Family-Friendly Bike Trails Around Boston

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Enjoy a beautiful ride with the family along the salt marshes and the Mystic River in this state reservation. The best place to head in this large area of parklands is the Torbert Macdonald State Park. Here you'll find meandering bike paths that make for a perfect easy ride with the kids including plenty of stops to play in the grassy areas.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Combine some history with a scenic bike ride around Castle Island. Start your ride at Colombia Point by the JFK Presidential Library and follow the Harborwalk Trail to Castle Island. On the island you can bike along the Castle Loop or the longer Pleasure Bay Loop. Take a break to explore the granite fort, Fort Independence. Parking is available at the JFK library or near Fort Independence.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   The East Boston Greenway is a rail trail that runs along the waterfront in East Boston. The trail features wonderful views of the city skyline and Boston Harbor. The whole family will love watching planes landing and taking off from nearby Logan Airport. The bike path is also separated from the pedestrian walkway which is great for beginning bike riders. The easiest way to access the greenway is through Piers Park and then continuing on down Marginal Street.

Amanda Banta said:  The Whitney Spur Rail Trail, originally part of a former train line, opened in 2014 as part of a deal that returned commuter train service to the South Shore. The 1.6-mile trail is paved in one section then turns to stone-dust and is an easy path for families with young kids. It travels through Whitney and Thayer Woods, giving you an opportunity for some light hiking in addition to your biking. The Cohasset MBTA station is at the Rt. 3A end of the trail if taking public transportation. Otherwise, there is a fee to park in the lot located at the station.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Much of the wide trails at Maudslay State Park run along the Merrimac River, making for a pretty bike ride. Kids will enjoy the varying landscapes of gardens, fields, ponds, cliffs, trees and the river and keep them from getting bored. Restrooms, picnic area and visitors center are available.

Amanda Banta said:  Following a former railroad path, the Cape Cod Rail Trail has more than 20 miles of paved trail stretching from Dennis to Wellfleet. The trail is mostly flat and provides a variety of scenery, making it a family-friendly path popular with locals and visitors alike. There are many spots on the trail from where you can access ponds, lakes and beaches if you want to cool off from your ride by taking a dip. Tourists need not worry if you can't travel with your bike, the Cape has plenty of bike rental shops close to the trail access. Parking is available at several points along the trail.