Summer is a great time to introduce young people to the joys of hiking and many 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. Here they are in no particular order:

• 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.