20 Best Things to Do in Marlborough, MA

Every city has its share of unique spots, and Marlborough is no different.

Set within Middlesex County in Massachusetts, Marlborough is a city that dates back to 1660, but it was in 1890 that it was incorporated as a city.

With 57.23 square kilometers in land size and a population of 39,240, Marlborough is a city that offers plenty of history and places to explore.

From shops with unique features and vast parks, there are several places for you to discover in the city.

Among the different sights and activities you can enjoy, here are the 20 best things to do in Marlborough, Massachusetts:

Cycle through the Assabet River Rail Trail

Marlborough has its share of locations for different recreational activities, one of them is the Assabet River Rail Trail.

The Assabet River Rail Trail is a multi-use rail trail running you can find starting around the Highland Street area.

If you're looking for a parking space access to the trail, you need to head to Hudson Street.

The trail is 8.6 miles long and takes you through different landscapes.

Before being a multi-use rail trail, it was the old Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad.

It was in 1992 that plans for the multi-use rail trail began.

By 2005, a section got opened.

The trail crosses through five old mill towns, and some of the scenery you can find include woods and wetlands.

For anyone looking to do a long hike or get cycling, the Assabet River Rail Trail is the trail to explore.

Enjoy Golf, Ice Cream, and Plants at Trombetta's Farm

Trombetta's Farm is one of the many unique places you can find in Marlborough.

The first thing you'll see when visiting Trombetta's Farm on Farm Road  #2763 is a plant nursery, but there is much more that you can find at this location.

In addition to being a plant nursery, Trombetta's Farm is a venue for an indoor mini-golf course and has an ice cream truck.

It was in 1974 that Trombetta's Farm started its business as a plant nursery.

Four years after that, they opened an ice cream business, then, in 1985, a mini-golf course got added.

Once you enter the location, you'll find a series of flowers and other seasonal plants on display.

If you're interested in getting a sweet treat, you'll find the ice cream truck just outside the building and can enjoy 40 flavors of handmade ice cream and other frozen treats.

With the mini-golf section, you can find the course within the fiberglass-covered greenhouse, which spans at 450-feet long with a total of 18 holes.

Whether you want to get seasonal plants, ice cream, or play golf, you'll find plenty of options at Trombetta's Farm.

Find Fun Items and Sweets at the Wayside Country Store

Discover even more unique spots in Marlborough by heading to the Wayside Country Store.

The Wayside Country Store, which you can find on Boston Post Road, is a general store that doubles as a candy store and features collectibles within.

The store officially opened as the Wayside Inn Roadside Market in 1930 before gaining its current name in the years after.

Over the years, the store switched hands, and by 2005, the candy store got attached to the country store.

When visiting the store today, you can find no shortage of items to purchase.

For those craving something sweet, you can find a range of candies, chocolate, and fudge in the candy store section.

If you want to find a gift, you'll find a variety of crafts, toys, and other items in the general store section.

As for the collectibles available in the country store, they include collectible Christmas figurines and ginger cottages, to name a few.

Aside from various items you can peruse and purchase, the store features a selection of antiques scattered around the place.

Out of the different stores available in the city, the Wayside Country Store is one of the more unique places to visit.

Experience the Museum in the Streets

Get to know the history of Marlborough by exploring the Museum in the Streets.

The Museum in the Streets is a historical walking tour under the management of the Marlborough Historical Society, Inc.

The tour goes from East Main Street and Maple Street and provides you with different historical information via panels situated in several locations.

Starting from Marlborough Public Library and ending at the Artemas Ward Park, there are 24 panels for you to find in the free tour.

To get more information about the walking tour, you can get information at The Marlborough Historical Society at Elm Street or a brochure online.

Explore the Nature Trail at Ghiloni Park

Ghiloni Park is the park to visit if you're looking for a casual day outside.

Located on Concord Road and spanning around 80 acres, there is a good share of facilities for you to enjoy at this park.

When visiting the general park section, you can find soccer fields and a playground, to name a few.

If you are interested in the nature trail available at the park, you can find an information kiosk by the soccer fields or head down the road and look out for the Nature Trail Kiosk.

The nature trail is around 4 kilometers long and goes in a loop.

In addition to the nature trail, the park has access to a state forest that features red and white pines.

To learn more about the nature spots you can access at Ghiloni Park, head to the Recreation Office at the park entrance and grab a brochure.

Stroll the Sands of the Marlborough Memorial Beach

The Marlborough Memorial Beach, otherwise known as The World War II Memorial Beach, is a beach space you can find at Causeway Road.

Among the different beaches scattered throughout the state of Massachusetts, the Marlborough Memorial Beach is one of the beaches where you can only swim during a specific time of the year.

The best time to visit the beach for swimming would be from June to September.

Aside from that, you can enjoy other amenities available at the beach, such as the charcoal grills.

While the Marlborough Memorial Beach is not the most exciting location you can visit in Marlborough, it still offers many fun features to check out.

Indulge in Coffee and Drinks at the Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company

Grab your fill of drinks by visiting the Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company.

You can find this craft brewery and coffee roastery by heading to the city's downtown area.

While it is a relatively new venue, it has plenty of options for you to try.

For beer fans, you can enjoy several types of craft beers which you can try in the taproom.

If you are more interested in the coffee options available, you can try a range of hot and cold brews.

In addition to beers and coffee, the Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company offers a list of teas and other drinks, plus meals and desserts.

Another plus with this venue is that it offers a selection of items you can pick up and merchandise you purchase.

If you want to indulge in a wide range of drinks and treats, you need to visit the Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company.

Have a Drink at the Flying Dreams Brewing Co.

The Flying Dreams Brewing Company is one of the many places you can enjoy a drink in town.

The brewery first opened in 2015 and is set on Main Street.

There is a selection of craft beers available at this brewery, ranging from those featuring fruit to ales.

Aside from a list of beers, the brewery offers a selection of seltzers and sodas you can try.

You don't need any reservations to visit this brewery, and if you don't have any time to sit and drink, there are drinks to go available.

The Flying Dreams Brewing Company is the ideal spot for any beer lovers or those who want to try local drinks.

Go Window Shopping at Solomon Pond Mall

Head to Donald Lynch Boulevard, and find the Solomon Pond Mall.

Solomon Pond Mall is an ideal spot to enjoy shopping.

Featuring over 90 stores and two levels for you to explore, there are plenty of places for you to peruse and treat yourself in this mall.

As a mall that's been around since 1996, there is also a fair share of history you can explore.

If you're looking to fulfill your shopping fix or explore more eateries, the Solomon Pond Mall is where you want to go.

Dine at Kennedy's Market

Among the several places to enjoy a meal in Marlborough, Kennedy's Market is a top option due to being more than a restaurant.

When checking out the restaurant, you can dig into casual meals ranging from breakfast items to sandwiches.

More than the dishes at the restaurant, Kennedy's Market offers a shopping section where you can find various fresh produce, meats, and seafood.

In addition to this, there is a section for various baked goods and even a deli section.

If you are interested in trying hearty meals and fresh products, head to Maple Street to look out for Kennedy's Market.

Attend a Ghost Light Players Show

Check out the local arts by catching a show by the Ghost Light Players.

The Ghost Light Players is a theater troupe performing since 2011 and sets up base at High Street.

You'll mainly find classic shows and performances shown by the theater, and for theater fans, you can see a selection of Shakespear performances.

Aside from watching shows, you are free to join in on productions.

No matter what kind of theater shows you are into, there is plenty for you to watch at the Ghost Light Players theater.

Learn Axe Throwing at Half Axe

Have you ever tried ax-throwing?

If not, you need to check out the indoor recreational ax-throwing known as Half Axe.

Whether you have experience with the activity or not, you'll get plenty of guidance from reliable staff.

Throwing sessions generally last around 20 minutes per player, but you can purchase extensions.

If you're booking a session for a group, a maximum of 10 people are allowed.

Aside from ax-throwing sessions, you can join in on competitions or compete with friends.

You're free to book a session online or do a walk-in by visiting the venue at Apex Drive.

Play Sports at Ward Park

For anyone interested in doing sporting activities in the city, you need to check out Ward Park.

Ward Park is a prime location for sports enthusiasts, given the different ball sports fields you can find in the park.

More than the fields, you can find courts for hockey and tennis plus areas for skating and cycling.

In addition to all this, you can enjoy a cool down at the wading pool.

Aside from sports activities, the park has a walking track you can explore.

To visit the park, you need to travel to Orchard Street.

Skate at the Navin Skate Arena

The Navin Skate Area on Bolton Street is another sports venue you can check out in the city and features programs that anyone can try out.

Other than the different classes and programs available at the Navin Skate Arena, there are rentals and facilities you can enjoy.

Some of the facilities you can check out at this skating venue include a snack bar and a party room.

From skating classes to hockey programs and different rental options, there are plenty of options for you to try at the Navin Skate Arena.

Get Food, Entertainment, and Relaxation at the Apex Center

Discover plenty of ways to have fun at the Apex Center on Apex Drive.

Apex Center is the prime spot to enjoy different activities in one location.

Other than this, there is also convenient access to hotels and other services.

If you want to have some fun, the best place to check out in the center is Apex Entertainment.

Some of the things you can find in this section of the center include a rope course, bumper cars, and a laser tag zone, to name a few.

Aside from this, you can also find a trampoline park and an escape room venue.

More than the different fun spots you can experience, there is a selection of places you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Are you interested in the services available in the center?

You can find a yoga center, a salon, and a fitness center, to name a few.

If you want convenience and fun, the Apex Center is the place to go.

Solve Puzzles and Beat the Game Master at Breakout Games - Boston (Marlborough)

Take your vacation to the next level with a visit to Breakout Games - Boston (Marlborough).

This 60-minute escape room facility features varied themes, including finding stolen art, uncovering a secret agent in a casino, and disarming a bomb.

With complex puzzles and disarming challenges, you are in for a treat!

Play with loved ones, friends, and colleagues, and strengthen your trust in each other as you utilize skill and wits.

The Boston-specific Break Out games facility also has another location in Woburn, Massachusetts.

But to get to Marlborough's very own escape center, you only need to drive over to Apex Drive Suite.

Let Your Kids Have Fun at Altitude Trampoline Park

There's no need to jump around from one Marlborough attraction to the next for ultimate entertainment.

Altitude Trampoline Park has your back—literally!

This 30,000-square-foot facility is open year-round.

With at least 13 high-energy physical activity-based attractions, it's the ideal center for a bout of exercise and family indoor fun.

Try your hand at the Extreme Dodgeball attraction and get to move around more freely with the added trampolines.

If you're into rock climbing, get a headstart on your stamina and skill at the Rock Wall.

And the best part is there's no age limit!

From toddlers and teenagers to adults, this facility has everything you might need for a bouncing time!

Altitude Trampoline Park is on Apex Drive.

Explore the Open Fields at Felton Conservation Land

Have time on your schedule to explore nature and woodlands?

Then, you can't go wrong with a trip to Felton Conservation Land.

Known for its vast open grassy areas and knobby hills, this nature preserve is a large recreation and agriculture site.

But before becoming a tourist attraction, this land was actually part of a farm that the Felton family owned.

At the southern part of this preserve is the Red Maple Swamp.

Bring your binoculars with you as you try to study fowl species within the conservation land, including Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks.

If you're lucky, you might just get a glimpse of the white-tailed deer while on your visit.

At 58 acres, Felton Conservation Land just a few blocks away from Dudley Street is a breathtaking haven you don't want to miss.

Spot Wildlife at Cider Knoll Conservation Land

Cider Knoll Conservation Land is your best bet for a nature getaway with its 2-mile trails and expansive property.

Spanning 105.4 acres, this nature site features rock outcroppings and native wildlife.

It also acts as a bridge that connects historic homesteads sitting along Stow and Concord Roads.

Some of the mammals you can expect to find at this site include beavers, turkeys, and the occasional coyote and raccoon.

Go on a hike, or better yet, start your cross-country skiing, at Cider Knoll Conservation Land.

You can find this site at the end of Woodland Drive.

Listen to Greecian Music at the Marlborough Greek Festival

You haven't seen the best in the city if you haven't joined the Marlborough Greek Festival.

Hosted by Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church on Central Street, this annual festival takes place every Labor Day weekend.

Enjoy live Greek performances from renowned artists and dancers.

Taste Greecian cuisine, including baklava sundaes and loukoumades.

Your little ones will also enjoy the face-painting programs and activities just for them.

Be part of the cultural festivities at the Marlborough Greek Festival!

Final Thoughts

Marlborough is a city that has no shortage of unique places for you to explore.

From old shops to unique breweries, there are several interesting options for you to check out in the city.

Aside from unique spots, the city has its share of fun activities for you to experience, such as ax-throwing.

If you're looking for somewhere fun with hidden gems, consider Marlborough, Massachusetts, as your next destination.