Latest news with #TheVeryHungryCaterpillar
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
These Hungry Animals Eat Their First Meal Before Birth
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Forget The Very Hungry Caterpillar—scientists have discovered that another notoriously ravenous insect can eat its very first meal before it is even born. Entomologist Koutaro Ould Maeno of the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences and colleagues report that, in dry conditions, undersized desert locusts can hatch from oversized eggs with a little bit of the egg's yolk already in their guts. This little snack, the team believes, gives the young locusts the extra time and energy to find food to eat after hatching—allowing them to survive longer than their regular counterparts. The extra yolk, the researchers wrote, "functions as a 'lunch box'"; as they explain, "producing large eggs is advantageous under harsh conditions." A swarm of locusts A swarm of locusts Michael Wallis/iStock / Getty Images Plus The desert locust—Schistocerca gregaria—is a species of short-horned grasshopper found in parts of Africa, Arabia and southwest Asia that lives in one of two phases based on environmental conditions. Ordinarily, the insects live solitary lifestyles, moving independently and typically sporting a coloration that allows them to blend in with the background vegetation. When droughts cause food supplies to dwindle and locust populations to become more dense, the insects undergo both bodily and behavioral changes into a gregarious form. This sees the locusts switch to a more yellow coloration and emit pheromones that attract each other—encouraging group movements and swarm formation. These swarms, which can contain a staggering 390 million locusts per square mile, may travel long distances to reach new areas and form plagues that consume vast swathes of vegetation, making them a major agricultural pest. In their study, Maeno (who also goes by the moniker "Dr. Locust") and his colleagues raised desert locus in both isolated and crowded conditions, as well as in dry and wet settings. When reared in crowds, female locusts were found to lay fewer but larger eggs than those raised in isolation. Larger offspring are expected to have an advantage in competing for food. Meanwhile, dry conditions caused both solitary and gregarious locusts to have smaller offspring than in dry conditions—and both these hatchlings from small and large eggs were found to have residual yolk within their guts after birth. Pictured: Sample Locusts from the experiments; those from dry conditions were found to have yolk in their guts (black arrows). Pictured: Sample Locusts from the experiments; those from dry conditions were found to have yolk in their guts (black arrows). PNAS Nexus 2025. DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf132 "We show that larger progeny survive longer than smaller ones, which is expected," the researchers explained. "However, hatchlings from desiccated large eggs are abnormally small but have more yolk as energy—and survive longer under starved conditions than hatchlings from normal eggs." In fact, among solitary locusts reared in dry conditions, small hatchlings lived 65 percent longer in the absence of food than their normal-sized counterparts. And small gregarious hatchlings birthed in dry conditions survived a whopping 230 percent longer than solitary eggs produced in wet conditions. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about locusts? Let us know via science@ Reference Maeno, K. O., Piou, C., Leménager, N., Ould Ely, S., Ould Babah Ebbe, M. A., Benahi, A. S., & Jaavar, M. E. H. (2025). Desiccated desert locust embryos reserve yolk as a "lunch box" for posthatching survival. PNAS Nexus, 4(5).
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Daily Record
Seven family days out in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park this summer
From zip lines to beekeeping, there is something for everyone. Summer is rapidly approaching, so time is running out to make plans. Every corner of Scotland has something to offer families looking for a fun staycation. When it comes to days out in nature, however, it is hard to beat the Cairngorms National Park. The national park, which was established in 2003, covers the Cairngorms range of mountains and the surrounding hills in the northeast of Scotland. The largest national park in the UK, there is a wealth of things to get up to. The Cairngorms offers opportunities for watersports, snowsports, wildlife watching, and much more. The Daily Record has rounded up seven of the most exciting family days out in the Cairngorms National Park over the coming months. From beekeeping sessions to a zip line park, there is bound to be something that appeals. Read on for seven of the best family days out in the Cairngorms National Park this summer. More information about family days out in the Cairngorms can be found on the Visit Cairngorms website. 1. Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie Highland Wildlife Park is a 105-hectare safari park and zoo near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park, home to more than 200 amazing and endangered animals. It is a gateway to the natural world, where visitors can experience nature and learn about the challenges facing wildlife. The attraction's Wildlife Discovery Centre is now open to explore. It features an interactive exhibition, a hilltop den where visitors can learn about the charity's conservation work, and new classrooms providing space for local communities to engage with the natural world. Newly on public display this summer at Highland Wildlife Park are female snow leopard Pari and two native felines in their Wild Cat Wood. Also new for summer 2025 is The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail, with the beloved children's story brought to life across the grounds. 2. Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge Visitors can experience this ancient forest eight metres high up in the tree canopy as part of the Red Squirrel Trail. It is ideal for everyone from little adventurers right through to grandparents. One of the highlights is Wild Water Coasters, which feature plenty of soaking twists and turns. Elsewhere, guests can take part in the RopeworX aerial adventure, skydive, and try their hand at the towering Pinnacle climbing wall. Meanwhile, the Dinosaur Kingdom features 22 life-sized roaring dinosaurs and is a must for dino fans of all ages. Visitors can also check out the Butterfly House, which is filled with butterflies, exotic flowers, tropical birds, tortoises, insects, and fish. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Landmark Forest Adventure Park website. 3. The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kingussie The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, at the lower end of Glen Feshie. It offers a wide selection of multi-sport activities on the loch for the whole family, and even dogs can join in on the fun. Guests can take their pick from 1.5 hour canoeing, kayaking or sailing—priced as little as £20. There is also the opportunity to rent out family-friendly pedalos, which can be hired for £40 for up to six people. There is no extra charge for dogs joining their owners on a kayak and paddleboard or yachting session. However, owners are responsible for making sure their pet is safe on the water. More information about bookings and prices can be found on The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre website. 4. Strathspey Railway, Aviemore This unique experience allows families to immerse themselves in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of a bygone era on a nostalgic train journey. On Strathspey Railway, visitors can journey through the stunning scenery between Aviemore, Boat of Garten, and Broomhill. The return trip takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes, and is usually steam-hauled—though subject to change. The Aviemore to Broomhill is timetabled to run and offers family discount tickets. There is also the opportunity to upgrade for an extra charge, with first-class travel and an Observation carriage both available. Travellers can even enjoy a light lunch experience or indulge in an Afternoon 'Steam' Tea. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Strathspey Railway website. 5. Beekeeping taster session, Loch Alvie For those who have ever wanted to try their hand at beekeeping, the Rowan Tree Country Hotel has its own apiary. The one-of-a-kind attraction is managed by a qualified beekeeper, offering tours to people interested in the secret life of bees. The beekeeper will provide an overview of how the bee colony functions, before the hive is carefully opened to show how busy it is. Beesuits and gloves are provided, though visitors will need to provide their own wellies or hiking boots. The beekeeping taster session can be booked by guests at the Rowan Tree Country Hotel or by non-residents. However, the latter will need to call or email to book. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Rowan Tree Country Hotel website. 6. Clay shooting experience and farm tours, Alvie and Dalraddy Estates Alvie and Dalraddy Estates near Aviemore both offer a selection of fun activities for anybody looking for a unique way to spend their summer. Clay shooting experience and farm tours are both available. The clay pigeon shooting ground has targets to suit all levels of ability, and is open to anybody over the age of 12. Experienced instructors will be on-site to ensure visitors hit as many clays as they can. Also on offer is a guided farm tour that will provide an interesting glimpse into traditional Highland farming life. Headed by a member of the Balchurn Home Farm team, visitors will meet Shorthorn and Simmental cattle, Blackface Sheep, Scotch Mule, and Cheviot Sheep. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Alvie and Dalraddy Estates website. 7. Killiecrankie Zip Park, Killiecrankie Killiecrankie Zip Park is a unique adventure zip park located in the Valley of Killiecrankie. It was created to offer an alternative adventure in the Perthshire area for thrill seeking families, couples, solo adventures, and groups. The park features a course linking a series of nine zip lines, with two crossing over the River Garry. Visitors can zip from tree to tree through the stunning valley of Killiecrankie at heights of up to 30 metres.
The Guardian
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Something playful': celebrating the art of endpapers in children's books
Once upon a time, endpapers – those little bits of real estate connecting the inside covers of hardcover books to the pages within – were a site of pure decoration, or maybe, as in the case of The Chronicles of Narnia, a map of a fantasy realm. More recently, illustrators have been reimagining just what endpapers can be – far from decorations or maps, they are now used to bookend and compliment the stories told in books in fascinating ways. 'The illustrator Shaun Tan described them as like quotation marks or parentheses around the story,' said Bruce Handy, a journalist and children's book author. 'In his mind it's a way of setting the story off. Kind of like an anteroom to the story, or like a transition into the story.' Handy has been thinking a lot about endpapers recently, as the curator of Open + Shut, an exhibition of endpapers that is currently running in Amherst's Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Eric Carle, the co-founder of the institution, is the creator of the immensely popular picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the museum has celebrated the world of picture books since its founding in 2002. With Open + Shut, it delves into an often overlooked, yet increasingly vital, part of these books. The show originated with Handy's children, who were his conduits to the picture book world. As Handy read these books to his children, he found himself 'falling in love' with picture books and he began to take note of just how important the endpapers were. 'I was intrigued by the many ways that artists were using them,' he told me. 'I was surprised at how much thought goes into endpapers.' Eventually, Handy found himself in a room where the New York Times keeps virtually every picture book released in a single year – sent to them by publishers keen for a review. He was poring over the titles for a feature he was writing on the best endpapers of the year, and that project planted a seed that has now been realized in Open + Shut. The show features over 50 titles, ranging from Life of Geoffrey Chaucer published in 1803 up through numerous titles from the 2020s, including Eliza Kinkz's illustrations in comedian Jesús Trejo's widely celebrated 2023 title Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock, and Christian Robinson's illustrations in Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman, the youngest presidential inaugural poet in US history. Handy explained how endpapers used to be mostly decorative in nature, but as printing became cheaper, illustrators began to have more freedom with what they could do with that real estate. 'Eventually the endpapers started turning into something like a commentary on the contents of the book, or something playful, like an Easter egg,' he said. Once of the nicer historical endpapers is a map of Ashdown Forest taken from a 1957 edition of AA Milne's The World of Pooh. Landmarks include 'Eeyores Gloomy Place' (noted as 'rather soggy and sad') and 'Sandy Pit Where Roo Plays.' The map offers a glimpse of a transitional moment where endpapers were beginning to interact with the substance of the book in creative ways, yet had not quite evolved to the state that one sees nowadays. 'There's this hand-drawn quality to it,' said Handy. 'It's drawn as if it were made by Christopher Robin, so there's all these misspellings and cute kinds of references and things.' By the time the 2000s rolled around, it was very common to have endpapers act as integrated elements into the overall story told by the book. Shaun Tan's 2006 graphic novel The Arrival uses only images to tell the rather bracing and at times traumatic story of an immigrant coming to a new land. The endpapers perfectly compliment this story by offering a gallery of snapshots in the style of passport or green card photos, showing a variety of people from all over the world. The endpapers act as a grounding device that sets the theme of immigration, paving the way for an allegory-like story that is focused around the cumbersome details of immigrating to and making a new life in a foreign place. In the picture book Inside Cat, the endpapers actually function as part of the story, as they help bookend the protagonist's journey from an indoor cat to one that gets out of the house and explores. 'At the beginning of the story, we can see the cat looking out the window trying to imagine what the world is like,' explained Handy. 'He gets stuff wrong in cute and funny ways. So in the front endpaper, the cat is in the house, and that's reflected in the house being shaped like a cat. At the end of the, book the cat steps outside for the first time, and the back endpaper shows the city in the shape of a cat. It's a great ending and a great image.' According to Handy, not all artists are fans of endpapers. 'Some artists see it as important as any other part of the book,' he told me. 'Other artists see it like, why should I do more work? Or they don't see the creative possibilities or really care.' It's a good reminder that, even as these parts of the bookmaking process can provide space for so much innovation and creativity, they are far from universal and remain very precious things when artists choose to embrace them. Insofar as that goes, Handy shared that curating Open + Shut has given him a new appreciation for this fascinating part of books. 'In curating this show, I've been surprised at how much thought goes into endpapers, how deeply so many artists care about it. There's so much variety to endpapers. They really see it as fundamental to the overall effect of the book.' Audiences are fortunate to have a chance to see that variety face to face and appreciate a new and emerging art form. Open + Shut: Celebrating the Art of Endpapers is on show at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst until 9 November 2025.
CNN
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The Barber Who Pays Kids to Read - CNN 5 Good Things - Podcast on CNN Audio
Krista Bo 00:00:00 'Hey there, it's a good day to look at the bright side, isn't it? People all over the world are playing ding-dong ditch for some fish. Plus... Billy Monger 00:00:09 That moment that you know felt like the end of the world and the world was sort of falling down around you has actually brought you to like this destination where you're doing this incredible thing. Krista Bo 00:00:19 This former race car driver had both of his legs amputated after a horrific crash, but his comeback story is nothing short of inspiring. From CNN, I'm Krista Bo, and this is 5 Good Things. Krista Bo 00:00:36 We all know how good a new haircut can feel. It's a confidence boost and a fresh start. At City Cuts Barbershop in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, they're taking that feeling a step further when kids show up for a fresh cut. Jon Escueta owns the barbershop. And in 2017, he noticed that some of the kids in his community were struggling with public speaking. Jon Escueta 00:00:59 So I figured, man, why not do something in the shop, so kind of get the public speaking and the comfortableness in order so they reach a certain age and it's a little easier rather than kind of have to work backwards. Krista Bo 00:01:10 He said he talked it over with his wife, and she suggested having his young clients read whenever they got a trim and to offer an incentive. John turned this brainstorm into a program called Books by Kids, where kids get paid $3 to read a book of their choice out loud, whenever they come in for a cut. Jon Escueta 00:01:27 I think three is a perfect number to kind of get them really, really interested because their eyes light up when you tell them you're getting paid to read. They're like, I am? And the goal is to improve their literacy and be more comfortable with public speaking. Krista Bo 00:01:41 There's no word or time limit. And John says toddlers to teens get involved. Jon Escueta 00:01:46 Just as long as we get the interaction and the effort with them, that's all that matters. Then you're gettin' paid. Krista Bo 00:01:52 'Over the last eight years, John says hundreds of kids have participated, over 1,000 books have been donated, and more than $14,000 has been raised to help pay the kids to read. And the results are transformative. Take it from seven-year-old Hunter Velarde. Barber (from City Cuts IG post) 00:02:07 What you reading? Hunter Velarde (from City Cuts IG Post) 00:02:11 On Monday, he ate one apple. Hunter Velarde 00:02:19 I feel good when I read that say cuts. I am gonna be reading a lot of books like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and Dr. Seuss. Krista Bo 00:02:34 Hunter joined the Books by Kids program a few years ago and said he's saving up the money he's earned for something special. Hunter Velarde 00:02:40 A drum set. Krista Bo 00:02:43 'Jon hopes to expand the program and start a scholarship fund for college-bound students. Krista Bo 00:02:50 Spring is finally here, which means it's also cherry blossom season. The famous pink and white flowers will bloom in cities around the world from late March to early May. This includes Washington, D.C., which is home to more than 3,500 cherry blossom trees and a famous National Cherry Blossom Festival that attracts millions of visitors each year. Peak bloom is actually expected this weekend. And this season, festival organizers invited visitors to take part in a tandem paddle boat race for a good cause. Race Announcer 00:03:22 On your marks, get set, paddle! (cheering) Catherine Brenner 00:03:28 We hosted our inaugural Stumpy's Petals and Paddles Race at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Fifty percent of the proceeds are going to the Trust for the National Mall's Cherry Tree Endowment Fund. So overall, helping restore and save the other trees in the area. Krista Bo 00:03:44 Catherine Brenner helped organize this new race, which is named after an iconic cherry blossom tree named Stumpy. The National Park Service unfortunately had to cut down the beloved tree as part of project to strengthen the Tidal Basin against flooding. Something experts say will allow these beautiful trees to continue to bloom for years to come. Catherine Brenner 00:04:03 Even my mother in Pennsylvania, like the background on her phone is a picture of Stumpy in bloom because it's just so adorable. Krista Bo 00:04:10 118 tourists and locals ranging from three to 70 years old entered the race. Catherine says teams were pretty creative. Catherine Brenner 00:04:18 One team's name was simply the unicorns, and they dressed up in inflatable unicorns. The peddling pandas wore panda onesies, so just a variety of things that made me really happy to see. Krista Bo 00:04:33 49 teams raced from the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial and back. CNN affiliate WJLA reports the winning team was a college student from Florida and his sister. Race Announcer 00:04:45 I see our winners! Krista Bo 00:04:45 Who finished the race in five minutes. They won $50 bucks and a Boating in DC season pass. Catherine says she's already thinking about next year's competition. Catherine Brenner 00:04:54 The Cherry Blossom Festival is such a big part of DC. So it's another way for people to enjoy the trees and of course know that they're giving back. But we also just wanted it to be a fun event. Shiloh Hill on TikTok 00:05:08 All right, nobody freak out, but I just want to let you guys know that it's finally fish doorbell season again, which is the most wonderful time of the year. Krista Bo 00:05:15 Shiloh Hill on TikTok is one of millions of people around the world hooked on a quirky invention in the Netherlands. The fish doorbell. It's a live stream where people can spot and report fish stuck at a canal lock in the Dutch city of Utrecht. And those fish are on an important mission. Mark van Heukelum 00:05:34 In springtime they want to travel upstream because they instinctively know that they're shallow water and also it contains a lot more water plants and those are very nice spots to lay their eggs. Krista Bo 00:05:47 Ecologist Mark van Heukelem noticed a lot of fish would get stuck in a traffic jam outside the main canal lock. Mark van Heukelum 00:05:53 It's like one big maze for these fish. And it's a big problem because fish are so important for a good water ecosystem and for good water quality. And if they have to wait a long time for a lock or for an other obstacle, it's real big challenge for these fish. Krista Bo 00:06:09 The lock stays shut most of the time to manage boat traffic and water levels this time of year. And it's hard to see the trapped fish because the water's murky, making them easy prey for predators. So Mark's idea was simple, but clever. An underwater camera streams live to the website which is Dutch for fish doorbell. Mark van Heukelum 00:06:30 As soon as you push the button, the doorbell on our website, then a photo or screenshot is made from the live stream and then we see which fish and how many fish are on the photo. And from all the photos we can see, we can decide whether it's a good time to start and open the lock for the fish. Krista Bo 00:06:50 They've got to be selective because it takes an hour to open the lock by hand. The fish doorbell's now in its fifth year, and they say over nine million people from all over the world watched the livestream last year, ringing the bell over 40,000 times. So one small click for you can be a big swim for them that'll help native fish thrive. Pig 00:07:16 (Pig grunting) Krista Bo 00:07:16 Does this pig sound stressed to you? That's what researchers in the UK are trying to figure out. Prof. Melvyn Smith 00:07:22 The idea that a machine can tell the emotional state of an animal, perhaps in a way that we can't, I think could be really interesting. Krista Bo 00:07:30 Scientists from the University of the West of England, Bristol, and Scotland's Rural College are developing a product called Intellipig. This technology aims to help farmers better understand the highly intelligent and emotional animals with AI, so they could step in sooner if something's wrong. Prof. Melvyn Smith 00:07:48 What IntelliPig really aims to do is to develop a pig health station that could be integrated into an automated feeder. So there would be a camera built into the feeder and some lighting, looking at the animal's face as it goes to feed. And then the camera image would be processed by an AI algorithm. Krista Bo 00:08:06 Professor Melvyn Smith says the AI algorithm is learning what each pig looks like and capturing data about their expressions and emotional state. Over time, they think and tell a pig can build a picture, quite literally, of how that animal tends to look when it's stressed, in pain, or doing just fine. Prof. Melvyn Smith 00:08:23 Because that's something I was very good at doing, finding features that we can't detect. Krista Bo 00:08:28 Professor Smith says most pig emotion research has focused on signs of stress or discomfort. But with this new technology, they want to change that. Prof. Melvyn Smith 00:08:36 We're trying to expand the spectrum from the negative into the positive. The next step is very much to expand this from the face to the whole animal to be more holistic, seeing how the animal is moving, how it holds itself. Krista Bo 00:08:50 Smith and his team aren't alone. Scientists around the world are turning to AI to decipher the facial expressions of all kinds of animals, from dogs and cats to sheep and horses. This kind of technology could be a game changer that would help us understand and treat animals better. Krista Bo 00:09:08 No legs, no limits. Meet the man who turned a tragedy into triumph and shattered a world record in one of the world's toughest races. We'll be right back. Krista Bo 00:09:20 'A split second changed Billy Monger's life forever. At just 17-years-old, the rising British race car driver was chasing his dream on the track until a horrific crash during a Formula Four race turned his world upside down. The accident was so severe, Billy had to have both of his legs amputated. But instead of letting tragedy slow him down, he decided to chase a different kind of race. Billy Monger 00:09:47 The only time I ever actually think about it now, I'd say, is in moments like when I crossed the finish line and I could call myself a world record holder. Krista Bo 00:09:56 'Last October, the now 25-year-old broke the world record for the fastest double amputee to complete an Iron Man. And for Billy, crossing the finish line was more than just setting a record. It was a powerful reminder of how far he had come. Billy Monger 00:10:11 You think back to that moment and those dark times and I think it's more just like pride more than anything. That moment that you know felt like the end of the world and the world was sort of falling down around you has actually brought you to like this destination where you're doing this incredible thing. Krista Bo 00:10:26 'He set the record at the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, which is considered one of the hardest endurance events in the world. He trained for a year to complete the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and a full marathon. Battling jellyfish, gusty winds, and scorching heat, he finished the race in 14 hours and 23 minutes, two hours faster than the previous record. Billy Monger 00:10:51 I was basically my own car, I was my own engine, I was my fuel, like slightly different to motorsport in a way where I wasn't having to rely on other people for this challenge. Krista Bo 00:10:59 but it wasn't just about personal triumph. Billy competed to raise money for Comic Relief, a British charity fighting global poverty. Billy Monger 00:11:07 This world record was positive for me and it gave me a lot, but also knowing for others that was a big fuel for the fire. Krista Bo 00:11:13 And Billy isn't done. He's got his sights set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, where he hopes to represent Great Britain in the Paratriathlon. His story is proof that even when the road ahead looks impossible, every small step forward counts. Krista Bo 00:11:35 All right, that's all for now. Join us tomorrow for the next edition of One Thing. CNN's Arlette Saenz joins David Rind to break down why a state Supreme Court race next week is getting national attention. Krista Bo 00:11:47 Five Good Things is a production of CNN Audio. This episode was produced by Eryn Mathewson and me, Krista Bo. Our senior producers are Felicia Patinkin and Faiz Jamil. Matt Dempsey is our production manager. Dan Dzula is our technical director, and Steve Lichteig is the executive producer of CNN Audio. Krista Bo 00:12:04 We get support from Joey Salvia, Haley Thomas, Alex Manasseri, Robert Mathers, Jon Dianora, Leni Steinhardt, Jamus Andrest, Nichole Pesaru, and Lisa Namarow. Special thanks to Amanda Davies and Wendy Brundige. And thank you for listening. And if you like the show, please consider giving us a good rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or sharing it with a friend. It helps us spread the good vibes. Take care. Till next time.
USA Today
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Story from Explore Western Mass: Why Western Massachusetts is your next great family getaway
Explore Western Mass If you're planning a family trip for the next school break or long weekend, how about a destination offering unique attractions for the whole family? Whether you're traveling when there's still snow on the ground or after spring has sprung, there's a wealth of fun attractions and activities to explore in Western Massachusetts. Here's just a sampling of what you can discover. Oh, the places you'll go! Did your kids grow up reading Dr. Seuss books? If so, you'll want to check out the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, the town where Dr. Seuss—also known as Theodor Geisel—was born in 1904. Kids will enjoy the lively exhibits and interactive play stations. Even better, time your visit to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2). Then, stop at the nearby Springfield Science Museum, where budding scientists can indulge their curiosity about the natural sciences, anthropology and physical sciences. Through May 4, the Robot Zoo exhibit will explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots to discover how real animals work. Make sure to save time for a Seymour Planetarium show to further ignite their imaginations—the sky's the limit. Hungry for more? Take a trip through The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other beloved stories at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, where your children can learn how their favorite books were created. This venue is a slam dunk Did you know Springfield, Massachusetts, is also the birthplace of basketball? For fans of the world's most popular sport, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a must-see. Learn about the game from its very beginnings to today, experience the fun interactive exhibits and then test your skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." The Hall of Fame also hosts events year-round, so it's best to check their calendar before planning your trip. One highlight is Hooplandia, the Northeast's Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney and Festival in June. Shine a little light on the subject Creative kids will have a "scentsational" experience at the Yankee Candle® Village in South Deerfield, offering special events all year, including live music, games, seasonal attractions — and even the chance to create your own custom scent in a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Kids and kids-at-heart will be dazzled by the 7-foot-tall gumball machine and over 125 different types of candy. You can also enjoy craft beer, pizza, wraps and salads to fuel your visit. Make sure not to miss the awe-inspiring Candle Emporium featuring 200,000 candles. Get outdoorsy together While your kids may not be as awed by the area's stunning natural beauty as you are, the range of outdoor activities will thrill them. During winter, you can choose from numerous area resorts for activities, including skiing and snow tubing, such as Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont, for tons of family-friendly outdoor fun. Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, offers year-round activities, including cycling, boating, fishing, paddle sports and more. Adventure seekers will definitely want to check out Zoar Outdoor when the weather warms up. Offering whitewater rafting, paddlesports clinics, a zip line canopy tour, guided river kayaking and lodging, there's something for adventurers of all abilities. The ultimate family fun spot From April through October, you'll thrill the family with a day or two at Six Flags New England in Agawam, which offers exciting rides suitable for various ages, plus water rides, live shows, family entertainment, dining, shopping and more. Check the website for hours, reservations and other information to help you make plans before booking your travel. Entertainment galore You'll find all kinds of entertainment options for your family at the MGM Springfield Casino. While those under 21 aren't allowed on the casino floor, there's so much more to this resort that will make your family vacation memorable, including the city's only AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel (which also offers dog-friendly accommodations), ice rink, bowling alley, movie theater, rooftop pool, concerts and numerous dining options — not to mention close proximity to dozens of area attractions. Whatever makes your vacay special, you'll find it in Western Massachusetts. Plan your next amazing family adventure at
