Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Malden, MA

  • Published 2022/09/14

Malden, perched on the northern part of Boston, has enjoyed significant growth in the previous few decades, cultivating a diverse population and extensive tracts of hilly terrain.

Malden City has seen tremendous changes thanks to its proximity to Boston, with North Station only ten minutes away.

Historically, Malden is a forested region in the North of the Mystic River.

The region was formerly a part of Charlestown, known as the Mistick Side.

Under the name Mauldon, it became an independent town in 1649.

One of its early residents and landowners, Joseph Hills, chose the name Malden, after Maldon, England, for the town.

Malden has several distinct neighborhoods with distinct history, character, and flavor.

The downtown area is a vibrant mix of businesses, restaurants, and shops.

To encourage you further, below are the best things to do in Malden, Massachusetts!

Finish the Quest at Boda Borg Boston

If you are raring for a different kind of up adventure while in the city, look no further than Boda Borg Boston.

This is an immersive live-action game where you and your team have to solve puzzles to progress through different “quests.”

There are difficulty levels, so everyone can join in on the fun.

Choose green for no physicality or black if you want the whole experience.

Kids as young as seven years old are welcome to Boda Borg Boston, but they need to be with adults.

In the 1990s, Boda Borg Boston started with this unique questing concept.

The place helped establish the Reality-Gaming industry when computer games, reality shows, and superhero movies were popular.

You’ll feel like you’re in a movie as you navigate the different challenges.

Volunteer at the Malden Public Library

Exterior of the Malden Public Library

Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Malden Public Library is a great place to spend an afternoon.

At the Malden Public Library, you can participate in the “Adopt-an-Aisle” initiative as a volunteer.

You can select an aisle to maintain after completing a training workshop at the Library.

There are plenty of books to read, and it’s also a great place to work on your laptop or use the free Wi-Fi.

Facade of the Malden Public Library

Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Malden Public Library also hosts the Creative Writing Group for adults, and you can try and attend one of their meetings to hone your writing skills.

You can also grab discounted museum passes from Malden Public Library and visit places such as Peabody Essex Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, and Museum of Science.

If you ever need a venue, you can rent one of the Malden Public Library’s Meeting Rooms.

Malden Public Library also caters to young adults and teens, so they will not get bored with the Library’s computers, movies, and plenty of books.

Tower of the Malden Public Library

Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Create a Fond Memory at the Pine Banks Park

Pine Banks Park is a public park on Main Street in Malden.

It belonged to the Wampanoags during the 1660s and then to the Lynde family in the 1700s.

A few of Pine Banks Park’s natural attractions are enormous, old-growth trees, mainly white pines and cedars, rock formations, Mount Ephraim, and wildlife.

As a well-liked recreation facility, Pine Banks Park features multi-sports fields and grass fields perfect for sports such as football, softball, soccer, and lacrosse.

Pine Banks Park also has a playground for the kids, a picnic grove, a walking or jogging path, a pond, and a garden.

Catering to Malden and Melrose, the Park is home to the National Champion Mystic River Rugby Club.

The Park features an open-air pavilion for rent, which makes it an excellent place for parties, weddings, and other events.

Pine Banks Park is the perfect place to create fond memories with your family and friends.

Try Brewed Belgian Craft Beer at Idle Hands Craft Ales

The Boston-based brewery and tap facility Idle Hands Craft Ales is near Malden Center, which makes it easy to reach.

They specialize in a wide range of craft beers, including Belgian ales to New England IPAs.

Idle Hands Craft Ales only uses the finest ingredients available.

You are welcome to bring friends or make new ones while playing board games and enjoying some refreshing beers at Idle Hands Craft Ales.

They have various parties, recreational, and real-time strategies, and they welcome you to bring your own.

If you are in Malden during October, you can enjoy Idle Hands Craft Ales’ celebration of Oktoberfest.

You can have a great time alone or with a group at Idle Hands Craft Ales.

Try the Tastiest Foods at Phantom Gourmet Food Festival

Wear your best purple shirt and enjoy the best foods in Malden at the Phantom Gourmet Food Festival.

The festival happens every year in June, one of the most awaited events in Malden.

The main attraction of this event is Exchange and Pleasant Streets, offering plenty of delicious food.

You can find food and taste from different parts of the world, and you can also get an opportunity to taste the great flavors of Malden.

Besides the food, there are parties in selected establishments where you can mingle and have fun.

The Phantom Gourmet Food Festival is one way to experience Malden’s culture and food.

Explore the Charms of Fellsmere Park

Fellsmere Park has existed since 1893.

It has a walking path, a pond with a cascade, open grass, and forested parts.

Renowned landscape designer Frederick Law Olmstead created Fellsmere Park for Malden, with the construction starting as early as 1893 and completed in 1899.

Elisha S. Converse, the first mayor of Malden, donated most of the property for Fellsmere Park.

Fellsmere Park is in the National Register of Historic Places as Fellsmere Park Parkways.

This Park is a beautiful place to relax and take a break, especially if you stroll through the scenic Fellsmere Pond.

Fellsmere Park is a great place to visit if you want to experience the quietness of nature and its peace.

Take a Stroll at the Bell Rock Memorial Park

Plaques dedicated to war veterans at Bell Rock Memorial Park

Marissa1776, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bell Rock Memorial Park is a public park in Malden established in honor of the soldiers who served in World War I and II.

Malden’s first two Congregational meeting houses are on the west side of the Bell Rock Memorial Park.

Check out the Flag Defenders by Bela Pratt, an American Civil War monument statue, and a World War II memorial.

The Bell Rock Memorial Park is also the venue for the annual Malden’s Flag Day commemoration.

It is a great place to stroll, relax on the benches, and enjoy the scenic view.

Browse the Merchandise in New England Comics

The New England Comic shop in Malden is one of the area’s biggest stores.

This comic bookstore has existed for almost 30 years.

You can find a wide variety of comics, graphic novels, toys, and games in this store.

Likewise, you can find a lot of memorabilia in this store.

If you are a fan of comics or pop culture, then you will enjoy your time in New England Comics.

The staff is also friendly, so you will not have trouble finding what you are looking for.

Marvel at the Interactive Installation at Project: PUTT

Project: PUTT is an excellent place to visit with its series of challenging mini golf course that is perfect for all ages.

This place is also famous for its interactive installation, which is a must-see, as you experience lasered, projections and fog.

The whole family can enjoy this place as there are activities for everyone.

Project: PUTT is a superb 12-hole course of unique putting challenges where you can immerse yourself in your assigned enclosure.

Feel, see and smell the fresh-cut grass as you perfect your putt.

You’ll have crazy interactive fun at Project: PUTT.

Admire the “Malden Streets” Murals at Malden City Hall

An art gallery is usually not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a City Hall.

However, Malden City Hall is home to some beautiful murals.

Local artist Grace Julian Murthy painted the Malden Street murals using eight images of Malden from other artists.

To bring this artwork to City Hall, the artists worked with The Gallery@57.

“Malden Streets” is a mural that celebrates the city and its people, a beautiful addition to Malden City Hall.

The captivating and evocative murals depict every street in Malden outside the Treasurer’s Office.

It is the first in a line of handpicked pieces that will use Malden artists’ artwork to adorn City Hall.

Residents must find their street on their subsequent visit to City Hall!

Wander Waitt’s Mountain

View of the city from Waitt’s Mountain

Thea Prum from Boston, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bay State has several locations where you may go hiking and enjoy breathtaking landscapes, but you typically have to venture outside the cities.

Waitt’s Mountain, the city’s highest peak, contains historical significance with its role in both World War I and II.

During World War I, Waitt’s Mountain hosted the Fresh Air Camp.

Then, it became home to gun batteries in World War II.

Climbing Waitt’s Mountain will reward you with sweeping views of the Boston cityscape.

Waitt’s Mount Park, a historic park with a lot of history, is inside this mountain, perched right in this Bay State town.

To enjoy the scenic views more, you can hike through the 0.8km loop trail, which lasts 11 minutes and welcomes dogs.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at the Bike to the Sea Trail

The Bike to the Sea Trail, referred to as Northern Strand Trail, is an 11-mile path connecting the cities along the Saugus Branch Railroad.

Bike to the Sea Trail is a project of Bike to the Sea Inc., a non-profit organization.

Likewise, Bike to the Sea Trail believes that creating and enhancing shared-use routes and encouraging safe and enjoyable trail usage for people.

Since 2012, Bike to the Sea has united communities, providing a lovely alternative for commuting and recreation.

Several joggers, cyclists, dog-walkers, and people out for a stroll follow this trail.

The trail runs past the former Maplewood and Linden train lines before turning east into Malden and then arriving at the breathtaking views of Rumney Marsh in North Revere.

Practice Your Bowling Moves at the Town Line Luxury Lanes

Boasting 48 lanes, automatic scoring, and a full-service bar and grill, Town Line Luxury Lanes is the perfect place to enjoy family fun or have a night out with friends.

They also offer Atomic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights, perfect for those who like to bowl in a more lively atmosphere.

If you get tired of bowling, you can go to Town Line Luxury Lanes’ Game Room and play over 50 arcade games.

If you feel competitive, you can try their Billiards Hall, with 15 Pro Imperial tables that should give you a challenge.

And if you’re tired after all these adventures, head out to Mixx360 for a taste of fun nightlife.

So if you’re looking for some fun and excitement, check out Town Line Luxury Lanes.

Experience Malden Summer Festivals

One of the great things about Malden is the city’s vibrant and thriving art scene, which you can experience at the Malden Summer Festivals.

In 2018, the festival’s theme was “Malden in Motion,” highlighting the many different ways people move through the city.

The festival featured various events and activities, including a Farmers Market, circus performance, dance performances, live music, and art installations.

If you’re game for a mystery adventure, you can join the Mystery Pub Crawl, where you will visit different bars and pubs in Malden and try to solve a mystery.

Check out the Malden Summer Festivals for a different feel of summer.

Grab a Bite at All Seasons Table

You should head to All Seasons Table if you crave delicious pan-Asian cuisine.

Conveniently located on Pleasant Street, All Seasons Table offers a wide variety of Asian dishes that should satisfy your cravings.

From the delectable Crab Rangoon to Shumai or Shrimp Dumplings and vast choices for sushi, you will find something you’ll love.

If you’re dining with a group, you can order one of their family-style meals.

Satisfy your inner connoisseur with the large selection of distinctive wines and palate-pleasing flavors at All Seasons Table.

At All Seasons Table, you may always find something delicious to eat.

Moreover, All Seasons Table offers daily lunch specials during lunchtime.

Ask your waitress for suggestions on the best lunch meal and wine pairings.

Explore the Magic of Downtown Malden

Aerial view of Downtown Malden

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Downtown Malden’s Main Street appeals to the past and the future.

Small business entrepreneurs have a window of opportunity to move in and establish themselves as the Malden neighborhood comes together.

Downtown Malden entertains children and adults with its large variety of board, card, and skill games that will keep your friends and family occupied for hours.

Find something to please you at the unique dining establishment in downtown Malden, where various dishes suit every palate.

Along Main Street and Pleasant Street are several streets worth of Vietnamese, Chinese, noodle, and milk tea restaurants, Middle Eastern, and Halal markets.

Downtown Malden has many different restaurants and delis to pick from, and they all offer a wonderful assortment of appetizers, especially sweets.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Take a Hike through Middlesex Fells Reservation

Scenic view of Middlesex Fells Reservation

Robert Fraser photography / Shutterstock.com

The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a 2,200-acre state park near Spot Pond and Fells Reservoir.

You can find it in Stoneham, Massachusetts, ten minutes from Malden.

The reservation features rugged terrain, perfect for hiking as there are over 100 miles of trails within the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

A trail at Middlesex Fells Reservation

Robert Fraser photography / Shutterstock.com

If you are into mountain biking, you can take in the breathtaking sceneries while availing of the Mountain Bike Loop at the Western Fells.

If you want to try water adventure, rent a kayak and explore the Spot Pond!

You can also fish in certain areas within the Middlesex Fells Reservation, but you must have a valid Massachusetts fishing license.

Spot pond bridge and dam at Middlesex Fells Reservation

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

Downtown Malden has a tempting selection of places to eat and many other attractions.

There are many reasons to visit Malden, Massachusetts, especially if you enjoy the outdoors, good food, and a vibrant arts scene.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Malden!

© All rights reserved.