15 Best Things to Do in Medway (MA)

Located in Norfolk County, about halfway between Boston and Providence, Medway is a sleepy, commuter town with a population of just over 13,000.

Medway's southern boundary consists of the Charles River, which in the 19th century was the source of water power for textile and paper mills.

The river's tributary, Chicken Brook, flows north-south through the Medway, gradually becoming a public greenway with a continuous trail system leading to the Charles River Rail Trail in Holston.

Medway's main artery is Route 109, which runs east-west through the city, crossing I-495, with the energy centers of Bellingham and Milford minutes away.

1. Choate Park

Medway has a community park that any city would be proud of. Set on the banks of a beautiful pond, Choate Park features a paved stone path that winds around the water, crosses bridges and offers south and north views.

The facilities at Choate Park have been upgraded over the past few years, and the beach area at the water's edge has also been improved.

Swimming is not permitted, but the large playground complex includes a play area perfect for hot summer days.

Next to the playground, another addition is a beautiful wooden promenade pavilion, decorated with a Gothic arch. Within the boundaries of Choate Park is the Thayer Homestead, which dates back to the 1800s and is now available for rent as an event venue.

2. Idylbrook Recreation Area and Conservation Land

As we will see, Chicken Brook, which flows north to south through the Medway, is the anchor of a three-mile accessible greenway.

Along the way is Idyllbrook Recreation Area, which can be the entry point for a long nature hike. The property was a strawberry farm until the city bought it in the 1990s.

To the east are soccer and baseball fields, while to the west the land has been returned to nature, taken over by trees, shrubs, wildflowers, beavers, cottontail rabbits, salamanders and more.

From here, the forest trail system takes you to Bethania II Spiritual Retreat & Conference Center, then to Wenakeening Woods in Holliston, which connects to the Upper Charles Rail Trail.

3. Medway Community Farm

Founded in 2009, Medway Community Farm is located on approximately 20 acres along Chicken Brook. The land consists of a mixture of fields and growing woodland, with walking trails.

These trails are part of a long trail at Chicken Brook, connecting to Idyll Brook Recreation Area and Peak Park.

Using organic and sustainable farming practices, the farm grows a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, offers a CSA program but also invites the public for educational experiences.

The farm stand is open through Thanksgiving, selling produce grown on the farm as well as local honey, maple syrup, homemade sauces, and more.

4. Muffin House Café

People of a certain age fondly remember Jordan Marsh Department Store, which has been out of business since 1996.

The pioneer in Boston's Downtown Crossing was beloved for its bakery, which some claimed had the best blueberry muffins ever.

The muffin-making mantle has been taken over by Muffin House Cafe, which opened in 2014 and quickly became a favorite for its blueberry muffins.

The muffins are literally filled from top to bottom with blueberries, and you'll get blueberries in every bite. The Muffin House Café on Savory Side is also known for its breakfast sandwiches, especially eggs, cheese and meat.

5. Fairmount Fruit Farm

Located above the Charles River in Franklin, Fairmount Fruit Farm is a fifth-generation business founded in 1920 by a Greek immigrant.

The orchard covers more than 20 acres and is mostly devoted to apples, producing ten varieties including Honeycrisp and Macon.

In late summer and fall, you can come pick your own apples and purchase treats like homemade pies and cider cakes from the farm stand.

The farm also has activities and attractions for kids, from hayrides to a hay maze and goats you can feed.

The farm stand is open year-round, selling farm-grown produce, dairy products, free-range eggs and a selection of locally sourced produce.

6. Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm

The long-term survival of this fruit and vegetable farm in Melis was ensured in the 1980s when owner Luis De Angelis signed an agricultural easement, ensuring the property would be used for agriculture in the future.

On more than 60 acres, Tangerini's Spring Street Farm welcomes you to pick its produce in the summer and fall.

It begins in June with strawberries, and the season continues with raspberries, sunflowers, wildflowers, tomatoes, apples, and finally pumpkins.

You can also buy local produce from the farm stall, as well as delicious baked goods such as cider cakes.

Meanwhile, Farmer's Porch is a farm-to-table breakfast and lunch restaurant, with many menu items using seasonal ingredients grown here.

7. The Little Gym of Medway

For children aged from four months to 12 years, The Little Gym of Medway offers a range of gymnastics classes to help children develop foundational skills, build confidence and manage their energy.

These include parent/child activities, dance classes, and gymnastics in preschool and elementary school.

The gym is also open for regular sessions, caters for birthday parties, and offers a fun schedule of trainer-led games and activities.

In the summer, Medway's Little Gym hosts a day camp combining physical activity, arts and sports to keep children busy and entertained during school breaks.

8. Happy Goats Farm

Five minutes away in Holliston is a small organic farm that raises chickens and alpine goats.

You can always buy raw goat's milk or fresh organic eggs. But the farm also opens its doors to many events, especially in the summer.

At this time of year, you could even take part in a baby goat yoga session, if you don't mind naughty baby goats using it as a play scene.

An annual end-of-year tradition is the Holiday Market, where you can meet pet-friendly goats, and purchase a variety of artisanal products from alpaca wool clothing to goat milk soap.

9. Lake Winthrop

Also near the line in Holston is a 137-acre pond with a history tied to the Napamuk Native American tribe, who lived on the southwest bank.

At that time the lake was known as Wennakeening, which translates to "joyful smile" or "smile of the great soul". In the warmer months, the lake is a place for outdoor recreation, with beachfront parks on the eastern and western shores.

To the west is Pleasure Point Beach, reserved for Holston residents, while to the east Stoddard Park is open to all (a day ticket fee is paid at the gate). The latter has a sandy beach, a spacious picnic area, a playground, a boat dock and two volleyball courts.

10. Cassidy’s Clubhouse

If you need to remove some rust from your swing, Medway has a family-run driving range, kept in excellent condition from fall to spring.

Cassidy's Clubhouse is a no-nonsense venue, outfitted with synthetic mats, rubber tees and a mix of open and covered hitting holes.

The balls are always in good condition, and you could get a huge bucket for just $13 when we wrote this list.

What helps make Cassidy’s Clubhouse a family destination is the slushies, and this frozen dessert comes in eight flavors, including root beer, strawberry lemonade, and orange creamsicle.

11. Oakland Park

Another park that Medway can be proud of is this beautiful green space lined with towering pines and hardwood trees.

Oakland Park underwent a complete renovation in 2018, with the stadium upgraded and all new walkways and pavilion built.

Sports facilities include spacious multi-purpose courts, floodlit basketball courts, and jogging tracks, but the main attraction is the stadium.

It is fully fenced, with soft rubber paving and high quality equipment. Older kids have giant twisty slides and castle-like climbing structures to climb, while there are great interactive elements for younger kids, like playable xylophones and sandboxes.

12. Chicken Brook Corridor

South of the Idylbrook Recreation Area is a recently completed trail that runs from Adams Street on the south to Loring Street on the north.

There have been plans to open the land to the public since the early 1990s, converting old agricultural paths into pedestrian paths.

Then in late 2010, major work was completed to build a section of pedestrian bridges and trail over Chicken Brook and its floodplain, just north of Medway High School.

The trail is an important link in a system that runs along Chicken Brook, from Peck Park to the Upper Charles Rail Trail in neighboring Holliston.

13. Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Xaverian missionaries established one of three American mission centers in Holston in 1946.

Located directly on the city line with Medway, it is built on a replica of the world famous pilgrimage site of Fatima in Portugal.

In addition to a chapel, there is a gift shop that sells Catholic-themed items, from flowers to birthday kits. A highlight of the calendar is the holiday season, when there is a cheerful light and music show, accompanied by cups of hot cocoa with whipped cream.

14. Ryan Family Amusements

You can walk to this family entertainment center within minutes of Medway. The Millis branch of Ryan Family Amusements is centered around a 22-lane, candle-shaped bowling alley, equipped with an automatic scoring system and toddler bumpers.

If you're new to the game, candle bowling involves long, narrow pins, which are difficult to knock down.

The ball also increases the difficulty level, as it fits in the palm of your hand. In addition to the bowling alley, Ryan Family Amusements offers a game room with a prize redemption table and a private party room.

15. Charles River Center

There is a retail district on the southwest corner of Past Medway where I-495 is crossed by Route 126. Nearby you will find locations of the likes of Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Walmart, Staples and Market Basket.

Meanwhile, the Charles River Center includes locations for Michaels, Old Navy, Whole Foods, and Ulta Beauty and Paper Store, as well as the 14-screen Regal Bellingham complex.

Opened in 1998 on the site of the former Hoyt's Hotel, it features comfortable leather seating, stadium seating and an RPX auditorium for the latest in projection and sound technology.