Step Inside

Hiking trails, festivals, apple orchards, ski slopes — there are so many great outdoor spots to visit in Johnny Appleseed’s backyard any time of the year!

But sometimes, you may feel you’ve had enough of all that sunshine and fresh air … or maybe the weatherman has put a damper on your plans for the day. Cheer up and head out the door — to one of the great indoor hot spots the region has to offer!

Got Kids?

Whether the family needs to burn off some energy or is looking for a relaxing tube ride down a lazy “river,” you’ve come to the right place. Consider these options for some fun for all ages:

Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, where it’s summertime year-round. Zip down a water slide, float on a quiet stream, climb a rock wall, challenge your skills on a rope course. Too much activity for you? Check out the MagiQuest adventure game, settle quietly for a story hour, or pan and sift your way to finding beautiful gemstones in a treasure-seeking adventure. This magical place is located just off Route 2; you can see all it has to offer at greatwolf.com.

Launch into some fun in Leominster. The newest family attraction in the area, Launch Leominster is and indoor trampoline park — and so much more!  Kids, teens and adults alike can find activities to enjoy, from a Ninja course to dodge ball, bowling, and even a virtual reality experience. But don’t miss the trampolines, where you can bring your fun to new heights! Launch Leominster is located at 118 Commercial Road, at the Mall at Whitney Field. See all the options for a fun-filled day at launchtrampolinepark.com.

FunStuf Party Place in Fitchburg is stuffed with, well, fun stuff to do! The Arcade Center offers everything from classic games and pinball machines to the latest and greatest video games. There are special event days with visits from Barbie to Mario and Super Heroes. And, of course, the playground filled with inflated slides and bouncy activities! FunStuf is at 791 Water St. (Route 12) in Fitchburg. See all the fun on funstufpartyplace.com.

Stepping Up

Release your inner Paul Bunyan — and take aim with an axe at Game On Fitchburg! Yes, this expansive sports facility has a little bit of everything, from indoor and outdoor lessons, camps, clinics and tournaments. But for some real indoor fun, take a trip to the axe-throwing lanes. Check out the arcade and cornhole court. Take a break at the bar and grille, complete with entertainment. Oh, did we mention the axe-throwing?? Learn more about Game On Fitchburg, located at 100 Game On Way, off Westminster Street in West Fitchburg, with a stop at its Facebook page.

Need to let off a little steam? Had a tough day and want to really unwind? Let it all out at Letz Rage, where you can have a smashing good time!  Not just for grown-ups, thishot spot on Fitchburg’s John Fitch Highway is a great place to let loose, dump all your worries, and enjoy a barrel of laughs. Break some glassware. Smash a TV. Slam appliances that have been driving you crazy at home. Yes, here’s a spot where you can destroy everything! Toss some paint at a wall (or a friend). Let it all out, and walk away feeling oh, so, satisfied! Read all about it at letzrage.com.

On a Roll

There’s something so satisfying about the sound of a bowling ball hitting the sweet spot, following by pins flying. This long-popular sport is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts. Whether you’re a traditional ten-pin bowler, or a true New England candlepin aficianado, there’s a lane waiting for you here! Check out Gardner Ten Pins on Route 2A in that city; New Palace Lanes on Daniels Street in Fitchburg; or Harvard Bowling Lanes on Ayer Road in Harvard. Never tried candlepin bowling? You absolutely have to check out Putnam Street Lanes in Fitchburg, rumored to be the oldest candlepin center in the country!

Have a Seat

Yeah, sometimes you just need to take a load off your feet, lean back and relax. And we’ve got just the spot for you! Several spots, in fact. One of the most popular indoor activities, of course, is enjoying a movie. Big screens. Comfy seats. Tasty (if not nutritious) snacks. Escape from the world for a while in the luxury recliner seats at Gardner Cinemas on Timpany Boulevard (Route 68), Gardner; at Cinema World on the John Fitch Highway in Fitchburg; Entertainment Cinemas on Sack Boulevard in Leominster; or Athol Cinemas 8 on Reservoir Drive., Athol.

Take a World Tour

While visiting here, you’ve learned a lot about Johnny’s Backyard — but did you know you can get a glimpse of world treasures, too? Be sure to spend some time exploring an Egyptian tomb, as well as artifacts from Africa and beyond, at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. Travel halfway around the world to see fascinating treasures at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. See the works of local artists at area galleries and the Petersham Art Center, 8 North St., Petersham. Learn about local days gone by at historical society buildings, including the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner.

Whatever your mood, when it’s time for a break from the Great Outdoors, there are plenty of great indoor spots to visit as you tour North Central Massachusetts!