The best things to do in New Bedford

12 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

Franklin Park Zoo

Entertainment

Franklin Park Zoo is your go-to when the week needs a nature break, with the indoor Tropical Forest, kid-pleasing Children’s Zoo, playful…

1 Franklin Park Rd (Boston)

Franklin Park Zoo is your go-to when the week needs a nature break, with the indoor Tropical Forest, kid-pleasing Children’s Zoo, playful Nature’s Neighborhoods, Franklin Farm, and the seasonal Butterfly Oasis, plus real conservation work that makes each visit feel good for you and the planet.

From the Quincy newsletter, August 21, 2026

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View Boston

Entertainment

When the week is doing the most, take the elevator up to View Boston for 360° views, breezy indoor-outdoor decks, and the new Summer…

800 Boylston St Fl 52 (Boston)

When the week is doing the most, take the elevator up to View Boston for 360° views, breezy indoor-outdoor decks, and the new Summer Reimagined exhibits that turn the city into a giant, interactive cheat sheet. Cap it with a cocktail at Stratus Rooftop Bar and remember why you live here.

From the Boston newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Roadrunner

Entertainment

Roadrunner keeps concerts easy with a clean, roomy floor, a tiered balcony for actually seeing the stage, and multiple bars so your…

89 Guest St (Boston)

Roadrunner keeps concerts easy with a clean, roomy floor, a tiered balcony for actually seeing the stage, and multiple bars so your intermission sprint is optional. Check the calendar for this week, grab a friend, and make a midweek show feel like a small victory.

From the Somerville newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Fenway Park

Entertainment

Fenway Park has 100+ years of stories, the small-capacity buzz locals love, and yes, the occasional big-name concert. Home of the Red Sox,…

4 Jersey St (Boston)

Fenway Park has 100+ years of stories, the small-capacity buzz locals love, and yes, the occasional big-name concert. Home of the Red Sox, it’s perfect for a last-minute game or a ballpark tour when you want a dose of real-deal Boston.

From the Brookline newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Whaling City Golf Course serves up a 6780-yard, 18-hole challenge with several remaining Donald Ross designed holes, right here in New…

581 Hathaway Rd

Whaling City Golf Course serves up a 6780-yard, 18-hole challenge with several remaining Donald Ross designed holes, right here in New Bedford. Public welcome, with league play and outings if you’re rallying the crew, so pencil it in this week and give those irons something to talk about.

From the New Bedford newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Mass Escape

Entertainment

Downtown’s Mass Escape runs hands-on, all-private puzzle adventures that range from spooky to seriously brain-busting, with rooms like…

13 N 6th St

Downtown’s Mass Escape runs hands-on, all-private puzzle adventures that range from spooky to seriously brain-busting, with rooms like Pentex Conspiracy, 44 Winterwood Lane, and The Eckstein Experiment. There’s even an outdoor escape if you’d rather solve clues with fresh air and side-eye from passersby.

From the New Bedford newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Underground at Ink Block turns the space beneath the overpass into Boston's urban playground, with 21 jaw-dropping murals curated by Street…

90 Traveler St (Boston)

Underground at Ink Block turns the space beneath the overpass into Boston's urban playground, with 21 jaw-dropping murals curated by Street Theory, a free first-come pickleball court, a dog area, skate park, bike paths, and events. Perfect quick creative recharge when Waltham feels routine.

From the Boston newsletter, September 13, 2026

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If your summer swing needs a real home base, Country Club of New Bedford serves up immaculate greens and the rare gift of no tee times.…

585 Slocum Rd (North Dartmouth)

If your summer swing needs a real home base, Country Club of New Bedford serves up immaculate greens and the rare gift of no tee times. Think leagues, a solid pro shop, an academy, and a simulator for rainy days…worth a membership look this week.

From the Fall River newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Puttshack - Boston

Entertainment

Swap the same-old plans for Puttshack Boston, where tech-infused mini golf means balls that keep score, interactive challenges, and plenty…

58 Pier 4 Blvd. (Boston)

Swap the same-old plans for Puttshack Boston, where tech-infused mini golf means balls that keep score, interactive challenges, and plenty of friendly trash talk. Grab shareable bites and craft cocktails between holes and make it a Seaport date night or crew hang that actually delivers.

From the Boston newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Simons Theatre

Entertainment

Craving a mini escape that doesn't involve a long drive? Simons Theatre at the New England Aquarium throws you into 3D ocean adventures on…

1 Central Wharf (Boston)

Craving a mini escape that doesn't involve a long drive? Simons Theatre at the New England Aquarium throws you into 3D ocean adventures on a giant screen nearly five stories high, with Penguins: A Love Story, Sea Otters: A Wild Family Adventure, and Ocean Dreams bringing big feels and bigger visuals.

From the Leominster newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Putt Across America

Entertainment

Putt Across America turns a quick Boston outing into a coast-to-coast 18-hole journey through iconic landmarks, from roaring waterfalls to…

4 S Market St (Boston)

Putt Across America turns a quick Boston outing into a coast-to-coast 18-hole journey through iconic landmarks, from roaring waterfalls to Bourbon Street to a lucky spin on the Vegas strip. It's indoors, bright, photo-friendly, and perfect for birthdays, group hangs, or an easy night of friendly trash talk.

From the Newton newsletter, September 5, 2026

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New Bedford Film Society keeps local cinema lively with special screenings around town, monthly socials at Pour Farm Tavern, and the…

684 Purchase St

New Bedford Film Society keeps local cinema lively with special screenings around town, monthly socials at Pour Farm Tavern, and the occasional community-made promo. They also back the New Bedford Film Festival, so if you like movies and meeting people who do too, get on their list.

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