Top Rated Parks to Visit in Massachusetts

"The route starts here in is the oldest public park in the country, and of course, it’s free. Frog Pond, which is in the park, is known for ice skating in the winter. While the skating will cost you about $20 for admission and rentals, watching others glide around the pond is always free."

"Boston Common takes the cake as this city’s most quintessential park. Take some time out to venture through America’s oldest park either by foot or by swan boat!"

"Located at Beacon Street in Back Bay, the park is the highest-rated park in Boston, boasting 4.5 stars out of 453 reviews on Yelp."

"Located in Boston’s Back Bay, the Charles River Esplanade is a three mile path where many people like to walk, run, or simply enjoy the sunshine. The area begins near the Museum of Science and heads toward the Boston University Bridge, separating Boston from the town of Cambridge. This park also features a band shell which hosts performances from time to time; often during the summer months, visitors can enjoy concerts for free."

"Originally developed as the Boston Embankment in 1910, this three-mile stretch along the Charles River runs from the Boston University Bridge to the Museum of Science. The park contains a total of 17 miles in paths that are used for running, rollerblading, cycling, and, of course, riverside strolls. The park can be accessed via any of several footbridges that traverse Storrow Drive."

"Running for acres alongside the banks of the Charles River, the Esplanade offer visitors everything from jogging routes to sailboat rides."

"Harvard University Arnold Arboretum is an oasis of green in the middle of Jamaica Plain. Head to the visitor center and grab a Discovery Pack full of hands-on activities that help kiddos explore their natural surroundings. The visitor center is also home to other activities such as wildlife bingo, a photo scavenger hunt, and family walks."

"Arnold Arboretum is spacious arboretum located in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, that includes hiking trails, wildlife, and wonderful scenery. There are a few lookout points that provide excellent skyline views, including Peter Hill. The Arnold Arboretum is truly a scenic escape from the city during all seasons."

"Why you’ve got to go: A superb way to spend a sunny Bostonian day is to walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a vibrant park where there’s always something happening!. What to do: Start at Dewey Park near South Station or at Chinatown and walk all the way to the North End, exploring the many sights and smells along the way. Check out the colorful murals at Dewey Park and the signature red Adirondack chairs."

"The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a green and beautiful linear park that runs above Interstate 93. It is quite a popular destination and regularly attracts large crowds, especially in the summers, when the weather is pleasant and there are numerous events. The kids can have fun at the carousel, while the adults can walk or jog and even take advantage of Trillium’s, the local brewery."

"One of our favorite excursions on a nice sunny day is to walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway. There is always something going on, and lots of things to see as you meander through one of Boston's most vibrant parks. You can start at Chinatown or Dewey Park near South Station and stroll way all the way up to the North End, or vice versa."

"This 72-acre zoo is home to hundreds of exotic animals from around the world, from lions and tigers to fruit bats, not to mention a whole troop of monkeys, kangaroos, pygmy hippos and giraffe. There are added seasonal attractions, both animal ones and special activities for kids during the summer, plus a chance to mimic the furry inhabitants – climb bamboo poles next to the red panda enclosure or go on an adventure through a grass maze while pretending to be a deer. There’s also an impressive 10,000 square foot playground, with designs inspired by the zoo’s animals, and – restrictions permitting – amusement rides and the chance to watch the animals being fed, as well as special experiences to get closer to some of them"

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"Part of the Emerald Necklace, famous for the loop of green space that circles the city, is the Franklin Park Zoo. You can spend the day roaming the grounds of the zoo and checking out the many species housed within. Kids will love the open space, and modern playground, as much as they'll enjoy seeing what lives in the cages on site."

"Located in Boston’s South End, the linear Southwest Corridor Park is a testament to the power of collective action. In the 1960s, activists in the South End fought against plans for a 12-lane highway that would cut through their neighborhood. When the plans were ultimately scrapped, the Southwest Corridor park was created in its place."

"The team behind Puritan & Co. was supposed to open three new places in East Cambridge in June, but the pandemic altered that timeline. For now, they’re running an outdoor picnic pop-up of sorts with wagyu hot dogs, lobster rolls, and pretzel Rice Krispie treats."

"This new outdoor dining venue at Cambridge Crossing is run by the team behind Puritan & Co. They’ll be serving oysters, tacos, and lobster rolls from 4-8pm, Thursday and Friday, and from 12-8pm on the weekends. Reservations can be made here."

"Dedicated to the tragically brief life of John F. Kennedy, this museum and library depicts the famous man’s leadership and legacy, while at the same time illustrating the nature of a President’s office. The beautiful building was constructed to overlook the President’s beloved Boston, offering a wonderful view of the city skyline as well as an outdoor walkway along the Dorchester Bay. The museum is full of fascinating artifacts, photos and videos which also include interesting items such as a number of his spouse Jackie’s dresses."

"The John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated "to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world." Highlighting the presidential endeavors of John F Kennedy, a Boston area native who had aspirations for the White House and succeeded in creating a family legacy of greatness that followed his children through their lives. The looming white structure, designed by I.M. Pei, overlooks Dorchester Bay and is set on 10 acres."

"Situated in Boston’s Dorchester neighbourhood, the JFK Public Library was built on a landfill and is a concrete triangular tower which is 125 feet tall. Rising along with the main structure, is a cube of glass and steel. It is a simple geometric structure with a grey-glass pavilion that connects it to a circular section housing two theatres."

"The Museum of African American History showcases the history of African Americans in the New England area from the 17th to 19th century. The museum is dedicated to preserving and conserving African American culture and contributions through exhibits and yearly celebrations. Exhibits currently include African American Literature, Picturing Frederick Douglass, and the Freedom Rising Civil War exhibit."

"The Museum of African American History is New England’s largest museum dedicated to African American history. The museum is housed in the old African meeting house on Beacon Hill. The meeting house is the oldest Black church in America and was the center of the African American community in the 19th century."

"History and Cultural Heritage: The Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum was founded in 2007. They collect and exhibits art, artifacts, archives, objects, and photographs related to the history, heritage, culture, and art of Brighton and Allston, MA."

"Address: 43 Monument Square, Charlestown, MassachusettsWebsite: www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhmuseum.htm. The Bunker Hill Museum is dedicated to the American Revolution and the founding of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill and discuss how it was later commemorated."

"Located along the Freedom Trail just across the street from the monument. It has some great exhibits on the battle, the monument, and the history of Charleston. The museum is always free and is open daily 10 am to 6 pm."

"Visit Park Street Church & Granary Burying Ground. After enjoying a bit of time in Beacon Hill, head back down to Boston Common and pay a visit to the Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground, which are right next door to the Common."

"This 220ft granite obelisk monument commemorates the turning-point battle that was fought on the surrounding hillside on June 17, 1775. Ultimately, the Redcoats prevailed, but the victory was bittersweet, as they lost more than one-third of their deployed forces, while the colonists suffered relatively few casualties. Climb the 294 steps to the top of the monument to enjoy the panorama of the city, the harbor and the North Shore."

"The 221-foot obelisk was dedicated and opened in 1843 to commemorate the June 1775 battle of the same name, the first major fight of the Revolutionary War. Visitors can climb all the way to the tip-top for some nice Charlestown views and then recover on the sloping law afterward—perfect for wearing the little ones out. There is also a museum about the battle and the surrounding area across the street."

"This is the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. Today, you can climb the 294 stairs to the top of the monument, which is dedicated to the Battle of Bunker Hill. A museum, located across the street from the monument grounds, displays artifacts from the actual battle."

"Vilna Shul, built as a synagogue in 1919 by Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and now Boston's Center for Jewish Culture and a Jewish heritage museum, commemorates the history of this part of Beacon Hill (once part of the West End), and the Eastern European Jewish community in Boston. Restored murals, layers of history, and interesting informational displays. 18 Phillips St, Beacon Hill, Boston; www.vilnashul.org"

"The Vilna Shul, originally an Orthodox synagogue, was built in 1919 by immigrants primarily from Vilna, Lithuania. Today it is a historic landmark building located in historic Beacon Hill and home to a cultural center, community center, and living museum."

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