the start of our adventure, we kicked things off with a tour of MGM Springfield, ice skating, a visit to the Springfield Museums, Bright Nights at Forest Park, and a delightful holiday dinner at Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant.

Luxurious Stay at MGM Springfield

Upon arriving at MGM, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Having driven to Springfield, I parked in the garage and strolled right into the casino. To my surprise, the atmosphere inside was surprisingly quiet, and what immediately caught my attention was the absence of the typical casino aroma.

During the tour of the MGM Springfield Casino and Hotel, we discovered that the five-story hotel boasts 252 rooms, including 16 suites. Each room incorporates designs inspired by the surrounding historical architecture, with some rooms even designated as dog-friendly.

The guest rooms feature artistic asymmetry, including angled area rugs, light and dark walls, mirrors, three-dimensional art, and exposed concrete-planked ceilings. The 350-square-foot rooms provide ample space, and my personal favorite touch was the walk-in rainfall shower! The rooms at the MGM Springfield are Stay Well rooms. They are designed to renew, recharge, and refresh guests with aromatherapy, non-toxic cleaning products, UV lights, and air purification.

MGM Springfield is an excellent accommodation choice, conveniently located 30 minutes north of Hartford, right off I-91. Parking is a breeze with the garage, and the casino is centrally positioned for the activities on our itinerary. Additionally, the rooms are not only comfortable but also reasonably priced. The average cost of around $140 per night.

The lobby itself is a visual treat with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, exposed brick, and a welcoming feel. The MGM Springfield complex offers six restaurants, three bars, a movie theater, bowling, a comedy club, a TopGolf suite, a spa, a gym, and even a rooftop pool on the second floor.

Skating Under the Stars: MGM Springfield Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

For lunch, we enjoyed a delightful spread at TAP Sports Bar, where we sampled flights of delicious food. TAP’s offerings include Beer, Bites, Bowling, and an Arcade. It’s a perfect spot to catch a game on their TVs or bowl a few rounds with friends. We had to fuel up before we hit the ice at the outdoor ice skating rink right outside MGM.

It felt like stepping into a winter paradise in the heart of everything. This is an absolute MUST-DO, especially if you’ve never skated before! We were all surprised when someone noticed our names were in LIGHTS on the LED display outside the rink. 

The rink is adorned with twinkling lights, creating a magical vibe. The surrounding architecture and cityscape provide a picturesque backdrop. It’s a blast for everyone, whether you’re a pro skater or just trying to stay upright. For the general public, the cost to skate is $16 for adults and $12 for kids (12 and under), with skate rental available for $7. To find the most up-to-date visiting hours, please visit MGM Springfield’s official website.

After our fun on the ice, we indulged in some delicious hot chocolate from the Lion’s Den and took a short ride over to the Springfield Museums to explore the Dr. Seuss Museum and the Grinch’s Grotto. You won’t want to miss hearing about these whimsical locations!