Boston's Best Outdoor Activities For The First Day Of Summer
Boston's winter wasn't harsh this year, but the first day of summer still couldn't come soon enough. With June 20 comes the promise of sun-soaked days, Boston in full bloom and plenty of wet and wild fun. Celebrate the first day in a big way with the best outdoor activities for the first day of summer.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Stoneham, Medford, Winchester, Melrose, Malden, MA
(617) 727-5380
www.mass.gov
Price: free
The Middlesex Fells Reservation just north of Boston covers roughly 2,575 acres of beautiful Massachusetts greenery. Grab a bike and hit the eight-mile mountain bike loop around the reservation, or horseback ride, rock climb and picnic throughout this expansive park. Be ready for an adventure as the intermediate mountain bike loop — and several area hiking trails — includes rocky tracks, a gravel fire road and a few tough climbs. Follow the small signs and green rectangles to stay on the marked trail.
Pick Your Own Fruit at Brooksby Farm
54 Felton St.
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 531-7456
www.brooksbyfarm.org
Pack up the family and head to Brooksby Farm to stock up on some fresh produce. Seasonal fruits are available throughout the summer, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and apples. Purchase a bag at the farm stand before making your way to the you-pick area, and be sure to spend a little time with the proprietors, rumor has it they've got a recipe or two up their sleeves. After you fill your bag, stop by the barnyard to see the farm animals, including emus, llamas, sheep, goats and chickens.
Related: Best Races, Marathons, and Walking Events in Boston
Rooftop Dining at Ristorante Fiore
250 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 371-1176
www.ristorantefiore.com
Ristorante Fiore offers authentic Italian cuisine cooked by owner Fiore Collela. From chicken to fish to veal there is a taste for every palate. Enjoy dinner and drinks on the rooftop in the fresh summer air as you take in views of the city. Personal touches from stellar service to an owner who spends as much time talking food with customers as he does coming up with delicious new recipes make this a north end favorite. Great for families and couples alike, call ahead or make reservations online as the tables fill up quickly at this popular destination.
Boston by Foot
290 Congress St., Ste. 200
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 367-2345
Click here for tours and prices
Celebrate your city the easiest way possible: by foot with a tour guide. You could live here 80 years and still miss out on the millions of historical lessons in Boston. Explore Boston's seedier spots on a dark side tour, enjoy its art on a special schlep of the area's finest galleries, learn a little about this historical city if you're a newbie, or see the city's cutting edge businesses on a green tour. If walking just isn't working for you and yours, Boston by Foot's new architectural boat tours promise to-die-for views of this sea-side city.
Spray Pool at Frog Pond
Boston Common
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 635-2120
www.bostonfrogpond.com
Price: free
Frog Pond's spray pool is a great way for your family to cool down on a hot summer day. Even small children enjoy the water as the wading pool is only 6 inches deep. Lifeguards are on duty during open hours, so safety is never a concern. Check out the carousel with it's exciting new characters, or sit by the reflecting pool and read a book. After a long day in the sun, stop by the Frog Pond Cafe for lunch. There you will find a seasonal menu for children and adults, free WiFi and outdoor seating under the jumbo umbrella.
Related: Boston's Best Scenic Running Paths
Kim is the owner of Vareika Personal Training and Yoga in Plainville. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years, and believes that wellness is about more than just physical health. When she is not teaching, practicing, or writing, she resides in Bridgewater where she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her nephew Caesar. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.