Stone Zoo is a popular destination for viewing some of the most fascinating animals and programs from around the country. The zoo features monkeys, goats, black bears and river otters, to name a few of its guests. Some of the notable programs at the facility are "Masters of Flight: Birds of Prey," "A Wild Affair" and "Zoolights." Discounts are offered to select groups and the zoo is handicapped accessible.
Owned and operated by the Town of Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department, the Donahue Rowing Center is located on Lake Quinsigamond. It serves area high school and college crew programs and also has rental racks for storage.
Set in a refurbished harbor in East Boston, Piers Park provides a relaxed and family-friendly environment right on the shores of Boston's famous harbor. The park is the perfect place for a picnic, a stroll, or even just a serene time with your favorite book. You can even rent a sailboat and enjoy the gentle waves of the harbor. And all of these activities are made better because Piers Park offers fantastic and crowd-free views of the Boston skyline.
Parking and public transportation at Piers Park
There are scores of free parking spaces on Marginal Street, which is adjacent to the park. Parking is free for two hours, then after that you risk being issued a ticket. If riding on the subway, locally called the "T," exit the Maverick stop on the Blue Line. From there, it is a short four block walk. The subway is the best way to get to the park, as driving from the main city neighborhoods is very convoluted.
Best and worst time to go to Piers Park
Weekends during the warmer months are the busy times at the park, but the energy of the families on the playgrounds really adds to the appeal of the park. If solitude is more your thing, visit early in the morning on the weekdays. A walk to the end of the pier will provide a prime time to watch all the ships floating through the harbor.
Admission to the Piers Park
The park is free to all visitors. Piers Park is open from sunrise to sunset all year round.
Must see/do at Piers Park
Walk along the refurbished pier for great views of the harbor and some information on Boston maritime history. Play with the kids to the new playground, complete with slides, swings, and even a fancy sprinkler system play area so children can cool off in the summer rays. Rent a sail boat from the onsite Piers Park Sailing Club and get out on the water.
Other places to visit near Piers Park
Santarpio's Pizza is considered the best and most unpretentious pie in the city. Check out the photos of all the great boxers that have stopped by over the years. Another well-known gem is Angela's Cafe, which serves some the best traditional Mexican dishes in an intimate setting. Central Park Lanes offers the New England tradition of candlepin bowling. Smaller balls, thinner pins, and one extra toss make this old-time game a load of fun.
Insider tip for visitors to Piers Park
Don't always believe the rumors about East Boston. The neighborhood has a rough past and is currently home to thousands of immigrants from Central America, but the neighborhood has a lot to offer and is generally safe. Also, the neighborhood's poor reputation means you can avoid the large tourist crowds that envelop the North End and Downtown at all hours.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, currently residing in Pittsburgh, PA, lived in Boston for two years and explored every neighborhood Beantown has to offer. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
Mount Hood Memorial Park and Golf Course, situated in the southeastern portion of Melrose next to the Saugus town line, was completed by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1937.
The hilly surroundings of the park make it an attractive spot for cross-country skiing and sledding during winter months. Mount Hood features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse with function rooms, picnic areas, a tot lot, numerous ponds, and an observation tower.
A walk through the park reveals a number of small ponds and several large ponds including brooks, and streams. Long Pond is its largest body of water. Together, these ponds offer ample opportunity throughout the year for fishing, ice skating, picnics, and provides a serene environment in which to enjoy the wonders of nature.
A pastoral oasis in a busy city, Garden in the Woods is a unique destination for nature-lovers, families, or anyone seeking a little serenity. New England Wild Flower Society's "living museum" conserves, protects, and displays many of the area's most beautiful native plants while also featuring rare plants, all along a winding, sometimes hilly gravel path. Figure about an hour for a leisurely stroll throughout the Garden. Guests will enjoy noting the distinct areas including the Idea Garden, New England Rare Plant Garden, Curtis Woodland Garden, and more. There is a Family Activity Area with a few fun prompts for kids, beautiful wooden benches throughout, and three additional short trails for hikers.
Must see/do at the Garden in the Woods
The lily pond is one of the prettiest spots in the garden, and if you're lucky you might see some turtles hanging out there. If you've got kids, check out the Family Activity Area and definitely grab scavenger hunt sheets from the Garden Shop. In summer months at 10 a.m. on alternating Saturdays, kids two to six will love story time, free with admission (check the website for dates and themes). Or take an evening tour on select Thursdays at 6 p.m. to see the blooms in enchanting dusk lighting while collecting gardening tips from the experts.
Best and worst time to go to the Garden in the Woods
Garden in the Woods is open to the public from mid-April to October, and there really isn't a bad time to go (except non-holiday Mondays, when they're closed). Thursdays through July offer extended evening hours. May is your best bet for blossoms including wild blue phlox and pink rhododendrons, making for an especially colorful visit. There are a lot of mosquitos, so visitors may want to avoid going on muggier days or those just after wet weather when these predators are most abundant. Check the website or call ahead to see what's blooming.
Admission to the Garden in the Woods
Admission is just over ten bucks for adults and just under for seniors over sixty-five. Kids aged three through seventeen are about five dollars, and those under three are free. Your entrance fee includes a guided walk at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or at 2 p.m. on weekends. Park in their lot for free. You'll do fine on the main, one mile gravel path with strollers (but be ready to push up a few steep spots), and there are three additional short trails for those in appropriate footwear.
Wildlife at the Garden in the Woods
Plants. This "living museum" features many native plants to be cultivated and studied as well as rare species that are showcased and protected. In addition to the many flowers, ferns, trees, and other flora and fauna, you may see squirrels, chipmunks, butterflies, huge dragonflies, cardinals, and more. Each week that passes brings different blossoms; repeat visits yield unique experiences. Check the bulletin board at the entrance as well as the website to learn what flowers are blooming during your visit and look for those as you explore the gardens.
Insider tip for visitors to the Garden in the Woods
Wear bug spray; enjoy the garden, but don't let the mosquitos enjoy you. Nature-fiends will love the Garden Shop's collection of tools, books, and whimsical items, including fun stuff for the kids. Also, peruse the website for details on a variety of programs including specialized educational series, exclusive visiting hours for artists, gardening demonstrations, and more.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She doesn't have much of a green thumb unless you count dandelions and crabgrass, so she really appreciates gardens cultivated by the experts.
Nahanton Park is a public park along the Charles River. It encompasses Nahanton Nature Center, which provides activities and educational programs for children and adults. Visitors may use the park to kayak, canoe, hike and more. Nahanton Park is also home to community gardens, a soccer field and a baseball field.
Nahanton Park is accessible by the #52 MBTA bus, which stops at nearby 677 Winchester St.
Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is a hidden gem on the south shore. This non-profit organization rescues and houses mistreated and abandoned animals such as horses, swans, sheep and more. The farm allows visitors to get up close to these animals and learn about them. Birthday party packages are available, and activities are held at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary year-round.
The Norwood Common sits at the center of Downtown's beautiful park. It regularly hosts summer concerts for Norwood residents, including local talent and bands. To speak with a Parks & Recreation official about reservations or upcoming shows, call the number provided.
The Framingham Parks and Recreation Department's offices are located at 475 Union Ave., next to Bowditch Field Athletic Complex. The department oversees public parks, athletic fields, and town beaches. The department also maintain other recreational facilities available to the public and issues permits for rental use. The department runs a very popular child and adult program. Some residents line up an hour before registration for some programs. Children's programs include pre-school play groups, basketball, swimming, keyboard, karate, ice skating, tennis and more. Adult programming includes yoga, tennis, CPR, and more. Special programs include trips to New York City and Atlantic City.
