Top 15 Attractions and Activities in North Attleborough, MA

Often referred to as North Attleboro, this town situated on the MA/RI border near Providence is recognized for its sense of community and dynamic downtown area.

Residents converge at North Attleborough Center for an active calendar of events, with ample local shopping and dining options available along Washington St.

Beyond this downtown hub, U.S. Route 1 serves as a significant commercial corridor for North Attleborough and nearby towns, featuring a variety of big box stores and the Emerald Square mall.

Recreational and leisure opportunities are plentiful at both first-run and second-run theaters, the hillside WWI Memorial Park, and two local zoos.

1. WWI Memorial Park and Zoo

The largest park in the town is situated on the wooded slopes of Sunrise Hill (Watery Hill), which is the highest point in Bristol County at an elevation of 390 feet.

Adjacent to the primary parking area, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of much of North Attleborough and parts of neighboring towns.

The zoo’s origins date back to the late 1960s with a pair of deer. Over the years, it has expanded to host various domestic animals, including goats, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, donkeys, and horses, while peacocks roam freely.

Most of these animals can be fed by hand with carrots and apples. Children particularly enjoy the playground, equipped with a large slide and sandbox, while the scenic nine-hole disc golf course in the woods is a wonderful addition.

2. North Attleborough Center

The main downtown area of North Attleborough is vibrant, featuring several blocks of shops and restaurants along Washington St, culminating at Veterans Park to the south.

This park is framed by the contemporary town hall and the impressive architecture of the Bristol Lodge (1927) and the Post Office (1916).

With a charming gazebo, the park serves as a gathering point for events like the Santa Parade and the weekly summer farmers’ market (discussed next).

Traveling north along the tree-lined Washington St, visitors will find diverse restaurants representing various cuisines from Middle Eastern to Italian, as well as shops specializing in craft supplies, comic books, deli foods, dancewear, candy, home design, and ice cream.

3. North Attleborough Farmers’ Market

Positioned against the backdrop of the Town Hall, North Attleborough hosts a popular farmers’ market, occurring on Wednesdays from 5 PM to 8 PM, from mid-June to mid-October. Attendees can explore locally sourced products while supporting small local businesses.

Expect to find seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, honey, jams, maple syrup, preserves, pet treats, coffee, plants, and a wide range of crafts, including quilts and candles.

Food trucks are available for those looking for dinner options, offering selections such as wood-fired pizza and loaded fries.

4. North Attleborough Town Forest

In 2022, the town introduced a new series of trails within this 80-acre woodland area off Plain St. North Attleborough Town Forest features five distinctive walking trails, varying from a quarter mile to a mile and a half in length, each named in honor of notable local figures.

Encircling the forest’s perimeter and linking to the other trails is the Poirier Trail, ideal for a vigorous walk or run.

The southern end hosts a newly constructed dog park, featuring wood chips, with separate fenced areas and agility equipment for larger and smaller dogs.

5. Falls Pond

Traveling south from the center along U.S. Route 1, visitors will soon arrive at a pair of impoundments totaling over 110 acres, interconnected by a culvert beneath Reservoir St.

Both expansive water bodies offer public access and are bordered by woodlands, wetlands, and quiet residential neighborhoods.

The northern area features a boat ramp and a residents-only beach at the end of Barbara Street, while the southernmost impoundment includes a significant conservation area along its western shore.

This location is ideal for fishing, enjoying scenic views at sunset, or relaxing with a picnic on a warm day. Recent surveys have recorded fish species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, and black crappie.

6. Phantom Farms

Located in Cumberland, RI, this family-owned farm provides seasonal offerings throughout the year. Visitors can explore the renovated barn, which features seasonal produce, grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, local meats, pies, baked goods, jams, milk, syrup, fudge, and freshly roasted coffee.

The farm’s focus shifts with the seasons; in spring and summer, the garden center showcases a wide array of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies.

As late summer approaches, visitors can visit the orchard to pick their own apples, select a carving pumpkin, and take home beautiful chrysanthemums.

7. Capron Park Zoo

A noteworthy family-friendly attraction located nearby in Attleboro is Capron Park Zoo, established in 1937, which hosts around 100 animals from over 40 different species.

This zoo, set on a well-maintained eight-acre site, features exotic animals from five continents, including white lions, lemurs, sloth bears, red-crowned cranes, Visayan warty pigs, and golden lion tamarins.

Inside, there is a unique nocturnal exhibit where the day and night cycles are reversed. Additionally, the rainforest exhibit showcases a variety of tropical birds, fruit bats, and a two-toed sloth.

On warm days, children can enjoy the splash pad, and one evening in late June, the zoo extends its hours, offering live music and food trucks.

8. Emerald Square

Located by the interchange for U.S. Route 1 and I-295, Emerald Square is an enclosed shopping mall that opened in 1989.

As of this writing, Emerald Square boasts a solid array of national and international retailers, with additional options available in the Power Centers further south along Route 1.

In addition to anchors such as Macy’s and JCPenney, you can discover stores like rue21, Victoria’s Secret, Hot Topic, H&M, Vans, Kay Jewelers, Hollister, Forever 21, American Eagle, and Foot Locker.

The dining options are somewhat limited; however, the food court on the third floor offers a range of cuisines, including pitas, Thai, Japanese, pizza, and beloved staples like Wetzel’s Pretzels, Auntie Anne’s, and Charleys Philly Steaks.

9. North Bowl Lanes

In 2008, this 40-lane bowling alley was acquired by a couple from California, who aimed to introduce the West Coast’s entertainment-oriented bowling experience to North Attleborough.

Following two renovations, North Bowl Lanes now features a state-of-the-art game room, a full bar, and a brick oven dedicated to creating authentic pizza.

Numerous bowling specials are available throughout the week, and on weekend evenings, cosmic bowling takes place until 1 AM, accompanied by a glow-in-the-dark light show, lively music, and sports and music videos projected on screens.

10. Showcase Cinema de Lux North Attleboro

Situated in Norwood, MA, Massachusetts serves as the flagship state for the Showcase Cinemas brand, which has locations across four different countries.

The 12-screen multiplex in North Attleborough opened in 1996 and has undergone numerous updates since then, including the addition of a lobby bar, allowing patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages while viewing films.

All of the auditoriums feature digital projectors and advanced Dolby sound systems, along with ultra-comfortable, power-operated leather recliners. Be advised to catch an engaging film, as many guests find the seating conducive for a brief nap.

11. Route One Cinema Pub

Another option for enjoying a movie in North Attleborough is this unique establishment that combines a second-run theater with a pub atmosphere.

As most of the films shown at the Route One Cinema Pub are slightly older releases, ticket prices remain quite affordable.

This single-screen venue features tables and wait staff, alongside a full menu, allowing guests to savor typical movie snacks or classic pub fare, such as pizza, fish & chips, burgers, chicken fingers, subs, soups, and salads.

A diverse selection of beer (both bottled and draft) is available, including options sourced locally from Massachusetts, as well as a wine list.

12. WWII Memorial Pool

Adjacent to Veterans Park in North Attleborough Center lies a public pool that was gifted to the town in 1951 by WWII veterans and members of the Kiwanis Club in honor of those who served during the war.

This compact yet well-kept facility serves as a valuable resource for individuals of all ages and has been the venue where generations of North Attleborough residents have learned to swim.

During a typical season, the WWII Memorial Pool operates from late June until mid or late August, functioning for approximately five or six hours each afternoon, six days a week. The entire facility underwent renovations in the late 2000s, and in addition to the main oval pool, there is a small rectangular “baby” pool for toddlers and younger children.

13. Working Man Distillers

Whiskey enthusiasts will be pleased to discover a craft distillery in North Attleborough, operated by a couple who transformed their passion for whiskey into a viable profession.

Whenever feasible, Working Man Distillers procures its ingredients from family-owned local farms and has recently partnered with Valley Malt, based in South Hadley, MA.

Its spirits are available at several local bars and retail establishments, but visitors can also head to the inviting tasting room/whiskey bar, which operates from Thursday to Sunday.

The core products include Deadlift Rye Whiskey, aged in 30-gallon barrels sourced from Adirondack Barrel Cooperage, Blue Collar Bourbon, a three-year-aged Indiana Bourbon, and Firefighter’s Cinnamon, a rye whiskey infused with cinnamon sticks and cane sugar.

14. Altitude Trampoline Park

Situated along the same commercial corridor on Route 1, this venue offers an energetic indoor experience for children and teenagers.

Filled with trampolines, Altitude Trampoline Park features various attractions, making it perfect for birthday celebrations or an exhilarating hour or two of active play.

Guests will find a main court adorned with trampolines, performance trampolines for stunts, a designated kids’ court, a foam pit, rock climbing wall, trapeze, dodgeball court, special lanes complete with hoops for slam dunks, a log roll challenge, tumble track, monkey bars, and more.

15. Santa Parade

North Attleborough hosts several cherished annual traditions, among which the Santa Parade, first held in the 1960s, is particularly significant.

Taking place on the final Sunday of November, the Santa Parade marches down North Washington St from the First Baptist Church to Town Hall.

The procession features a series of floats organized by local organizations, services, and businesses, along with participation from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, North Attleborough High School’s marching band, cheerleaders, color guard, and youth hockey team, as well as a selection of vintage automobiles.

Santa typically concludes the parade, often riding on a vintage fire truck. Following the parade, holiday music is performed at the gazebo in Veterans Park, during which Santa officially heralds the beginning of the Christmas season by lighting the town tree.