15 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hanover, MA
Are you searching for fun activities in Hanover, Massachusetts? Regardless of your status as a local or a visitor, this guide features the best and most fun things to do to make the most of your time in this charming town.
Located in Plymouth County, Hanover offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, this town provides various activities that cater to all interests.
As a vibrant community, Hanover boasts numerous recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities. Explore the local history at the Hanover Historical Society or enjoy outdoor activities at Forge Pond Park. Whether you’re visiting the South Shore YMCA or catching a show at the Hanover Theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque town.
15 Best and Fun Things To Do In Hanover, MA (2024)
1. Forge Pond Park
Exploring Forge Pond Park, a beehive with a mix of athletic fields, walking trails, and natural beauty should make your first port of call for fun things to do in Hanover, MA, for families,
Spanning 40 acres, the park prides itself on six ball fields, a web of paved and woodland trails beyond four miles, and a canoe and kayaking entry to the pond.
Guests can enjoy the active field events, survey the natural environment on the trails, or go on a tranquil paddle on the pond, establishing it as an ideal destination for sports, nature, and fun lovers.
Address: 245 King Street, Hanover, MA 02339, United States
2. Hanover Crossing
A visit to Hanover Crossing, a lively blend of outdoor shopping, cafes, and residential areas, offers a plethora of unique things to do in Hanover, MA, for visitors and residents alike.
The attraction presents an array of stores, ranging from national stores like Trader Joe’s and Market Basket to local shops and eateries, spacious parking, and an easy route to the major roads
By visiting Hanover Crossing, you can enjoy a fresh shopping and dining experience in an open-air location or opt for comfy residential accommodations.
Address: 1775 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339, United States
3. South Shore YMCA Emilson
South Shore YMCA Emilson is a cutting-edge installation committed to wellness and other healthy things to do in Hanover, MA, for everyone.
Spanning 46 wooded areas, this destination prides itself on fitness areas, indoor and outdoor pools, diverse sports courts and fields, group exercise classes, a youth gym, saunas, whirlpools, and a kiddies’ playground.
Achieve your fitness goals, enjoy recreational activities with loved ones, and engage in specialty programs that enhance your health and entire well-being at South Shore YMCA Emilson.
Address: 75 Mill St, Hanover, MA 02339, United States.
4. Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing
One of the most entertaining things to do in Hanover, MA, at night is to catch a view of your favorite movie at Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing, a cozy and entertaining movie theater.
The theater features digital projection, sound systems, eight screens showing the newest Hollywood releases and blockbuster films, a lobby bar and lounge area, and an XPlus auditorium.
As you visit Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing, be sure to catch up on the latest films in a high-quality environment with your loved ones, including family and friends.
Address: 1775 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339, United States
5. Boston Bowl – Hanover
One of the best things to do in Hanover, MA, for families is to experience fun at Boston Bowl, a family entertainment hub with bowling fun, arcade games, billiards, and tasty foods and drinks.
The bowling hub prides itself on classic bowling lanes, an arcade with redemption prizes, billiards for friendly competition, and a menu of delicacies and refreshing drinks.
Enjoy a blend of physical activity on the lanes or pool tables, chill with some arcade games, and refuel with delicious food and rejuvenating drinks on your visit to the Boston Bowl.
Address: 58 Rockland Street, Hanover, MA 02339, United States.
6. Charles David Salon & Spa
Get the best looks and a moment of body relaxation when you stop by Charles David Salon & Spa, an establishment presenting hair, spa, and beauty services among other nice things to do in Hanover, MA, this weekend.
The salon & spa specializes in hair color, cuts for men and women, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, makeup application, and eyelash extensions.
As you visit Charles David Salon & Spa, you can anticipate a soothing and pampering experience with a new hairstyle, a refreshing spa treatment, or a touch of makeup charm.
Address:Â 222 Webster Street, Hanover, MA 02339, United States.
7. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Nestled in Boston, about a 44-minute drive from Hanover, exploring the Museum of Fine Arts, a popular art museum with over 450,000 works, makes one of the numerous unique things to do near Hanover, MA, for art enthusiasts.
The museum houses over 100 galleries showing paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, textiles, impressionist masterpieces, Egyptian artifacts, and Asian art spanning centuries and continents.
By exploring the Museum of Fine Arts, visitors can delve into the artistic history, experience different cultures, and unearth inspiring works across the world.
Address:Â 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
8. Pottery Playce
Unearth an array of unique things to do in Hanover, MA, for all ages at Pottery Playce, an innovative destination with room to release your inner artist.
The walk-in studio features a large array of pottery pieces, from mugs and plates to figurines and decorative objects.
Delight in relaxing and satisfying experiences by making special treasures, personalized gifts, or casually having fun testing colors and designs on pottery.
Address: 352 Columbia Road, Hanover, MA 02339, United States.
8. New England Aquarium
Explore the New England Aquarium, a non-profit establishment with a different collection of aquatic life, just a 34-minute drive from Hanover to Boston, MA.
The aquatic treasure houses over 70 exhibits displaying wonderful animals, from lively penguins and magnificent sharks to airy seahorses and lively coral reefs.
Gain more profound gratitude for the aquatic marvels, understand preservation methods, and create a lifetime memory when you experience the amazing marine life at the New England Aquarium.Â
Address:Â 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, United States.
9. Boston Harbor City Cruises
Taking a boat cruise at Boston Harbor City Cruises, a lovely establishment offering assorted excursions aboard their fleet of luxury vessels is one of the adventurous things to do near Hanover, MA, this weekend.
The attraction features exciting whale-watching adventures, picturesque harbor excursions, soothing sunset sails, and high-end dinner voyages with tasty meals and charming city vistas.
With only a 36-minute drive to Boston, embark on special trips on the water, explore Boston’s rich history and maritime heritage, and witness captivating marine life at Boston Harbor City Cruises.
Address:Â Â 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02210, United States.
10. Barrett’s Haunted Mansion
Drive from Hanover to Abington, MA, in 13 minutes to visit Barrett’s Haunted Mansion, a two-fear-inducing haunted attraction offering fun and thrilling things to do near Hanover, MA.
The haunted attraction presents chills and screams in a spooky atmosphere where games like “The Haunted Mansion” and “The Condemned” are provided.
Barrett’s Haunted Mansion should be your best choice for those searching for an enjoyable time to put their courage to the test and encounter different ghouls, creepy scenes, and special effects.
Address:Â 1235 Bedford Street, Abington, MA 02351, United States.
11. Boston Children’s Museum
Make a 33-minute journey by car from Hanover to Boston, MA, to explore Boston Children’s Museum, a world of interactive exhibits offering a spark of curiosity, and kindling imaginations.Â
The museum features exhibits like the legendary “New Balance Climb”, “Science Playground”, and a replica of a Japanese house and art studio, among the many fun things to do near Hanover, MA, for kids.
Children can participate in practical learning adventures, acquire necessary skills, and develop an everlasting love for learning in a fun and exciting setting.
Address:Â 308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210, United States.
12. Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled in Marshfield, MA, just a 17-minute ride from Hanover leads you to Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary, a habitat of fields, forests, salt marsh, and the picturesque North River.
The haven encompasses a web of trails, wildlife observation from an observation deck, Indoor Discovery Rooms, and a gift shop.
You can get immersed in nature, make inquiries about the local ecosystem, and spot an array of birds, mammals, and other wildlife while enjoying the peaceful environment and other unique things to do near Hanover, MA.
Address:Â 2000 Main Street, Marshfield, MA 02050, United States.
13. The Mary Baker Eddy Library
Among the diverse educational things to do near Hanover, MA, everyone should visit The Mary Baker Eddy Library, a multipurpose establishment dedicated to Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science.
As a research library, museum, and storage, this attraction features abundant resources, including historical documents, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing Mary Baker Eddy’s life and legacies.
The Mary Baker Eddy Library provides an environment where visitors are inclined to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical figure, Christian Science, and the Mapparium with a 43-minute drive to Boston.
Address: 210 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
14. Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park
Experience a blend of athletic and family fun at Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park, a one-stop shop offering family entertainment and other exciting things to do in Hanover, MA, for all ages.
The park also offers physical activities with batting cages, laser tag, a redemption arcade, a carousel ride, miniature golf, bumper boats, and a climbing wall for adventures.
Enjoy a day filled with social competitions, nostalgic fun rides, and activities suitable for friends and families, age notwithstanding.
Address:Â 637 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339, United States
15. Rockland Ma Farmers Market
Take a 9-minute drive from Hanover to Rockland, MA, and discover Rockland Ma Farmers Market, a lively seasonal market with a wealth of fresh, local produce, and artisan goods.
The market allows shoppers to browse different booths with seasonally and locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, fresh seafood, baked goods, and handmade items making it one of the best things to do near Hanover, MA, this summer.
The commercial hub becomes a comfortable indoor market at the Rockland Recreation Department, where commodities are sold on Thursdays. It is one of the best things to do near Hanover, MA, in the winter.
Address:146 Hingham Street, Rockland, MA 02370, United States.
Plan Your Trip To Hanover, MA
Hanover, Massachusetts, is a hidden gem of New England, offering a harmonious blend of recreation, education, and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, each experience draws you deeper into the heart of this charming town, uncovering its rich history, artistic endeavors, and strong sense of community.
So, get ready to explore, appreciate the local traditions, enjoy the tastes, and let Hanover enchant your senses in ways only this distinctive town can.
