This is a fantastic urban National Park that helps you understand the history of Massachusetts and America during the Industrial Revolution. Lowell was a key player in Textile and shoe manufacturing, and the exhibits bring to life what was crucial to that place and era for making that happen. This is a park where you walk from building to building (sometimes on cobblestone, so don’t wear heels!) as well as have the opportunity to jump on a quick little train between sites. Also, if the weather is good, don’t miss the opportunity to take one of the guided boat rides along the canal, learning the importance of the river to the running of the factories. Amongst all of this is the current, modern world of downtown Lowell, with great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, galleries and more. Combine your visit with the annual HUGE, FREE Lowell Folk Festival, which runs the last weekend of July every year. This “folk” festival is not “American folk” (e.g., Peter, Paul, and Mary) — but folk music from all over the world! Typical examples are Nigerian, Brazilian, Celtic, Acadian, Indian, Cape Verdean, Ghanaian, etc., as well as American Delta Blues, Cajun, etc. And there are food offerings from local immigrant groups from all over the world also, such as Laotian, Portuguese, Nigerian, Greek, etc. It really is phenomenal and should be on everyone’s bucket list! The festival is also held all over downtown, at various parks, churchyards, and in the streets. LOTS of fun stuff for kids to do!