{"id":105793,"date":"2022-09-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-watertown-ma\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T19:07:50","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T19:07:50","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-watertown-ma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-watertown-ma\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Things to Do in Watertown, MA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watertown, Massachusetts, is one of the earliest settlements founded in Massachusetts Bay.<\/p>\n

In 1630, a group under Sir Richard Saltonstall incorporated the settlement of Watertown into a town. <\/p>\n

The area lies within Middlesex County in eastern Massachusetts near the Charles River, the longest river found entirely in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n

The city may have gotten its name from the fact that it is near a body of water.<\/p>\n

With its proximity to Boston, Watertown is one of the top options for people choosing where to settle.<\/p>\n

Besides that, the city exudes a mix of urban and suburban feels, and its museums contain rich history, relaxing green spaces, and entertaining bars that attract locals and tourists.<\/p>\n

Are you ready to start your new adventure?<\/p>\n

Explore the best things to do in Watertown, Massachusetts!<\/p>\n

Revisit History at the Armenian Museum of America<\/h2>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

John Phelan<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Armenian Museum of America<\/a> is on Main Street, the largest Armenian museum in the country.<\/p>\n

It houses over 20,000 artifacts, such as 5,000 Armenian coins from the middle ages, 3,000 unique textiles, 180 Armenian rugs, and a collection of 1,000 maps and stamps.<\/p>\n

Watertown is also the home to the largest Armenian population in the state.<\/p>\n

Armenian Museum of America houses all forms of creative illustrations of the Armenian journey over the centuries.<\/p>\n

\"Interior<\/p>\n

Sdkb<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Inside is a large collection of Urartian or Vannic and religious objects, medieval illuminations, ceramics, and Armenian Bibles printed in Amsterdam in 1666.<\/p>\n

Likewise, you can find more than 30,000 books in the Research Library.<\/p>\n

Besides appreciating the rich culture of Armenians living in America, the Armenian Museum of America also serves as a place where you can discover the roots and ethnic backgrounds of Armenian-Americans.<\/p>\n

Get Physical at Central Rock Gym<\/h2>\n

Are you up for some challenging physical adventures?<\/p>\n

If so, Central Rock Gym on Acton St. is the perfect place for you.<\/p>\n

Central Rock Gym has 30,000 square feet of climbing terrain, a 48-foot lead wall, 3,000 square feet of bouldering, and 144 top rope and lead stations.<\/p>\n

It offers rock climbing for kids and adults and fitness and yoga activities.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re not feeling confident to rock climb on your own, for several experienced staff will help you achieve the top!<\/p>\n

Central Rock Gym also offers summer vacation programs for children ages eight to 12.<\/p>\n

This program includes games and activities on and off the wall.<\/p>\n

Satisfy Your Cravings at Fastachi<\/h2>\n

Fastachi is a famous shop on Mount Auburn Street that will excite you with its wide selection of roasted nuts, handmade chocolates, and gourmet snacks.<\/p>\n

Fastachi meticulously hand-roasts and seasons its gourmet nuts with sea salt to bring out their best flavor.<\/p>\n

You will enjoy the store\u2019s aesthetically pleasing arrangement of nut mixes, handmade chocolates, dried fruits, and more!<\/p>\n

If you are a local or a visitor to Watertown, add this place to your must-visit list.<\/p>\n

Fastachi\u2019s also offers gourmet gift baskets that are perfect for every occasion.<\/p>\n

Express Your Artistic Side at Mosesian Center for the Arts<\/h2>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

John Phelan<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Measuring 30,00 square feet, the Mosesian Center for the Arts is the perfect place to witness artistic performances and view fascinating arts.<\/p>\n

Previously, the Mosesian Center for the Arts was a UR Army arsenal.<\/p>\n

Today, it is a multi-disciplinary arts center with a 380-seat Main Stage Theater, two Rehearsal Halls, a 100-seat Black Box theater, Education Classrooms, Exhibition Galleries, and Resident Artist Studios.<\/p>\n

You can also enjoy the center\u2019s art workshops, discussions, and art productions.<\/p>\n

Among the religious and cultural artifacts displayed at the Mosesian Center for the Arts is an 18th-century incense burner, a mid-20th-century metal tosak, a 19th-century devotional bowl, and an early 20th-century doily.<\/p>\n

Witness a Performance at New Repertory Theatre<\/h2>\n

Founded in 1984, the New Repertory Theatre<\/a> is located on Elm St.<\/p>\n

The theater has become a resident company of the Mosesian Center for the Arts since 2005.<\/p>\n

New Repertory Theatre has a 340-seater Main Stage and 90-seater Black Box Theater.<\/p>\n

Check out world-class premieres, contemporary, and even classical works in different settings.<\/p>\n

Beyond simple entertainment, the artists in New Repertory Theatre challenge your spirit through their passionate and meaningful performances.<\/p>\n

See the Wildlife at Thomson Safaris<\/h2>\n

Experience a wildlife safari with Thomson Safaris on Mount Auburn Street?<\/p>\n

Thomson Safaris is a highly recognized safari outfitter.<\/p>\n

Its owners have lived in Tanzania for 40 years, so you are guaranteed to experience the wildlife and atmosphere of an authentic safari.<\/p>\n

It offers an array of exciting and unforgettable safari tours.<\/p>\n

You can choose from Thomson Safaris\u2019 Signature Safari, where you get the balanced feel of a wildlife viewing with authentic cultural interactions and luxurious accommodations.<\/p>\n

Likewise, you can pick the Wildlife Safari, where you can see various small and big creatures up close.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, the Highlights Safari lets you experience the real Tanzania for eight days.<\/p>\n

Other options in Thomson Safaris include Luxury Safari, Photography Safari, Honeymoon Safari, Tanzania Flying Safari, Perfect Family Zafari, Taste of the Wild, Private Safaris, Kilimajaro Treks, and Special Interest Safari.<\/p>\n

Look Back to the Past at Edmund Fowle House<\/h2>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

The original uploader was Daderot at English Wikipedia.<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Located on Marshall Street, the Edmund Fowle House is the second oldest house in Watertown.<\/p>\n

Architects Charles Brigham and John Hubbard Sturgis bought the house and moved it from Mount Auburn Street to its current location in 1871.<\/p>\n

In 1772, Edmund Fowle built the house, which became a meeting place for Massachusetts government officials during the first year of the American Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n

The Edmund Fowle House stands today to honor the vital part that Fowle played during the war.<\/p>\n

If you love history, check out this Revolutionary-era house!<\/p>\n

Dance the Night Away at Ballroom in Boston<\/h2>\n

Ballroom in Boston<\/a> is a social dance studio on Parker Street that will teach you to move comfortably in space. <\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have a great time at Ballroom in Boston, and its dance instructors will ensure you\u2019ll leave the place confidently for your next dance room session.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for a new hobby or preparing for a big dance event, this fun and safe environment is the place for you.<\/p>\n

Ballroom In Boston offers private lessons, kids\u2019 classes, and group classes.<\/p>\n

Enjoying dance lessons can let you bond with your child at Ballroom in Boston.<\/p>\n

Likewise, you can take social and wedding dance lessons here.<\/p>\n

Read a Book at Watertown Free Public Library<\/h2>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

Daderot<\/a>, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Watertown Free Public Library<\/a> was a community-based library in its earliest days.<\/p>\n

Aside from reading, Watertown Free Public Library can also be a place to meet and reconnect with other people.<\/p>\n

The library is located on Main Street and contains the art collections of Harriet Hosmer and Ellen Robbins.<\/p>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

Elizabeth B. Thomsen<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Besides the art and books, you can also join the monthly communal movie screening at the library.<\/p>\n

Moreover, you can join the computer and craft classes at the library.<\/p>\n

Create Fun Memories at Faire on the Square<\/h2>\n

Faire on the Square<\/a> is on Main St.<\/p>\n

Enjoy entertainment for you, your family, friends, and even kids!<\/p>\n

Your young ones will enjoy the bouncy castles, animal kingdom moonwalks, face painting stations, magic performances, pony rides, and balloon artists at Faire on the Square.<\/p>\n

Airbrush tattoo artists, an inflatable course, and a 30-foot inflatable obstacle challenge also add thrill to the experience.<\/p>\n

Check out live music, comedy, and magic performances at the Faire on the Square mainstage at night.<\/p>\n

Grab a bite at the food stalls selling sausages, french fries, chicken, and refreshing drinks around the corner.<\/p>\n

After a long day of fun activities, you\u2019ll need a drink to wind down and end the day.<\/p>\n

Faire on the Square offers a selection of beers and wines, so you\u2019ll never run out of exciting choices of drinks.<\/p>\n

Bond with Nature at Arsenal Community Park and Skate Park<\/h2>\n

Visit the Arsenal Community Park and Skate Park to relax and breathe fresh air.<\/p>\n

Spanning 13.7 acres, the park is at Arsenal Street. <\/p>\n

Arsenal Community Park and Skate Park is an interactive park within an urban setting.<\/p>\n

Here, you can bring your food and picnic with friends and family, grill a barbeque, or even play sports such as basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.<\/p>\n

Bike paths and water sprinklers are also available, along with clean and well-maintained restrooms.<\/p>\n

The Arsenal Community Park and Skate Park is the home of the Watertown High School Cross Country team.<\/p>\n

Learn History at Browne House<\/h2>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

Wayne Marshall Chase<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Browne House is a colonial house on Main Street, now a nonprofit museum under Historic New England.<\/p>\n

The Browne House contains a few surviving architectural features from late 1600.<\/p>\n

Some of its most unique features are a steeply pitched roof, early door and window placements and styles, and diamond-patterned casement windows.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Daderot<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

During restoration, they discovered the house\u2019s 17th-century finish details.<\/p>\n

Browne House\u2019s one large room on the first floor contains living, sleeping, and cooking spaces.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the upper chamber features a rare three-part casement window frame.<\/p>\n

Other Things to Do Nearby<\/h2>\n

Exercise Your Mind at Puzzle Break Newton – Escape Room<\/h2>\n

Find Puzzle Break Newton – Escape Room in Newton, Massachusetts, is a 14-minute drive from Watertown.<\/p>\n

Challenge yourself to escape the room within 60 minutes using clues, puzzles, messages, and hidden objects.<\/p>\n

Options include the Grimm Escape, Escape from 20,000 Leagues, and Escape the Midnight Carnival.<\/p>\n

This place will make your heart pound and test your and your friends\u2019 mental capabilities.<\/p>\n

Shop Fresh Produce at Belmont Farmers\u2019 Market<\/h2>\n

After an eight-minute drive from Watertown, you will arrive at nearby Belmont, Massachusetts, which holds the Belmont Farmers\u2019 Market.<\/p>\n

Buy fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables at this market!<\/p>\n

Belmont Farmers\u2019 Market has everything you need for your next healthy meal.<\/p>\n

You can find the market at Claflin Street.<\/p>\n

Marvel at the Exhibits at the Sports Museum<\/h2>\n

You can reach the Sports Museum at 100 Legends Way, Boston, Massachusetts, after a 26-minute drive from Watertown.<\/p>\n

Check out the exhibits that showcase the history of Boston sports.<\/p>\n

This nonprofit educational institution also houses interactive exhibits and plays video footage that highlights New England\u2019s athletes and teams.<\/p>\n

See the photographs, commemorative sports items, shirts worn by sports players, and many more displayed at the Sports Museum.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll never run out of things to do in Watertown, Massachusetts.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a place full of rich and fascinating history, relaxing green spaces, fantastic safari, and other destinations that will surely leave a place in your heart.<\/p>\n

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Watertown!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Watertown, Massachusetts, is one of the earliest settlements founded in Massachusetts Bay. In 1630, a group under Sir Richard Saltonstall incorporated the settlement of Watertown into a town. The area lies within Middlesex County in eastern Massachusetts near the Charles River, the longest river found entirely in Massachusetts. The city may have gotten its name […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":105803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1420,1341,1369,1193,2359,1200,1199,45],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105793"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105793"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105793\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":105802,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105793\/revisions\/105802"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}