Things to do in Chelmsford

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Westford

Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Nashoba Valley Ski Area is a full-service ski area offering lessons, rentals, skiing and snowboarding, and numerous other activities, all of which make Nashoba Valley Boston's very own year-round recreation facility. Opened in 2001, Nashoba Valley's Snow Tubing Park is a relatively large snow tubing facility in New England, with 1 conveyor lift, 2 hand-pulled lifts, over 600 snow tubing wheels, and a whopping 18 lanes. Outlook Restaurant is located at the base of the ski area and offers fine dining and great views of the slopes. Witch Forest, within the ski area, is New England's premier Halloween Horror Park and Haunted Hay Ride, open every October, with 7 attractions as well as stage shows, carnival games, and rides.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Concord

Walden Pond State Reservation

Walden Pond State Reservation is famous for the essay collection of the same name by writer and philosopher Thoreau. Thoreau once built a small cabin by the lake with his own hands and lived there alone for two years, two months, and two days. He grew beans, read books, and recorded the four seasons, turning this experiment in simple living into a classic work. The site itself is a kettle pond left behind by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago. The lake is about 30 meters deep with clear water that takes on a pale blue-green hue on sunny days, matching the descriptions in the book. Today, the surrounding woodlands are protected, and the trail around the lake is less than 3 kilometers long, connecting the main beach to the site of Thoreau's cabin: the site is hidden in the woods on the north side, where granite posts mark the outline of the cabin. Beside it is a cairn built stone by stone by visitors, and you can add a stone yourself. Near the entrance stands a replica of the single-room cabin, furnished with simple items like a bed and table, and featuring a statue of Thoreau, allowing visitors to intuitively experience the simplicity of his former dwelling. In summer, the main beach is a popular swimming spot for locals, and it is also suitable for boating and fishing. In winter, the lake freezes over, echoing the chapter on ice cutters in the book.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New England

Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the world's most famous institutions of higher learning and a tourist destination rich in history and culture. The campus centers around Harvard Yard, where red-brick walkways, ivy-covered walls, and classical buildings constructed over the centuries intertwine. The Johnston Gate on the west side of Harvard Yard is considered the main entrance, and a short walk into the yard brings you to the John Harvard Statue. This statue is known as the "Statue of Three Lies" because the inscription on its base contains three inaccuracies. Many tourists touch the statue's left foot for photos, a habit that has polished the bronze foot to a shine. Across the lawn from the statue stands The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, a grand building donated by the mother of an alumnus who perished on the Titanic. Memorial Church is the only building in the yard with a spire, and its walls are inscribed with the names of Harvard students who died in World War I. Memorial Hall is famous for its ornate stained-glass windows, and its freshman dining hall is often compared to the Hogwarts dining hall in "Harry Potter". Massachusetts Hall, built in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on campus. Harvard Square is one of the bustling neighborhoods in Cambridge, packed with bookstores, cafes, and various shops. The area around the campus also features the Harvard Art Museums, which house a collection of European and American art ranging from classical to modern works, including self-portraits by Van Gogh and paintings by Monet.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in New England

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

With a history of over a century, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is an important art museum in the United States. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston houses collections ranging from archaeological cultural remains of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Greek and Roman civilizations, as well as paintings of various European schools from different periods, and ancient artworks from East Asia and India. 1. Background overview: After expansions by two master architects, I. M. Pei and Norman Foster, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston now consists of a new wing and the original building. The west wing expanded by I. M. Pei is a modernist-style building, and Foster's design also showcases a brand-new modern style. In front of the museum stands a statue titled "Appeal to the Great Spirit," sculpted by American sculptor Cyrus Dallin. 2. The guide to visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston covers four floors: three above ground and one below ground. The first floor houses the Art of the Americas, Ancient Nubian and Near Eastern Art, Greek and Etruscan Art, Musical Instruments from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, Indian, Korean, and Southeast Asian Art, Islamic Art, Japanese Art, African and Oceanic Art, and Contemporary Art galleries. The second floor features American Art, Impressionism, European Paintings and Sculpture, Egyptian Art, Greek and Roman Art, Chinese and Himalayan Art, and Japanese Art. The third floor mainly contains the museum's studios and American Art. The basement level holds some American Art and several special exhibition galleries. After your visit, you can go up to the third floor to continue exploring the American Art galleries, or head to the café on the first floor to rest, or browse the shop for your favorite souvenirs. If special exhibitions happen to be running during your visit, you can go to the basement level to continue exploring.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in New England

Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours is a highly recognizable amphibious sightseeing attraction on the streets of Boston. The vehicles used are dual-purpose, modeled after the amphibious landing vehicles of the US military during World War II. They can navigate through city streets and directly enter the river, allowing travelers to experience both a city tour and a cruise in one itinerary. This makes it especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to get a comprehensive impression of Boston in a short time. The itinerary features live commentary by the driver and on-site guide, passing landmarks such as the golden-domed State House, Boston Common and Public Garden, the shop-lined Newbury Street, Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Prudential Tower, and the historic districts around Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. Just when you think you've seen all of Boston, the driver makes a splashdown into the Charles River—the moment the vehicle hits the water is the highlight of the tour. The vehicle then cruises slowly along the river, offering views of the skylines of Boston and Cambridge, which is also a great time for photos. A signature interactive tradition on board involves every passenger receiving a duck-bill-shaped "quacker" whistle. When encountering another duck tour vehicle or waving crowds on the street, everyone blows their whistles in response. The chorus of quacking has been a hallmark of this tour for years, and families with children particularly enjoy this playful experience.

Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center

This urban park has convenient transportation and covers a large area, featuring cultural attractions such as a mill, a museum, and the Butz Cotton Mill, with lush trees and a tranquil setting.

2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

New England Aquarium

Built in 1969, the New England Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in the northeastern United States. It is located in the Boston waterfront area, at the central pier on Pacific Avenue at the northern end of the city center. The National Aquarium (NationalAquariuminBaltimore) is equally famous and is one of the few large aquariums in the world. In its first year of opening, the aquarium attracted nearly 500,000 visitors, especially the large aquariums here. Learn about what it takes to be a sea turtle rescuer at the SeaTurtle Hospital and experience first-hand turtle diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Admire the stunning Caribbean reefs in the Giant Ocean Tank. There are more than 3,000 elaborately sculpted coral shapes and more than 1,000 animals, including Myrtle (a 550-pound green sea turtle that has lived in the aquarium for over 40 years). Gently stroke bullnose, Atlantic rays and sharks as they swim gracefully in the crystal clear water at the TrustFamily Foundation Shark and RayTouchTank. See the world's only remaining sea dragon exhibit at the Thinking House Two species of sea dragons. Immerse yourself in the world of Tentacles! Look out for the giant Pacific octopus in its newly created habitat, and watch its cuttlefish cousin change color before your eyes. From petite red octopuses to graceful sea jellyfish, dive into this plethora of A world of all kinds of mysterious marine animals, Tentacles takes you through this dazzling world. Meet blue penguins from Australia face-to-face and watch how they swim, groom, socialize and feed. Gulf of Maine Exhibit featuring local animals such as Atlantic cod and halibut, the rare blue lobster, and the familiar ugly flat shark (also known as the anglerfish). Freshwater pavilion, where you can see animals from the Amazon Basin Wild animals of the forest. You can also sit back and watch an unforgettable IMAX movie! The Simons IMAX Theater uses extraordinary IMAX3D technology and New England big screen to give you a shocking experience. IMAX movies can provide people of all ages with a rich experience A legendary, unforgettable experience.

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Quincy Market

Quincy Market is located in downtown Boston, right next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and is also a stop on the Freedom Trail. In the 1820s, Boston's expansion overwhelmed the old market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then-mayor Josiah Quincy oversaw the construction of this new market, which was named after him upon its completion in the 1820s. The market consists of three long buildings. The central two-story granite building features porticos at both ends supported by stone columns with triangular pediments, and a dome in the middle. Designed by architect Alexander Parris, it is a classic example of Greek Revival style. The North and South Markets on either side were originally built by merchants and now mostly house clothing, jewelry, and gift shops. Inside the central building is a food hall running from east to west, lined with stalls offering New England specialties like lobster rolls and clam chowder, as well as international snacks. It is a popular choice for tourists to take a break and grab a bite after walking the Freedom Trail. The plaza in front of the market is often filled with street performers, creating a lively atmosphere. The stone columns and pediments of the east portico, as well as the domed hall in the center of the building, are great spots for photos.

Escapology Escape Rooms Tewksbury

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in New England

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall, located on Boston's Freedom Trail, was built in 1742 by the wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil. Originally a marketplace, it later became a venue for Bostonians to gather and engage in free discussion. It has witnessed countless meetings and speeches by patriots, earning it the nickname "Cradle of Liberty," playing a significant role in American history.