Short Stops

Of course you love the Great Outdoors… and there’s so much to do in beautiful North Central Massachusetts! But when you’ve had enough fresh air, or the weather isn’t right for a foray into the forest, you can still enjoy great things this region has to offer! Here are a few suggestions — and you can find more places to visit in the “Members” section at the back of this Guide!

Just for Kids
When the youngsters need to burn off some energy, head out to Funstuf Party Place in Fitchburg for an hour or two of, well, fun! This indoor playground has inflated slides, arcade games and more — and there are special events, too, like sand art or T-shirt crafting. The play space is open Fridays through Sundays. Check it out at funstufpartyplace.com. 🍎

NOT Just for Kids!
Face it: Grownups need to have fun, too! And what could be more fun than… axe throwing! Yes, you read that right! Game On Sports & Performance Center in Fitchburg offers a complete sports experience, including some sports you might not have even thought about! There are outdoor fields for games including soccer, flag football, lacrosse, field hockey; programs for leagues, camps, tournaments and more; indoor basketball courts; facilities for kids’ birthday parties; a sports bar & grill… and more.

And six lanes for axe throwing! These are limited to participants aged 15 and up — and guests must listen to a quick two-minute safety speech by the coach before entering the lanes. Learn more at gameonfitchburg.com. 🍏

Stay on Script
Have you always wanted to step on stage, but were a bit too timid — afraid to face a big audience? We’ve got an alternative for you! Stratton Players’ Playreading Group meets every month at Leominster Public Library. The group meets on Thursday evenings, and invites you to read scenes from comedies, mysteries, dramas and Shakespeare!

Come read or just listen — help Stratton evaluate plays for possible future production! Visit leominsterlibrary.org for details.

There’s lots more to do, too, at the region’s public libraries. You can learn a new craft, peruse an art gallery, watch a movie, play bingo, listen to a children’s story, even hear live music. No matter which community you’re visiting, there’s a good chance that something interesting is going on at a nearby library. Check out the city and town websites for links to these fantastic facilities! 🍎

Museum Quality Visits

Art museums. History museums. Toy museums. Even a racing museum! Oh, the choices you’ll find as you tour this region!

Every town has a historical museum or historical society building, where you can see everyday items from centuries gone by; artifacts from historic battles; and products that were manufactured locally. Hours vary, and some buildings close during the winter, but it’s worth your while to do a little googling to find one of these treasures when you’re looking for something different to do!

Think museums are dusty and boring? You haven’t seen what we have in store for you. Check out the RB Racing Museum at Ron Bouchard Auto Stores in Lunenburg, where you can see Ron’s 1981 Talladega winning #47 car; the Egyptian room at the Fitchburg Art Museum, where you can see a real mummy and learn about the mummification process; or the Toy Museum at the Winchendon History and Cultural Center. Stop in… you’ll be surprised and delighted at what these museums have to offer! 🍏