By Michele Taranto

Norwood may not border an ocean or lake, or lie deep within the mountains, but the town does offer many warm weather, entertaining activities without crossing town borders. Residents can take advantage of low-cost, if not free, options each and every week through the summer season, and the best part? No traffic!

The Norwood Recreation Department offers a full vacation schedule to keep families active and busy almost every day. Kids can join many summer playground camps, sign up for field trips, learn a new sport, or find a new interest or hobby. 

 

How about taking in a free family flick under the stars! On Aug. 21, on the Norwood High School front lawn, families gather with blankets, chairs, or even a picnic dinner for an outdoor theater experience! The show starts at sundown, but get there early.

Too hot to work out outdoors? The Norwood Civic Center offers an air-conditioned weight room available for all ages.

Indoors, the Morrill Memorial Library hosts a variety of day and evening classes, book clubs, crafting, and speakers. Many are also held through Zoom to accommodate a larger audience. To beat the heat and the hot kitchen, there are so many choices for indoor and outdoor dining throughout the Town. Why not try some new cuisine this summer!

 

On the Common, there are four weekly (and FREE) opportunities to enjoy with the entire family. To listen to exceptional music under the stars, visit the Common on Sundays for the Concerts on the Common series, celebrating its 30th year of hosting big bands. Mondays, Norwood’s hidden gem, the carillon, fills the air with soothing bells, and on Wednesdays, Summerfest keeps Norwood’s hub rocking. There is also music on the Common on Tuesday afternoons, but the primary focus 2-6 p.m. is the thriving Norwood Farmers Market. With an average of 30 vendors per week, there is an abundance of fruit and vegetable choices, specialty foods, crafters and handmade items, artisans, and, entertainment, including themed days and activities.

How about a summer by the pool? Although the Hawes pool is under renovation, Father Macs (295 Vernon St.) is open and alive with activity! For a reasonable price, cool off, relax, exercise, or maybe learn to swim! Throughout the Town, there are also many playgrounds, tot lots, and fields to use daily or maybe join a team. As a bonus in August, pack tents, pillows, and sleeping bags for the Community Camp-Out at Father Macs, on Aug. 23, 3:30-9 p.m. Group games, entertainment, s’mores, food trucks, and more are on the menu!

With Norwood having its own airport, (Norwood Memorial Airport), what better way to enjoy morning coffee or bring a picnic lunch and watch the planes take off and land! Again, free! 

Maybe hiking or exploring trails is in your future. Learn more about Norwood’s many trail options through the Trails Advisory Committee, at the Town of Norwood website, www.norwoodma.gov, hit government, then boards/committees. While you are there, many browse around; there may be an adult committee that fits your background and interests! The Norwood Trails Committee is also at the Norwood Farmers Market each week with volunteers eager to educate the public on Norwood’s hiking trails.

Norwood does not leave out its senior population for summer fun. While the Norwood Senior Center is a year-round, incredibly valuable resource, during the warmer weather it provides a cool environment during those scorching days. It is the place to visit to meet new friends, learn a craft, listen to a lecture, dance, and many more activities! To view their newsletter, visit www.norwoodma.gov/residents/senior_center. The Norwood Senior Center is located at 275 Prospect St., and is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, and until 8 p.m., on Tuesdays during July and August. 

Most of these summer activities are free or have very reasonable costs. The most important thing to take away, however, is that Norwood can be an interesting, educational, and entertaining summer resort within its own town lines!