Families in Worcester looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors are in luck. Here are 10 great ideas to spend time outside this summer.
From biking to hiking and swimming to swinging, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? Most of these outdoor activities are free.
Take a Bike Ride Across Worcester
The Blackstone River Bikeway starts in Worcester near the intersection of McKeon Road and Paul Clancy Way.
The roughly 3.5 mile bike route in Worcester takes riders from McKeon Road, crosses Blackstone River Road, down to Millbury Street to McCraken Road and into Millbury.
The Blackstone River Greenway continues from Millbury to Tockwotton Park in Providence, R.I. See the route and details here.
Cool Off at the City’s Beaches, Spray parks and Pool
Worcester’s beaches and spray parks and the pool at Crompton Park opened on July 1, with the exception of Indian Lake Beach with is closed due to staffing issues.
The spray parks at East Park on Shrewsbury Street and Greenwood Park at 14 Forsberg St. will be open seven days a week until 7 PM from now until Labor Day.
The pool at Crompton Park and all city beaches – Bell Pond, John J. Binienda Memorial Beach at Coes Pond, and Shore Park – will be open from July 1 through Aug. 22.
Take a Hike on the East Side Trail or East-West Trail
The East Side Trail is about 3.5 miles between East Park on Shrewsbury Street and the Coal Mine Brook and Lake Quinsigamond. On the East Side trail, you can check out Chandler Park, Bell Pond, Green Hill Park and more.
The East-West Trail is roughly 12 miles of hiking paths between Rural Cemetery on Grove Street and Boynton Park off Mower Street. The trail takes you to Institute Park, Salisbury Park, Newton Hill, Elm Park, Beaver Brook, Columbus Park, around Coes Reservoir, up Airport Hill and to the Cascades.
Explore the Cascades
Did you know there’s a small waterfall in Worcester?
Check out Cascades Park on Cataract Street. Known for its hiking trails and cascading waterfall into Cook Pond, Cascades Park is a popular summer exploration site in Worcester.
See a map of the Cascades Hiking Trails from Greater Worcester Land Trust here.
Take Your Pup to One of Worcester’s Dog Parks
There are three great dog parks in Worcester at Vernon Hill field, Beaver Brook park and downtown on Green Street.
All dogs are required to have a City of Worcester dog license on them at all times, required to have their vaccinations up-to-date, must be older than 6 months of age and a maximum of two dogs per adult/owner are allowed.
- Vernon Hill Dog Park is located at 144 Providence St. – Map
- Beaver Brook Dog Park is located at 27 Mann St. – Map
- Downtown Dog Park is located at 38 Green St. – Map
Check Out a Summer Fitness Series Class
The City of Worcester’s Fitness in the Parks returned for its third year this summer. Fitness in the Parks provides free, family-friendly classes throughout the city’s parks from now through Sept. 13. Classes include yoga, basketball, Zumba, salsa, flag football and more.
Fitness classes are held at 12 city parks, including on the Worcester Common, East Park and Lake Park.
The program is sponsored by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation in partnership with the City of Worcester, the YWCA Central Massachusetts, the Latino Education Institute, and UMass Chan Medical School.
For more information about the program schedule and class information, visit the YWCA Central Massachusetts at ywcacm.org/fitness-in-the-parks.
Head to One of Worcester’s Many Parks and Playgrounds
There are over 50 parks and playgrounds in Worcester, each with their own unique space. There’s no shortage of fields, courts, play areas, fishing spots, walking paths and more.
Check out the map of parks and playgrounds here:
Tee Off at Green Hill Municipal Golf Course
Described by many as one of Worcester’s best “hidden gems,” Green Hill Municipal Golf Course at 1929 Officer Manny Familia Way is an affordable 18-hole course with a driving range, putting green and home to Grill on the Hill, a restaurant, bar and function room with some of the best views of Worcester.
To book a tee time, click here.
Buckets of golf balls at the driving range start at just $5.
Take the Revolutionary Worcester Tour
Searching for the perfect opportunity to get outside, explore Worcester and learn about the city’s rich history? Try the self-guided Revolutionary Main Street tour from Worcester’s Revolution.
The 16-stop tour in downtown Worcester starts at the Salisbury Mansion and ends on Lincoln Street with stops at the site of the schoolhouse where America’s second president John Adams taught, and the site of Isaiah Thomas’ home, publisher of the Massachusetts Spy.
Visit the Alpacas and Other Animals at Green Hill Park Farm
Another of the many highlights of Green Hill Park is the Green Hill Park Farm, home to farm animals like alpacas, goats, chickens and more.
The farm is open year round and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 2:45 PM. The farm is free of charge and open to the public.
Animals at the Farm include:
- Alpacas
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Goats
- Llamas
- Mini-horse
- Peafowl
- Pheasants
- Pigs
- Sheep
Lead image: Goats at Green Hill Park Farm/Courtesy of City of Worcester
