Great Places to Enjoy Nature and Outdoors in Greater Boston
Massachusetts State Parks, Massachusetts, $
Start discovering DCR's Parks today!
Start discovering DCR's Parks today!
Maudslay State Park - Theater in the Open, Newburyport, $$
Theater in the Open is an outdoor performance stage that transforms the magical tradition of storytelling into theater using puppetry, pageantry, music, movement, and acting.
Theater in the Open is an outdoor performance stage that transforms the magical tradition of storytelling into theater using puppetry, pageantry, music, movement, and acting.
Middlesex Fells Reservation, Stoneham, Free
2,000 acres of trails, rocks, ponds & fields. Hike up to the stone tower that overlooks the Boston basin. See coyote, red fox, and white tail deer. Enjoy frequent nature events for the whole family.
2,000 acres of trails, rocks, ponds & fields. Hike up to the stone tower that overlooks the Boston basin. See coyote, red fox, and white tail deer. Enjoy frequent nature events for the whole family.
Misery Islands, Salem, Salem, Free
A system of trails provides access to most parts of The Trustees' Great Misery Island, including spectacular overlooks, stony beaches, and grassy fields. Little Misery Island is accessible from Great Misery Island by wading across a narrow, shallow channel at very low tide.
A system of trails provides access to most parts of The Trustees' Great Misery Island, including spectacular overlooks, stony beaches, and grassy fields. Little Misery Island is accessible from Great Misery Island by wading across a narrow, shallow channel at very low tide.
Moseley Woods, Newburyport, Free
A seasonal, shady, not-too-crowded park located right on the Merrimack River offers play areas for toddlers and older children.
A seasonal, shady, not-too-crowded park located right on the Merrimack River offers play areas for toddlers and older children.
Moswetuset Hummock, Quincy, Free
This wooded area located at the intersection of East Squantum St. and Quincy Shore Dr. was the seat of the Indian chief Chickatabot, who was visited by Captain Myles Standish and the Indian guide Squanto in 1621.
This wooded area located at the intersection of East Squantum St. and Quincy Shore Dr. was the seat of the Indian chief Chickatabot, who was visited by Captain Myles Standish and the Indian guide Squanto in 1621.
NARA Park & Playground, Acton, $
During the summer, the beach portion at NARA has a daily rate for swimming. Families can rent boats, use the playground, walk the trails, or take in a concert at the ampitheatre.
During the summer, the beach portion at NARA has a daily rate for swimming. Families can rent boats, use the playground, walk the trails, or take in a concert at the ampitheatre.
New England Mountain Bike Association, New England, $
New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) is a recreational trails advocacy organization. Join in on many rides for adults and families.
New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) is a recreational trails advocacy organization. Join in on many rides for adults and families.
New England Wildlife Center Education Programs, Weymouth
The New England Wildlife Center (NEWC) is a twenty-two year-old humane, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and the environment with a wildlife teaching hospital, education, advocacy and public health and habitat intervention. You can tour the center's...
The New England Wildlife Center (NEWC) is a twenty-two year-old humane, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and the environment with a wildlife teaching hospital, education, advocacy and public health and habitat intervention. You can tour the center's...
Odiorne Point State Park, New Hampshire, $
Odiorne Point, the largest undeveloped stretch of shore on New Hampshire's 18-mile coast, offers lots of fun for nature-lovers: picknicking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, nature walking, cross-country skiing, and...
Odiorne Point, the largest undeveloped stretch of shore on New Hampshire's 18-mile coast, offers lots of fun for nature-lovers: picknicking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, nature walking, cross-country skiing, and...
Old North Bridge, Concord, Free
Site where the shot heard round the world was fired. Stroller friendly paths give passage to a serene park area with a view of the river.
Site where the shot heard round the world was fired. Stroller friendly paths give passage to a serene park area with a view of the river.
Old North Church Gardens, Boston, Free
Surrounding Old North Church are some wonderful, relaxing gardens, including an 18th century garden, complete with rose arches, and terraces.
Surrounding Old North Church are some wonderful, relaxing gardens, including an 18th century garden, complete with rose arches, and terraces.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport, $
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge occupies in part, the southern 3/4ths of Plum Island, an 8 mile (12.9 kilometer) barrier island, and offers excellent wildlife-oriented recreational and educational opportunities with visitor facilities and programs provided to enhance...
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge occupies in part, the southern 3/4ths of Plum Island, an 8 mile (12.9 kilometer) barrier island, and offers excellent wildlife-oriented recreational and educational opportunities with visitor facilities and programs provided to enhance...
Peaked Mountain, Western Mass, Free
From the 1,227-foot summit of Peaked ('pea-kid') Mountain, a panoramic view unfolds taking in Connecticut's Shenipsit State Forest to the south, Mount Monadnock to the north, and Mount Wachusett to the northeast.
From the 1,227-foot summit of Peaked ('pea-kid') Mountain, a panoramic view unfolds taking in Connecticut's Shenipsit State Forest to the south, Mount Monadnock to the north, and Mount Wachusett to the northeast.
Percy Rideout Playground, Concord, Free
Wonderful outdoor playground with a jungle gym, swings, and cedar grounds. Equipment is shaded for sunny days.
Wonderful outdoor playground with a jungle gym, swings, and cedar grounds. Equipment is shaded for sunny days.
PhotoWalks Boston Tours, Virtual/Online, $$$
Explore Boston with PhotoWalks, historical walking tours with a photographic edge. Learn how to capture Boston's natural beauty and charm in your photos.
Explore Boston with PhotoWalks, historical walking tours with a photographic edge. Learn how to capture Boston's natural beauty and charm in your photos.
Piers Park, Boston, Free
Piers Park is a beautifully landscaped park providing direct access to the waterfront along with spectacular views of downtown Boston across the inner harbor.
Piers Park is a beautifully landscaped park providing direct access to the waterfront along with spectacular views of downtown Boston across the inner harbor.
Planet Playground, New Hampshire, Free
A giant, wooden play structure in Exeter, NH, designed with the input of 1200 elementary age children, local artists, and representatives from the special needs community. Come to the playground 'for out of this galaxy fun!'
A giant, wooden play structure in Exeter, NH, designed with the input of 1200 elementary age children, local artists, and representatives from the special needs community. Come to the playground 'for out of this galaxy fun!'
Powisset Farm, Dover, Free
Powisset Farm features a classic old barn, pond, pigs “Tink” and “Molly,” chickens, 104 acres of fields, and more than a mile of new hiking trails. Come discover what makes this a special place for the community! ...
Powisset Farm features a classic old barn, pond, pigs “Tink” and “Molly,” chickens, 104 acres of fields, and more than a mile of new hiking trails. Come discover what makes this a special place for the community! ...
Ravenswood Park, Gloucester, Free
Long treasured by residents of Gloucester and neighboring towns, Ravenswood Park offers a tranquil wooded setting for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing along almost ten miles of trails and carriage paths.
Long treasured by residents of Gloucester and neighboring towns, Ravenswood Park offers a tranquil wooded setting for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing along almost ten miles of trails and carriage paths.
Rock Meadow, Belmont, Free
Lots of green fields, community gardents,and easy terrain trails in the woods lets you make believe that you have a little bit of the country nearby.
Lots of green fields, community gardents,and easy terrain trails in the woods lets you make believe that you have a little bit of the country nearby.
Salem Willows Park, Salem, Free
Beautiful shaded seaside grounds, scenic ocean views, public pier, picnic areas, beaches, children's rides, activities and many eateries.
Beautiful shaded seaside grounds, scenic ocean views, public pier, picnic areas, beaches, children's rides, activities and many eateries.
Slocum's River Reserve, Dartmouth, Free
Formerly known as Island View Farm, Slocum's River Reserve includes mature woodlands, agricultural fields, and pastures that slope down to the western bank of the Slocum's River.
Formerly known as Island View Farm, Slocum's River Reserve includes mature woodlands, agricultural fields, and pastures that slope down to the western bank of the Slocum's River.
SMILE Sudbury Playground, Sudbury, Free
This Sudbury Playground includes a Boundless Playground area designated for 5 – 12 year olds and a new 2 – 5 year old tot lot. Loads of unique climbers & slides to explore for children of all abilities.
This Sudbury Playground includes a Boundless Playground area designated for 5 – 12 year olds and a new 2 – 5 year old tot lot. Loads of unique climbers & slides to explore for children of all abilities.
Soule Homestead, Middleboro, $
Soule Homestead Education Center provides hands-on learning opportunities including environmental programs, organic farming activities, traditional crafts, and cultural events.
Soule Homestead Education Center provides hands-on learning opportunities including environmental programs, organic farming activities, traditional crafts, and cultural events.
South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell, $
The South Shore Natural Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the natural and cultural environments of the South Shore.
The South Shore Natural Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the natural and cultural environments of the South Shore.
Spring Brook Park Swim Area, Bedford, $$
Beach, dock, playground, sprinkler park, volleyball, picnic area, grills, basketball court, concession. Daily rates & memberships available for Bedford residents only.
Beach, dock, playground, sprinkler park, volleyball, picnic area, grills, basketball court, concession. Daily rates & memberships available for Bedford residents only.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, New Hampshire, $
Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world.
Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world.
Sudbury Valley Trustees, Massachusetts, Free
Join SVT staff and volunteers in exploring the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury watershed in a variety of locations through a variety of land and water-based activities
Join SVT staff and volunteers in exploring the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury watershed in a variety of locations through a variety of land and water-based activities
The Lawn on D, Boston
The Lawn on D is a park and playground oasis for children and adults near the Boston convention center. The park features art installations, live music, very cool LED illuminated circular (think glowing) swings,...
The Lawn on D is a park and playground oasis for children and adults near the Boston convention center. The park features art installations, live music, very cool LED illuminated circular (think glowing) swings,...
The Monoliths (formerly Agassiz Rocks), Manchester-by-the-Sea, Free
Ascend a small hill to where a massive granite monolith juts into the sky, then pass a swamp where another huge boulder has sat as silent witness for millennia. Big and Little Rocks are dramatic examples of giant...
Ascend a small hill to where a massive granite monolith juts into the sky, then pass a swamp where another huge boulder has sat as silent witness for millennia. Big and Little Rocks are dramatic examples of giant...
The Russell Orchards Property, Ipswich, $
On the Road to Crane Beach is a 120-acre farm comprised of fields, gardens, orchards, and barns. Come visit many different types of animals, taste 25 varieties of apples, try some famous cider donuts, enjoy old-fashioned penny candy, visit the winery, and pick your own...
On the Road to Crane Beach is a 120-acre farm comprised of fields, gardens, orchards, and barns. Come visit many different types of animals, taste 25 varieties of apples, try some famous cider donuts, enjoy old-fashioned penny candy, visit the winery, and pick your own...
Trustees of Reservations Properties, Massachusetts, Free
The Trustees of Reservations preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.
The Trustees of Reservations preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.
Underground at Ink Block Murals, Boston, Free
Underground at Ink Block is the successful transformation of an 8-acre underpass located between Boston’s South End and South Boston neighborhoods into an active urban park, cultural attraction and parking amenity.
Underground at Ink Block is the successful transformation of an 8-acre underpass located between Boston’s South End and South Boston neighborhoods into an active urban park, cultural attraction and parking amenity.
Waterplace Park, Rhode Island, Free
Waterplace Park is a unique urban park and river walk in the heart of downtown Providence. Romantic Venetian-style footbridges, cobblestone walkways, and an amphitheater encircling a tidal pond set the tone at this 4-acre tract.
Waterplace Park is a unique urban park and river walk in the heart of downtown Providence. Romantic Venetian-style footbridges, cobblestone walkways, and an amphitheater encircling a tidal pond set the tone at this 4-acre tract.
Where to Fish in Massachusetts, Massachusetts, Free
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) stocks rivers, lakes and ponds with trout for recreational fishing.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) stocks rivers, lakes and ponds with trout for recreational fishing.
Zoar Outdoor, Western Mass, $$
The Northeast's leader in outdoor adventure offers white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and biking adventures in the Berkshires! Take a course or sign up for a guided outing - just get out there and enjoy the...
The Northeast's leader in outdoor adventure offers white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and biking adventures in the Berkshires! Take a course or sign up for a guided outing - just get out there and enjoy the...
A day in the park - who could ask for more? There are so many to choose from in the Boston Metro area - a new adventure every week.