Welcome to Patch Picks. This list highlights the editor's picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off,  and more. 

Early release Thursdays start up again on April 4 and last through mid-May; and school vacation is just a couple of weeks away, so Patch has ideas on day trips for families.

Today's Patch Picks focuses on stay-cations or day trips: 

1. EcoTarium in Worcester. It is a "unique indoor-outdoor museum." Families can "take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium, meet wildlife, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits."

2. The Children's Discovery Museum and the Science Discovery Museum, both in Acton, "are places for youngsters with participation activities for the parents and the kids exploring science theory."

3. Garden in the Woods is the "New England Wild Flower Society's living museum. It showcases more than 1,000 flora varieties of indigenous to New England. The landscape transforms as the seasons shift, offering visitors a different experience with every stroll. Public tours are offered once daily." The popular venus also offers numerous educational programs for a fee.

4. National Heritage Museum in Lexington. "Opened in 1975 by the Freemasons, National Heritage Museum offers a variety of exhibits, programs and family friendly special events covering American life across four centuries."

5. Danforth Museum of Art just celebrated its 35th year. "The Museum focuses on American Art from the 18th Century to today. It has permanent galleries and temporary exhibits featuring contemporary artists."