We’ve always admired Theodor Geisel for staying true to his roots. Long after he moved away from Springfield and became famous as Dr. Seuss, he continued to reimagine his hometown from a child’s perspective. It’s a good lesson for a family getaway to Western Massachusetts, where the holiday light display, Bright Nights in Forest Park, is switched on for the season starting tonight. Springfield was the wellspring for the Seuss books, and it’s still full of fun and whimsy, especially for wide-eyed kids.
Oh, the places you’ll go in Geisel’s hometown
Stay
Chain hotels are your best choice here, and they have some family-friendly features. Located downtown, the Springfield Marriott (2 Boland Way, 413-781-7111, www.springfieldmarriottma.com; weekend family package $179 online only, other rates from $119) offers an Escape! Family Package with a free in-room movie and a medium pizza. Adjacent to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (see below), the Hilton Garden Inn Springfield (800 W. Columbus Ave., 413-886-8000, www.hiltongardeninn.com, family room $139, packages available) puts a refrigerator and a microwave in each room.
Dine
Families flock to Red Rose Restaurant Pizzeria (1060 Main St., 413-739-8510, entrees $8-$12, Tuesday-Sunday lunch and dinner) for eggplant rolatini, chicken marsala, and, of course, pizza. The children’s menu at the Student Prince Cafe & The Fort Dining Room (8 Fort St., 413-788-6628, www.studentprince.com, entrees $9.95-$27.95, daily lunch and dinner) has chicken fingers or mac and cheese for kids; adults can enjoy the paprika schnitzel or the sauerbraten. All-American fare is the specialty at Max’s Tavern (1000 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield, 413-746-6299, www.maxrestaurantgroup.com, entrees $15.95-$29.95, daily lunch and dinner), a chop house near the Hall of Fame.
During the day
On Friday at 11 a.m., the Parade of the Big Balloons fills Tower Square with 60,000 helium balloons, led by a 75-foot Cat in the Hat. Hurry this weekend to the Zoo in Forest Park (1 Pecousic St., 413-733-2251, www.forestparkzoo.org; $6, seniors and ages 5-12 $4, ages 1-4 $2, under 1 free; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., weather permitting) because on Monday it closes until April. On Sundays and holidays, young Ted Geisel used to visit the zoo and draw the animals. This zoo is geared to youngsters, with as many domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goats, donkey) as exotic beasts (bobcat, leopard, black bear). Springfield pays tribute to Geisel with the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden (free, daily 9-5), which captures Seuss characters in the round.
Advertisement
Advertisement