Outdoor Recreation

7 Places to Hike with Kids

Some of our favorite properties for hiking with little ones.

Allen C. Haskell Public G...

It’s always a great time to introduce young people to the joys of hiking, and many Trustees properties offer excellent opportunities to get them started! Here are our top 7 places to hike with kids, featuring easy terrain, stroller-friendly boardwalks, and popular wildlife.

  • Mary Cummings Park
    The flat terrain and a park-like setting make this site ideal for a leisurely stroll with young children. Many of the trails are stroller-friendly and a lovely boardwalk leads to a wetland—great for seeing birds and listening to frogs. 
  • East Over Reservation
    A hidden gem of the south coast. There are two different areas for this reservation and both are very kid-friendly. Park off County Road for a more wooded adventure and park off Clapp Road for a pastoral meadow experience that is great for seeing butterflies.  
  • Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens
    This special place is less of a “hike” but definitely still worth a trip with the wee ones. At just six acres in six, this special place is sure to be a hit with the kids.  Explore the magical gardens, taking in all the glorious blooms of the season, and be sure to let the kiddos explore the mini nature play space. 
  • Ward Reservation
    A true gem of the North Shore, Ward is the perfect spot to take the kids. Stroller-friendly trails and a variety of habitats to explore make this the perfect place for kids to explore and play in nature.  
  • Dinosaur Footprints
    There is not much more that kids love than Dinosaurs. A Trip to this special place is sure to provide a magical experience for the kids as they investigate the fossils of ancient dinosaurs that once roamed the land. At just 9 acres in size, this park is just the right size for a quick adventure.  
  • Rock House Reservation
    High energy adventure-seeking kids, look no further than Rock House. A short hike from the parking lot brings you upon a cave-like atmosphere with plenty of nooks to explore kids are sure to have magical moments here. For older kids wanting a bit more of a hike, there are 3 miles of trails through the forest to explore.  
  • Doyle Community Park
    Fairly flat terrain coupled with diverse habitats to explore make Doyle Community Park a must-stop for an outdoor adventure with young kids. Many of the trails are accessible and stroller-friendly. Be sure to check out meadows for an abundance of butterflies and tree swallows, and for a more curated experience be sure to check out the summer family guided hikes we are offering at Doyle this summer.  
Places to go with young people
More ideas to get outside

Join the Trustees

Enjoy 120 sites featuring inspired trails, historic homes, beautiful gardens, farms, summer camps and more.
Become a Member

Lend a Hand

Join a community passionate about a sustainable future and engaged in diverse projects across the state.
Volunteer

Support Our Work

We rely on your generous support to protect the irreplaceable landscapes and landmarks of Massachusetts.
Donate