Summer Fun in Boston’s Parks: Your Guide to Outdoor Adventures

Boston, with its beautiful green spaces and vibrant community events, is the perfect city to enjoy summer fun in the park. From picnics and playgrounds to concerts and outdoor fitness classes, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to making the most of Boston’s parks this summer.

Boston Common

As America’s oldest public park, Boston Common is a hub of activity during the summer months.

Picnics and Relaxation: Spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the park’s historic trees. The Frog Pond Café offers refreshments if you prefer to grab a bite on the go.
Frog Pond: The Frog Pond turns into a wading pool in the summer, providing a perfect spot for kids to cool off.
Shakespeare on the Common: Enjoy free performances by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and experience world-class theater under the stars.

Boston Public Garden

Adjacent to Boston Common, the Public Garden is a serene and picturesque escape.

Swan Boats: A ride on the famous Swan Boats is a must-do. These pedal-powered boats have been a beloved Boston tradition since 1877.
Botanical Beauty: Take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautifully landscaped gardens, vibrant flower beds, and majestic weeping willows.
Make Way for Ducklings: Visit the charming bronze statues inspired by the classic children’s book. It’s a perfect photo opportunity for families.

Charles River Esplanade

The Esplanade is a beautiful park along the Charles River, offering stunning views and a variety of activities.

Biking and Walking: Rent a bike or simply take a stroll along the scenic pathways. The Esplanade’s paths are perfect for an active day out.
Esplanade Playspace: This state-of-the-art playground is a hit with kids, featuring innovative equipment and a splash pad for hot days.
Outdoor Fitness: Join free outdoor fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, and boot camp sessions, hosted by the Esplanade Association.
Hatch Shell Concerts: Enjoy free concerts and movie nights at the iconic Hatch Shell. The Boston Pops’ Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is a highlight of the summer season.

Arnold Arboretum

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is a must-visit.

Tree and Plant Collections: Explore the vast collection of trees and plants from around the world. The arboretum’s winding paths are perfect for a peaceful walk.
Guided Tours and Events: Participate in guided tours, workshops, and family-friendly events that provide insight into the arboretum’s diverse flora.

Franklin Park Zoo carousel. Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Franklin Park

As the largest park in Boston, Franklin Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions.

Franklin Park Zoo: Spend a day at the zoo and meet animals from around the world. The zoo’s playground and splash pad are perfect for young visitors.
Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf at the William J. Devine Golf Course, one of the oldest public golf courses in the country.
Sports and Recreation: Take advantage of the park’s sports fields, hiking trails, and picnic areas for a day of outdoor fun.

Jamaica Pond

Jamaica Pond in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood is a peaceful oasis perfect for water-based activities.

Boating: Rent a rowboat, sailboat, or kayak and spend the day on the water. The boathouse offers rentals and sailing lessons.
Fishing: Try your hand at fishing. The pond is stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for local anglers.
Walking and Running: The 1.5-mile path around the pond is ideal for a leisurely walk or jog.

Activities for the Elderly

Boston’s parks offer plenty of accessible activities that the elderly can enjoy. Take some time off to bring your elderly loved ones or hire a home caregiver to accompany your loved one.

Accessible Walks: Many parks, like the Boston Public Garden and the Arnold Arboretum, have smooth, paved paths that are perfect for leisurely walks or wheelchair strolls. The beautiful scenery provides a calming environment for relaxation and conversation.
Outdoor Concerts: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. These events are a wonderful way to enjoy live music in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Picnic Areas: Many parks have shaded picnic areas with accessible tables. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors. Parks like Franklin Park and the Boston Common offer plenty of quiet spots for a peaceful lunch.
Gardens and Horticulture: Visit the Boston Public Garden or the Arnold Arboretum to explore beautiful gardens and plant collections. These locations offer a sensory-rich experience with the sights and smells of various flowers and trees.
Boat Rides: The Swan Boats in the Boston Public Garden are a gentle and scenic activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, providing a serene way to experience the beauty of the garden from the water.

Tips for a Perfect Park Day

Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and snacks to stay comfortable and hydrated.
Check Event Schedules: Look up park events and activities ahead of time to make the most of your visit.
Respect the Environment: Follow park rules, clean up after yourself, and respect the natural surroundings to keep Boston’s parks beautiful for everyone.

Boston’s parks offer endless opportunities for summer fun, from relaxing picnics to exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re exploring historic Boston Common, paddling on Jamaica Pond, or enjoying a concert on the Esplanade, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in this vibrant city. So take time out from work, laundry and other household chores, pack your picnic basket, grab your sunscreen and insect spray, and head out to experience the best of summer in Boston’s parks!

Summer Fun in Newton

It’s official. We are now in summer. Whether you live in Newton or surrounding towns, or you are a visitor from afar, there are a lot of fun activities that you can do in Newton during the summer. Here are some ideas:

Visit Newton’s Parks and Conservation Areas: Explore Cold Spring Park, Hemlock Gorge Reservation, and Crystal Lake. Take a walk, have a picnic, or enjoy the nature trails and playgrounds. Remember to use sunscreens and insect repellents available from community pharmacies like Keyes Drug in Auburndale.
Attend Free Summer Concerts: The Newton Centre Bowl comes alive with music and dancing for six weeks this summer in the open space adjacent to the playground and just down the hill from the Tyler Terrace hut. With free open-air seating, there is plenty of room for families, friends. Bring along a blanket, a chair, a picnic dinner, and enjoy diverse musical styles in these summer performances in the park.
Explore the Newton Free Library: The Newton Free Library offers more than just books. Visit the library and take advantage of its free programs, workshops, and events for all ages, including lectures, author talks, and children’s activities.
Discover Newton’s Farmer’s Markets: Visit the various farmer’s markets in Newton, such as the Newton Centre Farmer’s Market or the Newton Farmers Market at Cold Spring Park. Stroll through the market, browse local produce, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Enjoy the Newton Centre Green: Spend some time in Newton Centre Green, a small park in the heart of Newton Centre. Relax on the grass, have a picnic or simply people-watch in this lively neighborhood gathering spot. Bring your elderly parent or ask his or her home care companion to accompany him or her to this favorite spot to enjoy the warm weather outdoors.
Take a Bike Ride: Enjoy a bike ride along the scenic bike trails in and around Newton. The Upper Charles River Trail and the Charles River Bike Path are popular options for cycling enthusiasts, offering beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Visit Local Farms: Newton is located in a region with several farms and orchards. Some of these farms offer free admission and allow visitors to explore and enjoy the surroundings. Check out farms like the Newton Community Farm or nearby places for a unique agricultural experience.
Explore Historic Sites: Newton has a rich history, and there are a few historic sites to explore. Visit places like the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, the Jackson Homestead and Museum, or the Eliot Church to learn more about the city’s past.
Attend Community Parks and Recreation Programs: Newton’s Parks and Recreation Department often offers free or low-cost programs during the summer, such as fitness classes, nature walks, or sports activities. Check their website or community bulletin boards for the latest schedule of events.
Shopping and Dining: Newton offers a range of shopping and dining options. The city has several commercial areas, such as Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, and Newtonville, with a mix of local businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and larger retail centers like The Street at Chestnut Hill and the Chestnut Hill Mall.

Remember to check for any specific schedules, restrictions, or updated information related to these activities before visiting. Enjoy your summer in Newton!

Image credit: © alepdaru, 123RF Free Images

Things to do on Mother’s Day in Boston

Spring has sprung in Boston. As flowers bloom and birds tweet, we know that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. How can we honor and show appreciation for the mothers in our lives, women who work tirelessly day in day out and make significant sacrifices to ensure that their children are healthy, happy, and successful? Here are some ideas:

Go shopping

Is that a surprise? Women love shopping. So instead of laundry, cooking and cleaning, take a load off mom. Get laundry delivery service from your local Boston dry cleaner and eat out so that you can take mom on a shopping spree and help her find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Take a stroll in the Boston Public Garden

Mothers with young children frequently take their children to the local park playground to play and teach them social skills. A stroll in the park will let your mother enjoy it for herself. The Boston Public Garden is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend some time with your mother. You can take a leisurely walk around the park, admire the flowers, and enjoy the scenery. If your mom already has a home care companion who takes her to walks, then you can take her to a museum.

Visit a museum

If your mother is an art lover, the Museum of Fine Arts is the perfect place to spend the day. You can check out the latest exhibits, admire the works of famous artists, and even take a guided tour. How about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum? This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in art, culture, and history. The museum has a vast collection of art, including works by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Raphael. Besides art and culture, Boston has a variety of other museums that can be of interest to mom. Take her pick!

Take a cooking class together

Many cooking schools in Boston offer classes where you can learn to make a delicious meal with your mother. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend some quality time together and learn some new culinary skills. Well, if your mother loves food but not cooking, then you can simply treat her to a special Mother’s Day brunch and enjoy some quality time together.

Take a day trip

Mother probably stays home a lot and spends most of her time in the neighborhood. How about taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard? It’s just a short ferry ride from Boston. Spend the day exploring the island’s quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes. Or take a Boston Harbor cruise. Enjoy the beautiful Boston skyline and the scenic harbor with a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner cruise.

Enjoy a show or concert

If your mother loves Broadway shows or live music, dance and theatre performances, treat her to a night out and enjoy a Boston Pops concert, Boston Ballet, comedy club or jazz performance.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank mothers for their hard work, dedication, and unconditional love. It is also a chance to celebrate the special bond that exists between a mother and her children. By taking the time to show our gratitude and appreciation for our mothers, we can strengthen our relationships and create meaningful memories.