Things to Do in Maynard

In the early ’70s, Boston-area resident Mike Farny dreamed of creating affordable outdoor recreational activities for his community to enjoy. In May of 1973, Mike set up shop in the MDC Norumbega Police Substation of Newton/Auburndale and began realizing his dream. The location—directly next to the historic Totem Pole Ballroom—perfectly enabled the environmentally friendly practice of canoeing and kayaking. Mike's vision blossomed over the years to include four other locations, each offering rentals, tours, and instruction.

Today, on-staff guides lead tours of the Charles River and Boston Harbor to educate participants in ecosystem conservation, view the skyline and sunset, or explore historic structures. Select trips also include lunch to fuel participants as they navigate difficult waterways and jump through flaming hoops. To prepare customers entering the water for the first time, instructors coach riders of all levels in private or group lessons at the paddling school, which draws on more than 30 years of instructional tradition. Team members also organize paddlers with sufficient experience to compete in Run on the Charles, an annual canoe and kayak race down the river. Staffers can also equip boaters in the shop—where Tiderace and Boréal kayaks hang alongside Tahoe paddleboards and Wenonah canoes, dreaming of one day being the inspiration for a traditional sea chantey. Crew members help clients choose from this selection of new rides and accessories through free daily demonstrations.

At Bikram Yoga Hudson, sweating is a shower for the body, mind, and soul. Here, a 105-degree room summons beads of perspiration to oust pent-up toxins and stress. Though many students crave a traditional shower after the studio’s 90-minute classes, the heat eases their muscles into deep, relaxing stretches as they practice 26 Hatha poses and controlled breathing techniques. In addition to boosting strength, flexibility, and concentration, these exercises propel fresh oxygen through the body to promote wellness and fill deflated water wings. Certified instructors shepherd students of all levels through the workout, reminding them to hydrate frequently and pose at their own pace.

At Bikram Yoga Hudson, sweating is a shower for the body, mind, and soul. Here, a 105-degree room summons beads of perspiration to oust pent-up toxins and stress. Though many students crave a traditional shower after the studio’s 90-minute classes, the heat eases their muscles into deep, relaxing stretches as they practice 26 hatha poses and controlled breathing techniques. In addition to boosting strength, flexibility, and concentration, these exercises propel fresh oxygen through the body to promote wellness and fill deflated water wings. Certified instructors shepherd students of all levels through the workout, reminding them to hydrate frequently and pose at their own pace.

Light streams in through the studio windows, bouncing off the painted brick walls and illuminating the yogis—each like a cat arching its back in a sunbeam—stretching on the hardwood floor. At Shiva Shakti Yoga Center, instructors tailor each 60- to 90-minute yoga class to accommodate students of all experience levels. Drawing on such methods as hatha, Vinyasa, and Anusara, the dynamic, fluid sessions help strengthen muscles and center minds. The studio also hosts occasional workshops with guest teachers to keep bodies limber through varied regimens.

Play time speeds on unabated at Roll On America, a 30,000-square-foot wonderland containing an indoor skating rink, laser-tag arena, and arcade. Skaters trade in street shoes for traditional quad or sleek inline wheels and zoom across the floor, executing figure eights or even more intricate figure 16s. Inside a futuristic laser-tag arena marked by neon alien landscapes, would-be warriors duck and cover their way to victory by blasting indicator vests with high-powered beams. Post-tagging, Roll On America’s onsite eatery serves up snacks, and an arcade area houses more than 25 classic and modern games.