Plimoth Plantation

New England’s first English settlement is re-created at this living history museum. Costumed interpreters show how the Pilgrims, as well as the native Wampanoag tribe, lived all the way back in 1620. Also available are tours of the Mayflower II, a replica of the Pilgrims’ famed vessel. 

137 Warren Ave., Plymouth, 508-746-1622, plimoth.org

Stone Zoo

Not only can you view snow leopards, Mexican gray wolves, Canada lynx, jaguars and more at this facility just a few miles north of Boston, you can indulge in the Ales & Tails beer tasting event on September 17. 

149 Pond St., Stoneham, 617-541-LION, stonezoo.org

MASS MoCA

A 13-acre campus in the Berkshires crafted from historic 19th century mill buildings, this visual and performing arts complex hosts Glen Hansard, Ricky Skaggs and much more at the FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival September 16–18. 

1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, 413-662-2111, massmoca.org

Whydah Pirate Museum

This newly opened attraction on Cape Cod offers interactive exhibits on and artifacts from the Whydah, an actual pirate shipwreck from 1717—complete with treasure, of course!—discovered off the shores of nearby Wellfleet in 1984. 

674 Rte. 28, West Yarmouth, 508- 534-9571, discoverpirates.com

King Richard’s Faire

Situated about 50 miles south of Boston and running weekends through October 23, the 35th anniversary edition of the popular annual Renaissance fair features jousting knights, exotic animal displays, live music, magic acts, stunt spectaculars, artisans selling handmade goods and comedy and dance shows, as well as plenty of food and drink, including, of course, turkey legs big enough to choke a dragon. 

235 Main St., Carver, 508-866-5391, kingrichardsfaire.net

Edaville USA

Also located in the South Shore town of Carver, this train-themed destination is perfect for the little ones, boasting dozens of rides and games, including the Thomas the Tank Engine Train Ride. You can even meet Clifford the Big Red Dog September 23–25.

5 Pine St., Carver, edaville.com

Concord Museum

See the special exhibits N.C. Wyeth’s Men of Concord (through September 18) and Women of Concord at a museum dedicated to the illustrious revolutionary and literary history of this community just 20 miles west of Boston. 

200 Lexington Rd., Concord, 978-369-9763, concordmuseum.org

The Big E

This six-state fair, which begins September 16 and celebrates 100 years, is brimming with food, games, rides, agriculture displays, a circus and concert stages boasting acts like Elle King, X Ambassadors and George Thorogood. 

1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443, thebige.com

Peabody Essex Museum

Salem is home to the oldest continuously operating museum in the U.S. A mix of art, historic objects and maritime treasures brought back during the city’s 19th century heyday as a center of international trade, the collection at the Peabody Essex Museum is truly unique. Check out the special exhibit American Impressionist: Childe Hassam and the Isles of Shoals, which runs through November 6. 

East India Square, Salem, 866-745-1876, pem.org