“We can never have enough of nature.”
It’s been over 160 years since transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau wrote these words in his reflective work Walden, but the sentiment has never been more true for Boston residents and visitors.
Parks provide something for everyone, no matter their interests or age.
Parks allow us to re-connect with the natural world, engage in physical play in an increasingly busy, digital world, and provide us with the perfect setting whether we’re looking to socialize with others or find a moment of solitude.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to more than 20 of the best parks to visit and explore in the Boston area.
This isn’t a ranked list. After all, we all spend time at parks for different reasons.
Whether you’re looking for a park that will help you explore Boston’s rich history, host a memorable birthday party for your child, or identify your favorite native flowers, trees, and animals, we hope you find a park that’s perfect for you.
Table of Contents
Map of Best Parks in Boston, Massachusetts
Explore the map of the best parks in the Boston area located near you, then continue reading below to learn more about each park, its history, and amenities!
Public Garden
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden features America’s first botanical garden.
Admire the 80+ species of plants accented by monuments and fountains in this Victorian-inspired park and garden.
Address: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
Website: Public Garden
Boston National Historical Park
Stretching across 43 acres, the Boston National Historical Park showcases over 350 years of historical development.
Stop in at one of the visitors’ centers or take part in a ranger-guided tour to learn more about Boston’s history and evolution.
Address: Building 5, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02109
Website: Boston National Historical Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park is one of the most prominent parks associated with the Emerald Necklace, a set of parks and natural waterways in the Boston and Brookline area.
One of the largest outdoor spaces in the Boston metro area, Franklin Park includes unique features such as a zoo, golf course, and playgrounds.
Address: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121
Website: Franklin Park
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Reopened in 2003 after originally falling into disrepair, the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is a popular place to visit along the Boston Harbor thanks to its many community-friendly activities like movie nights or lawn games.
Address: Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
Website: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Norman B. Leventhal Park
If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air while in downtown Boston, look no further than Norman B. Leventhal Park.
The park offers free wi-fi internet to its guests as well as performances from local musicians and group fitness classes during the summer months.
Address: 130 Congress St, Boston, MA 02110
Website: Norman B. Leventhal Park
Joe Moakley Park
Want to play sports while enjoying an ocean view?
Joe Moakley Park is an urban park that offers just that with tennis courts, soccer fields, an outdoor track, and delightfully close proximity to Carson Beach.
Address: 1005 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA 02127
Website: Joe Moakley Park
Danehy Park
The space where Danehy Park is found was once a city landfill, but don’t let that fact discourage you from visiting this 50-acre community space that’s perfect for picnics, jogging, and other outdoor activities.
Address: 99 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: Danehy Park
Larz Anderson Park
In 1951, the Anderson family donated the property now known as Larz Anderson Park to the city for public recreational use.
The park features one particular feature that’s uncommon amongst other parks in the Boston area: an outdoor skating rink.
Address: Goddard Ave & Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445
Website: Larz Anderson Park
Rose Kennedy Greenway
This urban park attracts guests with its waterfront views, contemporary art exhibits, food trucks, and more.
You’ll love visiting Rose Kennedy Greenway whether it’s daytime or nighttime with its many attractions and amenities.
Address: Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109
Website: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Mary O’Malley State Park
Take a stroll along the Mystic River and enjoy a magical view of the Boston skyline.
Like most other parks, Mary O’Malley State Park is open from sunrise to sunset and offers plenty of space whether you’re looking to go on a run or relax for a pleasant picnic.
Address: Commandants Way, Chelsea, MA 02150
Website: Mary O’Malley State Park
Olmsted Park
Another member of the Emerald Necklace system of parks, Olmsted Park attracts many geese, ducks, and other wildlife to its large Leverett pond.
As one of the more wooded parks in the area, you’ll find this park to be a great place to meander in the shade on a hot summer day.
Address: 217 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA 02130
Website: Olmsted Park
North Point Park
Enjoy the beautiful waterfront views while your children make the most of the playground equipment at North Point Park.
While some guests have said nearby parking is limited, the park is within close walking distance of public transportation.
Address: 6 Museum Way, Cambridge, MA 02141
Website: North Point Park
Paul Revere Landing Park
Located alongside the Charles River, the five-acre Paul Revere Landing Park is an urban park with a playground and dog park amongst its main amenities.
If you’re looking for an off-leash park where your dog can play, this is a popular choice for those who live nearby.
Address: N Washington St, Boston, MA 02129
Website: Paul Revere Landing Park
Foss Park
Located in the city of Somerville, Foss Park offers an outdoor swimming pool and splash pad that’s a perfect place to cool down during the summer months.
Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection!
Address: 49 Fellsway W, Somerville, MA 02145
Website: Foss Park
Lincoln Park
If you’re looking for a place to practice your kickflips and ollies, take note of the skate park at Lincoln Park.
This park is located just southwest of Union Square and also offers an abundance of playground equipment for children of all ages, and for kids, that’s all that really matters.
Address: 290 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: Lincoln Park
Peters Park
This South End park offers something fun for everyone.
Peters Park’s amenities include a medium-sized dog park, a kid’s playground area, and both tennis and basketball courts for people of all ages to enjoy a friendly (or competitive) game.
Address: 230 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Website: Peters Park
John F Kennedy Memorial Park
“Ask not what your park can do for you…”
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Park features a fountain with quotations from the 35th President of the United States with ample benches and other nearby seating to contemplate or socialize.
If you’re fascinated by the life of JFK, don’t forget to visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, one of the best libraries in Boston!
Address: Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: John F Kennedy Memorial Park
Prospect Hill Park
The Boston area features many parks with historical ties, and Prospect Hill Park is certainly no exception.
In 1976, Prospect Hill is where George Washington ordered the raising of the first American flag. This park includes a tower and observatory commemorating this significant event.
Address: Prospect Hill Monument, 68 Munroe St, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: Prospect Hill Park
Titus Sparrow Park
Honoring the first African-American umpire of the United States Tennis Association who spent years teaching local children how to play the sport, there’s no place more fitting than Titus Sparrow Park to hit a tennis ball back and forth with a friend or partner.
Address: 75 W Rutland Square, Boston, MA 02116
Website: Titus Sparrow Park
Piers Park
Members of the local sailing community gather nearby, but Piers Park is open and accessible to all members of the general public who wish to walk along the harbor and enjoy a beautiful view of the Boston skyline and ocean water.
Address: 95 Marginal St, Boston, MA 02128
Website: Piers Park
Sennott Park
Sennott Park is a Cambridge-area park with plans for a comprehensive renovation during 2021 and 2022.
When the park opens back up to the community, this beloved park will be appreciated by all for its playgrounds, splash pads, and fields and courts for sports.
Address: 305 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: Sennott Park
Griggs Park
Spend some time at the unassuming Griggs Park in Brookline, and you’ll appreciate a gorgeous memorial garden and deeply vegetated wetland that attracts birds and other wildlife.
Address: 33 Griggs Rd, Brookline, MA 02446
Website: Griggs Park
Tufts Park
Just southeast of Tufts University, the residential Tufts Park is one of the northernmost parks on our list.
Cool off in the swimming pool, or take advantage of the open fields to play a game of ultimate frisbee or flag football with friends.
Address: 437 Main St, Medford, MA 02155
Website: Tufts Park
City Square Park
As City Square Park is located along the Freedom Trail, it’s a frequent hot spot for tourists.
On the grounds of this urban park, you’ll find what’s left of a home owned by Massachusett’s first governor, John Winthrop. (Spoiler alert: just part of the foundation remains.)
Address: Freedom Trail, Boston, MA 02129
Website: City Square Park
Langone Park
Right next to the Boston Harbor, this waterfront park offers three regulation-sized bocce courts.
Langone Park draws its name from Joseph Langone, Jr., a Depression-era politician who served as a Massachusetts state senator during the 1930s and 1940s.
Address: 529-543 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109
Website: Langone Park