Top 8 Things To Do In Wakefield, Massachusetts - Updated 2024

things to do in wakefield
Dana
Dana 
Updated
| 4 min read

Just outside the bustling city center of Massachusetts is the quaint and scenic suburb of Wakefield. The little town is perfect for a short day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it can serve as a place of respite for tired travelers in need of some fresh air. Wakefield is home to the well-known Lake Quannapowitt, which comes with a serene lakeside park with activities for people of all ages and majestic views. If you have other interests, Wakefield also has historical monuments worth visiting in addition to a growing food scene. Only a quick bus or train ride away from Boston, Wakefield is definitely not a place to be missed. Check out our list of top things to do in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

1. Shop like a local at Wakefield Farmers Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Wakefield Farmers Market on Saturday, December 12, 2020

Only open every Saturday during the Summer, Wakefield Farmers Market is a vibrant market full of local vendors. There, you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from nearby farms, in addition to sustainably grown meats and seafood. It also has family businesses that sell specialty foods, such as homemade pies and gourmet cheeses, that you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to visit the market for a good time and don’t forget to pick up some tasty treats for the trip back home.

Wakefield Farmers Market

Address: 468 North Ave, Wakefield, 01880 MA, United States

Website: Wakefield Farmers Market

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun to Fri)

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2. Travel back in time at Wakefield History Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wishing all of our facebook friends and followers a happy Christmas and holiday season ... and a healthy and happy 2021!

Posted by Wakefield Historical Society on Thursday, December 24, 2020

Wakefield History Museum, managed by Wakefield Historical Society, is a museum filled with artifacts and objects related to Wakefield’s history and transformation from a rural farming society to a booming factory town. The museum displays a range of exhibits, each showcasing a significant time in Wakefield’s past, making it the perfect place for a history buff or anyone interested in learning more about the little town.

Wakefield History Museum

Address: 39 Prospect St, Wakefield, MA 01880, United States

Website: Wakefield History Museum

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3. Enjoy the breeze while kayaking at Lake Quannapowitt

View of Lake Quannapowitt from the Wakefield Bandstand
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elizabeth B. Thomsen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

With an expansive park and a surrounding loop, Lake Quannapowitt is a place for a fun day in the sun with your family and loved ones. Rent a kayak from Wakefield Boathouse and bask in the summer heat or take a leisurely stroll to wind down after a stressful day. For those that prefer to stay on land, there are tons to do on its vast fields, such as a game of frisbee or an afternoon picnic. The city center of Wakefield is also only a short walk away. Here, you can find restaurants and shops to visit after your visit to the lake.

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4. Chow down on classic American grub at North Ave Diner

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by North Ave. Diner on Saturday, June 29, 2013

A traditional American diner serving all-day breakfast at affordable prices, North Ave Diner is the place to go for a hearty meal to start your day. Since it has an extensive menu, it can be hard to choose just one item. Try out the Wakefield Classic, made up of french toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage, that gives you a little taste of the restaurant’s specialties, perfect for those who want a bite of everything. The diner is often frequented by locals, so be sure to get there before rush hour or get ready to wait for those coveted pancakes.

North Ave Diner

Address: 247 North Ave, Wakefield, MA 01880, United States

Website: North Ave Diner

Opening hours: Sat: 6am - 3pm; Sun: 7am - 1pm; Mon - Tue: 6am - 3pm; Wed - Fri : 6am - 8pm

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5. Relax in Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel and Conference Center (from USD 170)

Located just walking distance away from restaurants and shops in downtown Wakefield, this hotel is an ideal location for those looking hoping to save time on travel. The hotel is well appointed with a mixture of both modern and industrial furniture, equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay. Last but not least, the in-house bar and restaurant, Market Street Bar and Grill, serve up amazing food if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel.

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Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1 Audubon Road
8.54 km (5.4 mi) from Middlesex Fells Reservation

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Laundry

6. Go back in time at Wakefield Bowladrome

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Wakefield Bowladrome on Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Wakefield Bowladrome is not your regular bowling alley. The retro bowling alley is like a scene from the movies brought to life, and it is one of the few bowling places that still use candlepins instead of the newer tenpins you’re familiar with. This alley is a family business that has been around for decades, often hosting birthday celebrations for the young and old, which makes it a popular haunt for locals. For those traveling on a budget, there’s no need to worry. With the affordable rates here, you are guaranteed to have a fun afternoon at a small fee.

Wakefield Bowladrome

Address: 92 Water St, Wakefield, MA 01880, United States

Website: Wakefield Bowladrome

Opening hours: Sat: 1pm - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 10pm

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7. Play ball on Veterans Field

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Right next to Lake Quannapowitt is Veterans Field, an open area complete with a baseball field and bleachers. Come down for a quick game with friends or take a stroll along the path studded with park benches. It’s the perfect spot where you can take in the beauty of all the surrounding nature. The lush greenery and shimmering sunsets this place witnesses are also a perfect backdrop for those looking to take some photos.

Veterans Field

Address: 468 North Ave, Wakefield, MA 01880, United States

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8. Visit Crystal Lake Park for a midday break

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Surrounded by an abundance of greenery, Crystal Lake Park is a quiet spot located a short drive from Lake Quannapowitt. Crystal Lake, one of the town’s two lakes, is an expansive body of water that is used as a reservoir for drinking water. Hence, recreational activities aren’t allowed on the lake. However, its surrounding area allows you to become one with nature.

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Visit Wakefield: a historical town that's like a breath of fresh air

A hidden gem away from the busy city, Wakefield is an ideal place for a weekend getaway as it is guaranteed to soothe your soul. Experience the rich history and live like a local as you wander its streets. What are you waiting for? This quaint town awaits you.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Dana is a Singaporean student pursuing her undergraduate studies abroad on the sunny West Coast of the US. She loves traveling and exploring the local food culture wherever she goes, and is always...Read more

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