48 Free Things To Do in Boston With Kids

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This peaceful rural rail-trail starts in Ayer and continues through the communities of Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable before heading over the border and ending just south of Nashua. It's a nice wide paved trail with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and there is even a parallel gravel equestrian path between Groton and Dunstable. The tree-lined trail makes for spectacular foliage viewing in autumn and on a hot summer day be sure to make a stop for ice cream in Pepperell before continuing on your way! Parking access to the trail is available in Ayer, Groton and Dunstable lots.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   The Sherburne Nature Center and surrounding trail system is surrounded by many diverse habitats including forests, meadows, vernal pools and wetland areas with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Beavers, fishers, turtles, mink, foxes, and deer all make this area home. The nature center houses nature exhibits and a learning center.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Visit the Elm Bank Reservation for a traffic-free, contained loop which makes for an easy bike ride and way to explore the gorgeous grounds. On the way, be sure to make a pit stop at Weezie's Garden. This whimsical area contains captivating sculptures and lots of beautiful flowers to enjoy. Parking at the horticultural center is plentiful.

Amanda Banta:  Mix in fitness and a history lesson with a bike trip down Battle Road Trail, which runs from Concord to Lexington within Minute Man National Historical Park. Much of the five-mile trail passes sites critical to the start of the American Revolution. The path is suitable for bikers of all levels, making it a great spot for families to explore. Parking is available at several spots along Rt. 2A and Lexington Road.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   The Minuteman Bikeway is an 11-mile bike path that runs through Bedford, Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge. The flat trail passes through the historical area where the American Revolution first started in 1775 so you can even make a history lesson out of your ride. Along the way, make a stop at the Bedford Freight House to learn about the railroad history, enjoy a snack or purchase some historical merchandise. Access to the bikeway is available by car at Depot Park in Bedford, municipal lots in Arlington and Lexington Center or at the Alewife T Station.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Millennium Park is a great biking destination for families. With 6 miles of paved bike trails there is plenty of area to explore as well as access to the Charles River. Even better, there is a great playground for the kiddos to enjoy before or after the bike ride. Be sure to check out the great views of the city and the Blue Hills from the top of the park and as a bonus, there is plenty of nearby parking.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Rock Meadow is a part of the Western Greenway, a corridor of undeveloped green spaces that connects the towns of Belmont, Waltham, and Lexington public conservation land. More than 70 acres of meadow, wetlands, streams, and woods and easy terrain trails makes this a great place for a quick hike with the kids. The Waltham Land Trust offers trail guides on its website as a free resource.

Carly Follett:  Fallon Field offers plenty of space for your family to enjoy a perfect day of sledding. There are a few different hills providing different slopes and speeds, something for all ages. Kids will appreciate the wide open spaces and lighter crowds as they glide across the open fields!

Erynn:  Two playgrounds with a wading pool and one of Boston's best splash pads, Artesani Playground is like a mini water park! Both the spray deck and wading pool are open seasonally. This riverside location is scenic and relaxing.

Erynn:  Tons of inclusive kids' events like literacy for immigrant families, cultural performances, and science/technology activities make the Brookline Village location a sweet spot for families. Ongoing programs for toddlers to tweens include S.T.E.A.M. for Pre-K's, lapsit programs, drop-in stories and crafts, and Friday movies for the younger crowd.

Situated in the Blue Hills Reservation, this spring-fed kettle hole pond was formed by receding glaciers approximately 10,000 years ago. The recreation area has a playground, concession area, restrooms, first aid station, picnic tables, pavilion, accessible beach and a visitor center. The swimming area is monitored by DCR lifeguards during the summer season. Follow trails for biking, hiking, or horseback riding.

Erin P.:  The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics hosts a variety of free events for the public. Events take place in both the Phillips Auditorium and on the observatory roof, if weather permits. In addition to Monthly Observatory Nights, they feature a variety of special events throughout the year. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cost: Free.

This fun playground inspires imaginative play with slides built into hills, wooden branches and stumps, a water play station, expansive sand area, a large dish swing and a merry-go-round with wheelchair access.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, this community-based urban sanctuary features two miles of trails including a one mile universally accessible trail that crosses meadows and wetlands. The kids will also love to stop at the Nature Nook play area which includes a giant xylophone, wild grass maze and a stream bed for children to experiment with water, sand and sticks.

Kristy Pepping:  Although some of your children may not be college-bound yet, a trip to Harvard for a historical tour is a great stop when you are in Boston. It is only a short trip via The Red Line of the MBTA which lets out across the street from the University.

The tour departs from the Harvard Information Center, in the Smith Campus Center. The tour is student-led and comprises an outdoor walk through Harvard Yard, giving a history of the university and general information.

Cost: The tour is free, but space is limited. Here is a calendar of dates available.