Boston Common
DESCRIPTION: established in 1634, it remains America’s oldest public park; featuring 48 acres filled with events, music performances, picnics and outdoor activities; Swan Boat rides across landscaped 24 acre lagoon are always a hit with kids; being safe and inexpensive makes them a hit with adults as well; the historic Freedom Trail starts here

ADDRESS: Bounded by Tremont, Beacon, Charles, Park and Boylston Streets  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.cityofboston.gov/FreedomTrail/bostoncommon.asp

Rose F. Kennedy Greenway

DESCRIPTION: The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as the "Big Dig", created more than 300 acres of landscaped and restored open space, aided shoreline restoration and created a series of parks that extend in the path of a freeway from Chinatown through the Wharf District and North End to the TD Banknorth Center to Charles River Basin; the project reduced Carbon Monoxide in the city by 12%

ADDRESS: atop I-93 Freeway Downtown  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org

Boston's HarborWalk

DESCRIPTION: An inviting public walkway along the waterfront, with parks, public art, seating areas, cafes, exhibit areas, interpretive signage, water transportation facilities, and a wide range of other amenities in an attractive the 47-mile HarborWalk; Currently, 80% complete and is accessible by the public, harborwalk is a the culmination of many years of public funding and collaboration between City and State agencies, private property owners, residents and harbor advocacy groups since 1984

ADDRESS: Boston harbor from Charles River to Fort Point Channel  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.bostonharborwalk.com
 
Boston Harbor Islands
DESCRIPTION: Boston's newest state park with 30 islands of picnic and camping areas

ADDRESS: located off the shores of Boston  MAP

PHONE: 617-223-8666

WEBSITE: http://www.bostonislands.com

John F. Kennedy Park
DESCRIPTION: Five acre park with landscaped plants, memorial fountain and entrance pillars inscribed with quotations from President‚s speeches

ADDRESS: 95 JFK Street at Memorial Drive, Cambridge  MAP

Charles River Reservation
DESCRIPTION: Seventeen miles of scenic beauty; enjoy ice-skating, baseball, in-line skating and canoeing

ADDRESS: on the Charles River  MAP

Blue Hills Reservation
DESCRIPTION: Features 5,800 acres of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, hilltops, prehistoric sites, rare wildlife; structures listed in National Register of Historic Place

ADDRESS: Milton, MA  MAP

PHONE: 617-698-1802

WEBSITE: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm

Breakheart Reservation
DESCRIPTION: Features a 640 acre forest with fresh water lakes, Saugus River, rocky hills and views of Boston, southern New Hampshire and central Massachusetts; extensive hiking trails, swimming area

ADDRESS: 177 Forest Street, Saugus  MAP

PHONE: 617-233-0834

Arnold Arboretum
DESCRIPTION: One of the nation‚s oldest parks; large collection of trees, flowers, shrubs and vines on 265 acres; great place to visit during the spring and summer

ADDRESS: 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain  MAP

PHONE: 617-524-1718

WEBSITE: http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu

Scusset Beach
DESCRIPTION: Good for Beach/RV camping on the Cape Cod Canal

ADDRESS: Plymouth, MA  MAP

New Bedford Beach
DESCRIPTION: A good beach for nearby sightseeing and fishing

ADDRESS: Rodney French Blvd in New Bedford, MA  MAP