Norwood may not lie along the Atlantic coast, or tucked into picturesque mountains, but the town does offer many warm weather, entertaining activities without its borders. Residents can take advantage of low-cost, if not free, options each and every week through the remainder of 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. 

Too hot for an outdoor workout? Purchase a gym membership at the Norwood Civic Center and enjoy their air-conditioned weight room; available for all ages.

Also indoors within a cool climate control, 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 Concerts on the Common series on Sunday evenings; Mondays, Norwood’s hidden gem, the carillon, fills the air with sounds of its soothing bells; on Wednesdays, Summerfest keeps Norwood’s hub rocking. There is also music on the Common on some Tuesday afternoons, but the primary focus 2-6 p.m. is the thriving Norwood Farmers Market. With an average of 25 vendors per week, there is an abundance of fruit and vegetable choices, specialty foods, crafters and handmade items, artisans, and entertainment, including even more themed days, demonstrations, and activities.

How about relaxing by the pool? The Hawes pool on Washington St., in South Norwood recently celebrated its grand opening, and Father Macs (295 Vernon St.) is open and alive with activity! For a reasonable price, cool off, unwind, exercise, or maybe learn to swim! Throughout the Town, there are also many playgrounds, tot lots, and fields to use daily, or maybe even join or form a team! 

As a bonus in August, pack tents, pillows, and sleeping bags for the Community Camp-Out at Father Macs, on Aug. 22, 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! The newly-built Tyler Lawrence Park is also available to enjoy! Again, free! 

Maybe hiking or exploring trails is more suitable for these longer days. 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. The Norwood Trails Committee is also at the Norwood Farmers Market each week with volunteers eager to share information on all the Norwood’s hiking trails.

Norwood does not leave out its senior population for summer fun. The Norwood Senior Center is an incredibly valuable resource during the warmer weather providing 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 and learn more about its activities and services, 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. 

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