For our day in Norwell with kids, we will spend time at a flower farm, exploring the town library, walking on a path, going out to eat, and getting an ice cream. Norwell is a small town at the crossroads of suburbia and its agrarian past. Route 53 in Norwell is all business, with restaurants, stores, and more, while much of the town on Route 123 consists of large stately homes from a bygone era. It’s one of the few South Shore towns where traces of its rural past come to view.
Cross Street Flower Farm
For our first stop of our day in Norwell with kids, we are stopping by the Cross Street Flower Farm. During the flower-growing season, this farm offers pick-your-own flowers in its field and pre-arranged bouquets in its barn. During my visit, we picked tulips by the stem. It’s a fun activity and is nowhere near as crowded as some of the larger farms that do the same.
Norwell Public Library
The new Norwell Public Library recently opened in the last few years. The building now is full of natural light and is a perfect place to read, study, or check out a book. The children’s room is large, with activities to play, computers, and plenty to read. My kids enjoyed getting out a few books while I chose a CD to borrow: Pete Seeger’s “If I Had a Hammer.”
Norwell Pathway
The Norwell Pathway begins close to the library and high school and ends two miles later near Gaffield Park. Starting at the middle school, the path dips into the woods and continues on a sizable boardwalk over marshland. This part is beautiful. The boardwalk is of sturdy construction and blends in well with the natural surroundings. My sons enjoy a bike ride on the pathway, especially over the thuds of the wooden boardwalk. It’s a great spot for biking, running, or walking.
The Fours
For (or Four) dinner, The Fours on Route 53 in Norwell always is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a family-friendly sports-themed restaurant featuring all the comfort food you’d expect. It’s hard not to order the buffalo chicken nachos. They are piled high and are always excellent. Other recommended choices include salads and burgers, and one of my go-to’s, the turkey tips.
Hornstra Farm
Hornstra Farms in Norwell offers the perfect farm store experience. Try their cider doughnuts, take home their milk, and various other locally made goodies. And make sure to visit the herd of cows out back as well as peek into the barn to see if there are any calves. In addition to the cows, during the fall, Hornstra is definitely on my list for a trip for pumpkins. They intersperse pumpkins into an autumnal display that is just oh-so quaint and oh-so New England. In the warmer months, try a scoop or two of their homemade ice cream!
For a small(ish) town, an afternoon in Norwell makes a fun experience for the whole family. From picking flowers and eating ice cream to walking on a path to grabbing a bite to eat, this backyard road trip doesn’t leave the confines of the town. The next time you’re in the South Shore, check out this day in Norwell with kids!
