Guidebook for Newton
Drinks & Nightlife
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1236 Dorchester AveEmerald Lounge
200 Stuart StTerry O'Reilly's Irish Pub
45 Union StWest Street Tavern & Restaurant
7 West StBuff's Pub
317 Washington StThe Gaff
467 Moody StDistrict 118 Kitchen & Bar
118 Needham StTommy Doyle's
349 Watertown StPub
Night Shift Brewing - Lovejoy Wharf
1 Lovejoy WharfHarpoon
1 Harborside DrSightseeing
Freedom Trail
139 Tremont StBoston Harbor
The Paul Revere House
19 N SquareNewbury Street
Newbury StreetOld North Church & Historic Site
193 Salem StBunker Hill Monument
Monument SquareThe North End, Boston’s Little Italy, is a maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings. On the self-guided Freedom Trail, tourists pass historic sites like the 1680 Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, which played a key role at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Italian restaurants, coffeehouses, pastry shops and old-school delis pack the area, especially on lively Hanover Street.
405 locals recommend
North End
The North End, Boston’s Little Italy, is a maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings. On the self-guided Freedom Trail, tourists pass historic sites like the 1680 Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, which played a key role at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Italian restaurants, coffeehouses, pastry shops and old-school delis pack the area, especially on lively Hanover Street.
One the nation's oldest shipyards, this shipyard is home to two NHL ships (USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young), and has the only surviving ropewalk that has not been moved or significantly altered.
6 locals recommend
Charlestown Navy Yard
114 16th StOne the nation's oldest shipyards, this shipyard is home to two NHL ships (USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young), and has the only surviving ropewalk that has not been moved or significantly altered.
Floating history museum with live reenactments, multimedia exhibits & a tearoom
99 locals recommend
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
306 Congress StFloating history museum with live reenactments, multimedia exhibits & a tearoom
Charles River Esplanade
Charles River EsplanadesQuincy Market
206 S Market StHarborwalk
HarborwalkHarvard University
3 Oxford StreetEdward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
210 Morrissey BlvdLouisa May Alcott's Orchard House
399 Lexington RdCharles River Esplanade
Charles River EsplanadesCastle Island
2010 William J Day BlvdSkywalk Observatory
800 Boylston StEntertainment & Activities
New England Aquarium
1 Central WharfFenway Park
4 Jersey StThe indoor Daly Rink or, if the temperature cooperates, skate outdoors at one of several locations including the Cove in Auburndale, Crystal Lake, and Bullough’s Pond.
Daly Rink
1 Nonantum RdThe indoor Daly Rink or, if the temperature cooperates, skate outdoors at one of several locations including the Cove in Auburndale, Crystal Lake, and Bullough’s Pond.
The West Newton Cinema has a rotation of many classic films that are showing year round. Be sure to check the roster to see if there are any Disney classics that the kids would enjoy.
16 locals recommend
West Newton Cinema
1296 Washington StThe West Newton Cinema has a rotation of many classic films that are showing year round. Be sure to check the roster to see if there are any Disney classics that the kids would enjoy.
Alumni Stadium
2604 Beacon StBoston Opera House
539 Washington StIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans WayCopley Square
560 Boylston StParks & Nature
Boston Common Frog Pond
38 Beacon StSwan Boats
Dolan Pond Conservation Area
Webster ParkHall's Pond Sanctuary
3 Amory StWhipple Hill
Summer StreetEcho Bridge
A historic bridge with a lovely acoustic anomaly.
Swim in the summer. Nestled between the villages of Newton Centre and Newton Highlands, Crystal Lake is a beautiful, peaceful respite and has a small beach and a fantastic array of summer swim lessons for kids, along with a friendly crew of young lifeguards. Parents will enjoy the swimming, too.
13 locals recommend
Crystal Lake Beach
30 Rogers StSwim in the summer. Nestled between the villages of Newton Centre and Newton Highlands, Crystal Lake is a beautiful, peaceful respite and has a small beach and a fantastic array of summer swim lessons for kids, along with a friendly crew of young lifeguards. Parents will enjoy the swimming, too.
Hear your echo.
Hemlock Gorge in Newton Upper Falls starts as normal trail and then opens up to very cool stone bridge that crosses the Charles River. The span is known as Echo Bridge because if visitors climb down the stairs at Ellis Street and go under the span, their voices echo across the gorge, which is a lot of fun for kids.
Hemlock Gorge Reservation
21 Bridge StHear your echo.
Hemlock Gorge in Newton Upper Falls starts as normal trail and then opens up to very cool stone bridge that crosses the Charles River. The span is known as Echo Bridge because if visitors climb down the stairs at Ellis Street and go under the span, their voices echo across the gorge, which is a lot of fun for kids.
Let your dog go free. Newton has an array of dog parks throughout the city at which furry friends can run loose. A favorite is in Cold Spring Park, which visitors can find after taking a trek into the woods a bit.
8 locals recommend
Cold Spring Park
1094 Beacon StLet your dog go free. Newton has an array of dog parks throughout the city at which furry friends can run loose. A favorite is in Cold Spring Park, which visitors can find after taking a trek into the woods a bit.
Canoe the Charles. If your child likes navigating waterways or wants to learn how to paddle, there are several operations that take advantage of Newton's proximity to the Charles River. Charles River Canoe & Kayak launches boats off Nahanton Park near the Needham line, and Boating in Boston offers waterway rentals out of the Newton Boathouse on Commonwealth Avenue near Route 128.
6 locals recommend
Charles River Canoe & Kayak : Nahanton Park, Newton
455 Nahanton StCanoe the Charles. If your child likes navigating waterways or wants to learn how to paddle, there are several operations that take advantage of Newton's proximity to the Charles River. Charles River Canoe & Kayak launches boats off Nahanton Park near the Needham line, and Boating in Boston offers waterway rentals out of the Newton Boathouse on Commonwealth Avenue near Route 128.
Take in a new water view. The Waban Hill Reservoir – located off Manet Road in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, interestingly, and not the village of Waban – is actually a former reservoir that the city of Newton completed its purchase of in 2015 from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The city's plans include conserving open space around the pond.
Waban Hill Reservoir
Take in a new water view. The Waban Hill Reservoir – located off Manet Road in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, interestingly, and not the village of Waban – is actually a former reservoir that the city of Newton completed its purchase of in 2015 from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The city's plans include conserving open space around the pond.
Nahanton Park includes a riverfront, community garden, meadows, wooded hills, blackberry bushes, wetlands, a pond and a plateau with a view of the river valley. Nahanton Park is ideal for walking, jogging, and viewing birds.
Nahanton Park
455 Nahanton StNahanton Park includes a riverfront, community garden, meadows, wooded hills, blackberry bushes, wetlands, a pond and a plateau with a view of the river valley. Nahanton Park is ideal for walking, jogging, and viewing birds.
At 33 acres and surrounded by stone walls, Edmands Park is bordered by BC Law School on one side. The park features woods, small clearings, and Edmands Brook. The area is excellent for walking, jogging, nature study and cross-country skiing.
Edmands Park
Blake StreetAt 33 acres and surrounded by stone walls, Edmands Park is bordered by BC Law School on one side. The park features woods, small clearings, and Edmands Brook. The area is excellent for walking, jogging, nature study and cross-country skiing.
Auburndale Park spans 40 acres and has Charles River frontage (ice skating in winter), fields, wooded areas, ball fields and a 1.3-mile life course with exercise stations. Forest Grove is a 2.6-acre peninsula connecting to Auburndale Park trail. Flowed Meadow is an abutting 28-acre parcel.
Auburndale Park
104 W Pine StAuburndale Park spans 40 acres and has Charles River frontage (ice skating in winter), fields, wooded areas, ball fields and a 1.3-mile life course with exercise stations. Forest Grove is a 2.6-acre peninsula connecting to Auburndale Park trail. Flowed Meadow is an abutting 28-acre parcel.
Cutler Park’s 800 acres span Newton, Needham and Dedham. The entrance is just across the Newton line. One trail goes around Cutler Pond. Another runs from the pond trail and goes to Powell’s Island canoe landing, under the MBTA commuter rail and out to the Great Plain. In the winter, the area is ideal for cross-country skiing.
Cutler Park Reservation
84 Kendrick StreetCutler Park’s 800 acres span Newton, Needham and Dedham. The entrance is just across the Newton line. One trail goes around Cutler Pond. Another runs from the pond trail and goes to Powell’s Island canoe landing, under the MBTA commuter rail and out to the Great Plain. In the winter, the area is ideal for cross-country skiing.
Hammond Pond Reservation includes some large geographical formations popular with rock climbers. You can also fish, hike, or study nature and geology.
Hammond Pond Reservation
Hammond Pond ParkwayHammond Pond Reservation includes some large geographical formations popular with rock climbers. You can also fish, hike, or study nature and geology.
Norumbega Park was a recreation area and amusement park located in "Auburndale-on-the-Charles" near Boston, Massachusetts. The associated Totem Pole Ballroom became a well-known dancing and entertainment venue for big bands touring during the 1940s.
Norumbega Park
2285 Commonwealth AvenueNorumbega Park was a recreation area and amusement park located in "Auburndale-on-the-Charles" near Boston, Massachusetts. The associated Totem Pole Ballroom became a well-known dancing and entertainment venue for big bands touring during the 1940s.
Forested 118-acre park with a pond, marshes & sandstone cliffs frequented by hikers & rock climbers.
Webster Conservation Area
416 Hammond Pond PkwyForested 118-acre park with a pond, marshes & sandstone cliffs frequented by hikers & rock climbers.
Public park & watershed conservation site, with walking trails, a perennial garden & an orchard.
Kennard Park
246 Dudley RdPublic park & watershed conservation site, with walking trails, a perennial garden & an orchard.
Hemlock Gorge Reservation
21 Bridge StHammond Pond Reservation
Hammond Pond ParkwayWebster Conservation Area
416 Hammond Pond PkwyCrystal Lake Beach
30 Rogers StRose Kennedy Greenway
Atlantic AvenueArnold Arboretum of Harvard University
125 ArborwayArts & Culture
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington AveMuseum of Science
1 Museum Of Science DrivewayBoston Children's Museum
308 Congress StIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans WayInstitute of Contemporary Art, Boston
25 Harbor Shore DrICA Group
386 Western AvenueUSS Constitution Museum
Located in a beautifully restored ice house, this museum is the result of decades of hard work and devotion to the craft of plumbing.
Plumbing Museum
80 Rosedale RdLocated in a beautifully restored ice house, this museum is the result of decades of hard work and devotion to the craft of plumbing.
Large Massachusetts museum dedicated to Armenian history and culture.
7 locals recommend
Armenian Museum of America
65 Main StLarge Massachusetts museum dedicated to Armenian history and culture.
Metropolitan Waterworks Museum
2450 Beacon StBeautiful steampunk ghosts of early Massachusetts.
Encourage young readers.
The Newton Free Library at the corner of Walnut and Homer streets has a huge, specially-staffed children's reading area, including a toddler room and a separate audio and video selection. Parents should also check out the library's museum pass offerings.
Newton Free Library
330 Homer StEncourage young readers.
The Newton Free Library at the corner of Walnut and Homer streets has a huge, specially-staffed children's reading area, including a toddler room and a separate audio and video selection. Parents should also check out the library's museum pass offerings.
Revisit local history.
Learn about Newton's history with the Underground Railroad at the Jackson Homestead and Museum on Washington Street near Newton Corner.
Jackson Homestead and Museum
527 Washington StRevisit local history.
Learn about Newton's history with the Underground Railroad at the Jackson Homestead and Museum on Washington Street near Newton Corner.
The orchestra also has a family series of short concerts for ages two to ten. What’s really fun is the instrument “petting zoo” where kids can try out the instruments.
New Philharmonia Orchestra
1301 Centre StThe orchestra also has a family series of short concerts for ages two to ten. What’s really fun is the instrument “petting zoo” where kids can try out the instruments.
Local History: Underground Railroad, Civil War, and More!
History buffs will enjoy the war-themed dioramas in Newton City Hall. Kids who play with toy soldiers will love looking at the miniature figures depicting scenes from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War I.
Here are three well-known historical sites suitable for family excursions:
The Jackson Homestead – A stop on the Underground Railway.
The Durant-Kenrick House – Dates from 1732. Families can enjoy historical-themed games and puzzles.
Hemlock Gorge – This is the site of Echo Bridge. From under the bridge, your kid’s voice will echo across the gorge. The bridge’s remarkable acoustical properties even allow for a whisper
Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue Local History: Underground Railroad, Civil War, and More!
History buffs will enjoy the war-themed dioramas in Newton City Hall. Kids who play with toy soldiers will love looking at the miniature figures depicting scenes from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War I.
Here are three well-known historical sites suitable for family excursions:
The Jackson Homestead – A stop on the Underground Railway.
The Durant-Kenrick House – Dates from 1732. Families can enjoy historical-themed games and puzzles.
Hemlock Gorge – This is the site of Echo Bridge. From under the bridge, your kid’s voice will echo across the gorge. The bridge’s remarkable acoustical properties even allow for a whisper
Houses early machinery for the local automobile, textile and watch- and clock-making industries.
14 locals recommend
Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation
154 Moody StHouses early machinery for the local automobile, textile and watch- and clock-making industries.
Longyear Museum
1125 Boylston StMary Baker Eddy Historic House
400 Beacon StJackson Homestead and Museum
527 Washington StDurant-Kenrick House and Grounds
286 Waverley AveHarvard Art Museums
Old North Church & Historic Site
193 Salem StNew England Holocaust Memorial
98 Union StTrinity Church - Boston
206 Clarendon StreetBoston Ballet School
19 Clarendon StEssentials
Star Market
370 Western AveWalgreens Pharmacy
980 American Legion HwyShopping
The Shops at Chestnut Hill
199 Boylston StNatick Mall
1245 Worcester StRusso's
560 Pleasant StMarty's Fine Wines
675 Washington StArtitudes
1286 Washington StVirtuous Teas
612 Washington StFaneuil Hall Marketplace
1 S Market StBoston Public Market
100 Hanover St