Things to Do in Franklin

Spooky, undead monsters and lively tunes combine to create a jovial atmosphere inside Monster Mini Golf's 10,000-square-foot, glow-in-the-dark course. As players navigate the 18 mind-boggling holes, a DJ spins tunes to awaken tone-deaf monsters, occasionally doling out prizes to golfers for reasons ranging from "craziest hair" to "smoothest celebration after a hole in eight." And after a wacky session of putting, guests can flex their thumb muscles inside a decked-out video arcade lined with both classic and modern games.

The phosphorescent indoor landscape at Monster Mini Golf immerses putters in an eerie universe that inverts the sun-soaked cheer of conventional courses. Rimmed in glowing barriers, 18 holes lure swingers of all sizes to challenge their coordination and resolve in the face of winged monsters, scowling animated trees, a creepy clown, and their opponents' shockingly dazzling smiles. Sheltered from searing rain and howling wind, the indoor course enables play around hazards such as a spell well and luminous, ghostly windmill at any time of the year. An in-house radio station and DJ mask the sound of pounding hearts with lively beats and course commentary, and golfers looking for additional glory can win prizes by participating in regular contests or at the on-site arcade.

A simple sewing tutorial from Mikala Cash's grandmother at age six sparked a passion in the Creative Sewing Lessons' founder that continues to smolder after an education from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. At her North Attleboro studio, Mikala guides students of various levels through a range of classes, including tailoring, invisible zippers, and sewing for kids, which arms youngsters with the know-how to construct business suits for lemonade stand conventions. In addition to her sewing classes, Mikala invites guest artists to lead workshops during her Creative Night Out series, a monthly event that introduces participants to hands-on subjects such as visual journaling and knitting.

Local artists and spouses Denise Girardin and Steve Levinsky are the brains behind Palettes, a studio that aims to awaken the creative side of the community with painting's jubilant anthem. The couple's artistic endeavors stretch far beyond Palettes, though—Steve plumbs the depths of fire to find glass art, and Denise designs unique pottery inspired by the ocean and the seahorses that ride off into the sunset every evening. In addition, they are so involved in local affairs that Natick Center Associates selected them as the recipients of the 2012 Heart of the Community Award.

A row of easels dominates Palettes' roomy space during classes and open sessions, in which students re-create works of art while snacking on menu items such as asian-noodle salad and sweet-potato chips. Herb-, spice-, and fruit-infused potions flood the Water Bar, whose imported and house-made waters are perfect for making toasts to the art instructors for offering such helpfully Latin-free guidance. Palettes' people also teach students how to develop their taste buds during Waters of the World Club educational lectures, which lead to the studio's signature H2Ommelier certification.

Over the painted lanes and distance markers at Ace Archers' outdoor field, arrows hurtle toward American Whitetail target mats situated between 15 and 90 meters away. The range hosts practice sessions for tournaments trainees, and additional instruction takes place at an indoor range where arrows whizz down 14 lanes. Under the tutelage of coach Tom Herrington, participants learn level 1 and level 2 archery instruction or improve their shot with video coaching, with which Tom analyzes a participant's form after filming it from seven angles. Group classes guide archers of all levels with a custom curriculum, and individual coaching pairs students with instructors who focus on issues requiring special attention. Elsewhere, the staff sells competition and hunting bows at its pro shop, hosts two-hour archery parties, and holds annual tournaments where competitors show off their skills by shooting wedding rings onto Maid Marion's finger.

Fresh air fills kids’ lungs as they race through the myriad outdoor activities at Funway Foxboro, powering them through afternoon marathons of inflatable castles and miniature greens. A waterfall cascades over the mini-golf course, which overlooks a pool churning in the wake of bumper boats bouncing off each other as they collide. Conversely, go-karters try to avoid impact with their fellow drivers as they speed along, and pitching machines vainly attempt to sneak baseballs past sluggers at the batting cages. At both the rock-climbing wall and inflatable moon bounce, visitors can conquer gravity without traveling back in time to hand Isaac Newton a hard hat. Everything from Dippin’ Dots to pizza refuels guests at the concession hut, where Funway Foxboro also hosts birthday parties featuring surprise appearances from its mascot, Funway Fox.