Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Littleton, MA

  • Published 2023/04/23

The town of Littleton, Massachusetts, is a thriving Boston suburb founded in 1714.

This town in Middlesex County is home to several farms that made Littleton famous.

These apple orchards and dairy farms are still in business today, adding to the town’s long and storied heritage as an agricultural community.

It’s a bustling and diverse community that hosts events throughout the year.

People of all ages may enjoy Littleton’s parks, playgrounds, and lakes, while over 2,000 acres of protected property are available for hiking and exploring.

Moreover, its convenient location provides easy access to Boston and the rest of New England, making it ideal for families and tourists.

Explore the best things to do in Littleton, Massachusetts.

Go Hiking at Oak Hill Conservation Land

Hiking the paths at Oak Hill Conservation Land is a great way to clear your head and get some exercise.

Mainly comprising oak trees, the Oak Hill Conservation Land features numerous, sometimes historic, pathways.

The 475-foot-tall Lookout Rock is one of the area’s most exciting landmarks, offering a 360-degree view.

You’ll also find Tophet Chasm formed around 15,000 years ago as a temporary rock outlet for a large glacier lake.

Geologists refer to the long range of hills in the area as Shrewsbury Ridge, of which Oak Hill is the northernmost peak.

During the ice age, the ridge was the eastern boundary of Lake Nashua, a massive glacial lake.

At the mouth of the abyss lay a prehistoric waterfall that plunged 120 feet, or only 38 feet shorter than the legendary Niagara Falls’ 158-foot plummet.

The falls are now silent, and the chasm floor is full of old rubble, but the cliff faces are still a towering 80 feet tall.

Slide through the Snow at Nashoba Valley Tubing Park

Visit the Snow Tubing Resort in Nashoba Valley and zoom down the slopes!

Bring the kids to the largest tubing park in New England and join one of the most popular winter pastimes.

Nashoba’s skilled grooming fleet keeps the park’s eighteen lanes in top shape so that thrill-seekers of all ages may enjoy the ride of a lifetime.

Nashoba Valley Tubing Park also has a lodge where visitors can rest their weary legs and enjoy the park’s full-service bar and TV while munching on tasty snacks.

All tubing participants must sign a waiver of responsibility form provided by the Nashoba Valley Tubing Park.

Wander Whitetail Woods

Mature oak trees are the primary landform in the Whitetail Woods region.

This region offers a relaxing stroll or cross-country skiing among the oak and pine trees.

This lot has a disproportionate number of American chestnut stumps and sprouts.

In the early 1900s, the chestnut blight epidemic wiped away millions of chestnut trees across the Northeast.

Despite the plague, six healthy American chestnut trees remain standing at Whitetail Woods, rising at least 20 feet tall.

To improve the trees’ chances of survival and growth, land stewards from the Conservation Trust have been removing the area surrounding them since 2004.

The off-street parking lot is the starting point for two loop paths created by the Boy Scouts.

Let Your Kids Have Fun at Castle in the Trees Playground

The Littleton community came together in 1991 to construct Castle in the Trees Playground.

A new generation of Littleton and surrounding area residents and visitors will be able to experience Castle in the Trees because of the efforts of LCF and community volunteers.

Six swings are available, two for people with disabilities and four for regular ones.

Below the “castle” is a fake prison with barred windows, perfect for imaginative play; there are also other slides, including an enclosed one that is my son’s favorite.

Castle in the Trees Playground is nearly entirely fenced in, save for the entry, and features various monkey bars for climbers and swing enthusiasts.

There is a lengthy boardwalk that is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Along the path to many playgrounds is a playhouse with numerous tables.

It is also home to Aidan’s Playground, constructed in November 2013 to honor Aidan Mallio, a ten-month-old Littleton resident who drowned in July 2012.

Enjoy a Picnic at Fay Park

Fay Park is a fantastic small park with easy access to nearby trails, perfect for letting the youngsters burn off some energy.

Few children use the playground because of its location so close to Castle in the Trees.

If you’d rather have fewer people at your picnic or gathering, this is the place to be.

The park has a playground, a bike rack, a gazebo, chairs, and a grassy area with trees.

Also, it’s just across from the firehouse, so things become very exciting once the rigs go by.

The annual Littleton County Fair takes place in Fay Park, and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family.

There is also a massive sale of used items such as books, furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, and toys.

The Country Shop sells a variety of homemade preserves, condiments, and arts and crafts.

Take a Retreat at Spacious Skies Minute Man

Between two National Historic Sites and the world-famous Walden Pond, the Spacious Skies Minute Man campsite in Littleton is the perfect place to relax after sightseeing or exploring.

Most rigs will fit in their forested or open sites.

Each camp has its picnic table, fire ring, water supply, 20/30/50 amp electricity hookup, and sometimes even sewage.

Tent campers and groups are permitted.

Spacious Skies Minute Man is about 2.5 miles west of Highway 495, making it a highly accessible destination.

It has a heated pool, a recreation hall, a playground, and two dog runs where you can let your pets run free.

Its camp store stocks a wide variety of tasty snacks, and you can have food to go or have it delivered from several local restaurants.

Many rustic cottages are available for rent if you want a camping experience without an RV or tent.

Test Your Strength and Endurance at MetroRock Littleton

MetroRock Littleton caters to climbers of all stripes.

Visit the climbing gym and join the vibrant New England climbing scene.

Whether you want to go up a few levels or get out and enjoy the routes, MetroRock Littleton has your back.

First-time visitors need to fill out a waiver, collect any necessary equipment, and then they may begin bouldering on the terrain.

Advanced climbers should expect to reach the peak within the first five minutes of their starting time.

You will also have to undergo a free belay exam to demonstrate that your knot-tying and gear-use skills are up to standard for top-rope climbing.

You can use your own Grigri or comparable gadget during the exam.

In a separate exam designed for lead climbers, you must demonstrate your ability to take and catch a fall, clip correctly, and climb comfortably on the leading edge.

Try Retail Therapy at the Point

The Point is the first facility in the Greater Northwest region of Boston.

It’s the only place of its kind in the area.

The Point is the only open-air facility in the area, and it stands near the junction of Route 119 and Interstate 495’s Exit 31 in Littleton.

Market Basket is its anchor and features other locally owned and managed eateries like Tavern in the Square and Great Road Kitchen.

Expect a heavy crowd at certain times due to O’Neil Cinemas, the Courtyard Marriott, and the nearby offices.

Parking is not an issue at any point; it also has ample lighting at night.

The Point is a shopping, eating, and entertainment destination that is always safe because of its proximity to the Littleton Police Department Headquarters, just half a mile away.

Learn to Cultivate Bonsai at Bonsai West

Located on a 250-year-old two-acre farm on Route 2A in Littleton, Bonsai West has served the community since 1982.

You’ll find some of the best bonsai in the country in the greenhouses and outdoor bonsai gardens.

Several of these trees are old favorites that have been sold off but are still remembered fondly by our customers.

It boasts that its specimen collection is among North America’s greatest and most varied.

Bonsai West is an arboretum and museum housing some of the oldest bonsai in the country, and this collection serves as its backbone.

Several of these bonsai trees were the output of the first generation of Japanese bonsai artists on the West Coast, and they are well into their second century.

The School of Bonsai at Bonsai West provides additional educational opportunities.

You can attend a lecture and observe a presenter demonstrate techniques and transformations if you are in the region during the scheduled classes.

The public is welcome to attend the two-hour-long lecture/demo.

Enjoy the Beer and Vibe of Dirigible Brewing Company

The steampunk-inspired Dirigible Brewing Company is committed to serving its local community and welcoming families.

In steampunk, technology has remained mostly unchanged since the 19th century.

It also carries the philosophy of creating things by hand instead of mass-producing items.

Top hats, corsets, and monocles are prominent fashion accessories that draw inspiration from the Victorian era.

For the brewery, beer and steampunk have a lot in common, including the colors red, gold, brass, brown, and black.

Dirigible Brewing Company uses products from several regional producers, guaranteeing freshness and quality.

Beer and hard seltzer are only two examples of these goods; others include coffee, craft sodas, and flavored seltzers.

Dirigible Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers (15) for a very young brewery and hard seltzer that you may spice yourself up.

Its taproom is a welcoming place to hang out, with a selection of board games, card games, and strategy games, as well as the opportunity to join tournaments and other special events.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Aside from Littleton, attractions also abound in its neighboring areas within a 15-minute radius.

Maximize your visit to Littleton by trying these other things to do nearby.

Learn to Ski at Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Daytime view of Nashoba Valley Ski Area

John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, nine minutes from Littleton.

Pamela Fletcher, a downhill skier for the United States Olympic team, learned to ski at her family’s ski resort and now works as the resort’s head of marketing.

The Overlook Restaurant & Bar is a great place to enjoy delicious meals, a lively atmosphere, and a front-row seat to all the downhill skiing and snowboarding action.

There are 17 paths to explore and nine chairlifts to help you reach the top.

You may also go snowboarding in Nashoba Valley Ski Area.

The facility also offers ski lessons to kids and adults who have never tried skiing.

Indulge in Tasty Ice Cream from Kimball Farm

A six-minute drive from Littleton takes you to Kimball Farm in Westford, Massachusetts.

Its handcrafted ice cream has been a local favorite for 80 years because it uses only the freshest and best ingredients.

You will have a blast choosing from over 50 unique flavors.

Several flavors change every week.

The farm is also famous for its low prices and generous servings of ice cream.

With its animal farm, bumper boat pond, mini golf course, picnic tables, country shop, and secluded rural ambiance, Kimball Farm is as enjoyable as ever.

The Kimball Special includes three varieties, bananas, and all the fixings, for the brave and hungry diner.

In the summer, you may have lunch outside on the grill.

Keep Active at mPower Athletics

Are you looking for a place near Littleton where you can work out or have some active time?

Check out mPower Athletics in Westford.

It’s an indoor playground only nine minutes from Littleton.

The goal of mPower Athletics, previously called One Stop Fun, is to encourage physical activity and good health in the whole family.

Its notable features include a state-of-the-art Ninja training rig, an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, a zip line, three stories of tunnels and tubes, a foam pit, a traverse rock wall, and more.

Your children will have a wonderful time in any of the fantastic lessons or its fantastic outdoor interactive swimming pool.

Ride a Horse at Bobby’s Ranch

Bobby’s Ranch is a charming ranch hidden behind Nagog Park, Westford, 12 minutes from Littleton.

It provides horseback riding instruction, trail rides, hay rides, sleigh rides, and scenic vistas.

Treat your senses to the rolling hills, ancient rock walls, ponds, streams, and wild deer in the woods that you may explore on horseback or foot.

Bobby’s Ranch also holds lessons for all levels, from beginners to experts.

Classes can occur indoors or outdoors, depending on the season and temperature.

Trail rides are available on more than two thousand acres of property.

You may appreciate the outdoors more fully while riding a horse trained to your skill level in the Western way.

Groups, families, and companies may enjoy seasonal wagon and sleigh hayrides.

Catch a Concert at Groton Hill Music Center

The Groton Hill Music Center has grown from a former apple orchard into a 110-acre plot in historic Groton, Massachusetts, 13 minutes from Littleton.

The 126,000-square-foot music center is a sculpture in wood and stone.

It also has two world-class performance spaces: a 1,000-seat concert hall with an opening for a 1,300-seat lawn audience and a 300-seat recital hall.

A well-known community music school lies between these buildings, featuring a recital hall for student performances.

It also has a multipurpose rehearsal/event, teaching and ensemble studios, a jazz club with an indoor and outdoor dining area, and other facilities.

Groton Hill Music Center’s Nashoba Valley location lends an air of serenity to the venue, which hosts concerts from some of the world’s best musicians and provides a platform for music education open to people of all ages.

Final Thoughts

Visitors may experience life in a traditional New England town while visiting Littleton.

It offers a welcome respite to those who wish to escape the bigger cities without compromising modern conveniences.

With its proximity to many options for shopping, hiking trails, parks, and one of the area’s best playgrounds, you’d be glad you tried the best things to do in Littleton, Massachusetts.

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