Parks & Gardens Hours and services may have changed due to COVID-19. Please call to confirm.
Boston Public Garden 4 Charles St., Boston www.boston.gov/parks/public-garden America’s first public botanical garden includes “Make Way For Ducklings” statues. The Ducklings Parade is in May on Mother’s Day. Free admission. There is also a 15-minute swan boat ride, open 7 days a week mid-April to Labor Day, weather permitting. Swan boats are free under age 2.
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (Massachusetts Audubon Society)
280 Eliot St., Route 16, South Natick www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor Nine miles of well-marked walking trails, including extensive boardwalks. Duck pond, nature center with art and wildlife exhibits. Free under age 2.
Charles River Canoe & Kayak paddleboston.com Canoe, kayak and Stand-Up Paddle Board rentals, demos and instructional programs, lunch site. Variety of locations on the Charles River.
Garden in the Woods, Native Plant Trust 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham www.nativeplanttrust.org/visit/garden-woods/ Botanical garden and sanctuary displaying the largest collection of wildflowers in Northeast. Pond with turtles and frogs. Free under age 5.
Great Brook Farm State Park and Dairy, 165 North Rd., Carlisle www.mass.gov/locations/great-brook-farm-state-park Working dairy farm. Farm tours are available. Twenty miles of trails for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Homemade ice cream. Parking fee: $3.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 179 Monsen Road, Concord www.fws.gov/refuge/great_meadows A habitat for wildlife along 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury rivers, with an emphasis on migratory birds. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. No dogs.
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