Location: Needham
Top Things to do in Needham
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What to do and see in Needham, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Needham is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. A suburb of Boston, its population was 28,886 at the 2010 census. It is home to the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, an engineering school.
Restaurants in Needham
1. Arlekin Players Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
The mission of Arlekin Players Theatre is twofold: 1) to enrich, educate and entertain the audience by adapting classical and contemporary Russian literature in a playful and thought provoking way; 2) to build meaningful connections between Russian and American cultures through shared human experience.
Reviewed By tatianat157 - Boston, Massachusetts
When you meet a group of people, so passionate and dedicated to the art of theatre, you cannot help but be inspired by their enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism. Being a small troupe, Arlekin Players Theatre staged some broadway level performances that left me in awe...MoreHow wonderful to hear that you had a great experience. Thank you for joining us and supporting us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
2. Lake Waban
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By robertinSJ - San Jose, California
A nice easy walk around the pond. The scenery on September was beautiful and there were swans on the lake. Great morning walk.
3. Noanet Woodlands
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Follow a network of trail across a grand preserve that features woodlands and ponds, a former mill site, and Noanet Peak, which offers views of the Boston skyline.
Reviewed By Annabella G - Newton, MA
This is beautiful spot with some lovely trails, but people not following the rules spoil the experience.
Dogs are supposed to be kept on a leash under most circumstances, but almost no one has their dogs leashed. This is a terrible place to go if you are bothered by dogs because almost everyone has one. Unfortunately, this also means that not everyone properly cleans up after their dogs so you must be careful not to step in dog mess (in fact while we were there on a busy spring morning we actually watching people walking ahead of us let their dog take a dump and just leave on the trail).
The pond is pretty and the old mill site is picturesque. It's a shame that the nature is spoiled by bad actors.
Parking is limited (see the Trustees of Reservations website for more details).
4. Fenway Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Hallowed ground to baseball purists, this cozy, quirky park has been the Boston Red Sox home field since 1912. The most distinctive feature of this classic baseball park is the 37-foot-tall left field wall, known as the "Green Monster."
Reviewed By burnboy - Sunrise, Florida
Fenway is one of the greatest places to see baseball how it is meant to be. Hot (or Cold) but close to the players and with an atmosphere unlike any modern stadium. Food isn't that great but that isn't why you come here.
5. Newton Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
An active cemetery for more than 160 years and an accredited arboretum, Newton Cemetery is a private, non-profit organization serving the needs of all faiths for Newton and the Boston area. Founded in 1855 during the garden cemetery movement, the picturesque grounds are open daily and the public is welcome to explore.
Reviewed By juliecrosson - Newton, Massachusetts
I've lived across from the cemetery for 8 yrs. It took the tree tour to get me to go in.
The trees are majestic and take the stroller to another place in time. The gravestones varied in artistic choices, centuries, names and cultures stimulate the imagination. A pair of ducks lolled around the pond. I didn't know such a lovely place was there all along, 50 yards across the street. The tree tour was given by a well-informed arborist and it was fun to learn the names of trees, their distinguishing features, and discover this lovely place along with others.
6. Charles River Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Surrounded on three sides by the river, this restored grassland field is accessible by either foot or boat.
Reviewed By Reggie C - Germany
This park is epic for a city park. Huge trails that are well maintained and very clean. Never crowded. My favorite are the fern gardens growing under the trees, truly spectacular. A great place to take dogs. Home to runners and cyclists. I really enjoy the close proximity to my home. Great rain or shine if you don't mind a little mud in the winter.
7. Massachusetts Horticultural Society's The Gardens at Elm Bank
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Mass Hort’s 36-acre hands-on Gardens at Elm Bank offers adults and children the opportunity to experience, enjoy and learn about plants and the environment. The site includes various garden spaces from the historic Italianate Garden to the educational New England Trial Garden to the whimsical Weezie’s Garden for Children. Several plant societies and garden clubs have also installed permanent demonstration and display gardens at the Gardens at Elm Bank.
Reviewed By Julie V - Newton, Massachusetts
The gardens are beautiful and I imagine that there is always something blooming to keep it pretty. There are a number of different garden types - Italian (formal), children's garden, herbs, daylilies, and more. There are interesting sculptures and wooden chairs and gazebos spread throughout the property that add interest. I thought the $10 admission fee was a little steep but they do a good job of keeping it all looking good so I feel like I helped that along.
These gardens sit on the Elm Bank Reservation and there are trails through the forest property that are adjacent to the Charles River. As this part is not owned by the Mass Horticultural Society, they do not have maps of the trails. That was unfortunate as I didn't find them well-marked and had to go just go on faith that I would loop back around to the trailhead.
8. The Needham Free Public Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By triptonowhere_11 - Newton, Massachusetts
This is part of Minuteman Library which consists of a lot of towns in MA. They do have good selections of books. They do have programs for kids which is fun and informative. Wide selection of e-books as well. Lots of parking.
9. Wasik's Cheese Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Picky_but_reasonable - Boston, Massachusetts
The people at the Cheese Shop - the Wasiks and the others who work there are phenomenal folks - and treat you as if you are the only one in the store. They offer an amazing array of interesting and delicious cheeses, tea, vinegars and oils, fresh breads, and of course, don't forget the wine and beer selection. Salt of the earth people who will help you find the perfect cheese for your occasion. They offers gift baskets and many fabulous 'foodie' items as well. Stop by in the summer for some of Carole's chicken salad!
10. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By John H - Natick, Massachusetts
Broadmoor (Mass Audubon) is a wildlife sanctuary in Natick. There are about 9 miles of trails, including a loop out by the Charles River. They offer many programs there for families and adults. Most all are nature based like owl prowls, canoe trips, fair-weather birding, and travel and taste lectures. Mass Audubon has an excellent website, each sanctuary has its own.
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