Twelve Stroller-Friendly Parks to Explore This Spring
It’s finally spring. Time to savor the warm (ish) weather and get outside for some much needed fresh air. But for moms and dads everywhere, sometimes just popping outside for a quick jaunt at your local park takes a lot more than lacing up sneakers. Fortunately, we found 12 parks that you can explore as a family—sans babysitter. These stroller-friendly parks are the perfect place to spend a few hours or even the whole day.
![Arnold Arboretum photo via Flickr/Dave Rezendes](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/arnold-main.jpg)
Arnold Arboretum photo via Flickr/Dave Rezendes
The Arnold Arboretum
This stunning park has a two-mile-long paved main trail, making it perfect for walking with a stroller. The Arboretum also labels its plants, flowers, and woodland life by species, which adds an educational element to your trip.
125 Arborway, Boston, 617-524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu
![Photo provided by The Trustees](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/east-over1.jpg)
Photo provided by The Trustees
Eastover Reservation
Formerly part of a larger working farm, this Trustees managed property includes cart paths and other flat routes through fields and woodlands. Kids will love the double-faced stone walls. Bring a picnic to make it a full day trip.
Mary’s Pond Road, Rochester, 508-763-5257, thetrustees.org
![Photo provided by The Trustees](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/worlds-end-picnic.jpg)
Photo provided by The Trustees
World’s End
With cart paths dating back more than a century, stroller-pushers can enjoy an easy climb to the top of Planter’s Hill, which offers gorgeous panorama views of Boston Harbor.
Martins Lane, Hingham, 781-740-7233, thetrustees.org
![appleton-farms-main](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/appleton-farms-main.jpg)
Photo provided by The Trustees
Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Almost 90 percent of the terrain on this farm is flat or “gently rolling,” making it perfect for going “off road” with the stroller. Kids will love seeing the cows on this working farm, which also offers a store selling goods for a family picnic.
219 County Road, Ipswich, 978-356-5728, thetrustees.org
![biking](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/biking-esplanade.jpg)
Biking along the Esplanade. Photo by Lisa Decotis
The Esplanade
With paved pathways hugging the Charles, and scenic sunsets that glisten off the river, The Esplanade is a favorite park for both locals and tourists alike. The space also offers three playgrounds if your kids want out of their chairs.
![Photo by Matt Stafford/Flickr](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/4086643051_036cbe6439_o.jpg)
Photo by Matt Stafford/Flickr
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area
Swim, fish, or hike at this 24-acre recreation area where you can easily push a stroller around the lake. Restrooms and a first-aid area make it perfect for families to spend the day.
840 Hillside Street, Milton, 617-698-1802, mass.gov
![The Stevens-Coolidge Place, North Andover](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Stevens-Coolidge-R.-Cheek1.jpg)
Photo provided by the trustees
Stevens-Coolidge Place, North Andover
You can literally stop and smell the flowers while pushing your stroller around these manicured grounds. The history and architecture behind this renowned country house is a special treat.
137 Andover St, North Andover, 978-682-3580, thetrustees.org
![Photo by Andrew Nash/Flickr](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/public-garden-main.jpg)
Photo by Andrew Nash/Flickr
The Public Garden
The all-season Public Garden is one of Boston’s most cherished parks, and perfect for the kids. Although there are paved pathways for strollers, your kids will want to be out and about whether it’s riding a Swan Boat or posing with the Make Way for Ducklings statues.
4 Charles St, Boston, 617-635-4505, friendsofthepublicgarden.org
![Boston Common photo by IzzoInteractive on Flickr](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Boston-Common.jpg)
Boston Common photo by IzzoInteractive/Flickr
Boston Common
Just across busy Charles Street from the Public Garden, Boston Common—the country’s oldest park—used to be a cow pasture. Now, families can spend the day having a picnic, or explore atop the hill at Soldiers and Sailors Monument to take in the city views. Paved pathways and public bathrooms make this park ideal for youngsters.
Rocky Woods, Medfield
Two centuries ago, the pathways were laid out for loggers, now, the roads make for a convenient way to push a stroller. Bring a fishing rod and a picnic and make a day of it. Both the trail around Chickering Pond and the Bridle Trail loop are ideal for children.
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole
Perfect for walking with a stroller, this park offers three miles of flat pathways along grassy meadows and tranquil ponds with swimming ducks, stone arch bridges, and quiet streams. This park also has a children’s playground if the little ones want to get out of their carriages.
251 Washington St, East Walpole, 978-921-1944, thetrustees.org
![Photo by Jay Woodworth/Flickr](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/greenway-main.jpg)
Photo by Jay Woodworth/Flickr
The Greenway
Boston’s only organically-maintained urban park, and one of just a handful in the entire U.S., the Greenway is really a “ribbon” of six parks, connected through greenery that dots the east side of the city. Walking along the paved pathways, it’s easy to forget that the space was once an elevated highway. There are numerous water features for kids to play in, along with a spectacular Carousel.