Indonesian Digital News Archive: Ludlow

Ludlow Reservoir, Ludlow, MA

One of the few times that we've brought our 8 month old out in a stroller was at the Ludlow Reservoir. Since the path is paved, it's perfect for bikes, wagons, strollers, joggers, etc. The first time we visited our baby was in a sling and I took the top two photos while sitting on a large rock nursing. We went about a mile out each time, for a total walk of two miles. Some of the side trails are open but many are signed clearly that you may not access them.
There are no restrooms, but there is a porta-potty off to the left a bit down the way.
Parking is free.

Ludlow Reservoir (also called Springfield Reservoir)

Lupa Zoo, Ludlow, MA

Update:

My recent visit here was excellent. The zoo has put a lot of work into improving the landscaping, the insides and outsides of the enclosures, the seating areas. Even the signage directing you around looked fresh and was helpful. The playground had been reinvigorated, too. In all, the facility looked so well cared for, and the attention to detail was remarkable. I was so impressed, especially with my memory of a previous visit around 2006.
I highly recommend visiting here.

Original Post:

There is plenty of parking here, right when you pull in. Pay at the gate and buy food if you care to.
Once you're in, wander where you will. They have a very wide variety of animals.
This is not the most wonderful zoo in the world. Some cages are so thick with bars and mesh that the animals can't be seen. Some areas are not cared for or are stinky. However, compared to the higher profile Southwick Zoo, Lupa compared favorably in these areas. All zoos are smelly, and all except for a prize few have too many bars on the cages.

A small train ride is adjacent to the giraffes, who have their own viewing area up a staircase.

You can leave Lupa Zoo feeling nickle and dimed, as there are separate charges to enter, for animal food, for seeing the giraffe, for the giraffe food, for the train ride.... catch the drift? On the other hand, the admission price is really reasonable, compared to similar attractions.

Bring a lunch.

Restrooms are located in the main zoo building. As far as I know this is the only restroom location, so use it the first time you pass or you may be backtracking quite a bit.

Lupa Zoo

Randall's Farm, Ludlow MA

This market is a grocery, a greenhouse, and ice cream stop (Elsie's Creamery). In the greenhouse section kids can watch koi in a pond as well as a friendly frog who likes to hang out there.

If you are shopping the nursery, you may use a little red wagon to drag around either purchases or your kids.
Randall's is best right around Halloween. Not only can you get a pumpkin of every shape,size and color, there are numerous other attractions. A large corn maze (a bit expensive), a smaller hay bale maze (free), wagon rides, and lots of other kid activities including animals to pet. Inside you can get a great cup of coffee, delicious baked goods, or if you are in the mood to buy a lunch, an awesome sandwich.

We have always been impressed with the quality of the plants, the food, and the displays in the greenhouse. It is clear that the management and staff here care about the jobs they do.

There is plenty of parking here, except during the very busiest weekend of pumpkin season, where overflow parking is relegated to fields in the back.
There is one, clean and spacious, restroom.

Randall's Farm

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Ludlow Reservoir, Ludlow, MA

Lupa Zoo, Ludlow, MA

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