Best Places for Families with Kids to Hike and Walk Near Boston
Whether your kids are in a backpack or old enough to hike alongside you, there are plenty of fun and scenic trails throughout the Boston area to enjoy. Here are some recommended spots nearby to take in the great outdoors with kids on foot. During COVID-19, please check to make sure trails are open before you go.
Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, Free
The Rose Kennedy Greenway encompasses gardens, plazas, and tree-lined promenades. Offering beautiful places for relaxation within the rhythm of the urban environment, the Greenway is a key feature of the modern...
The Rose Kennedy Greenway encompasses gardens, plazas, and tree-lined promenades. Offering beautiful places for relaxation within the rhythm of the urban environment, the Greenway is a key feature of the modern...
Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Free
The Arnold Arboretum is one of the area's truly great places to get away during the spring, summer and fall. The two-mile-long main walking trail is paved and allows for leisurely stroller walks. Plant, flower and...
The Arnold Arboretum is one of the area's truly great places to get away during the spring, summer and fall. The two-mile-long main walking trail is paved and allows for leisurely stroller walks. Plant, flower and...
Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, $$
The Boston Harbor Islands are a part of history - and a part of the great outdoors. So, if you are looking for an easy, exciting, half-day trip, the islands offer plenty of choices for individuals and families -...
The Boston Harbor Islands are a part of history - and a part of the great outdoors. So, if you are looking for an easy, exciting, half-day trip, the islands offer plenty of choices for individuals and families -...
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, Free
Breakheart Reservation is a 640-acre hardwood forest with an extensive trail system, year-round ranger programs, and summer fishing and swimming.
Breakheart Reservation is a 640-acre hardwood forest with an extensive trail system, year-round ranger programs, and summer fishing and swimming.
Castle Island, Fort Independence and Sullivan's Snack Shack, Boston, Free
Castle Island is a great place to walk, roller blade or scooter along Boston Harbor. This 22 acre land-bound island (it's the site of an old armory), features a playground, small beach areas, picnic tables, grills and...
Castle Island is a great place to walk, roller blade or scooter along Boston Harbor. This 22 acre land-bound island (it's the site of an old armory), features a playground, small beach areas, picnic tables, grills and...
Garden In The Woods: Native Plant Trust, Framingham, $$
This ever-changing living museum — New England's premier wildflower garden — has more than 1600 kinds of plants, and beautiful walking trails.
This ever-changing living museum — New England's premier wildflower garden — has more than 1600 kinds of plants, and beautiful walking trails.
Massachusetts DCR State Parks, Massachusetts, $
Start discovering all the beauty and adventure of DCR's Parks today. From hiking & camping to kayaking and fishing - you are sure to find something for everyone.
Start discovering all the beauty and adventure of DCR's Parks today. From hiking & camping to kayaking and fishing - you are sure to find something for everyone.
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport, Free
An exquisite place for walking, biking, and informal picnics. Walk through fragrant evergreens and keep your eyes peeled for the wishing well and the pet cemetery, hidden in the magnificent rhododendron forest.
An exquisite place for walking, biking, and informal picnics. Walk through fragrant evergreens and keep your eyes peeled for the wishing well and the pet cemetery, hidden in the magnificent rhododendron forest.
Minuteman Trail National Park, Concord, Free
Created in 1959, Minute Man National Historical Park (NHP) preserves and protects the significant historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with some of the first battles of the American...
Created in 1959, Minute Man National Historical Park (NHP) preserves and protects the significant historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with some of the first battles of the American...
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton, Free
This unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm is different than any other state park around. Instead of just walking through the woods, it's about climbing rocks big and small. Lots of free parking. Grills and picnic...
This unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm is different than any other state park around. Instead of just walking through the woods, it's about climbing rocks big and small. Lots of free parking. Grills and picnic...
Walden Pond State Park, Concord, Free
Henry David Thoreau lived for two years at Walden Pond in the mid-nineteenth century and wrote of his experiences in the well-known book Walden. The area offers swimming, hiking, fishing, boating for car-top boats and...
Henry David Thoreau lived for two years at Walden Pond in the mid-nineteenth century and wrote of his experiences in the well-known book Walden. The area offers swimming, hiking, fishing, boating for car-top boats and...
Appleton Farms, Ipswich, Free
Wander among crop fields and livestock pastures, wetlands and forest, at America’s oldest, continuously operating farm. Family and dog friendly, easy hiking and cross-country skiing in a beautiful location.
Wander among crop fields and livestock pastures, wetlands and forest, at America’s oldest, continuously operating farm. Family and dog friendly, easy hiking and cross-country skiing in a beautiful location.
Fruitlands Museum Walking Trails, Harvard, Free
Take a morning stroll over the land of Fruitlands Museum. Enjoy a peaceful walk through Fruitlands' varied landscapes on 3.2 miles of well-marked walking trails.
Take a morning stroll over the land of Fruitlands Museum. Enjoy a peaceful walk through Fruitlands' varied landscapes on 3.2 miles of well-marked walking trails.
Blue Hills State Reservation, Milton, Free
With its scenic views, varied terrain and 125 miles of trails, the Blue Hills Reservation offers year-round enjoyment for the outdoor enthusiast. Great trails for any level.
With its scenic views, varied terrain and 125 miles of trails, the Blue Hills Reservation offers year-round enjoyment for the outdoor enthusiast. Great trails for any level.
Boston Nature Center, Mattapan, $$
This urban sanctuary, located on the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital, offers public programs year-round. Through its Boston Schools Initiative, the Boston Nature Center provides environmental education programs to Boston elementary schools weekly.
This urban sanctuary, located on the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital, offers public programs year-round. Through its Boston Schools Initiative, the Boston Nature Center provides environmental education programs to Boston elementary schools weekly.
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick, $
Nine miles of walking trails guide you through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. See beavers, otters, and wood ducks in the marsh.
Nine miles of walking trails guide you through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. See beavers, otters, and wood ducks in the marsh.
Charles River Parklands, Massachusetts, Free
The “ribbon of green and blue” of the Charles River parklands defines the center of Boston's metropolitan area, giving residents and visitors alike an enduring sense of place and a refuge for recreation, contemplation,...
The “ribbon of green and blue” of the Charles River parklands defines the center of Boston's metropolitan area, giving residents and visitors alike an enduring sense of place and a refuge for recreation, contemplation,...
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, $$
The DeCordova Sculpture Park, encompassing 35 acres of rolling woodlands and lawns, is the largest park of its kind in New England.
The DeCordova Sculpture Park, encompassing 35 acres of rolling woodlands and lawns, is the largest park of its kind in New England.
Elm Bank at Mass Horticultural Society, Wellesley, $
Mass Hort’s 36-acre hands-on horticulture center offers adults and children the opportunity to experience, enjoy and learn about plants and the environment. Perfect for walking, running, hiking, playing, picnicking,...
Mass Hort’s 36-acre hands-on horticulture center offers adults and children the opportunity to experience, enjoy and learn about plants and the environment. Perfect for walking, running, hiking, playing, picnicking,...
Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle, Free
The park is open year round from sunrise to sunset and is available to the public free of charge. The ice cream stand, and daily barn tours are available throug
The park is open year round from sunrise to sunset and is available to the public free of charge. The ice cream stand, and daily barn tours are available throug
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 2 Locations, Free
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located just 20 miles west of Boston. Roughly 85 percent of the refuge's 3,600 acres is comprised of valuable freshwater wetlands stretching along 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. There is an easy walking loop less...
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located just 20 miles west of Boston. Roughly 85 percent of the refuge's 3,600 acres is comprised of valuable freshwater wetlands stretching along 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. There is an easy walking loop less...
Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont, $
Just 6 miles from downtown Boston, Habitat is an 88-acre Mass. Audubon urban oasis devoted to environmental education. Over 2.5 miles of gentle trails wind through deciduous and evergreen forests, across meadows, around 2 ponds, and along a wetland containing a vernal pool.
Just 6 miles from downtown Boston, Habitat is an 88-acre Mass. Audubon urban oasis devoted to environmental education. Over 2.5 miles of gentle trails wind through deciduous and evergreen forests, across meadows, around 2 ponds, and along a wetland containing a vernal pool.
Horn Pond, Woburn, Free
Horn Pond is a great area to visit for nature, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sunset watching, birdwatching, dog walking, a place to take the kids, hill climbing or just relaxing. There is a large network of walking...
Horn Pond is a great area to visit for nature, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sunset watching, birdwatching, dog walking, a place to take the kids, hill climbing or just relaxing. There is a large network of walking...
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield, $$
Ipswich River, Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuary, offers more than 10 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, and wetlands.
Ipswich River, Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuary, offers more than 10 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, and wetlands.
Joppa Flats Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary, Newburyport, $
The Joppa Flats Education Center is located at the gateway to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island estuary. Come see and learn about the many species of birds that utilize the area’s extensive salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal...
The Joppa Flats Education Center is located at the gateway to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island estuary. Come see and learn about the many species of birds that utilize the area’s extensive salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal...
Massachusetts State Parks, Massachusetts, $
Start discovering DCR's Parks today!
Start discovering DCR's Parks today!
Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays (Spring to Fall), Cambridge, Free
Every Sunday (Apr.-Nov.), Memorial Drive is closed to traffic between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street, and open to recreation! Bring your bike, inline skates, running shoes, or walking feet!
Every Sunday (Apr.-Nov.), Memorial Drive is closed to traffic between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street, and open to recreation! Bring your bike, inline skates, running shoes, or walking feet!
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.
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...
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.
Storybook Trail at Wolbach Farm, Sudbury, Free
Visitors of all ages now have opportunity to combine the joy of reading with a pleasant outing in the woods. The trail will feature a different book every few months, so you can enjoy a new adventure with each passing season.
Visitors of all ages now have opportunity to combine the joy of reading with a pleasant outing in the woods. The trail will feature a different book every few months, so you can enjoy a new adventure with each passing season.
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 Berkshires, Western Mass
Mountains, major cultural institutions and gorgeous fall foliage make the Berkshires an attractive destination for a weekend getaway from Boston.
Mountains, major cultural institutions and gorgeous fall foliage make the Berkshires an attractive destination for a weekend getaway from Boston.
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...
Volkssport Walking Club, Massachusetts, Free
Walks are designed to include historic sites, scenic vistas, downtown areas, woodland trails, parks, or other points of interest. Check the website frequently for walks. Each walk is free.
Walks are designed to include historic sites, scenic vistas, downtown areas, woodland trails, parks, or other points of interest. Check the website frequently for walks. Each walk is free.
Wachusett Mountain Skiing, Princeton, $$
Wachusett is the highest mountain in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River and stands some 2,006 feet above sea level at its peak.
Wachusett is the highest mountain in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River and stands some 2,006 feet above sea level at its peak.