Parks in Boston – 50 of the best parks near you
Boston is a great destination for people and families who love to explore the outdoors. While playgrounds and vast, greeneries are the main attractions for most Boston parks, there are also plenty of other activities to keep everyone busy and happy! Luckily, there are plenty of parks that the Boston area offers, such as the Arnold Arboretum or the Middlesex Fells Reservation, where families can take a scenic walk or hike.
So, if you are looking for ‘parks in Boston, MA’, ‘best parks in Boston’, ‘famous park in Boston’, or ‘parks near Boston, MA’, or ‘best playgrounds in Boston’, we have you covered!
The city has plenty of family and kid-friendly parks that have designated areas for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor games, allowing everyone to do plenty of fun activities.
With so much to see and do at these nice parks in Boston, everyone will never run out of exciting ways to spend time outdoors. So check out our list of the Best Parks in Boston and plan a visit soon!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, as always, please call to confirm ahead of time as all information is subject to change.
Also check our posts on Things To Do In Boston This Weekend, Outdoor Activities Boston, and Free Museum Days In Boston!
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Best Parks in Boston 2023
Allandale Woods
Allandale Woods is an 86-acre woodland park located in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city with its miles of hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and scenic views.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 75 VFW Pkwy, West Roxbury, MA 02132
How Much: Not Stated
Arnold Arboretum
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Located at Harvard University, this 281-acre park is free and open to the public. Take a guided tour, play wildlife bingo, go on a photo hunt, and more. There are tons of different activities to choose from and remember, donations are appreciated.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Where: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
How Much: Free
Artesani Park & Wading Pool
Zero-depth pool entry means tons of toddler fun! This wading pool is great for kids of all ages. There are also playgrounds right next door.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 1255 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA 02135
How Much: Not Stated
Beaver Brook Reservation
Beaver Brook Reservation is beloved for its peaceful and picturesque woodland trails, which offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors also appreciate the park’s variety of activities, such as birdwatching, mountain biking, and horseback riding, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
When: Open from dawn to dusk
Where: 66 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478
How Much: FREE
Boston Public Garden
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Boston Public Garden
The first public botanical garden in America has vibrant flowers, exotic trees, fountains galore, and waterside landscapes. This is an awesome place to bring kids to feed the ducks {no bread, please}, get your steps in, and take in the beautiful sights of Boston. This park does not have a playground but we think you’ll find plenty else to do.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: Not Stated
Boston Common
Located right next door to the botanical gardens, Boston Common is America’s oldest park and Boston’s pride and joy. The gorgeous green space, frequent events, and beautiful gazebo are great for spending time outdoors. If that’s not quite enough to entertain the little ones, bring them to Frog Pond and the Tadpole Playground.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where: 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111
How Much: Not Stated
Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center is a 67-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston. It features a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, and wetlands, as well as walking trails and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday, Sunday, and most holidays 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Where: 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA 02126
How Much: Not Stated
Castle Island
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Hugo R Veliz at Castle Island
What could be better for kids than a real-life castle? Okay, maybe it’s not an actual castle but a Fort is just as awesome. Tour Fort Independence, walk the grounds, stop at the beach, and finish your evening on the boardwalk. There is also a playground, restrooms, and areas for picnicking. It’s the perfect Boston park for kids!
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
Where: 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127
How Much: Bus parking is $35 year-round
Charles River Esplanade
Just on the other side of Greater Boston lies one of the most historic landmarks in Boston. Like the Rose Kennedy Greenway, you can find plenty of free classes, workouts, play dates, public art, and fun activities. Don’t miss the live and totally free shows going on at the Hatch Memorial Shell. You can also rent a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe and get an awesome workout with amazing views. Kayaking is the cheapest- just $16 for an hour!
Operating Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk, except for walk-through traffic and permitted events.
Where: Charles River, Esplanade, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: FREE
Chestnut Hill Reservoir
joy a 1.5-mile paved path that circles Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a stroll, jog, or bike ride. For summer and winter entertainment, go to Riley Rink and Pool.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Where: 355 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA 02135
How Much: Not Stated
Christopher Columbus Park
This waterfront park has plenty of picnic areas to take in the sights while the tots play. There is a playground and sandbox, so be prepared to go home a mess. Don’t miss the sprinklers in the summertime!
Operating Hours: Always open
Where: 100 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
How Much: Membership begins at $25 annually
Charlesbank Park
Charlesbank Park is a waterfront park located along the Charles River in Boston. It features a playground, spray pool, tennis, and basketball courts, and a walking and running path with beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Where: 26 Nonantum Pl, Newton, MA 02458
How Much: Not Stated
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Best Parks for Kids in Boston 2023
Charles River Reservation
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Ardi Massa at Charles River Reservation
Kids can engage in a range of outdoor activities at Boston’s Charles River Reservation. Kids can enjoy themselves while discovering the charm of the Charles River by participating in activities like hiking, biking, softball, basketball, tennis, football, and non-motorized boating and kayaking.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
Where: 1175A Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02135
How Much: Not Stated
DeFilippo Playground
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: DeFilippo Playground
DeFilippo Playground is a fun-filled park in Boston’s North End, offering a range of play structures, swings, and slides for kids, along with a small soccer field and basketball court for older children.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 135 Prince St, Boston, MA 02113
How Much: Not Stated
Doherty Playground
A great place for kids to appreciate outdoor activities is Boston’s Doherty Playground. Doherty Playground is the ideal location for families looking for fun and leisure because it has amenities like a tot spray/splash pad, playgrounds, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and picnic tables.
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Where: 331 Bunker Hill St, Boston, MA 02129
How Much: Not Stated
Foss Park
Foss Park in Boston is a great spot for kids to enjoy outdoor activities. With amenities such as a combination turf football and soccer field, two tennis courts, and amenities for kids, Foss Park is a perfect destination for families looking for fun and recreation.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Where: 49 Fellsway W, Somerville, MA 02145
How Much: Not Stated
Franklin Park
Franklin Park, a big park containing a golf course, a zoo, a stadium, and trails for hiking or biking, is sometimes referred to as Boston’s “country park” because of its acres of woodlands and picturesque views.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121
How Much: Not Stated
Frieda Garcia Park
Frieda Garcia Park is a lively community park in Boston’s South End, with a playground for kids that includes swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as a basketball court and a small open field for sports and games.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 95-111 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: Not Stated
Jamaica Pond
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond is a picturesque freshwater pond located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. It covers an area of 68 acres and has a maximum depth of 53 feet. The pond is a popular spot for recreational activities such as jogging, walking, picnicking, and fishing.
Operating Hours: Not Stated
Where: Boston, MA 02130
How Much: Not Stated
Joe Moakley Park
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Boston Touch Rugby
Joe Moakley Park is a large park located in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. It features athletic fields, a track, a playground, and a spray pool, and is a popular spot for sports and recreation activities.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 1005 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA 02127
How Much: Not Stated
Larz Anderson Park
The largest park in Brookline, Larz Anderson Park is perfect for family outings because it has a vintage car museum, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic spaces.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 7:00 am – 10:30 pm
Where: Goddard Ave & Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445
How Much: Not Stated
LoPresti Park
LoPresti Park is a fantastic waterfront park in Boston’s East Boston, offering a large playground with play structures, swings, and slides for kids, along with a basketball court and soccer field for older kids and adults.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 33 Sumner St, Boston, MA 02128
How Much: Not Stated
Malibu Beach
Malibu Beach is a public beach located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. It features a sandy beach area, a playground, and a bathhouse, and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational activities during the summer months.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Where: Boston, MA 02125, United States
How Much: Free parking is available in the lot.
Famous Parks in Boston 2023
Marine Park
Best Parks in Boston | Image Credit: tclf.org
It offers a variety of recreational activities such as walking, jogging, fishing, boating, picnicking, and sports. Marine Park is a vibrant and bustling park that provides visitors with a range of outdoor activities, making it an excellent spot for families and groups of friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: Boston, MA 02127
How Much: Not Stated
Martin’s Park
Located at Children’s Wharf, this brand-new playground has tube slides, water features, a large boat, and more. The kids will also enjoy the harbor views and check out the passing boats while at Martin’s Park.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am -7:00 pm
Where: 64 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210
How Much: Free
Mary O’Malley Park
Mary O’Malley Park is a tiny park with peaceful surroundings and breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and the Tobin Bridge. A picnic in an open field is a great idea, and there is a playground for kids nearby.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Where: Commandants Way, Chelsea, MA 02150
How Much: There’s plenty of free onsite parking available.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Visitors to Middlesex Fells Reservation can enjoy miles of hiking and bike paths, beautiful vistas, and a variety of wildlife habitats. The breathtaking scenery, outdoor leisure options, and chances to commune with nature are some of the reasons why people adore this lovely park.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Where: 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180
How Much: FREE
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a 100-acre park located in West Roxbury, Boston. It offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking, as well as beautiful views of the Charles River.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 300 Gardner St, Boston, MA 02132
How Much: Not Stated
Mount Hope Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston. It features winding roads, ornate gravestones and mausoleums, and the final resting places of many notable figures from Boston’s history, making it a popular spot for history buffs and those interested in genealogy.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 355 Walk Hill St, Boston, MA 02131
How Much: Not Stated
Mystic River State Reservation
The Mystic River Reservation is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park is a well-liked site for those who like the outdoors and the preservation of natural environments, especially the Mystic River and the marshes that surround it.
When: Open from dawn to dusk
Where: Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA 02155
How Much: FREE
Myrtle Street Playground
Myrtle Street Playground is a charming park nestled in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. It features a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures for kids to enjoy, as well as a basketball court and a small open field for sports and games.
Operating Hours: Always Open
Where: 50 Myrtle St, Boston, MA 02114
How Much: Not Stated
Neponset River Reservation
Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Neponset River Reservation
A waterfront park called Neponset River Reservation can be found in Boston’s Dorchester and Milton districts. It is a well-liked location for outdoor leisure and nature appreciation since it has walking and bike pathways, fishing spots, and beautiful views of the Neponset River and its salt marshes.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:30 pm
Where: 2 Granite Ave, Milton, MA 02186
How Much: Not Stated
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Nice Parks in Boston, MA
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course
Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Newton Commonwealth Golf Course
An 18-hole public golf course, Newton Commonwealth Golf Course is situated in Newton, Massachusetts, not far from Boston. It offers a difficult but beautiful golfing experience thanks to its rapid greens and relatively small fairways, which were designed by renowned architect Donald Ross.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: 212 Kenrick St, Newton, MA 02458
How Much: The price starts at $30 for non-residents
Olmsted Park
Olmsted Park is a really cool park in Boston that has lots of trees and plants and is great for going on walks or bike rides. A famous person named Frederick Law Olmsted designed it a long time ago, and he made sure it was a beautiful place for people to enjoy nature!
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 217 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA 02130
How Much: Not Stated
Paul Revere Park
This 5-acre park near the Charles River has awesome waterside views, green spaces, biking trails, water fountains, and a playground. The existing playground is about to get an awesome makeover with soft structures for toddlers and preschoolers.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: N Washington St, Boston, MA 02129
How Much: Not Stated
Peters Park
Parks in Boston | Image Credit: peterspark.org
Boston’s Peters Park is a fantastic place for youngsters to play outside. On hot days, they can play basketball or soccer, climb on the playground, or even splash around in the spray fountain!
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 230 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
How Much: $50 membership
Pope John Paul II Park
Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Pope John Paul II Park
A waterfront park offering wonderful views of Boston Harbor, walking and biking paths, and a play area for children. Additionally, fauna and birds can be found here.
Operating Hours: Dawn to dusk
Where: Boston, MA, USA
How Much: Free parking is available on-site.
Puopolo Playground
Puopolo Playground is a beloved park in Boston’s North End, with a playground for kids that includes swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as a bocce court and a small baseball field.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: Langone Park, 517 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109
How Much: Not Stated
Quincy Quarries Reservation
The Quincy Quarries Reservation is beloved for its unique landscape of towering rock formations, which are popular among rock climbers and hikers. Visitors are also drawn to the park’s rich history as a former granite quarry, and the colorful graffiti art that now adorns many of the rock faces.
When: Open from dawn to dusk
Where: Ricciuti Dr, Quincy, MA 02169, United States
How Much: FREE
Ringer Playground
Boston’s Ringer Playground is a great place for kids to have fun and keep healthy. Kids can enjoy climbing structures, swings, a Little League field, tennis, and basketball courts, and walking paths at this park, which also has playground equipment and a wooded section with natural trails.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 85 Allston St, Boston, MA 02134
How Much: Not Stated
Robbins Farm Park
A way outside the city, you can still get beautiful city views at the top of this park. There are also awesomely high slides, multiple play structures, plenty of room to run, and picnicking areas. There are also ice cream trucks there on the regular. You also might just find a little doggy to sit on.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 61 Eastern Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
How Much: Not Stated
Ronan Park
In Boston’s Fields Corner area, Ronan Park is a nice park where children may play sports and run about. The park’s hilltop elevation offers a beautiful view of the neighborhood, and visitors can play other activities or shoot baskets on the basketball court.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 92 Mt Ida Rd, Boston, MA 02122
How Much: Not Stated
Parks in Boston 2023
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Rose Kennedy Greenway
You can find just about everything on the greenway, from free workout classes to wine tastings. Catch a live band at City Winery, or attend an open play session with other parents and their tots. The calendar is jam-packed with food trucks, events in Chinatown, public art, and more.
Operating Hours: Open daily 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
How Much: The price is depending on the events
Ryan Playground
Boston’s Ryan Playground is a well-liked destination for youngsters, offering a variety of fun activities. A coastal promenade, batting cages, a roller hockey rink, a playground, a wading pool, as well as comfortable seating areas with shade and restrooms are among them.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 75 Alford St, Boston, MA 02129
How Much: Not Stated
Stony Brook Reservation
Stony Brook Reservation is a great place for kids to explore nature in Boston. They can hike or bike on the trails, fish in Turtle Pond, and even bring their furry friends for a walk.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Where: 95 Turtle Pond Pkwy, Hyde Park, MA 02136
How Much: Not Stated
Tenean Beach
Tenean Beach is a wonderful destination for kids in Boston, offering a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a boardwalk. Kids can enjoy playing in the sand or the many activities available on the beach.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Where: Conley St, Boston, MA 02122
How Much: Not Stated
Titus Sparrow Park
Parks in Boston | Image Credit: Best Parks for Kids in Boston
Children can play and enjoy the outdoors in Boston’s Titus Sparrow Park. In addition to a small open green area with lovely views of the city skyline, it features a playground, a basketball court, a tennis court, and other sports facilities.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: 75 W Rutland Square, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: Not Stated
The Esplanade
Located on the banks of the Charles River, you can find everything here from an outdoor auditorium to a spray park, and even boating! Their playground is one of the best in the city with climbing structures, a slide, a zipline, and more.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: Charles River, Esplanade, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: a non-profit organization
Victory Field
Victory Field is a great spot for kids to enjoy outdoor activities. With amenities such as tennis courts, Baseball fields, basketball courts, bike Racks a tot lot of surfaces, kids can have fun while staying active.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Where: 40 Orchard St, Watertown, MA 02472
How Much: Not Stated
Wompatuck State Park
Wompatuck State Park is an ideal destination for kids in Boston who love outdoor activities. With miles of paved bicycle trails, wooded bridle paths, and forest trails, as well as opportunities for cross-country skiing, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, kids can enjoy the beauty of nature while staying active.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Where: 204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043
How Much: Not Stated
World’s End
World’s End is beloved for its stunning coastal views and peaceful atmosphere, which offer a welcome respite from the city. Visitors enjoy hiking the park’s scenic trails, picnicking on the expansive lawns, and exploring the unique landscape of salt marshes, woodlands, and rocky shores.
When: Open from dawn to dusk
Where: 204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043
How Much: $6 admission fee for non-members
Do you know of any other great parks in Boston? Share them with us in the comments!
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