Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Taunton, MA

Taunton, one of the oldest municipalities in the United States, was established in 1637 by members of the Plymouth Colony. The remarkable Old Colony History Museum details this history and illustrates various components of the region’s growth, particularly Taunton’s prominence as a center for the silver industry in the early 19th century.

More than two centuries later, Taunton continues to be recognized as the Silver City, featuring an active downtown alongside a town green that was initially planned in the 1740s. This location becomes particularly enchanting in December, adorned with light displays that have earned Taunton the affectionate moniker, The Christmas City.

1. Old Colony History Museum

Chronicling southeastern Massachusetts, which comprised part of Plymouth Colony in the 17th century, the Old Colony Historical Society was established in 1853, marking it as one of the oldest historical societies in New England. The society’s museum in Taunton is housed in the former Bristol Academy building, an Italianate structure dating back to 1852.

The museum recently updated its exhibits, covering topics such as 17th-century settlement, immigration, transportation, industry in Taunton, fashion, society, and military history. Furthermore, there exists an impressive collection of 29 historical portraits on display, complemented by a variety of ever-changing temporary exhibitions.

A guided tour of the museum takes place at noon, while the establishment also organizes a range of workshops, lectures, and educational excursions.

2. Taunton Green

Taunton boasts a vibrant downtown area that melds impressive architecture, rich history, commerce, and dining options. At the heart of it all lies Taunton Green, which has retained its dimensions since it was established in the 1740s as a military training ground.

Earlier, an initial meeting house was constructed at this location. The military heritage of Taunton Green is commemorated by a series of monuments honoring soldiers, one of the most notable being a replica of The Hiker, created by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, dedicated to soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War.

To the east of Taunton Green, visitors may stroll along Main Street, lined with stores offering antiques, musical instruments, clothing, footwear, and flowers, alongside various restaurants and local services.

Additionally, Taunton Green serves as the backdrop for delightful light displays during the holiday season, commencing with a lighting ceremony that has been celebrated for over a century.

3. Massasoit State Park

Taunton is surrounded by pristine natural landscapes, with the largest expanse located to the east at Massasoit State Park. This area offers an opportunity for exploration across 1,200 acres of woodlands interspersed with six lakes and ponds.

The park’s well-maintained trail networks are ideal for hiking and mountain biking; moreover, Lake Rico proves to be popular for paddlesports during the summer, providing a launch area for canoes and kayaks.

For those wishing to extend their stay, the park features tent and RV camping, along with picnic tables, shower facilities, accessible restrooms, and unguarded swimming at the picturesque Middle Pond.

4. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary

Located just outside Taunton in Norton is a nonprofit animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating neglected or abandoned animals. The sanctuary is home to over 300 animals, primarily domestic breeds, including chickens, goats, dogs, cats, peacocks, alpacas, horses, donkeys, sheep, pigs, mules, and geese.

These animals are housed in clean, spacious pens and habitats that integrate harmoniously with the surrounding wooded landscape.

The sanctuary is designed for visitors, featuring a network of paths, and hosts educational walks, pony rides, children’s birthday parties, and seasonal events such as Halloween festivities.

5. Fore Kicks

In Taunton, one can find one of the largest indoor sports facilities in New England. Primarily focused on soccer, Fore Kicks encompasses a 180,000-square-foot megaplex featuring 11 indoor multi-use sports fields, alongside facilities for futsal, basketball, and volleyball.

Moreover, the venue includes an entire inflatable indoor park for family entertainment, complete with bounce houses, slides, and obstacles.

Additionally, a year-round indoor driving range is available, operating seven days a week, with a large bucket costing $12 at the time of this writing.

6. Boyden Park

A short five-minute drive southwest of Taunton Green leads to this densely wooded sanctuary located on the eastern bank of the Three Mile River. Named in honor of Gertrude Boyden (1905-2002), who enjoyed a notable career, including being the first chairperson of the City of Taunton’s Conservation Commission in the 1960s.

Boyden Park features a network of color-coded trails, a section of boardwalk, two canoe launches, a fragrance garden, picnic areas, and a fish ladder/dam at the southern end. The autumn foliage presents a stunning visual treat, offering remarkable views of the river at sunset.

7. Taunton Public Library

Among the prominent landmarks surrounding Taunton Green is the historic Taunton Public Library, a rare Carnegie library that continues to serve its intended purpose. Completed in 1903, it features a lavish Beaux-Arts architectural style designed by Albert R. Ross (1868-1948) with a facade of Indiana limestone.

This library serves as a valued resource for local residents, offering an extensive collection that includes audiobooks and Blu-rays, while also acting as a community hub for activities, events, and gatherings ranging from literature clubs to yoga sessions and film screenings.

8. Watson Pond State Park

During the summertime, visitors can explore this public recreation area along the wooded shores of Watson Pond. The primary attraction of the state park is its 300-foot swimming beach, with lifeguards scheduled to be on duty from late May until Labor Day.

This beach is surrounded by several acres of shaded public space, which includes a playground, a reservable pavilion, a bathhouse, picnic tables, and grills. Additionally, there is a launch site available for canoeists, and for fishing enthusiasts, the pond is home to largemouth bass, black crappie, and chain pickerel.

9. Bristol County Superior Courthouse

A noteworthy structure near Taunton Green is the impressive Romanesque Revival courthouse, which was completed in 1894. This building marks the fourth courthouse established on or near this site, dating back to 1747. The Superior Courthouse remains operational today following an extensive expansion and renovation project amounting to $86 million completed in the late 2000s.

Your attention will be drawn to the grand central tower, which rises 170 feet above the green, featuring intricate round-arched openwork and a copper dome. The central entrance portal also merits examination due to its elaborate carvings depicting faces, letters, and organic motifs.

10. The Star Drive-In

Situated off Massachusetts 140 in the southeastern section of Taunton is a drive-in restaurant that has been operating since 1964. Adorned with a vintage neon sign, the Star Drive-In is a popular venue for classic car exhibitions, jeep nights, and vintage bike showcases. Moreover, the venue hosts a variety of outdoor movie screenings through the summer months.

Culinary offerings include New England comfort food such as clam cakes, fried clams, scallops, and lobster rolls, alongside specialty pizzas, hand-crafted burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The soft-serve ice cream is a favored treat for visitors during the warmer months.

11. Forrest’s Family Fun Center

Taunton features one of the largest roller skating rinks in the United States. Forrest’s Family Fun Center boasts a vast polished surface, providing ample room to glide even on the busiest nights. This location is a favorite for children’s birthday celebrations while also attracting adults with designated nightlife events on Sundays, enhanced by a professional DJ.

Private roller skating lessons are available for participants of all ages, complemented by a snack bar and arcade featuring redemption machines.

12. Aleixo Arena

Aleixo Arena operates year-round as an ice skating facility under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, located adjacent to Taunton High School. This venue serves as home ice for various youth and development teams, including the South Eastern Grizzlies, Tri-County Saints, and the Skating Club of Southern New England.

A variety of learn-to-skate programs are available for all age groups, along with daily public skating sessions, where admission and skate rental are currently priced at $6 each.

13. Hopewell Park

Located just north of Taunton Green, this well-equipped public park is positioned in a picturesque setting amid the wooded banks of the Mill River. Hopewell Park features Taunton’s municipal outdoor pool, operational throughout the summer, along with a 3,200-square-foot splash pad specifically designed for children.

This venue also includes a spacious picnic shelter, a playground, a football field equipped with bleachers, and facilities for baseball/softball and basketball. Hopewell Park is also the site for several summer outdoor events, such as the Taunton PRIDE celebration in June.

14. John F. Parker Golf Course

This local nine-hole golf course recently underwent a significant improvement program after a change of management. Established in 1931, John F. Parker Golf Course features meticulously maintained tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, and greens.

Among its noteworthy holes are two par 3s that stretch up to 200 yards, presenting a formidable challenge for golfers of various skill levels. The course also includes several par 4s and one par 5, providing opportunities for players to regain ground.

15. Taunton Antiques Center

Situated within a surprisingly spacious old commercial building on Main Street, the Taunton Antiques Center offers booths for hundreds of dealers. The inventory is extensive, altering daily, making it worthwhile to visit regularly to uncover unique finds.

The center boasts an array of items including antique furniture, vintage signs, fine art, tableware, figurines, vinyl records, books, clothing, toys, sports equipment, clocks, lighting, and numerous historic appliances ranging from sewing machines to vintage radios.