25 Boston Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Northfield Mountain is actually a pumped storage hydroelectric facility and also a four-season recreation facility located along a 7-mile stretch of the Connecticut River. There are over 25 miles of trails available for hiking in the non-winter months.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Purgatory Chasm is believed to have been created by a sudden release of melted glacier water near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Not just another walk in the woods, kids will love climbing big rocks and squeezing into caves with names like The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. For those less adventurous, there are opportunities to watch the rock climbers or just follow the normal hiking trail. Grills, picnic tables, restrooms and a playground are also available.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  On the grounds of the Fruitlands Museum there are over two miles of trails that traverse the 210 acres of forest, wetlands and meadows. There are five trail loops that pass through a number of environments, including woodlands, a pine barren, marshes and meadows with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Wolbach Farm is part of the larger Great Meadows ecosystem along the Sudbury River. The Interpretive Trail consists of two loops. The 3/4-mile main trail loop takes you along the Winter Brook stream corridor, across a wetland, and back through the woods to the parking lot. The 1/5-mile inner loop goes around a wetland and returns back to the main trail. The Storybook Trail was created by two Girl Scouts and consists of 12 stations along a walking path, each containing a few pages of a children's book. A new book is posted every season.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Comprised mostly of valuable freshwater wetlands, this refuge acts as a nesting, resting, and feeding habitat for wildlife with special emphasis on migratory birds. The Weirs Hill Trail is a 1-mile walk along marshes, woodlands, fields, the river, brook and pond and begins in front of the refuge headquarters. A second trail, the Red Maple trail, starts at the refuge parking lot and connects with trails on Round Hill, owned by the Sudbury Valley Trustees. All are welcome to use the trails. Note, additional trails can be found in the Concord Unit, though an entrance fee does apply.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Situated along Indian Brook and the Charles River, Broadmoor is an ever-changing environment filled with wildlife: dragonflies, turtles, otters and more than 150 species of birds that call this area home. Easy-to-moderate well-groomed trails pass by woodlands into open fields and along the edges of streams, ponds, and marshland. The Saltonstall Nature Center is a renovated 1911 horse barn that includes a welcome center, a four-season outdoor pavilion, and classrooms. A variety of fun and educational nature-based programs are offered for all ages.

Walden Pond was made famous by Henry David Thoreau and is considered the birthplace of the conservation movement. The Reservation encompasses 400 acres surrounding the pond and includes several walking trails. It's a perfect spot to take kids swimming—there are roped off shallow areas and lifeguards on duty. Take in the beauty of the woods and the variety of wildlife as well as a replica of Thoreau's house to visit. Restrooms are available. Parking fills up quickly so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. 

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Check out 20 miles of trails available for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. In winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and one trail is even lantern lit. In addition, an active dairy farm operates year-round and guided barn tours are available from May to October as well as as a seasonal ice cream stand.

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This urban oasis has over 3 miles of easy trails that wind through the forest and meadows, around 2 ponds and a wetland along a vernal pool. Kids will love looking for turtles, frogs and ducks as well as playing in the nature play area. The Turtle Pond Loop trail is a 1/2 mile loop that is universally-accessible and a nice packed surface that is perfect for strollers.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Horn Pond is a great place to take the family for a walk. There is a large network of walking trails through varying landscape and a designated walking route around the pond that is perfect for strollers. There are also some exercise stations set up along the way such as pull-up bars and rope steps to climb that the kids will have fun trying out.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Located just a few miles outside of Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation covers over 7,000 acres with an extensive trail system. There are 125 miles of trails to fit every fitness level leading through wetlands, forests, hills and more. The popular Skyline Loop trail leads up to Great Blue Hill, cresting at 635 feet, and offers expansive views of the Boston skyline. Along the trail you can stop for a picnic lunch and climb the stone Eliot Tower for more wonderful views.

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   These urban parklands, part of the Charles River Reservation, include 19 miles of shore from the Charlestown Bridge to the dam near Watertown Square and more than 20 parks and natural areas with plenty of walking and biking trails. A few highlights include Herter Park in Brighton, North Point Park near the Museum of Science, Magazine Beach and the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path which is an 18-mile loop along the Charles, from Science Park in Cambridge to Watertown Square.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The Boston Harbor Islands offer varying terrain and magnificent scenery for hikers and walkers of all fitness levels. Peddocks Island offers great bird-watching, scenic vistas and tree-lined paths. Spectacle Island is home to the highest point in Boston Harbor, the North Drumlin. Once at the top, relax in the gazebo and don't miss the perfect photo opportunity with 360-degree views of the harbor. Worlds End in Hingham offers some of the best hikes for all abilities with a trail system that offers loops from 1-5 miles.