Picnics are great fun for the whole family, and there are plenty of scenic options in the Boston area, such as parks and beaches. If you don’t require any facilities, there are numerous possibilities.
However, the picnic areas listed here generally have basic facilities such as picnic tables, grill areas, bathrooms, and more. Many picnic areas are in state parks with attractive surroundings such as beaches and ponds, and many offer great activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.
When picnicking, make sure you observe all the park rules and any restrictions on open fires and grills. Be safe, and enjoy!
| Ames Nowell State Park | Abington | Free | Facilities: Ball field, Grilling, Pavilion, Picnic area, Restrooms Activities: Canoeing and kayaking Boating (non-motorized) Fishing Horseback riding Mountain biking Cross-country skiing Hiking Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: Linwood St., Abington, MA 02351 |
| Ashland State Park | Ashland | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Grilling Activities: Hiking, Biking, Mountain biking, Boating (motorized), Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Cross-country skiing, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible trail, Beach wheelchair available, Picnicking, Restrooms Address: 156 West Union St, Ashland, MA 01721 |
| Freetown-Fall River State Forest | Assonet | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Grilling, Pavilion, Picnic area, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Splash pad, Wading pool Activities: Hiking Mountain biking Horseback riding Cross-country skiing Biking Swimming Fishing Hunting Accessibility: Accessible restrooms Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 110 Slab Bridge Road, Assonet, MA 02702 |
| George I. Spatcher Memorial Pool | Attleboro | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Picnic tables, Pool, Restrooms, Shaded chairs Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: 11:00am - 6:00pm daily - close at 4:00pm on July 3 and 4. Address: 79 North Ave., Attleboro, MA 02703 |
| Beaver Brook Spray Deck | Belmont | Free | Facilities: Benches, Picnic area, Playground, Spray deck Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: 621 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA 02478 |
| Beaver Brook Reservation | Belmont | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Basketball, Tennis, Educational programs, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Restrooms, Spray decks & wading pools, Read about grilling in state parks Activities: Biking Fishing Hiking Mountain biking Accessibility: Picnicking Restrooms Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 66 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478 |
| Pope John Paul II Park Reservation | Boston | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Soccer, Picnic areas, Playground, Restrooms Activities: Hiking Fishing Bird watching Accessibility: Hiking Paved Picnicking Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: Hallet Street, Boston, MA 02124 |
| Francis D. Martini Memorial Shell Park and Moynihan Recreation Area | Boston | Free | Facilities: Amphitheater, Athletic fields, Ball courts, Boat ramp, Paved bike paths, Picnic area, Playground, Scenic viewing area, Spray deck Activities: Tennis Baseball Basketball Canoeing and kayaking Biking Concerts Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 1015 Truman Parkway, Boston, MA 02136 |
| Constitution Beach Park | Boston | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Basketball courts, Bathhouse, Concession stand, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms Activities: Baseball Tennis , Educational programs, Fishing, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible bathhouse, Accessible picnicking, Beach mat, Beach wheelchair available, Address: 799 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128 |
| Charles River Reservation | Boston | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Baseball/softball, Basketball, Football, Tennis, Boat ramp, Paved bike paths, Playground, Picnic area, Charles River Basin public moorings, Skating rink, Spray decks and wading pools, Weddings Activities: Hiking Biking Baseball Basketball Tennis Football Boating (non-motorized) Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Ice skating Cross-country skiing Sailing Rowing Swimming Educational programs Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02116 |
| Castle Island | Boston | Free | Facilities: Boardwalk, First aid station, Lifeguard station, Picnic areas (grilling allowed), Playground, Restrooms, Rinsing showers, Scenic overlook Activities: Biking, Educational programs, Fishing, Running and walking, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible picnicking at Carson Beach, Accessible restrooms at Castle Island and Carson Beach, Accessible trail around Pleasure Bay, Beach mat at Carson Beach, Beach wheelchairs available at Carson, Beach and Pleasure Bay Address: 2010 Day Blvd., Boston, MA 02127 |
| Boston Harbor Islands | Boston | Free | Facilities: Grills, Group/private event use, Pavilion, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms - on Georges, Peddocks and Spectacle Islands ONLY, Visitors center Activities: Hiking, Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Swimming, Fishing, Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible trail on Spectacle Island, Beach wheelchair available on Spectacle Island Address: Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA 02110 |
| Myles Standish State Forest | Carver | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Grills, Pavilion, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Visitors center, Weddings Activities: Biking, Boating (non-motorized), Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Hunting, Sailing, Snowmobiling, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible fishing with beach mat at Fearing Pond, Accessible restrooms, Beach wheelchairs available (please note that College Pond restrooms are not accessible) Address: 194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330 |
| Walden Pond State Reservation | Concord | Free (Parking Fee) | Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Visitors center Address: 915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742 |
| Demarest Lloyd State Park | Dartmouth | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic area, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Showers Activities: Hiking Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Swimming Accessibility: Beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 115 Barneys Joy Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748 |
| Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve | East Falmouth | Free | Facilities: Educational programs, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Scenic views, Visitor center Activities: Camping Hunting Fishing Canoeing and kayaking Accessibility: Restrooms Hours: Visitor Center, Call for hours Address: 131 Waquoit, East Falmouth, MA 02536 |
| Fort Phoenix State Reservation | Fairhaven | Free | Facilities: Basketball court, Pavilion, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Showers, Tennis court, Grills Activities: Basketball, Swimming, Tennis, Running and walking Accessibility: Boardwalk and beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms Address: Green Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 |
| F. Gilbert Hills State Forest | Foxborough | Free | Facilities: Grills, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Scenic views Activities: Hiking Horseback riding Biking Mountain biking Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Hunting Cross-country skiing Snowmobiling Accessibility: Restrooms Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 45 Mill Street, Foxborough, MA 02035 |
| Stodder's Neck & Abigail Adams Park | Hingham | Free | Facilities: Scenic views, Picnic areas Activities: Running and walking Fishing Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 457 Lincoln St., Hingham, MA 02043 |
| Wompatuck State Park | Hingham | Free | Facilities: Boat launch, Paved bike paths, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Trailer/R.V. hookup, Visitors Center Activities: Biking Camping Cross-country skiing Educational programs Hiking Horseback riding Hunting Mountain biking Boating (non-motorized) Snowmobiling Accessibility: Accessible camping Site E009 and Site Y003 are accessible Includes level, packed-surface campsite, pedestal grill, accessible picnic table Accessible restrooms Accessible trails Wompatuck trail, 1.25 miles Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 204 Union St., Hingham, MA 02043 |
| Hopkinton State Park | Hopkinton | Free | Facilities: Boathouse, Boat ramp (car top), Grills, Pavilions , Picnic areas, Restrooms Activities: Boating (non-motorized), Sailing, Canoeing and kayaking, Swimming, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Snowmobiling Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available, Fishing, Restrooms Address: 164 Cedar St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 |
| Fort Revere Park | Hull | Free | Facilities: Grills, Picnic area, Scenic viewing area Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 60 Farina Road, Hull, MA 02045 |
| Stony Brook Reservation | Hyde Park | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Bandstand, Bathhouses, Boat ramp, First-aid station, Grills, Ice skating rink, Playground, Picnic area, Restrooms, Spray deck, Tennis court, Wading pool, Swimming pool Activities: Baseball Biking Canoeing and kayaking Cross-country skiing Educational programs Fishing Hiking Horseback riding Ice skating Mountain biking Swimming Tennis Soccer Accessibility: Accessible fishing Accessible playground Accessible restrooms Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 95 Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park, MA 02136 |
| Lawrence Heritage State Park | Lawrence | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Ball courts, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Visitors Center and museum Activities: Educational programs Boating (non-motorized) Canoeing and kayaking Hiking Fishing Accessibility: Accessible boating Accessible restrooms Hours: Visitor Center, Sunday - Saturday:, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Address: 1 Jackson St., Lawrence, MA 01840 |
| Raymond Lord Memorial Swimming Pool | Lowell | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Picnic tables, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022 Address: 81 Cross St., Lowell, MA 01854 |
| Lowell Heritage State Park | Lowell | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Paved bike path, Picnic area, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Visitors Center Activities: Biking Boating (non-motorized) Boating (motorized) Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Hiking Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible restrooms Accessible canoeing & kayaking Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 160 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854 |
| Houghton's Pond Recreation Area | Milton | Free | Facilities: Ball fields, Boardwalk, Concession stand, First-aid station, Lifeguards, Picnic area, Grills - Bring propane grills/no charcoal in designated areas, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Visitors center Activities: Baseball, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible interpretive boardwalk, Accessible restrooms, Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 840 Hillside St., Milton, MA 02186 |
| Blue Hills Reservation | Milton | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Educational programs, Grills, Historic sites, Lifeguard, Museum, Observatory, Pavilion , Picnic areas, Restrooms, Science center, Visitor center Activities: Hiking Mountain biking Horseback riding Camping Swimming Boating (non-motorized) Canoeing and kayaking Golfing Cross-country skiing Downhill skiing Rock climbing Accessibility: Hiking Paved trails Picnicking Restroom Swimming Visitor center Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 725 Hillside ., Milton, MA 02186 |
| Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation | Nahant | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Bandstand, Boat ramps, First aid station, Picnic area, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Showers, Playground, Visitors center Activities: Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, Running and walking, Biking, Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Hiking, Educational programs, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible causeway, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 1 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908 |
| Cochituate State Park | Natick | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Boat rentals Activities: Hiking Fishing, Swimming, Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Sailing, Cross-country skiing Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, Accessible dock and observation area Beach wheelchairs available<, Address: 43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA 01760 |
| Maudslay State Park | Newburyport | Free | Facilities: Group day use, Picnic areas - Open, Restrooms - Open, Visitors Center Activities: Hiking Biking Mountain biking Cross-country skiing Horseback riding Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible restrooms Beach wheelchair available for use on trails Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA 01950 |
| Harold Parker State Forest | North Andover | Free | Facilities: Pavilion, Picnic areas, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping Activities: Hiking, Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Biking, Ice skating, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Boating (non-motorized),f Swimming Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible trail, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA 01845 |
| Borderland State Park | North Easton | Free | Facilities: Group day use, Guided tours, Picnic areas, Visitors center, Weddings, Disc golf course, All Activities, Hiking, Mountain biking, Canoeing and kayaking - bring your own, Grilling - propane only – bring your own, Disc golf, Fishing, Boating (non-motorized), Cross-country skiing, Horseback riding - bring your own, Tennis, Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible restrooms Accessible visitors center Accessible educational programs Beach wheelchair available for use on trails Hours: Sunday - Saturday:, 8:00 am-8:00 pm Address: 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA 02356 |
| Webb Memorial State Park | North Weymouth | Free | Facilities: Educational programs, Grills, Picnic areas, Scenic views, Restrooms, Pavilion Activities: Canoeing and kayaking Cross-country skiing Fishing Hiking Accessibility: Hiking Sand dust, 1 mile loop Restrooms Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 371 River St., North Weymouth, MA 02191 |
| Quincy Shores Reservation | Quincy | Free | Facilities: Bathhouse, Boat ramp (car top), Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Weddings Activities: Biking Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Hiking Swimming Educational programs Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available at Wollaston Beach Hours: Dawn to dusk, Lifeguard services 6/18 - 8/21/2022 Address: Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA 02170 |
| Quincy Quarries Reservation | Quincy | Free | Facilities: Educational programs, Picnic areas, Scenic views Activities: Hiking Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: Quincy Quarries, Quincy, MA 02169 |
| Halibut Point State Park | Rockport | Free | Facilities: Picnic areas, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Activities, Hiking, Fishing, Bird Watching, Picnicking, Scenic Viewing, Educational Programs Accessibility: Educational programs Hiking Graded Visitors Center Hours: 8:00 am to sunset Address: 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966 |
| Scusset Beach State Reservation | Sagamore | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Nature Center, , Trailer / R.V. Water and Electric Hookups Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Educational programs, Hunting Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible educational programs, Accessible fishing, Accessible trail, Accessible picnic areas Accessible restrooms Boardwalk and beach mat Beach wheelchairs available Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 20 Scusset Beach Road, Sagamore, MA 02562 |
| Salisbury Beach State Reservation | Salisbury | Free | Facilities: Boardwalk, Picnic area, Boat ramp, Grilling, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Scenic viewing areas, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Trailer/R.V. hookup, Weddings Activities: Boating (motorized), Boating (non-motorized), Educational programs, Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Horseback riding, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible educational programs, Accessible restrooms, Accessible nature center Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: State Reservation Road , Salisbury, MA 01952 |
| Shawme-Crowell State Forest | Sandwich | Free | Facilities: Basketball courts, Grills, Playground, Pavilion, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer / R.V. Dumping, Nature Center, Weddings Activities: Camping Hiking Horseback riding Accessibility: Camping Parking Restrooms Hours: Dawn to dusk, Campground office, Sunday - Saturday:, 8:00 am-10:00 pm Address: 42 Main St., Sandwich, MA 02563 |
| Breakheart Reservation | Saugus | Free | Facilities: Barking Lot – fenced off leash dog area, Grilling - - no charcoal grills, propane only, First aid, Pavilion, Playground, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Visitors Center, Weddings Activities: Hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, Swimming, Fishing, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible education programs, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible visitors center, Beach wheelchair available, Paved walking trails Address: 177 Forest St., Saugus, MA 01906 |
| Middlesex Fells Reservation | Stoneham | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Dog park , Observation tower, Picnic area, Playground, Visitors center, Weddings Activities: Biking Canoeing and kayaking Cross-country skiing Educational programs Fishing Hiking Horseback riding Mountain biking Sailing Accessibility: Accessible boating Accessible fishing piers and platforms Accessible hiking Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180 |
| Watson Pond State Park | Taunton | Free | Facilities: Pavilion, Picnic areas, Grills, Weddings, Playground Activities: Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, Beach wheelchair available Address: 1644 Bay St., Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Bradley Palmer State Park | Topsfield | Free | Facilities: Educational programs, Pavilion , Picnic areas, Restrooms, Spray deck, Weddings, Grills Activities: Hiking Mountain biking Biking Canoeing and kayaking Horseback riding Fishing Cross-country skiing Snowmobiling Accessibility: Accessible trail Beach wheelchair available Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 40 Asbury St, Topsfield, MA 01983 |
| Elm Bank Reservation | Wellesley | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Museum , Picnic area Activities: Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Hiking Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482 |
| Horseneck Beach State Reservation | Westport | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Dishwashing station, Dumpsters, Picnic areas, Playground, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping Activities: Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Sailing, Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Biking, Basketball, Bird watching Accessibility: Beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available, Accessible camping, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible trails Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Beach hours, Sunday - Saturday:, 8:00 am-8:00 pm Address: 5 John Reed Road, Westport, MA 02791 |
