Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Boston, don’t think its intriguing history or culture are the only things to explore. If you’re with kids and want to explore nature, then you can’t do that better in any other place than Boston.
Why? Its parks, waterfronts, trails, and other urban oases are all there for you to immerse yourself in nature. This article will discuss the 10 outdoor activities to explore nature with your kids.
Best 10 Outdoor Activities To Explore Nature With Kids
Having kids and the family with them makes a trip to Boston more fun and exciting. They’re the ones who give you lots of memories throughout the journey. You can explore the following places and do outdoor activities with your kids:
The Arnold Arboretum:
The Arnold Arboretum is a famous botanical garden part of Harvard University. The garden is spread over 281 acres and includes many trees, shrubs, and vines. If you’re with your kids, you can take casual and beautiful walks in the greenery or explore different types of trees and plants.
You can also join the education programs organized by the university, take guided tours, and play tree identification games with your kids.
Boston Common and Public Garden:
The Boston Common and Public Gardens are the two most beautiful parks in the United States. The Boston Common is located in the southwest, while the Boston Common Public Garden is in the northwest.
We’re discussing two of these together because they’re adjacent. At Boston Common, kids can enjoy the Frog Pond, a wading pool in summer, and an ice-skating rink in winter.
The park is ideal for picnics and strolls. Families can ride the iconic swan boats in the Boston Public Garden, explore landscaped gardens, and visit the Make Way for Ducklings statues.
The Esplanade:
The Esplanade is a waterfront park that runs alongside the Charles River and offers a beautiful backdrop to different family activities. You can explore the place by renting kayaks or paddle boards to have fun in the river, biking, walking along the paved pathways or exploring nature.
There are lots of playgrounds in the parks where your kids can play. Also, during the summertime, many concerts and movie nights are organized there for you to enjoy.
Castle Island:
Castle Island is located in South Boston. It is a hub of historic sites and nature. There are many outdoor activities to explore with your kids, including exploring Fort Independence, taking screening walks alongside the harbor, and enjoying the beaches at Pleasure Bay.
The island has large, beautiful areas with a bluish beach backdrop where you can put your tent and have a memorable picnic with your loved ones.
Franklin Park:
Going to Franklin Park with your kids will make them say thanks to you for this adventurous experience. Franklin Park, part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace, has a large Franklin Park Zoo—the zoo kids love the most.
You and your loved ones can see hundreds of wild animals in the zoo. Also, when you go outside, you can see the extensive walking and biking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds where you can play various games.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway:
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a series of interconnected parks and gardens that run through the heart of Boston. This urban oasis offers a variety of activities for families, including interactive water features where kids can splash around on hot days.
The Greenway also features public art installations, a carousel, and numerous seating areas perfect for picnics.
Martin’s Park:
Martin’s Park was created to honor Martin Richard, the victim of the Boston Marathon bombing. The Park is designed with families in mind, and hence, it features a playground, a boardwalk, landscaped areas, and some open areas where you can picnic and relax with your family.
Furthermore, Families can enjoy the interactive elements, such as water play areas and musical instruments, making it a delightful spot for children to explore and play.
Take Part In Boston Nature Center Programs:
The Boston Nature Center is a cool place run by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and it’s perfect for kids and families.
You can walk around trails, see many plants and animals, and do fun crafts and games that help you learn about nature. They make learning fun by letting you get hands-on with everything.
New England Aquarium:
The New England Aquarium is a fantastic place for kids to explore marine life. They can marvel at the giant ocean tank, watch penguins waddle and swim, and even touch stingrays in the interactive touch tank.
The aquarium also offers IMAX films and whale-watching tours, making it an exciting and educational outing for the whole family.
Boston Harbor Islands:
The Boston Harbor Islands is a series of 34 beautiful islands that include Georges, Grape, Peddocks, Thompson, Spectacle Islands, and many more. These islands are just a driveway from the city, and you can easily access them by ferry from downtown Boston.
The islands have playgrounds, restaurants, and beaches with seating areas where you can sit and eat with your family and engage in different entertainment activities.
The islands also feature urban areas full of trees, flowers, and forests that you can explore with your kids.
After discovering these amazing outdoor activities, if you’re not a Boston resident, you might be planning a move in the future. Enjoy the beauty of this city while leaving the moving stress to 617 Boston Movers.
FAQs
What is Boston most famous for?
Boston is famous for its rich history and prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. It’s also known for its sports teams, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene.
How do I spend my day in Boston?
Start by walking through Boston Common and the Public Garden, then visit a museum like the Museum of Fine Arts. Wrap up with a stroll along the waterfront or a delicious meal in one of Boston’s renowned restaurants.
Wrapping Up!
Suppose you’re in Boston or thinking of visiting with your kids. In that case, you can explore nature with your kids in Boston by having fun at the Frog Pond, riding swan boats, kayaking on the Esplanade, visiting Fort Independence, seeing animals at the zoo, splashing around at the Greenway, playing at Martin’s Park, joining Nature Center programs, marveling at marine life, and discovering the Harbor Islands. These are the best 10 outdoor activities to explore nature with your kids.