As our lovely New England weather starts to turn crisp, there is no reason to shy away from the great outdoors. In the Boston area, there are so many safe, socially distant activities that families can take advantage of to get their preschool and toddlers in the fresh air. Today, we’ve put together a list of a few of our favorite outdoor activities around the Boston area, which can be enjoyed in the cold weather and winter time. So, bundle up and explore!
Drumlin Farm (Lincoln, MA)
At Drumlin Farm, you and your little ones can experience what life is like on a working farm and explore a wildlife sanctuary! Go for a hike and explore animals in nature and then visit the barnyard animals! Enjoy the outdoor nature in a safe, socially distanced way! More info.
DeCordova Museum (Lincoln, MA)
Enjoy a museum outdoors at the, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, the largest park of it’s kind with 30 acres and over 60 consonantly changing works of large-scale, outdoor, modern and contemporary sculpture and site-specific installations. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this one! More info.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Boylston, MA)
Enjoy all that nature has to offer with Tower Hill Botanic Garden’s 171-acre property. The garden blooms in the summer, but also offers beautiful scenery in the winter, including trails, a wildlife refuge and a specific winter garden. More info.
Rose Kennedy Greenway (Boston, MA)
Enjoy the greenery of Boston by walking through the Rose Kennedy Greenway, featuring the unique hand-crafted carousel. You can also stop by the North End and Fanueil Hall areas for outdoor fun and explore all that Boston has to offer! More info.
Seaport Common (Boston, MA)
Close by to the Lawn on D, which is a great summer place to explore, the Seaport Common recently transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a curling lanes, and also art displays, festive shopping and more. Definitely add it to your list this winter to check out! More info.
Boston Zoos (Stoneham, MA and Dorchester, MA)
The local Boston zoos are still open in the winter! This might be a fun time to check out how animals react to the cold weather and bring your little one to see them in a winter habitat. Typically, Stone Zoo also hosts Winter Lights, a special nightly event where the zoo is decked out in holiday lights! More info.
Castle Island (Boston, MA)
Known for it’s summer visitors, Castle Island is also a great place to visit in the winter. You’ll enjoy less crowds and still be able to explore, hike and enjoy the nature and history available to us local Bostonians all year round! More info.
Gore Place (Waltham, MA)
Another closeby local spot that has history, animals and a mansion is Gore Place, a 50-acre country estate in Waltham. If you and your kids haven’t yet explored, check them out including their outdoor tours, stargazing events and more! More info.
Blue Hills Reservation (Milton, MA)
With over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph, the Blue Hills reservation is so fun to explore for kids. They offer hiking, biking, crow-country skiing and so much more! If your little ones are strong enough to make the hikes, the views are worth the effort overlooking the Boston skyline! More info.
WWI Memorial Park and Zoo (North Attleborough)
This fun filled park has just about everything you could want -numerous picnic areas, a ski slope, playgrounds (large and small), an open field for sports (used most for lacrosse), a sledding hill, a beachy area and even a petting zoo. Pack a lunch and come and see all your animal friends – ducks, peacocks, pheasants, deer, miniature horses, donkeys, llamas, emus, goats, sheep, pigs and more! Walk the nature trails in the Park and Arboretum; be sure to look for signs of wildlife. More info.
What else would you add to this list?? Some other fun outdoor activities for kids that we love to do nearby the Boston area are:
- Skiing
- Tubing/Sledding
- Beach Walks
- Playgrounds
- Ice Skating – Check out a local pond or public outdoor rink!
As part of keeping the PVP Community safe, we have committed to avoiding playgrounds and other public spaces where there are large crowds or where people are not following safety precautions. If you are visiting any of these spaces, please be sure to follow all recommended health and safety guidelines.