When you’re looking for fun things to do over the weekend, taking the Commuter Rail along the Fitchburg Line is the way to go. Not only can you get a $10 Weekend Pass, but kids ages 11 and under always ride free. This makes travel easy and budget-friendly, so you’ll have more funds for fun! Your kids can even ask the conductor for fun activity books to keep them entertained during the train ride.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do on the Fitchburg Line
150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Is there anything kids love more than a waterpark? The Great Wolf Lodge Water Park is a place you and the family could likely spend all day at. Get a day pass to the waterpark and have a blast swimming in the pool, going down waterslides, and creating wonderful memories together. If you’d rather the kids stay dry, there are lots of other activities they’ll enjoy at the resort such as the Northern Lights Arcade. Keep in mind that the distance from the train station to the resort might be a bit much for the kids, so plan to call a rideshare once you get off the train.
41 Mile Hill Rd, Westminster, MA 01473
Does your family love winter sports? There’s a shuttle service during the winter season from the Wachusett Station right to Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. That makes it easier than ever to plan a day of fun on the slopes. This mountain is extremely beginner-friendly, so it’s the perfect place for you and your kids to pick up a new sport together. If you’re a beginner or you just don’t want to bring your own equipment, you can rent skis, boots, poles, and snowboards at the mountain. If your children are between the ages of 4-8, you can sign them up for Polar Kids ski lessons while kids 9+ and adults can take beginner group lessons. You and your family will have a great time bonding in the snow.
If you have young children who love to learn, take the Commuter Rail to the Discovery Museum. Filled with STEAM-centered exhibits that teach through hands-on learning and play, your kids will gain a greater understanding of nature, science, and more, all while having fun. You do need to reserve admission tickets in advance, but you can reserve them up to two weeks before you plan to visit.
At Emerson Playground you and the family can enjoy the climbing structures, swings, slides, sand area, picnic tables, and large open space. But the biggest appeal is the seasonal splash pad, where kids can cool off on a hot day. Be sure to bring towels and a dry change of clothes so you can continue your day out together afterward.
58 Codman Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773
What kid doesn’t love the farm? Codman Community Farms is a working farm open to the public year-round, seven days a week. You and your family can see heritage breed cows and pigs, lambs (seasonally), chickens, and turkeys meandering about the farm, and the barnyard and gardens are open for exploration. There’s even a small u-pick flower garden. Admission is free but donations are always welcome.
208 S Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773
Another working farm near the station, Drumlin Farm is both a working farm and wildlife sanctuary. Here your family can watch pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and cows in the farmyard and learn how crops are sustainably grown, teaching your children valuable lessons about keeping the planet green. Afterward, walk the trails to explore field, forest, and wetland habitats and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the owls, hawks, and foxes that live there. Admission for children under 12 and seniors is $6 while adults pay $9. Audubon members get in free.
46 White St, Somerville, MA 02138
Right by the train station, offering toys, clothing, and books for young children, Magpie Kids is a cute shop where you can pick up a gift or something to entertain your little ones as you travel on the Commuter Rail. Pick up a stuffed animal that they can cuddle with, a book you can read to them on the train, or a puzzle they can put together when you get home.
1702 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Kids love ice cream, and frankly, so do most adults. Treat your children and yourself to a sweet treat at Honeycomb Creamery. This ice cream shop makes small batch craft ice cream from scratch, utilizing locally sourced ingredients. The unique flavors are born from the imagination and inspire customers to try new flavor combinations. It’s a great way to help expand your kid’s palate and put a smile on their face.
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Give your kids an appreciation for science and the natural world at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Here they can learn about gemstones, marine life, birds of the world, fossils, flowers, and more with impressive displays and exhibitions. With all the amazing discoveries your kids will make and all they’ll learn, you might find yourself in the midst of a budding naturalist. Admission for kids under 18 is $10.