Discover 7 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, MA
Whether you’re a permanent resident or just passing through, there are plenty of fun things to do in Worcester. Explore architectural wonders, shop at markets, wander in parks – there’s no shortage of adventures to be had, if you know where to look. Here’s a list of seven fun activities in Worcester that are sure to keep you entertained and enthralled.
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1. Explore the EcoTarium
This storied institution has been known by many names and inhabited many locations, but since its founding in 1825, the dedication to science and nature education has never ebbed. Today, the EcoTarium features exciting exhibits both permanent and traveling, as well as a planetarium, wildlife and play areas. Part zoo, part museum, visitors of all ages will find plenty here to engage with, from the owl and eagle enclosures to the otter pool to Siegfried the Stegosaurus.
2. Visit the Worcester Public Market
A convenient combination of food market and food hall, the Worcester Public Market is a place that offers many options. Take your pick from the 24 vendors that occupy the space, providing a wide range of local and international cuisine. Beyond food, there are also specialty goods available for sale, such as jewelry and gift items, not to mention canned coffee from Monsoon Roastery and Brazilian delicacies like brigadeiros from Sweet Pan Gourmet. Worcester Public Market is a must-visit location whenever you’re in the Canal District.
3. Discover the Worcester Center for Crafts
Since 1856, the Worcester Center for Crafts has empowered and championed local crafters in the Worcester region. When it began, it taught skills that helped immigrants make and sell their crafts. Today, its mission has broadened to promote creativity to all by providing education, community and opportunities to exhibit and sell crafts. All manner of arts is represented, including ceramics, glass works, metal, photography, fiber and even healing. Even if you’re not an artist yourself, you can support local artists by purchasing their goods at the center’s shop.
4. Experience Live Entertainment
If you’re drawn to performance art, Worcester provides a rich landscape of possibilities. A local favorite is the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, beloved not just for the variety of shows but for the breathtaking beauty of the venue itself.
A cavernous ceiling and majestic, ornate trim only add to the ambiance when viewing musical, theater and dance productions. Also worth noting is the popular Palladium, a historic concert venue that welcomes a variety of acts throughout the year.
5. Escape to Nature
Enjoy the great outdoors at one of the many parks located in the Worcester region. Small parks, like the historic Elm Park, offer a peaceful setting with picturesque trails, while larger parks, like Green Hill Park, offer a more robust array of amenities and sports fields. For those who love water sports and fishing, Quinsigamond State Park is ideal.
6. Enjoy Architectural Gems
Like much of New England, Worcester is home to many old, beautiful buildings. Some of the most famous ones are worth a trip, such as Bancroft Tower, a 56-foot-high structure made of stone that looks very much like an authentic castle. There’s also Salisbury Mansion, originally built in 1772, which now operates as a historic house museum. Impressive on both the outside and the inside, Union Station in downtown Worcester is most definitely worth a visit. And, of course, we can’t forget Worcester City Hall, a building where much of the city’s rich history has taken place.
7. Marvel at Murals
Whether tucked away or on full display, the murals of Worcester are worth seeking out and experiencing in person. Discover the vibrant bird on the side of the Palladium, marvel at the multidimensional, 50-foot mural on the side of the Hanover Theatre (which was created with more than 500 cans of spray paint), and gaze at the rainbow of colors on the side of Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, to start.
Get to Know Worcester, MA
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