Boston’s 10 Best Hikes for Kids (for When You Need to Get Outside)

If you are looking for a way to get the kids outside this weekend and get some exercise at the same time, we’ve got the list for you. Our friends over at AllTrails sent us their 10 favorite hikes for kids that will take you all over the city and beyond. Spend the day hiking through the Boston Public Garden and then head over to Quincy where your hike will give you both gorgeous views of the Boston skyline and a history lesson to go along with it. Where will your adventures take you today?

photo: Maksim Pisconov/AllTrails

1. Lost Emerald Necklace Loop Trail

Lost Emerald Necklace Loop Trail is a 1.6 mile moderately-trafficked loop trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Sergio Saade/AllTrails

2. Belle Isle Marsh

Belle Isle Marsh is a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Note: the lookout tower has been reported closed due to COVID-19.

Distance: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Aly Humphreys/AllTrails

3. Mystic River Loop

Mystic River Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Somerville, Massachusetts that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. 

Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: David Cronin/AllTrails

4. Chestnut Hill Reservoir Trail

Chestnut Hill Reservoir Trail is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This short loop around Chestnut Hill Reservoir offers nice views of Boston College and of Boston skyline. Great for viewing wildlife and birds.

Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Jonathan Ellinger/AllTrails

5. Southwest Corridor Path

Southwest Corridor Path is a heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Boston, Massachusetts and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The Southwest Corridor Park is linear park stretching from the Back Bay to Forest Hills. The park links South End, Back Bay, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain with a street-level, greenway.

Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Boris Seletsky/AllTrails

6. Public Garden Monument Walking Tour

Public Garden Monument Walking Tour is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Kids will love making stops along the way to check out the monuments and sculptures. 

Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Tom Bradley/AllTrails

7. Downtown Boston Kids Walk

Downtown Boston Kids Walk is a moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Be sure to stop for a photo by the Make Way for Ducklings stautes. 

Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Lina S/AllTrails

8. Hammond Pond and Webster West

Hammond Pond and Webster West is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Dani Mac/AllTrails

9. Squantum Point

Squantum Point is a lightly trafficked loop trail located near Quincy, Massachusetts that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a beautiful park and beach area for a short hike. Squantum Point has a rich history and its story is told on various granite blocks throughout the park. Views of Thompson Island, the JKF library, the Rainbow Swash and the Boston skyline are plentiful.

Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy

photo: Bill Lin/AllTrails

10. Mount Auburn Cemetery Trail

Mount Auburn Cemetery Trail is a 3.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Watertown, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. This cemetery is considered to be one of the first garden cemeteries in the country. You will find numerous amazing monuments and beautiful grave sights as you walk the myriad of trails or drive the roads.

Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Featured photo: Caleb Oquendo via pexels