Exploring Boston

Getting outside can be a challenge in the city, especially when you don’t have your own natural space at home! Fortunately, Boston and the Greater Boston Area have numerous public outdoor spaces for you and your child to explore nature. Refer to each location’s accompanying map to see where they are and what activities surround them.

BOSTON:

Arnold Arboretum

  • 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130

  • Did you know that a museum of trees is called an arboretum? Over one hundred years old, the Arnold Arboretum is owned by the iconic Harvard University and is open to the public daily. Learn about trees native to New England with your child or just take in the fantastic views.

Back Bay Fens

  • 100 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215

  • The Fens encompasses community gardens as well as historic structures, fountains, and is abundant with wildlife. Give your child the opportunity to engage with their community while simultaneously connecting with nature, or try your hand at bird watching at this popular birding location!

Boston Common

  • 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111

  • Perhaps the most iconic outdoor space in Boston, the Common is located at the heart of the city. The Boston Common is the oldest city park in the United States.

Boston Public Garden

  • 4 Charles St, Boston MA, 02116

  • Take a stroll with your child through the paths that weave through the Public Garden. Learn about the different types of flowers (there’s more than just tulips!) that grow in America’s first public botanical garden.

Charles River Esplanade

  • Charles River, Esplanade, Boston, MA 02116

  • 17 miles of paths perfect for exploring along the Charles River. 

Franklin Park

  • 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121

  • Steps away from the Franklin Park Zoo, this massive park hosts trails as well as open fields for your child to engage with nature in a variety of ways.

Jamaica Pond Park

  • 507, 345 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA 02130

  • Part of what is known as the Emerald Necklace, Jamaica Pond was formed by a glacier! A path lines the circumference of the pond, making this an accessible location for those looking for somewhere easy to walk with beautiful scenery.

Olmsted Park

  • 217 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA 02130

  • Olmsted Park features numerous pedestrian bridges, freshwater ponds, and dense foliage.Enjoy the wildflower meadow of Olmsted Park with your child or find a secluded area to enjoy a picnic or wildlife watching.

BRIGHTON:

Christian Herter Park

  • 1175 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton MA 02134

  • The calm waters of Herter park make it ideal for kayaking or sitting on the river bank to look for wildlife. 

CAMBRIDGE:

Fresh Pond Reservation

  • 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138

  • Home to wildlife including toads, chipmunks, turtles, and waterfowl, Fresh Pond Reservation is a small but abundant spot for your child to see nature in action.

MATTAPAN:

Boston Nature Center

  • 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA 02126

  • Part of the Massachusetts Audubon, the Boston Nature Center is great for spotting different species of butterflies and plants. Explore this sanctuary on the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital to see how many different insects and other animals you can find spread across this plot of wetlands and meadows. 

MILTON:

Blue Hills Reservation

  • 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186

  • The Blue Hills Reservation spans multiple cities in Greater Boston including Milton, Braintree, and Dedham. With over 7,000 acres, you and your child are sure to never run out of nature to discover in this beautiful reservation.

NEEDHAM:

Cutler Park

  • 84 Kendrick St, Needham, MA 02494

  • Ideal for bird watching, this park is primarily marshland located along the Charles River. 

NEWTON:

Auburndale Cove

  • 104 W. Pine St, Newton, MA 02466

  • Located in Newton along the Charles River, Auburndale Cove features a playground for structured play as well as open fields for more free play and adventure.

Nahanton Park

  • 455 Nahanton St, Newton, MA 02459

  • Nahanton Park has expansive trails making this the ideal place for hiking. See the native animals and plants of Massachusetts within Nahanton’s 55 acres. Register your child for PUDDLESTOMPERS Summer Camp at Nahanton Park for them to get a hands on experience learning about this gorgeous natural space!

SOUTH BOSTON:

Moakley Park

  • 1005 Columbia Rd., South Boston, MA 02127

  • Situated along the beach, this park is ideal for coastal nature exploration. Learn about what types of wildlife live close to the beach and in the water at Moakley Park.

WATERTOWN:

Arsenal Park

  • 485 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472

  • Arsenal Park is located along the Charles River in Brighton MA. Grab lunch to go at Arsenal Yards, and set up a picnic in Arsenal park to enjoy a leisurely afternoon outside with your child!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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