10 summertime things to do in Natick, Massachusetts

There’s lots to do in the summer time in Natick. Here are our top-10 choices for fun in town 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 (West Street – next to the Natick High School), is open and available to both Natick residents and non-residents daily through Sunday, August 13. The beachfront area features changing rooms, a snack stand, and dock.

Beach hours
Mondays-Fridays: noon-7pm
Saturdays & Sundays: noon-6pm

Rates for Natick residents range from $4 for a daily pass for ages 60+ on up to $160 for a season pass for households of four or more. The household/family plan passes are for Natick residents only. Rates are higher for non-residents who would like to use the pond, You can see the entire pricing structure here. Lifeguards are on duty and swim lessons are available (but classes fill up fast).

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.

5) Ice cream at Park Street, Maggie & Milo’s, and Dairy Queen

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.

Summer hours:
Monday-Thursday: noon-9pm
Friday: noon-10pm
Saturday: 11:30am-10pm
Sunday: noon-9pm

Maggie & Milo’s opened up at 57 Eliot St., in South Natick in 2021, 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. In addition to ice cream, they’ve got hot dogs and savory snacks.

Summer hours:
Monday-Thur: noon-9pm
Friday: noon-10pm
Saturday: 11:30am-10pm
Sunday: noon-9pm

Dairy Queen (323 N. Main St.)
Summer hours: 11am-9:30pm, daily

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.

We often hit the trails behind Leonard Morse Hospital. It’s one of the town’s quiet hiking spots, and there’s ample parking. Last summer we sparred with the punching bag in the pull-up/chin-up bar area before exploring the other fitness options along the trail. We’ll check back to see if that bag is still there or if it finally had enough of our fierce body blows.

More on Natick Trails here.

7) Catch live theater by Natick’s newest performing arts group

Actors Company of Natick, a 2022 addition to the area’s theater scene, is on a mission to create art with a purpose. This summer’s production is the Tony Award-winning musical, “Into The Woods.” The show will run July 21-July 30, at the Keiter Center for the Performing Arts, located at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts (146 Bacon St, Natick).

“Into The Woods” intertwines the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, exploring the consequences of pursuing one’s wishes and the unforeseen challenges that arise on the path to happiness. With a delightful blend of humor, heart, and poignant storytelling, this production is set to transport audiences into a world of fantasy and self-discovery.

Tickets here.

8) Get artsy at Natick Nights, visit Art Alley, then catch dinner at a Natick Center restaurant

Every Thursday night during the summer, neighbors can find food, shopping, music, and family-friendly fun in the Natick Cultural District during Natick Nights. Every Thursday night, 5pm-7:30pm features a different theme and schedule of events.

The activity continues with the Concerts on the Common series at the gazebo on Natick Common—the July 6 lineup includes music by Jam Sandwich, 5pm-7:30pm, directly followed by The Max Klau Band.

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. The Adams Street Art Alley will feature beer, wine, food, and music on July 13 & 27.

 

While you’re out and about, try out one of Natick Center’s great restaurants. You can bring the family for pizza at Comella’s (45 Main St.); enjoy Mediterranean fare at Dates and Olives (28 N. Main St.); or go a bit beyond the Cultural District for Chinese and Japanese cuisine at Shanghai & Tokyo (55 E. Central St.). Here’s our Natick Restaurants page for a listing of all the places in town from Natick Center to route 9.

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.

Natick Post 107 will host the 2023 Senior Department Championship Tournament. The Tournament will be held at Natick’s Mahan Field beginning on Saturday, July 22, 2023. More info on times to follow.

10) Visit the Natick Farmers Market

The Natick Farmer’s Market is officially in its summer home located outdoors on the Common and offers over 30 vendors, live music, and an all-around great vibe. Please leave your pets at home per Health Department regulations.

DATE: Every Saturday (year-round)
TIME: 9am-1pm
LOCATION: Natick Common

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