Parks and 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.

Lowell National Historic Park

67 Kirk St., Lowell www.nps.gov/lowe Visit textile mills, worker housing, six miles of canals, and 1 9th century commercial buildings. Activities include boat and trolley tours, junior ranger certification, and hands-on exhibits. Free under age 6.

Middlesex Fells Reservation

Extensive trails in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham and Winchester www.mass.gov/locations/middlesex-fells-reservation Offers a welcome retreat and extensive terrain for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, rock climbers, cross-country skiers and picnickers.

Minuteman National Historic Park

Concord, Lexington and Lincoln Directions to the visitor center are available on the website. www.nps.gov/mima Walk or bike the scenic five-mile Battle Road trail which ends at the North Bridge. Volunteers in period clothing, demonstrations of colonial activities, historic structures, and educational programs.

Nashoba Valley

79 Powers Rd., Westford www.skinashoba.com Full service ski area with lessons, rentals, and snowboarding park. Also offers a children’s camp in the summer.

Prospect Hill Park

314 Totten Pond Rd., Waltham www.city.waltham.ma.us Great picnicking at this 250-acre wooded park which is the second highest point in Greater Boston. Playground, picnic areas and paved walking trails.

South Bridge Boat House

496 Main St., Route 62, Concord www.southbridgeboathouse.com Canoe launch and rentals available for floating down the scenic Concord River to Old North Bridge.

Walden Pond State Reservation

915 Walden St., Route 126, Concord www.mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-state-reservation Trail (1.5 mile) around Walden Pond past the site of Thoreau’s cabin. Wonderful beach for swimming in summer. Parking fee: $8.