Plan Your Visit

Family Activities and Tours

Encouraging a Sense of Wonder through Exploration and Discovery

For families with children, Canterbury Shaker Village offers family tours, the Family Activity Center, workshops that encourage adult/child participation, and special event activities.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Canterbury Shaker Village has nearly 700 acres of forests, fields, gardens, and ponds under permanent conservation easement, as well as the Turning Mill Pond trail to explore.

Enjoy a Day Together
In the Power House Family Activity Center, children can try hands-on crafts, play games and dress up as 19th-century Shakers. Children can also browse through our collection of books on the Shakers, nature, farming, as well as some classics.  The Center is open May to October, and is staffed weekdays during summer vacation months. Responsible adults must accompany children at all times in the Center.

The Family Tour
The Family Tour is a kid-friendly alternative tour for families with children ages three and up. The tour incorporates fun and engaging activities including Shaker singing and dancing, and hands-on activities in the Laundry and School House. The tour is offered weekdays during summer vacation months and weekends in September and October. Responsible adults must accompany children on the Shaker Family Tour.

Nature Trails
Enjoy miles of trails or a leisurely walk around the pond. Maps of the Turning Mill Pond Trail are available at the Admissions Desk. This trail includes forest, field and pond habitats, beaver lodges, the historic Pump Mill, and remnants of the Shaker mill pond system. It is an engaging visit into the Shaker Village’s natural world.

Interested in a Family Membership? Click here for details.