There’s lots to do in the summer time in Natick. Here’s our top-10 list things to do in Natick on summer days and nights. Don’t see your favorite? Let us know at natickreport@gmail.com
1) Dug Pond
Natick’s favorite place to cool off, Memorial Beach at Dug Pond, is open and available to both Natick residents and non-residents through Sunday, August 14.
Beach hours:
Mon.-Fri: noon-7pm
Sat. & Sun: noon-6pm
There’s a complicated pricing structure you can study up on here before you go. Lifeguards are on duty and swim lessons are available (but classes fill up fast). No concession stand this year. The changing rooms and bathrooms are open, but the showers are not available. Docks and ladders are in the water, the diving board will be closed indefinitely. Sounds like a lot of rules to take in, but once you feel that breeze come across the beach, and you’re splashing around in the water, the summertime vibe just takes over.
2) Bike the Cochituate Rail Trail
The Cochituate Rail Trail is a 4-mile multi-use trail that runs from Natick Center to Saxonville in Framingham. The trail officially opened in late 2021 and has been an instant hit among cyclists, runners, and walkers for its smooth, paved surface that covers defunct train tracks. We like to park in the lot adjacent to Navy Yard Field at 41 South St., or at the circle at the end of Chrysler Road next to Home Depot and access the trail there.
3) Mini-golf at Village Green
Colonial-themed Village Green with its Ben Franklin statue and Statue of Liberty replica, historic-themed buildings, and huge center flag pole is a route 9 institution. Management seems always one step ahead of upkeep needs at the tidy 315 Worcester St., recreational spot, popular with families as well as the dating crowd. Prices are reasonable, and you win a free round if you sink a hole-in-one on #18.
4) Big golf at Sassamon Trace Golf Course
Sassamon Trace is a nine-hole executive length golf course designed in the classic tradition with the beginning golfer in mind. The public course, located at 233 South Main St., opened in 2001.
Lessons are available, as are leagues for men, women, and juniors. The course hosts events such as an upcoming tournament to support the Natick Sons & Daughters of Italy. Register for the Sept. 16 event here.
5) Ice cream at Park Street and Maggie & Milo’s
Park Street Ice Cream Shoppe at 14 Park St., on Natick Common has been a family-owned town classic since 1980. Get your cones, sundaes, milk shakes and more at their indoor counter or the outdoor take-out window. They’ve got standard flavors like vanilla, chocolate, mint chip and more, but Park Street isn’t afraid to get a little wild with stuff like coffee oreo, vanilla lemon meringue, and orange pineapple chip.
Maggie & Milo’s opened up at 57 Eliot St., in South Natick last summer, and the neighborhood (and those beyond) instantly embraced the place, owned by the folks who supply you with caffeine at the Charles River Coffee House. Maggie and Milo’s has had a late start this summer due to a staffing shortage, but we’ve seen their “open” flag flying during a few recent drive-bys (not that we’re stalking them for the salted caramel pretzel frappes we got addicted to last summer, or anything). In addition to ice cream, they’ve got hot dogs and savory snacks.
6) Fitness Trail behind Leonard Morse Hospital & other Natick trails
Editor’s note: the placement of a fitness activity directly after the ice cream listing was intentional.
During the early days of COVID, we often hit the trails behind Leonard Morse Hospital. It was a time when every other hiking area in town seemed overrun with desperate people who had never hiked before, and therefore knew only of the most obvious spots they’d previously driven by.
During a recent visit to the area, we were pleasantly surprised to see the addition of a punching bag to the pull-up/chin-up bar area. Since we are way better at hitting the bag than pulling or chinning ourselves up, we’re pretty happy about the new fitness arrival.
7) Catch live theater by Natick’s newest performing arts group
Actors Company of Natick is a new theater company, on a mission to create art with a purpose, and they’re starting out strong with overlapping performances this summer of Julius Caesar, July 22-30 and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, July 23-31, both taking place at Kennedy Middle School’s brand-new 450-seat auditorium.
8) Visit Art Alley then catch dinner at a Natick Center restaurant
If you’ve never heard of Art Alley, seek out the creative spot, tucked away on Adams Street in Natick Center. You could think of Art Alley as a gallery that’s open 24/7, an eclectic outdoor installation, an ongoing public art project, or a combination of all three. Look for Ginger McEachern’s UnconVENTional Garden; Denise Girardin’s peacelovenatick01760; Wings of the Butterfly; and more.
After, try out one of Natick Center’s great restaurants. The newest addition is 7 South Bottle + Kitchen, an American comfort food spot located in the former Dolphin seafood location. Also nearby are Agostino’s (Italian); Buttercup (farm-to-table); Dah-Mee (Asian), and more.
9) Catch a Legion baseball game
Head over to Mahan Field near the high school and catch high quality Natick Legion baseball during the day or under the lights.
10) Go to the Natick Cultural District on a Thursday night
Food, shopping, music, and family-friendly fun is on the agenda every Thursday night during Natick Nights in the Natick Cultural District. Every Thursday night features a different theme and schedule of events.
Coming up on July 21:
5pm-7:30pm—The annual summer ArtWalk festival. Downtown Natick’s largest summer arts festival will feature painters, photographers, potters, jewelry-makers, quilters, glass artists and mixed media artists who will show and sell their work in conjunction with many of the center’s businesses. Washington Street in Natick Center will also be closed to vehicular traffic during the event for outdoor dining, and local restaurants will have booths set up on the street.
7:30pm-9pm—Los Goutos will bring their modern Americana music to the Common.
Thanks so much for the shout out for All Alley! The 7 artists at The Studios @ 3 Adams LOVE seeing guests out enjoying all the public art in the alley! We appreciate you appreciating it too!