Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Burlington, MA

  • Published 2023/03/08

Escape the bigger cities and experience the vibrant town of Burlington, Massachusetts.

While it is just a short drive away from Massachusetts’ top attractions, Burlington is a destination in and of itself.

In Yorkshire, England, the town of Bridlington is said to have inspired Burlington’s name.

However, this has never been proven.

It was founded in 1641 and incorporated on February 28th, 1799; the town is more than 300 years old.

During the 17th century, Burlington was primarily an agricultural community, sending hops and rye to Boston.

They augmented that income with tiny shoe-making businesses.

Burlington, MA, is your gateway to Massachusetts, with access to Logan Airport and easy access to Route 128 and 95, an ideal location for business and leisure tourists.

Here are the best things to do in Burlington, MA:

Tour the Francis Wyman House

Exterior of the Francis Wyman House

John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wyman Homestead is one of the region’s most historic sites.

Built in 1730, it had many noteworthy connections and linkages.

The home has historical significance because it is an early Colonial monument that provides insight into English settlement patterns and domestic activities.

Architecture-wise, the homestead is a remnant of the 18th century in Burlington and Woburn.

You can learn about early farming, Colonial settlement, tanning, and various early American historical skills and topics.

In 1899, Benjamin Wyman visited Francis’ headstone and learned of the house’s decaying condition.

He created the Francis Wyman Association in 1902.

The Association worked to acquire and preserve relics and records of Francis Wyman’s family and the old Wyman homestead.

The organization frequently holds open houses, so keep an eye out.

Take Photos with the Installations at Burlington Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park is a great spot to relax and enjoy quiet time.

It’s ideal for locals and visitors to admire the art and host activities.

The Red Trouser Show variety show is one of the several activities at the park.

Burlington native Jon Sachs built his version of a mobile sculpture park by transporting a foam dragon to various community events.

This filled a gap in the town’s Master Plan for culture and art.

Maureen Wall, the daughter of Tom and Florence Murray, has contributed a Love Birds sculpture in honor of her parents.

Don’t miss out on this place and pose with the structures!

Catch a Performance of the Burlington Players

Anybody above the 18 can join as a volunteer actor or actress.

It caters to anyone who wishes to explore the roles in a theater production.

It owns the Park Playhouse.

With a 75-seater capacity, the playhouse is a small performing arts venue in downtown Minneapolis.

You can also stage adult and children’s performances at the Burlington Players Theatre.

It features amateurs rather than professionals, but their level of performance will bring you to the edge of your seat.

Have a Picnic at Mary Cummings Park

Burlington and Woburn, Massachusetts’ Mary Cummings Park is a 216-acre public park that serves both communities.

It has become a tranquil haven for families since it opened in 1930.

Since the park’s establishment, the surrounding area has significantly transformed, making it an even more valuable resource.

Mary P.C. Cummings, the land’s original owner, wanted it to be ‘forever open as a public pleasure ground.’

On the site, you can find wetlands, vernal pools, forests, fields, and thickets.

Shop ’til You Drop at Burlington Mall

Interior of the Burlington Mall

Fletcher6, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shop, dine, and mingle with your friends at Burlington Mall.

In 1968, it opened its doors to the residents of Burlington.

It houses Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Primark, and more than 185 specialized stores.

Build-a-bear storefront in Burlington Mall

QualityHD / Shutterstock.com

It also appeared in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, a 2009 film starring Kevin James, standing for the fictional West Orange Pavilion Mall.

The Simon Property Group manages the mall today, which features two multi-purpose event rooms, huge lit swings, fire tables, and a Little Free Library.

Newmark comics storefront in Burlington Mall

m_sovinskii / Shutterstock.com

Go Hiking at Mill Pond Reservoir & Conservation Area

Burlington’s Mill Pond Conservation Area is unmatched in terms of size and number of visitors.

The property surrounding the Mill Pond Reservoir provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Trails go through dry forests and vernal ponds on the property, home to various courses.

Visitors can park at the Water Treatment Plant on Winter Street or the entrance point off Town Line Road.

Machine Road and Hansen Road both have access points.

However, parking is difficult or forbidden in certain areas.

It takes 39 minutes to accomplish this 3.2-mile loop route, which is easy.

You may still find peace at off-peak hours on this well-traveled path popular with hikers and anglers alike.

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Swim with Your Kids at Goldfish Swim School

Since Goldfish Swim School’s first franchise opened in 2009 in Farmington Hills, Michigan, it has expanded across North America.

Today, the company has over 90 schools, including one in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Goldfish Swim School is happy to provide state-of-the-art aquatic facilities specializing in indoor swimming courses and activities for children aged four months and older.

Your kids will learn valuable life skills while having fun under the guidance of an instructor.

Watch your young ones progress through the ranks, join Swim Force, or go for a family swim.

Go Ice Skating at Burlington Ice Palace

Burlington Ice Palace is a comprehensive skating facility that caters to skaters of all ages and skilllevels.

Since 1998, the municipality and FMC Ice Sports have worked together to run it.

Join ice skating programs for people of all ages and abilities at the Ice Palace, a full-service indoor ice rink.

You can rent birthday party rooms and heated conference spaces at the arena’s Ice Box Café, which serves light food and drinks.

Ice Palace clients can enjoy economical entertainment in a spot meticulously maintained for their safety, comfort, and well-being.

A public skating session takes place at the Ice Palace daily.

These sessions are ideal for people who aren’t part of a group but still want to enjoy ice skating.

Swing Your Club at Big Sticks Indoor Golf

You can improve your golf game or remain on top of it with Big Sticks Golf.

Founded in 2004, Big Sticks Golf helps stretch Massachusetts’s short outdoor golfing season.

Use an indoor learning facility over the long winter months to be “golf ready” for the upcoming season.

Many tools available to golfers today, such as Big Sticks Golf’s launch monitors and golf simulators, help golfers learn the game better.

Improve your game while working on your technique with the PGA-sponsored golf simulator.

Because so many golfers study their swings through videos, the technology is a perfect match for many of them.

You can also enjoy individual use of the equipment at this practice facility; proceed at your own pace.

Besides PGA golf instruction, Big Sticks Golf provides golf practice and training.

Play Bowling at Kings Dining & Entertainment

Building sign of Kings Dining & Entertainment

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com

Kings Dining & Entertainment is an award-winning venue that offers community-inspired social events.

Its Burlington branch, which debuted in 2015, boasts luxury bowling, live music, large-scale sporting events, classic video games, and over-the-top food and drinks.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting for a first date or a lively place to celebrate a birthday or a party, Kings is the place to go.

The Kings crew sets the stage for unforgettable moments and memories regardless of the occasion.

Join the Festivities during Celebrate Burlington

With an estimated 8,000 people in attendance, Celebrate Burlington is the town’s biggest single-day event.

Burlington Town Common is the site of Celebrate Burlington every August.

It features various events, activities, and entertainers.

Another highlight comes after the much-anticipated fireworks display.

It’s the historic car exhibition and music on the bandstand.

There’s also a VIP luncheon for those who sponsor at bronze or above.

The meal comes with snacks and a space to relax.

Drink and Chill at Common Craft

Independent craft brewers are the focus of Common Craft‘s purpose.

It houses two craft beer bars, a boutique wine bar, a ‘speakeasy’ cocktail bar, a bistro eating area, and a terrace.

Large open spaces, iron beam trusses, and exposed brick walls characterize its industrial style and add to its breezy vibe.

Guests have their pick of beverage and food options.

In one location, you’ll find various branded beverage ideas working together.

When visiting Common Craft, you will find something new since the hospitality offerings constantly change.

Play Tons of Sports at Simonds Park

Welcome sign of Simonds Park

Emw, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Simonds Park is your go-to recreational space in Burlington if you’re raring to play sports with your family, friends, or even the locals.

It has a lot of sporting amenities to keep you occupied, whether it be tennis, pickleball, baseball, or basketball.

However, perhaps the most popular sports facility here is Simonds Park’s disc golf course—it’s famous because of its fun layout and free access to all.

There’s also a wading pool and playground here, so younger children aren’t left out in all the fun.

Simonds Park is located along Bedford Street that’s just a few minutes away from Mill Pond Reservoir.

Basketball court at Simonds Park

Emw, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take Scenic Photos of Vine Wood Wellfields

Vine Wood Wellfields is an attraction in Burlington that covers a lot of acres of this small town.

It’s famous for its marshlands, beautiful to look at especially during sunset time when the red sunlight glistens the marsh and its waters.

There’s a neat boardwalk here where you can do some photography and observation, so bring binoculars if you’re planning to go.

Vine Wood Wellfields may sound like it’s a remote area, but it’s actually near the residential districts of Burlington.

You can find it along Terrace Hall Avenue.

Splurge at LaCascia’s Bakery and Deli

LaCascia’s Bakery and Deli is a culinary institution in Burlington, known for a wide variety of pastries and sandwiches. .

An Italian bakery and deli, this place offers a huge array of products that can easily overwhelm you, ranging from confectionery pastries to savory subs.

Some of their finest creations are their steak tip sub, meatball sub, and their classic tiramisu for dessert.

Besides their food, LaCascia’s Bakery and Deli also operates a grocery that imports a lot of Italian grocery items.

A must-try during your trip, you can find this amazing bakery and deli along Cambridge Street.

Get Some Exercise at Wildwood Park Playground

Wildwood Park Playground is a spacious area to do all sorts of exercise, whether it’s for you or for younger children.

As the name implies, this place offers a fantastic playground dedicated to toddlers; it has a lot of open space in between its contraptions, making it fun and safe.

Because it’s a pretty big park, the area also features several trails where you can do some jogging.

Exercise equipment is also found at Wildwood Park Playground.

Brimming with beautiful trees and excellent grass, Wildwood Park Playground is a great addition to your itinerary, found along Bedford Street.

Have a Date at The Capital Grille

Exterior of The Capital Grille

John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re celebrating a special occasion during your trip to Burlington, The Capital Grille is one of the best places for an intimate dinner.

A renowned culinary icon in Massachusetts, The Capital Grill is one of the best fine dining restaurants where many couples celebrate birthdays or anniversaries.

What makes The Capital Grille famous is their mouthwatering steaks, cooked to perfection.

Some of their bestsellers include their bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, and lobster bisque.

The ambiance and service here is amazing, leaving a memorable experience during your trip.

The Capital Grille can be found along Wayside Road.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Cycling along Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

Aerial view of Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

The Minuteman Bikeway travels through where the American Revolution began in April 1775.

For healthful pleasure and functional mobility, the Minuteman Bikeway is one of the country’s most well-liked and successful rail trails.

It is only a 15-minute drive from Burlington.

The bikeway has evolved into a new kind of “Main Street,” bringing people from all over the city together as they travel the road on bikes, foot, or skates.

As a result, the Minuteman Bikeway was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2008.

Built on an abandoned railroad right of way, the Minuteman Bikeway has become a beloved regional amenity enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

The bikeway in Cambridge allows bikers and pedestrians to use the city’s subway and bus systems, reducing congestion.

The communities of Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge manage and maintain the bikeway.

Explore the Burlington Landlocked Forest

Forest animals and natural beauty abound in the Landlocked Forest of Burlington, a welcome respite in the concrete jungle.

Located just 11 minutes from Burlington, it is the local hikers’, bicyclists’, and birders’ paradise.

Landlocked Forest is the conservation property in Bedford and Lexington that comprises the 250-acre parcel.

You may use the parking lot on Turning Mill Road as a trailhead.

Explore its trails for walking, running, biking, dog walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Marvel at Local Art at the Addison Gallery of American Art

Exterior of Addison Gallery of American Art

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Addison Gallery‘s collection of American art includes almost 22,000 pieces from the 18th century to the present day.

At least twelve exhibits are at the Addison each year, ranging from permanent collection installations to major touring exhibitions.

These exhibits showcase a diverse spectrum of art.

Exhibits like American Vanguards (1927–1942) and Coming of Age are examples of Addison’s many nationally touring exhibitions.

Lamp art in Addison Gallery of American Art

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

It has also hosted various retrospectives dedicated to featured artists.

Its flexible classroom and exhibition space are available for programs suited to the interests of multiple groups.

The Addison Art Museum is in Andover, Massachusetts, only a 22-minute drive from Burlington.

It’s in a standalone structure on the Phillips Academy campus at Main Street and Chapel Avenue.

Ship models displayed in Addison Gallery of American Art

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

Besides a wide variety of local and retail shopping options, Burlington provides many fun activities and nature pursuits.

Whether you’re going solo, with a friend, family, or bigger groups, Burlington will make you feel refreshed and at home during your stay.

Start planning your trip today!

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