Family-Friendly Bike Trails Around Boston

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This six-mile paved recreational trail runs through forests and residential neighborhoods to downtown Easthampton. Along the trail, you'll find the Manhan Rail Trail Millennium Mural, a piece of public art constructed out of an old train depot. Bridges, picnic areas and an ice cream shop in town will keep the kids happy. Parking is available at the Easthampton Public Safety Building, Millside Park and the Northeast Center for Youth and Families as well as plenty of free public parking near the trail in the center of town.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This peaceful rural rail-trail starts in Ayer and continues through the communities of Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable before heading over the border and ending just south of Nashua. It's a nice wide paved trail with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and there is even a parallel gravel equestrian path between Groton and Dunstable. The tree-lined trail makes for spectacular foliage viewing in autumn and on a hot summer day be sure to make a stop for ice cream in Pepperell before continuing on your way! Parking access to the trail is available in Ayer, Groton and Dunstable lots.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Visit the Elm Bank Reservation for a traffic-free, contained loop which makes for an easy bike ride and way to explore the gorgeous grounds. On the way, be sure to make a pit stop at Weezie's Garden. This whimsical area contains captivating sculptures and lots of beautiful flowers to enjoy. Parking at the horticultural center is plentiful.

Amanda Banta:  Mix in fitness and a history lesson with a bike trip down Battle Road Trail, which runs from Concord to Lexington within Minute Man National Historical Park. Much of the five-mile trail passes sites critical to the start of the American Revolution. The path is suitable for bikers of all levels, making it a great spot for families to explore. Parking is available at several spots along Rt. 2A and Lexington Road.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The Esplanade section of the Charles River is well known for all sorts of recreational activities especially biking. However, the parks in the upper section of the river are just as beautiful and definitely worth exploring. When the kids need a break, stop and check out the lilypads, fish, and frogs or the fish ladder at the Watertown Dam for a delightful distraction. An easy place to access the Upper Charles River Reservation is in Watertown Square and from there, you can follow a paved path next to the river all the way to Waltham.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   The Minuteman Bikeway is an 11-mile bike path that runs through Bedford, Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge. The flat trail passes through the historical area where the American Revolution first started in 1775 so you can even make a history lesson out of your ride. Along the way, make a stop at the Bedford Freight House to learn about the railroad history, enjoy a snack or purchase some historical merchandise. Access to the bikeway is available by car at Depot Park in Bedford, municipal lots in Arlington and Lexington Center or at the Alewife T Station.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Millennium Park is a great biking destination for families. With 6 miles of paved bike trails there is plenty of area to explore as well as access to the Charles River. Even better, there is a great playground for the kiddos to enjoy before or after the bike ride. Be sure to check out the great views of the city and the Blue Hills from the top of the park and as a bonus, there is plenty of nearby parking.

Erynn:  This scenic 475-acre park boasts recreation for every outdoor enthusiast, from fishing to sports to swimming to biking! A downloadable map of the park shows paved bike trails, along with picnic locations and hiking trails. Bike from the playground area down the Rooney Rock Path or take a scenic ride past Turtle Pond.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  One of the most scenic rides in Boston, the Arnold Arboretum is perfect for a peaceful afternoon ride. A great destination for the whole family, there are several shorter trails as well as a longer loop trail that is nearly 5 miles long. On the south side of the park, those that tackle the short hike up Peter's Hill will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Boston skyline. The park is accessible via public transportation or parking is available outside the main gate.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Right in the city, this flat, paved route links South End, Back Bay, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain with a street-level, greenway. Perfect for kids, there are 11 playgrounds, 2 spray pools, basketball courts, street hockey rinks and 6 miles of trails. Public transportation is recommended.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Franklin Park isn't just known for its fantastic zoo. This beautiful green space offers a variety of biking options accessible from Roxbury, Dorchester or Jamaica Plain. The Park has flat, hilly, paved and unpaved paths that go by the zoo, golf course, basketball and tennis courts. Bicycling is allowed on all paths wide enough to share with walkers.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  What child wouldn't want to take a bike ride along the Muddy River? The bike path runs through Brookline from the northern end of the Muddy River (at Park Drive) almost to Brookline Avenue. By crossing at Washington Street, bikers can continue on along the river to Fenway. Check out the whimsical sculptures that dot the Riverway Park each spring at the annual open-air art exhibit, Studios Without Walls.

Tracy Snyder Molina:   The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation closes Memorial Drive in Cambridge between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street on Sundays from 11am to 7pm from the last Sunday of April until the 2nd Sunday of November. The vehicular road running along the Charles River is opened up for bikers, joggers, rollerbladers and walkers alike.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Enjoy a beautiful ride with the family along the salt marshes and the Mystic River in this state reservation. The best place to head in this large area of parklands is the Torbert Macdonald State Park. Here you'll find meandering bike paths that make for a perfect easy ride with the kids including plenty of stops to play in the grassy areas.

Amanda Banta:  The 13.6 paved miles of Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path loops through the Charles River Reservation and runs on both sides of the river. With ends at the Museum of Science and in Watertown, the path offers a plethora of sightseeing opportunities, including several of Boston's largest colleges. Parking is available at some points in Cambridge and Brighton. The MBTA allows bikes on most lines.