Your kids will love catching air at these awesome spots to go sledding in Boston
Winter is almost here and along with it comes the first snowfall of the season. When it finally arrives, take advantage of the fresh flakes by taking the kids to go sledding in Boston at one of our favorite city spots. We’ve got easy slopes for the tots, big sledding hills that only the brave can conquer, and a few spots to go snow tubing near Boston, if you want to venture out beyond the city. So, bust out your favorite sled and bundle up the kids, it’s time for some serious snow play.
Spend the first snowy day of the season sledding in Boston
1. Flagstaff Hill, Boston Common
The go-to spot for all things winter, grab the sleds and bring the kids to Flagstaff Hill at the Boston Common for an easy, nearby spot. There's plenty of room to spread out on this large expanse, so even when the hill is busy, you won't feel crowded. Then when you're done, head to the Frog Pond to skate a few laps around the rink. Our tip, plan a late afternoon trip so you can enjoy the holiday lights once the sun sets.
139 Tremont St.
Boston
Online: bostonfrogpond.com
2. Larz Anderson Park, Brookline
There's a reason this park is popular with families once the snow flies. Not only do you get a sweeping view of the city skyline on a clear day, but you'll also find small slopes for newbie sledders and bigger hills for bigger kids, too. Plus, Larz Anderson Park is another twofer spot—come for sledding, and stay for the ice skating.
23 Newton St.
Brookline
Online: brooklinerec.com
3. Millennium Park, West Roxbury
Check out this 100-acre urban park in West Roxbury where, not only can you do some amazing sledding, but you can catch a gorgeous sunset too. This park that used to be a landfill has some top-notch hills and doesn't get too crowded.
300 Gardner St.
Boston
4. Titus Sparrow Park, South End
If a nearby park that's sled-ready for your tot is what you're after, look no further than Titus Sparrow Park. In the winter, little kids can bring their sleds to slide down, walk up and slide down again as many times as their little legs will carry them. Fair warning, a thermos of hot cocoa may be in order.
75 W. Rutland Square
Boston
5. President's Lawn at Tufts University, Medford
Rumor has it that back in the day, students used trays from the dining hall to sled down this hill. But we suggest you bring your best tube or saucer sled to glide down the slopes on this tree-lined snowy spot. The gentle slope is the right mix of thrill without too much spill (we hope!) so that everyone can enjoy it. And the haul-up factor is mild enough that most kids can do it without much help.
419 Boston Ave.
Medford
6. George Wright Golf Course, Hyde Park
Catch some air on this awesome hill at this beautiful golf course owned by the city of Boston. You'll find that this golf course has lots of great space for cross country skiing as well. It's an ideal area for all winter activities, just don't forget to pack some hot chocolate to warm up when you're done.
420 West St.
Hyde Park
7. Corey Hill Outlook Park, Brookline
Long and steep is the name of the game at this park in Brookline. Plan to bring bigger kids here (or daring tots who love thrills) on a snowy winter day. Watch out for trees at the bottom of the hill, and plan to stop at the nearby playground if the kiddos still have any energy left before hitting the road to head home.
Summit Ave.
Brookline
8. Danehy Park, Cambridge
What was once a landfill is now a hot sledding spot for Boston area families. After a fresh snowfall, it's the in place to be for those looking for just-right hills your kids can handle. Be sure to check out the awesome universal playground when you're there.
99 Sherman St.
Cambridge
9. The Sugar Bowl by Jamaica Pond
You'll love this unique hill that's perfect for younger kids. It's inverted so the goal is to get as much momentum to get up the other side and back down again. The slopes are gentle and you don't have to worry about kids getting near the street or plowing into a tree.
350 Jamaicaway
Boston
10. Seven Bump Hill, Fellsmere Park
Whether or not mountainboarding was invented here, this sledding hill in Malden is sure to captivate your kids. See if they can find the seven bumps the hill is named for as they bump down the gentle grade. There's plenty of room to throw snowballs and enjoy the fluffy white stuff when you need a break from sledding too.
Fellsmere Rd.
Malden
11. Weld Hill, Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University
The Arnold Arboretum has two sledding hills to choose from and one is known as the steepest and longest in the area. This is also a great spot to go snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall.
125 Arborway
Boston
12. Fallon Field, Roslindale
This park is known for its super-fun slide but in the winter the double sledding hill is the star. There's plenty of space to spread out away from other families and the kids can really get going if they start at the top.
910 South St.
Roslindale
13. Walsh Playground, Dorchester
There's a long hill along Clancy Road where you can stake out a spot for your little sledders or head closer to the baseball diamond for a less intense sledding experience.
1005 Washington St.
Dorchester
Here’s where to take the kids snow tubing near Boston
14. Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Less than an hour from the city you'll find the Nashoba Valley Ski Area and Tubing Park. When the lanes open for the season, this is the spot everyone heads to for tubing fun. They have up to 18 lanes open, depending on the snow pack, and tickets for a two-hour tubing slot sell out quickly. Reserve yours in advance the week before you want to get out of town.
Good to Know: Kids must be at least 6-years-old or 42" tall to ride at this park.
Tubing Park
179 Great Rd.
Littleton, MA
Online: skinashoba.com
15. Ski Ward Ski Area
The TubaSlide at the Ski Ward Ski Area is another option that's not too far from the city. Bring the kids to enjoy a one- or two-hour tubing window on the weekday or weekends. They've got over 200 tubes for you to use, and 12 lanes to get you from the top of the hill to the bottom in super-fast time.
Good to Know: Kids must be at least 6-years-old or 42" tall to ride here.
1000 Main St.
Shrewsbury, MA
Online: skiward.com
Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton
