Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Carver, MA

West of Plymouth, this picturesque town in Southeastern Massachusetts is characterized by its marshy terrain. In fact, 50% of Carver’s area comprises wetlands.

Since the 18th century, this feature positioned the town as a prime source for bog iron, which was excavated from ponds and processed at iron works.

As the iron industry dwindled, the wetlands transitioned into cranberry bogs. By the dawn of the 20th century, Carver was responsible for a fifth of all cranberries produced in the United States.

Cranberries continue to play a significant role in Carver’s culture. The town’s primary attraction is situated along expansive cranberry bogs, and there are several commercial operations that welcome visitors during the harvest season.

The vast pine barrens and rich wetlands of Carver have inhibited excessive development, enabling the town to retain its rural ambiance—even the summer farmers’ market is held within a grove of tall pines.

1. Edaville Family Theme Park

One of the oldest heritage railroads in the United States continues to thrive in Carver, serving as the main attraction of Edaville Family Theme Park, established in 1947 by Ellis D. Atwood on his expansive cranberry farm.

Steam-powered trains navigate a two-foot gauge railroad that winds through a landscape of cranberry bogs, which progressively deepen in color as the season advances.

Over the years, the railroad has expanded to include numerous other attractions, including Dino-Land, where visitors can stroll through woodlands populated by more than 20 lifelike dinosaurs.

The park also boasts a licensed area for Thomas the Train, featuring Thomas Land USA with 11 rides inspired by the beloved children’s television series.

Additionally, indoor entertainment at Ellis’ Playhouse includes an arcade, a substantial indoor model railroad, and a museum dedicated to the history and culture of cranberry farming.

2. Myles Standish State Forest

Situated in the southeastern corner of Carver and extending into Plymouth, this region encompasses the largest publicly accessible open space in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Named after the Mayflower passenger and military adviser of the Plymouth Colony, Myles Standish State Forest spans over 12,000 acres of pitch pine and scrub oak forest, concealing lakes, kettle ponds, and cranberry bogs.

This expansive natural playground offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, paddling, hunting, camping, and horseback riding. Cycling is particularly enjoyable here, with 15 miles of easy paved trails meandering around picturesque ponds.

3. Cranberry Bogs

Place a pin on a map of Carver and it is likely you will land on a cranberry bog. One way to gain a deeper understanding of the town and the unique cultivation process of cranberries is to visit one of these farms.

Two farms in Carver welcome the public depending on the season. One of these is Red Meadow, which will be described in further detail later.

The other is Edgewood Bogs/Cape Cod Select, where visitors can purchase fresh and frozen cranberries, in addition to gift boxes from the onsite store.

Just across the border in Middleboro, Benson’s Pond offers visitors an opportunity to directly experience the cranberry harvest, allowing you the chance to wear waders and become a “Cranberry Bogger for the Day” in autumn.

4. King Richard’s Faire

The largest and longest-running renaissance fair in New England occurs in Carver. First inaugurated in 1982, King Richard’s Faire is hosted on a permanent site that spans 80 acres of pine forest.

Typically held on weekends and public holidays during September and October, the fair features a 16th-century-style marketplace complete with a diverse cast of entertainers, including minstrels, magicians, fire-eaters, puppeteers, jousting knights, aerialists, and more.

The venue comprises eight performance stages, providing a variety of entertainment throughout the day, along with artisans showcasing handcrafted pottery, unique jewelry, leather goods, and many other products. The culinary offerings are central to the experience, including traditional favorites such as spit-roasted turkey legs.

5. Red Meadow Farm

In recent years, this farm in Carver, encompassing seven acres of cranberry bogs, has transitioned ownership to a couple who previously worked in the technology sector in Boston.

The primary crop at Red Meadow Farm is cranberries, complemented by a pumpkin patch, an apiary, and a flock of Painted Desert and Katahdin sheep.

Visitors can stop by the farmstand, which opened in spring 2023, offering a variety of cranberry-related products and a wide selection of local and regional goods. Eventually, there are plans to introduce a wine, mead, and cider operation at Red Meadow Farm.

6. Sampson’s Pond

Adjacent to Edaville Family Theme Park, a 310-acre Great Pond serves as a favored location for water activities during the warmer months.

A complimentary paved launching ramp is available at Sampson’s Pond off Lake View Street, making it an excellent destination for paddling amidst coves, small islands, and fascinating rocky outcrops.

The boat launch is a popular gathering spot on warm summer days, and the pond serves as one of two designated swimming areas in the town.

Interestingly, Sampson’s Pond was marshland until the early 19th century when it was excavated for bog iron. Today, the water exhibits a rusty tint due to the presence of iron ore in the soils.

7. Savery Avenue

A notable attraction near King Richard’s Faire is Savery Avenue, which is recognized as the oldest divided highway in America.

This road was inaugurated in 1860 by William Savery, whose vision included trees positioned along the sides and through the center to provide “shade and ornament for both man and beast.”

By the turn of the century, Savery Avenue was paved with compact layers of crushed stone, and today a significant section of the road has been effectively preserved within a parcel of town-owned conservation land.

Adjacent to the avenue is a cluster of trails leading into splendid mature pine woodlands, with the high canopy serving as an ideal nesting site for birds such as black-capped chickadees, pine warblers, and blue jays.

8. Shurtleff Park

Located directly across from Town Hall in the center of Carver is a public park nestled within a beautiful stand of tall pines. During the summer months, Shurtleff Park serves as the venue for the Carver Farmers’ Market, which will be elaborated upon further below.

At other times, this park is an inviting space to relax and perhaps enjoy a coffee or picnic from nearby establishments.

Take a moment to appreciate the Soldiers and Sailors monument, which was erected in 1910. The park was gifted to the town in 1908 and has always functioned as a venue for outdoor events, many of which are timed to coincide with the market.

9. Johns Pond

An additional location for families to enjoy during the summer is Johns Pond, which spans just over 20 acres.

The pond features a combination of residential areas and active cranberry bogs along its shores, with a beach area situated on the southern side. The water here remains relatively clear and surprisingly warm during July and August.

For fishing enthusiasts, the pond offers a good population of largemouth bass and panfish despite its smaller size. There is a gravel ramp alongside the beach for launching cartop boats or canoes.

10. Carver Farmers’ Market

Few farmers’ markets can boast a more picturesque location than the one in Carver, which is set amidst a grove of towering pines at Shurtleff Park in the heart of the town.

Taking place on Sundays from mid-June through October, the Carver Farmers’ Market is a delightful community event featuring live music and family activities as part of the experience.

On a typical week, you can find fresh produce, artisan breads, pastries, seasoning mixes, preserves, salsas, and a diverse array of handmade crafts. A particularly festive time to visit is during the fall harvest season.

11. Erickson’s Ice Cream Cafe

Operating from May to mid-September, this ice cream stand at 287 Tremont Street has been providing local treats since 1969 and has become a cherished part of summer in Carver.

Secluded from the roadside, Erickson’s Ice Cream Cafe features a beautiful outdoor area ideal for savoring your frozen delicacies, complete with rows of picnic tables bordered by lush lawns and tall trees.

The ice cream offered here is the award-winning Richardson’s Ice Cream, produced nearby in Middleton, MA. You will find over 50 flavors available, including seasonal favorites like pumpkin and cranberry as the fall approaches.

For variety, the menu also includes frappes, freezes, sundaes, lime rickeys, tonic floats, and banana splits.

12. Off the Wall Kidz

Carver hosts a branch of this regional chain of indoor playgrounds, Off the Wall Kidz, which resembles a children’s museum by incorporating age-appropriate play structures with experiential exhibits.

In this setting, children can explore the Pretend City, where they navigate streets and engage in role-playing activities such as grocery shopping or visiting a clinic.

The Arcade features various classic carnival games alongside modern video games, while the custom-designed play complex includes a network of bridges, slides, soft climbing equipment, and trampolines.

A giant ball pit filled with approximately 25,000 balls and a separate toddler play area, surrounded by a soft barrier for extra safety, further enhances the fun.

13. The Cole Property Trails and Bog Roads

To further explore the area’s signature wetlands and cranberry bogs, visitors may wish to venture onto this conservation property located on the Plympton-Carver town line.

The Cole Property spans over 240 acres of former agricultural land. The looping blue trail leads into this lovely expanse of pine forest and skirts the edge of an active cranberry bog.

For those seeking to delve deeper into outdoor exploration, the eastern continuation along the connecting white trail eventually links with the orange trail, which trails behind a residential subdivision and through marshland before returning towards the cranberry bogs.

14. Carver Community Playground

Another excellent attraction in the center of Carver is this newly inaugurated playground situated on the King Property behind the town hall.

Fully enclosed by a fence, the Carver Community Playground has been acclaimed as one of the finest in the region.

The space caters to children aged 2-5 and 5-12, featuring not only traditional climbing structures, slides, and swings but also an array of additional activities.

Children can engage with interactive musical installations or enjoy playing with trucks and diggers in the sandbox. Benches are provided for parents, complemented by a covered picnic area for families to take a break during play.

15. Camden Trail – Indian Brook Conservation Land

Adjacent to Sampson Pond and Edaville Family Theme Park is a little-traveled piece of town-owned conservation land, acquired in 2003.

The entrance to Indian Brook Conservation Land can be easily overlooked from Indian Street, but there you will find a small information kiosk marking the start of Camden Trail.

This trail heads north into the woods before diverging into several branches linked by a newer trail, allowing for a gentle 30-minute walk. Along the route, you will encounter vernal pools and an appealing stretch of Indian Brook.