Places to Stay Cool in Norwood, MA This Summer

June 10th, 2022 by

As summer weather approaches, it’s important to know where you can go to keep cool. If you live in the Norwood, Massachusetts, area, you’re in luck. Whether you’d like to dive into a pond, chill out at a mall, or cool off with a refreshing snack, there are plenty of exciting venues where you can hang out and keep cool this summer in and around Norwood. To help you out, we at Nucar Toyota of Norwood have curated a list of a few of the best spots to check out.

Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area

Image of a pond and the surrounding trees in Norwood, MA.

Image via Flickr by Jennifer C Licensed CC BY 2.0

Just 20 minutes from Norwood, you’ll find Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area. Located within the Blue Hills Reservation, this picturesque natural setting is a great summer destination for friends or families. The park is open from dusk to dawn, and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. you can keep cool by going for a dip in the pond’s swimming area. In total, the pond covers 24 acres, so there is plenty of room for swimming and fishing. There is also a trained lifeguard to keep you safe and visitor showers, so you can clean off after your swim.

After your dip in the pond, there are plenty of other exciting activities to try out. You can plan a picnic on the beach or at the park picnic tables, you can bring sports equipment and take advantage of the ball fields, or you can enjoy a hike or run on one of the many surrounding hiking trails. Other amenities include a boardwalk, concession stand, first-aid station, pavilion, grills, and a visitors center. There is also a playground for younger visitors.

Furlong’s Candies

Furlong’s Candies and Ice Cream is the perfect place to cool off with a sweet snack this summer. You’ll adore their retro ice cream window, currently open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Homemade flavors include vanilla, chocolate, coffee, strawberry, chocolate chip, maple walnut, and more. You can also try out drinks, like the ice cream float or the frappe. If you’d like to stay cool with a healthier treat, try out the fat-free frozen yogurt in vanilla, chocolate, twist, or chocolate chip flavors.

Want to take home some other candy? Furlong classics include decedent homemade chocolates like almond bark, chocolate sea salt turtles, buttercreams, chocolate truffles, butter crunch, and caramel truffles. Everyday favorites include assorted Jordan almonds, jelly beans, Boston baked beans, chocolate-covered graham crackers, mints, roasted nuts, and homemade fudge. If you want to share some of Furlong’s treats with friends outside of Norwood, you can. This company can mail their candy to anywhere in the United States. You can also call ahead at 781-762-4124 and place an order for pickup.

Norwood Plaza

A shopping center with air conditioning is the perfect place to stay cool on a hot summer day. For a fun day of shopping with friends or family, head over to Norwood Plaza, which is a neighborhood shopping center in downtown Norwood that’s within walking distance from many local shops and restaurants, as well as the commuter rail. You might start out by creating a glamorous new look at the hair salon, then swing by the clothing store to pick out a new outfit to match.

Next, grab a snack or some lunch and eat it in the cool air conditioning. Finally, you can take care of some to-do list items by visiting the grocery store, pharmacy, or bank. If you want to enjoy the sunshine, you can sit outside on one of the many benches or enjoy the small garden area. Business hours may vary by store.

Neponset River Reservation

Adventurers looking to stay cool this summer might enjoy the water activities available at the Neponset River Reservations. This natural inlet includes marshlands and freshwater wetlands to explore by land or river. The boat ramp makes it easy to launch canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing fishing trip or a fun afternoon of splashing through the water in a kayak, this river is the perfect place. If boating isn’t your speed, but you’d still like to cool off with water, you can stay cool with the city-curated spray decks and wading pools.

There are also plenty of fun opportunities beyond the river. You can enjoy the 2-mile Quincy Riverwalk path for hiking, running, or walking. If you have kids, they’ll love the playground, complete with climbing structures, slides, and sliding poles. Dogs are allowed at this park, so you don’t have to leave any family members out of the fun. You can visit the Neponset River Reservation anytime between dawn and dusk this summer.

Morrill Memorial Library

Beat the heat by settling into the cool and air-conditioned shade of the local Norwood library. At Morrill Memorial Library, you’ll find books of all kinds for adults and kids, along with plenty of nooks and crannies where you can settle in to read them. The friendly Morrill librarians will be happy to help with any questions you may have. If you fall in love with the story you’re reading, you can check it out and take it home. There are also desks and tables for you to settle in to do your own work.

Furthermore, the library hosts all kinds of fun public events that you can enjoy on a hot, sunny day. One regular indoor event is the in-person program Family Story Time. Families can come by before the event to reserve a space, then enjoy a private read-aloud complete with songs and movement. Older guests might enjoy lectures from its Critical Disinformation Studies Discussion Series.

There you have it. We at Nucar Toyota of Norwood have just listed five excellent places to stay cool in or around Norwood, Massachusetts this summer. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know. You can contact us or drop by the dealership at 277 Providence Highway in Norwood. While you’re at it, check out our selection of new vehicles or used cars. You can also schedule a service visit to ensure you’ve got a smooth and air-conditioned ride to your next summer adventure.

Posted in Local, Norwood MA