Location: Holden
Top Things to do in Holden
What to do and see in Holden, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Holden is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The town was founded in 1741, and the Town Square (center) was donated by John Hancock, former Governor of Massachusetts.
Restaurants in Holden
1. Worcester Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
This central Massachusetts museum houses a collection that includes works by European and American artists as well as Asian, Greek and Roman art.
Reviewed By CharleneSokal - Worcester, Massachusetts
A unique collection of late 19th/early 20th century photographs is on view until the 25 of Feb. The photos are of an African/American and Native American community living in Worcester. Aside from the photos as images, many of them have been identified with families still residing in Worcester. These add to the texture of the city and connects the families with their ancestors, a unique experience.
2. Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is New England's year-round botanic garden, a living museum of plants exquisite in every season. Several distinctive gardens arrange plants according to an overall Master Plan, that includes a Lawn Garden, Secret Garden, Systematic Garden, Cottage & Vegetable Garden, Wildlife Refuge Pond, Winter Garden, and more. Two conservatories--the Orangerie and the Limonaia--display non-hardy plants in winter, with blooming flowers in every season. Springtime brings more than a quarter million flowering bulbs, including a signature field of more than 25,000 daffodils.
Reviewed By Colin M - Albany, New York, United States
We enjoyed a winter afternoon at Tower Hill. The greenhouses are gorgeous, and it was wonderful to explore the tropical plants in bloom, despite the brisk weather outside. The Christmas decorations were a treat. We did explore some of the grounds, and really enjoyed the Wild Rumpus.
3. Heifer Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Heifer International offers a powerful global education experience at its Heifer Farm, located in Rutland, MA (62 miles West of Boston). Each program introduces participants to the idea that one person can make a difference in ending hunger and poverty.Programs range from tours to multi-night programs that provide participants a first-hand look at the challenges surrounding hunger and poverty. Heifer Farm programs are ideal for schools, congregations, youth organizations, families and individuals that want to learn more about the issues surrounding hunger and poverty, Heifer’s sustainable solutions and what they can do to help.Experiential, hands-on, interactive and fun, Heifer Farm is also a demonstration farm complete with gardens and animals including yaks and traditional farm animals such as pigs, goats and more.
Reviewed By Traveling_JenRI - Boston, Massachusetts
We are regulars at Drumlin Farm, but decided to check this out when our church made a field trip there in May 2014. The tour started with a movie featuring the villages Heifer International supports, which really helped the kids relate what we saw on the farm to what happens in the world.
The animals and land are well cared for. The view was incredible, up on a hill with rolling hills as far as the eyes could see. The kids (and adults!) got to gather eggs, pet goats, card yak fur into yarn, milk goats, and all kinds of other fun stuff. It was a very hands on experience, which made it fun for all ages.
There was a lovely shaded picnic area where we brought our own lunches, free of charge to use. Prices at the gift shop were very reasonable.
There was no plug to donate at the end, which is what I was expecting. There was actually little connection between what we saw and what the international mission of the organization is.
To nitpick, I had two minor complaints. Our tour guide knew a lot about the animals on site, but didn't tell us much about the villages or international work. He wasn't very good with young kids. He also just dumped us at the gift shop at the end without any kind of closing remarks. But he definitely knew his animals well.
My other complaint was that there are a few trailers where staff work and live around the farm. I am sure that is the most cost effective way to do what they do, but it took away from the pastoral theme.
Bring your bug spray, sunscreen, lunch and an extra layer. It gets cool up on the hill.
Including lunch and the tour, we were there for 4+ hours. All ages had a great time here, learning while still having fun. I highly recommend it.
4. Moore State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By IHateDiamondMembers - Spencer, Massachusetts
It's family friendly and photogenic. Definitely a must visit place. Although I have no idea why a tourist would visit the area but it's a classic New England experience if you find yourself barreling through central Massachusetts. There is also a creepy cabin nearby with a webcam attached for some reason. Look inside and be underwhelmed. If you dare!!
5. Davis' Farmland & Mega Maze
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Jess_S_10000000 - Boston, Massachusetts
Davis Farmland is basically a farm themed amusement park for kids that is also one of the biggest endangered farm animal reserves in the country. (Because of the industrialized nature of farms today, many breeds of farm animals are no longer raised on commercial farms and are in danger of extinction). The variety of breeds within the same species was very interesting to see and all of the animals seemed well-cared for.
We went as a family to celebrate our son's 5th birthday. I took the day off work to avoid the weekend crowds. (Davis Farmland is open Thursdays and Fridays through mid-autumn, but the maze and u-pick are weekends only). My son had a wonderful time and already wants to go back.
My son was happy that most of the animals can be petted. He enjoyed meeting kittens, bunnies, goats, sheep, chickens, llamas, alpacas and donkeys. (Beware that the baby goats enjoy a good nibble on any loose clothing). There were lots of employees (aka "farmers") on hand to make sure that the animals were being treated nicely and to answer our questions. It seemed like every time my son had a question that I couldn't answer, a helpful farmer was there to share their knowledge.
In addition to the animals, there is a hayride, pony rides (extra cost), play area and 2 large bounce house type structures. Since we were there on a quiet day, I jumped on the big bounce pad with my son and it was a lot of fun. (Other parents were enjoying it too). We were there for 5 hours and could have easily stayed longer had we not wanted to beat rush hour traffic home.
We ate lunch at the Herd Rock Calf-fe, the onsite restaurant. They had a nice selection of food considering that it is really a theme park cafe. We are vegetarians and actually had our choice of several items. We went with veggie burgers and my son had a grilled cheese. He said it was the "best grilled cheese ever." Perhaps we were just hungry from our outdoor fun, but everything was tasty (though the burgers appeared to be packaged garden burgers). Vegans should know that there were also vegan options including a hummus and veggie wrap and chocolate almond milk.
Considering the cost involved in caring for the animals, the number of attractions and the fact that the farm is well-staffed for the safety of both children and animals, I thought that the approximately $60 we spent on admission and animal feed for our family of 3 was worth the price. Adding in the cost of lunch and snacks, we spent about $100 for the day -- cheaper than throwing a birthday party and much less stress for me and my husband. My son says, "Davis Farmland is a really good place for kids."
6. Marshall Street Disc Golf
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Marshall Street Disc Golf has everything you need to enjoy the sport we all love! Come visit our shop for a huge selection of frisbee discs, disc golf swag and more! Pick our brains about the sport. We have over 20 years experience. Our goal is to provide the best customer service possible, for whatever your disc golf needs. Come to us for a fun, friendly, and knowledgeable experience!
Reviewed By shady38 - Worcester, MA
I had never heard of disc golf before and the 4 of us decided to go on a Saturday. It was so much fun! Definitely more physically challenging than I thought it would be! Only because some of the "holes" you had to climb up or down really steep hills, over a brook, through bushes lol. But we had so much fun here. We were there for almost 3 hours. It was nice not being rushed like you can be at mini golf. I have a feeling I will be comparing all future courses to this one!
7. The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
The Hanover Theatre continues to draw over 170,000 patrons annually with world-class performances and headlining acts including touring Broadway hits ("Les Miserables," "Mary Poppins," "Jersey Boys"); comedians (Steve Martin, George Carlin, Dave Chappelle); musical acts (Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues, Diana Ross); and everything in between ("A Christmas Carol," Maya Angelou, Rudy Giuliani, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre).Consistantly ranked by POLLSTAR as one of the Top Theatres in the World, the theatre opened in March of 2008 following a $32 million historic renovation. Since opening, the theatre has established its place as a world-class performing arts venue, acting as a catalyst for the economic development of downtown Worcester. Worcester Center for Performing Arts, is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Reviewed By Travis P - Boston, Massachusetts
We came in from out of town to see a touring Broadway musical. What a beautiful place ad the volunteer staff are really nice and knowledgeable. Great acoustics. Only complaint is that I have long legs ad some of the seats don't have enough leg room, but that's a problem I have a lot of places. Would come back again.
8. Wachusett Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By NYU62 - Tucson Arizona
Driving back to Worcester from Clinton, we stopped to check out this dam. It was drizzly and overcast, but the view was beautiful. Everything so clean and green.
The Wachusett Reservoir was the largest public water supply reservoir in the world when it was completed in 1905. It is still the longest hand built dam in the world. There are fact sheets hanging in display cases telling you anything you would like to know about this project, like, for instance, that the height from the ground is 115 feet.
The area around there is very clean. Only a few parking spaces available. We were lucky as not many people stopped in this weather.
9. EcoTarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 232 reviews
Experience hands-on exhibits and make new discoveries, indoors and outdoors, at the EcoTarium in Worcester. As New England's leading museum for science and nature, the EcoTarium offers three floors of interactive exhibits, exciting shows in the Alden Digital Planetarium: A National Geographic Theater, daily Science Discovery programs, live animal habitats, nature trails through forest and meadow environments, and unlimited play in the expansive Nature Explore(R) Outdoor Exhibit. Rain or shine, summer or winter, there's always something fun for the whole family to discover at the EcoTarium.
Reviewed By friantfoodsnob - friant, california
Took my seven year old grandson to the EcoTarium on a Friday and spent the day there. He loved all the interactive displays and hands on activities. The Tornado chamber was one of his favorites. The outside play area is good too with musical activities and instruments to explore. The planetarium shows were well suited to young children and he enjoyed them.
All and all a good place to take kids for the day and not run out of things for them to do there. We will be back!
10. Cornerstone Ranch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By Sherry M - Barre, Massachusetts, United States
It is with disappointment that I write this review. We bought a groupon to ride at Cornerstone Ranch as we miss having our own horses, and due to retirement now had a little free time to get back in the saddle again. We went on website and tried to book the ride but the system wouldn't accept the Groupon code and wouldn't finish the reservation without giving a credit card number. We tried to call the ranch. They REFUSE to speak with you by phone and will only email. We alerted the owner of our difficulty with the reservation via email several times. She finally told us she had two openings left for the day we wanted at 8pm the day before the ride. She told us to send her a copy of the groupon certificate which we immediately did as well as signing the ride waver. We didn't hear a word for two hours so we assumed everything was set for our ride the following day and it was 10 pm. The next morning, day of the ride, there was another email from the ranch. "We are booked for today's ride, make another reservation." REALLY? Someone else booked before us at ten pm?? I think they just didn't want to fill the limited space with the groupon discount. NEVER would agree to speak to us by phone. We wasted SOO much time, I agree with another comment made in a review, Save your money and go somewhere else. Shame on Cornerstone Ranch, not only did they ruin our day but they lost future business for a family gathering and company outing.
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