Where Did They Film “Grown Ups 2”? Unpacking the Filming Locations of the Hilarious Sequel

The uproarious comedy “Grown Ups 2” primarily unfolds in the fictional town of Stanton, Connecticut. However, the real-world filming locations were primarily situated in the state of Massachusetts, specifically in the towns of Marblehead, Swampscott, and Southborough. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s chaotic summer adventures, offering a blend of picturesque New England charm and relatable suburban settings.

The Authentic New England Charm of “Grown Ups 2” Filming

While “Grown Ups 2” is set in Connecticut, the filmmakers chose Massachusetts for its logistical advantages, cinematic appeal, and ability to convincingly portray the desired aesthetic. Let’s delve deeper into the specific locations that brought the film to life.

Marblehead: The Heart of Stanton

Marblehead, Massachusetts, played a pivotal role in representing the fictional town of Stanton. This historic coastal town, renowned for its stunning harbor and colonial architecture, provided the quintessential New England atmosphere that the filmmakers were seeking.

• Exterior Shots: Many of the exterior scenes depicting the town’s streets, businesses, and public spaces were filmed in Marblehead. The town’s charming downtown area, with its quaint shops and historical buildings, served as a backdrop for various scenes, creating a sense of community and authenticity.
• Specific Locations: While specific addresses are often kept confidential, eagle-eyed viewers can spot recognizable landmarks and streets within Marblehead throughout the movie.

Swampscott: Adding Suburban Realism

Swampscott, Massachusetts, a neighboring town to Marblehead, contributed to the film’s suburban realism. This coastal community offered a blend of residential areas, parks, and local businesses, perfectly complementing the scenes depicting the lives of the movie’s characters.

• Residential Scenes: It is believed that certain residential scenes, showcasing the characters’ homes and neighborhoods, were filmed in Swampscott. The town’s typical suburban landscape provided a relatable and believable setting for the characters’ family lives.
• Local Businesses: Some local businesses in Swampscott might have also served as filming locations, adding to the authenticity of the movie’s small-town setting.

Southborough: Setting the Stage for Key Moments

Southborough, Massachusetts, while not as prominently featured as Marblehead and Swampscott, played a significant role in providing specific locations for key scenes in “Grown Ups 2”.

• Nobscot Reservation: A significant portion of the film, especially the exciting zip-lining sequence and scenes involving the comical encounters with wild animals (like the deer in the house), were filmed at the Nobscot Reservation in Southborough. This sprawling conservation area offered the perfect backdrop for these action-packed and humorous moments.
• Other Areas: While less documented, it’s possible that other areas within Southborough were also utilized for filming, adding to the film’s diverse range of locations.

Why Massachusetts? The Decision Behind the Filming Location

The decision to film “Grown Ups 2” in Massachusetts was likely driven by a combination of factors:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Massachusetts boasts a distinct New England charm that perfectly aligned with the filmmakers’ vision for Stanton, Connecticut. The state’s picturesque towns, coastal landscapes, and historical architecture provided a visually appealing and authentic backdrop for the movie.
• Logistical Advantages: Massachusetts offers a well-developed film infrastructure, including experienced crew members, readily available equipment, and supportive local communities. This made it easier and more efficient to produce the movie in the state.
• Tax Incentives: Massachusetts offers attractive tax incentives to filmmakers, which can significantly reduce production costs. This likely played a role in the decision to film “Grown Ups 2” in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Grown Ups 2” Filming Locations

1. Is Stanton, Connecticut, a real place? No, Stanton is a fictional town created for the “Grown Ups” movies. The filming locations in Massachusetts were used to represent this fictional setting.

2. Was Adam Sandler’s house used in the movie? While Adam Sandler owns a home in New Hampshire, it was not used as a filming location for “Grown Ups 2”. The residential scenes were filmed at private residences in Massachusetts.

3. Can I visit the locations where “Grown Ups 2” was filmed? Yes, you can visit the towns of Marblehead, Swampscott, and Southborough, Massachusetts. Many of the exterior locations are accessible to the public. The Nobscot Reservation is also open to visitors.

4. Were there any scenes filmed in Connecticut? To the best of available information, no scenes were filmed in Connecticut for “Grown Ups 2”. All the filming took place in Massachusetts.

5. What was the biggest challenge in filming “Grown Ups 2”? While specific challenges aren’t publicly documented, filming with a large ensemble cast, working with animals, and coordinating complex stunts (like the zip-lining sequence) likely presented significant logistical hurdles.

6. Did the actors enjoy filming in Massachusetts? While individual experiences vary, many actors have spoken positively about filming in Massachusetts, praising the state’s beauty and the welcoming atmosphere of the local communities.

7. Are there any tours of the “Grown Ups 2” filming locations? There are no officially sanctioned tours specifically dedicated to “Grown Ups 2” filming locations. However, you can explore the towns of Marblehead, Swampscott, and Southborough independently.

8. How much of the movie was filmed on location versus on a sound stage? A significant portion of “Grown Ups 2” was filmed on location, particularly the exterior shots and scenes in the Nobscot Reservation. However, some interior scenes may have been filmed on sound stages to allow for greater control over lighting and sound.

9. Are there any other movies or TV shows filmed in Marblehead, Swampscott, or Southborough? Yes, Massachusetts is a popular filming location. Various movies and TV shows have utilized these towns for their picturesque settings. Researching film commissions for these towns or regions should provide extensive information about other films made there.

10. How did the local communities react to the filming of “Grown Ups 2”? The filming of “Grown Ups 2” likely brought economic benefits to the local communities, including increased tourism and revenue for local businesses. Generally, film productions are welcomed when they adhere to responsible filming practices.

11. Did the filming locations impact the plot of the movie in any way? While the plot wasn’t necessarily written around the locations, the New England setting definitely contributed to the overall feel and tone of the movie. The small-town atmosphere and picturesque landscapes added to the film’s charm and comedic appeal.

12. Where was the water park in the movie filmed? It appears that the water park scenes were likely filmed at the Water Wizz Water Park located in Wareham, MA.

By filming “Grown Ups 2” in Massachusetts, the filmmakers captured the essence of small-town America and brought the hilarious adventures of Lenny Feder and his friends to life. The combination of charming towns, natural landscapes, and a supportive filming environment made Massachusetts the perfect backdrop for this comedic sequel.