20 Things To Do In Worcester MA

Worcester is a central Massachusetts city named after the central English city, though chances are the pronunciation you’ll hear in the States is somewhat different to the U.K. Worchester is a friendly Massachusetts city with plenty of culture and a unique personality. There are many things to do in Worcester. So when visiting, pick these things to do in Worcester to add to your itinerary.

Worcester, Massachusetts

20 Things To Do In Worcester MA

1- Watch A Show At The Hanover Theatre

Start your first night in Worcester with a trip to the elegant Hanover Theatre of Performing Arts.

This theatre dates back to 1904, when they used to put on burlesque shows and touring Broadway performances.

Today there are shows you can watch suitable for all ages and interests.

The theatre has a seating capacity of 2300 people.

Check out what’s on stage when you are next in Worcester for the perfect family, friend or couples’ night out.

Hanover Theatre of Performing Arts is at 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01608.

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2- Visit The American Antiquarian Society

Visiting the American Antiquarian Society is one of the best things to do in Worcester for history lovers, as this attraction focuses on American history before 1876.

The Antiquarian is home to over three million books, original manuscripts and newspapers.

One of the main attractions at the Antiquarian is the Bay Psalm Book, the first book ever to be printed in America.

Book lovers and history buffs will lap up the content.

For those more modern folk, there’s also an extensive digital library you can peruse.

American Antiquarian Society is at 185 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609.

3- Admire The Architecture At Mechanics Hall

Mechanics Hall is a popular event and performance venue in Worcester and is known around central Massachusetts.

It’s an architectural gem and is one of the best pre-Civil War performance halls in the USA.

Its stunning architecture and history have rightly earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can check out the performances at Mechanics Hall during your trip to Worcester.

Mechanics Hall is at 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

4- Explore Presidential History 

If you have a real interest in American Presidential history, then make sure you check out the Roosevelt American Heritage Center.

The centre focuses on the life and career of Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1882 and 1945.

It houses the world’s most extensive collection of FDR memorabilia and allows visitors to gain a unique insight into the lives of FDR and his wife, Eleanor.

This impressive collection belongs to Joseph J. Plaud, a clinical psychologist whose obsessive collection of these items has acuminated in one of the best Worcester attractions for history lovers.

Franklin D. Roosevelt American Heritage Center is at 2 Washington Square, Union Station, Worcester, MA 01604.

5- Go Shopping At The Crompton Collective

The Crompton Collective is a boutique and antique market that sells an eclectic range of products, from art to fresh veggies and delicious homemade sauces.

It was started to showcase local vendors and promote those independent small businesses.

As part of the Crompton Collective, you’ll also find the Canal District Farmers Market, where you can tuck into a bunch of local dishes and homemade drinks.

Look for the Birch Tree Bread Company and pick up a scrumptious crusty loaf.

The Crompton Collective is at 138 Green Street, Worcester, MA, 01604.

6- Shop For Crafts At The Worcester Center

The original purpose of the Worcester Center for Crafts was to provide local women with the knowledge of how to make market crafts.

Visit the craft centre today, and you will find a variety of pieces on display and for sale.

They have photographic pieces, ceramics, glassware and a whole lot more.

During the Thanksgiving period, check out the centre as they house some great decorations and seasonal handcrafted items.

There are also gifts such as jewellery and handmade toys to purchase too.

Worcester Center for Crafts is at 25 Sagamore Road, MA, 01605.

7- Explore Worcester Art Museum

Another of the city’s cultural spots is the Worcester Art Museum, which has more than 35,000 pieces of art, both historical and modern day.

The artwork has been selected from around the globe and showcases some well-renowned artists.

The Paul Revere silver collection is a particular favourite among visitors, as well as the armour gallery and the Renaissance Court floor.

After staring at all that art, round off your trip to the museum with a hot drink in the café.

Worcester Art Museum is at 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

8- Step Back In History At Salisbury Mansion

The Salisbury Mansion is Worcester’s historic house museum, built back in 1772.

It was remodelled to reflect the time when Elizabeth Tuckerman Salisbury (an American socialite) lived on the property.

Take an interesting walking tour around the building to learn about the history of the building and the surrounding area.

Salisbury Mansion is at 40 Highland Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

9- Visit Eco Tarium

The Eco Tarium, which used to be called the New England Science Center is a brilliant science and nature centre. There are a bunch of things to see and do inside this museum.

Their exhibits are forever changing, and there is bound to be something for every child’s interests.

Eco Tarium is best suited to those aged between two and 14 years of age.

There are space exploration exhibits, swimming otters, a planetarium, a train and a huge playground for the kids.

Eco Tarium is at 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604.

10- Learn Local Historic At Worcester Historical Museum

The Worcester Historical Museum is the place to go if you want to learn about local history.

The museum is run by a Worcester resident who is a historian and was established in 1875.

The collections have been continually added to, and there’s a well-stocked gift shop.

This is the perfect place to look if you have been searching for a Worcester souvenir.

There are gifts and books all showcasing local Worcester history.

Worcester Historical Museum is at 30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 10609.

11- Climb Bancroft Tower

Bancroft Tower has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.

It stands at 56 feet tall (17 m) and simply oozes that stereotypical princess castle vibe.

The philanthropist Stephen Salisbury built the castle in memory of his friend George Bancroft.

You can climb up the Bancroft Tower and enjoy beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.

This is a fantastic place to relax, enjoy the fresh air, get out for a picnic, and enjoy lunch.

Bancroft Tower is at Bancroft Tower Road, Worcester, MA 01609.

12- Play Disc Golf

So, what exactly is disc golf? This relatively new sport follows the principles of golf (getting an object into a hole whilst going around a course!).

However, there are no clubs or balls, only a Frisbee, and instead of holes, there are these caged baskets.

This is a super accessible sport for those of all ages, and you can play it right here in Worcester.

The Newton Hill Disc Golf course is steep in places but manageable for all fitness levels.

It’s a brilliant activity to try with friends or family, especially if you are a first-time disc-golfer.

Newton Hill Disc Golf is at 339 Highland Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

13- Go Rock Climbing 

If you are looking for a Worcester activity that is bound to get the blood pumping, then definitely check out the Central Rock Climbing Center.

This climbing centre has been open since 2009 and offers a gym and fitness classes.

This is a great activity to try on a rainy day or keep those adventure-seeking kids entertained.

Take a lesson or join one of the group classes. Rock climbing is a great way to spend half a day in Worcester.

Central Rock Climbing Center is at 299 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606.

14- Explore Union Station

Union Station is a beautiful place, both inside and out.

It was built in 1911 by the New York Central Railroad to connect Worcester, Boston and New York City.

It stands pearly white in all its glory.

The station’s passenger service ceased in 1974 and became unsightly, but fortunately, the Worcester Redevelopment Authority bought Union Station and began redevelopments that cost a whopping $32 million.

Inside you’ll find the same well-preserved stained glass ceiling and elegant marble columns in the space known as the Grand Hall.

You can dine at one of the two restaurants, one of which Luciano’s Cotton Club, is a 1920s gangster-themed joint.

Union Station is at 2 Washington Square, Worcester, MA 01604.

15- Pay Your Respects At The Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial is a peaceful and tranquil place of reflection and calmness dedicated to the 191 soldiers from Worcester County who lost their lives in the Korean War.

A large black granite wall is one of the most striking features of this memorial, with all 191 soldiers’ names carved into it.

Statues of soldiers are dotted around the memorial site alongside the magnificent pearly white building.

If you are interested in history or want to pay your respects to the service men and women who died in the Korean War, then definitely check out the Korean War Memorial.

Korean War Memorial is at 52 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

16- Relax In Green Hill Park

Visiting the largest public park in the city should be on your list of things to do in Worcester.

Green Hill Park covers 480 acres and is home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

There are two ponds, a playground, handball courts, a skateboarding area, little league fields and plenty of walking and biking paths.

There is also an excellent petting zoo-type farm that is free of charge to wander around.

Green Hill Park is at 50 Officer Manny Familia Way, Worcester, MA, 01605.

17- See The Animals At Green Hill Park Farm

Green Hill Park Farm is a lovely spot to visit if you are travelling with younger animal lovers as they have chickens, peacocks, goats, sheep, pigs and llamas.

The farm has developed an area where the animals are not over-interacted, and you can observe them at a distance while still giving them their freedom.

This farm is free for visitors, so it’s one of the best things to do in Worcester if you are on a budget.

This is a brilliant place to discover, especially if you have young children or any animal lovers in your group.

Green Hill Park Farm is at 50 Officer Manny Familia Way, Worcester, MA, 01605.

18- Fitton Field

Fitton Field is predominantly used for college games.

This baseball stadium has also hosted minor league baseball and football games too.

Fritton Field is home to the Futures Collegiate Baseball League Worcester Bravehearts.

The stadium first opened in 1924 and was named after Reverend James Fitton.

Why not check out what games are on when you are in town and grab some tickets for an evening of sports?

Fitton Field is at 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

19- Tuckerman Hall

Tuckerman Hall is a magnificent and grand building home to the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra.

The building was designed in 1902 by Josephine Wright Chapman. Chapman was one of the nation’s first female architects.

The building was restored to its impressive glory in 1999 and the acoustics have been amplified tenfold.

The theatre houses 521 people, and they regularly hold Symphony Orchestra performances. See if you can book tickets for when you are next in Worcester.

Tuckerman Hall is at 10 Tuckerman Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

20- Elm Park

Elm Park is a historical park created in 1854 and claims to be the first public park in America.

It is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The park originally sat on pastureland but now covers more than 60 acres (24 ha) of newly developed outdoor space.

A recent $4 million renovation has made this park into a beautiful outdoor setting, perfect for relaxing and enjoying with family and friends.

The kids will love the swings and slides and the new bridge that local high school students designed.

It’s a beautiful place for a walk to enjoy the city views among the trees.

Elm Park is at 138 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01602.