A beautiful wooden playground with port-o-potty's. Not totally enclosed, but closed off enough. My…read morekids (2.5 & 4.5) both love this playground and can use most of the equipment. One of our favorites!

One if our favorite parks in the area. Has a basketball court and a paved loop perfect for bike…read moreriding/scootering. Okay gThere are two playgrounds - one for older kids and one for smaller kids. Plenty of benches for grownups to sit and some shaded areas when it gets a little warm. No bathroom facilities, only port-a-potties if needed.

The park is the best park in the world. I grew up playing here and it never lets me down. Lots of…read morememories built here. I love this park!

If you love architecture, community-built projects, imaginative spaces for kids to play and…read moreexplore-- and playgrounds with a view plus lots of shade,Kiddie Junction at Pirone Park is for you!! One of my fondest memories from childhood and we were delighted to find it still in good condition and still beloved by children of all ages. This place is truly magic!

Great place to get outside and walk around a little. There are a ton of benches to rest of read a…read morebook. Lots to see.

Beautiful conservation land in Acton. Largish parking lot on Taylor street at 27…read more The area by the parking lot has some formal gardens - a Day Lilly garden, hosta garden, butterfly garden, etc. all surrounding a large open field with plenty of shade trees, picnic tables and benches. You see lots of people relaxing, lunching, reading, moms with kids etc in this area. There is also a paved wheelchair accessible trail in this area. The back area is woods complete with streams and a bog. The trail overall is 1-1/2 miles (including the handicap accessible portion). A leisurely 30-40 minute walk.

One of our favorite playgrounds for our kiddos(less than 7 years old). There are two separate play…read moreareas(one for younger kids and one for older kids), two types of ziplines(one with a rope and one to just sit in buckled in). Other favorites: swings, tall structure with multiple slides(and slide types) and a large climbing structure. A favorite among many families in the area - I was shocked to not see it on a yelp page. They are working on the field part so unable to kite fly like before but would imagine it would be opening soon. There's a small loop around the field as well for a quick stroll. Plenty of parking to be found and couple of picnic tables throughout including a few under a covered structure. There's also a small business that looks like it has snacks(fairly new but prior to the new owners it was a coffee shop). I only wish they had restrooms but they do have port a potties.

Safe and friendly, very fun and took out all the kids energy. Really recommend even for little ones.read more

Nice ride, free parking, benches and sculptures along the way. Safe ride from Ayer Culver DR to…read moreSmith Street acess.... I put that on Google maps years ago! Spot off at the library, continue to Salt and light downtown and even down to CVS or Shaws plaza. Safer than going main Rd the whole way and pretty views.

On a beautiful 68 degree day I came here to walk the rail trail with friends but would've loved it…read morejust as much had I run, biked or rollerbladed. There were many families out doing the same but because everyone is courteous and follows etiquette of passing and staying on the right or left, it remained quite enjoyable. The trail itself is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The locals are friendly, and the trail itself is flat and well maintained. Yet much of the landscape remains untouched and there is plenty of wildlife (great for bird watching), plants (native, non-native, and unfortunately invasives too), and interesting rock formations to observe. I like to take advantage of the tranquility offered only by nature (the sound of the streams, melodic bird songs, the stillness, and even the smell of the great outdoors). We also stopped by the little ice cream shop in Pepperrell which was a lovely break and a bit of a reward for all the excercise we all got. The only downside, as someone who is highly allergic to insect bites, is the highly aggressive mosquitoes. But just make sure you wear plenty of bugspray and bring enough to reapply. Also don't forget your hat and sunscreen!

This park is absolutely beautiful and the walking trails are paved and flat which is great for…read morepeople who are physically challenged like me lovely wife. My only concern and complaint is the lack of trash cans around the pond. In general human beings are self centered and inconsiderate of nature and others in general which leads me to my concerns and complaints. The amount of trash and bags of dog poop scared around the pond and trail is unacceptable. The only two trash cans that are left are at the snack bar area and most of the time they are overflowing with trash. There is always fishing gear including fish hooks scattered around the benches at the bridge along with waste such as worm containers discarded bate and alcohol bottles. In short the park maintenance is lacking to say the least. I realize that the pond swim and picnic area does not open until Memorial Day weekend but that is not a good reason for the lack of cleanliness and disrepair off the benches and buildings. My wife needs to take a break from walking because she has post polio syndrome and the beaches that are scattered around the pond are a blessing for her and other physically challenged people who also enjoy the walking path but most of the beaches are coming apart and people have decided that leaving their bags of dog poop next to them is a acceptable practice. There are kid toys and flotation devices scattered around the shoreline of the pond that have been there for the three years that I have been coming to the park along with water bottles and other trash. If all of these things were taken care of on a regular basis I would be able to give this park a five star with two thumbs up. This park could be a diamond if the people would just pick up after themselves and the parks and recreation department would do better at their jobs, however the people of the town of Acton and the surrounding area need to do better at picking up after themselves and stop being disrespectful of nature and other peoples property!

I'm not an Acton resident, so can't comment yet on the facilities or programming…read more Nara Park has a large, free parking lot for access to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. They also have clean restrooms that anyone can use. Not port-a-pots. Actual toilets and sinks with running water. You also get access to Nashoba Brook Conservation Land via a short walk down the rail trail. Or to Town Forest by walking the Nara Park trails. It seems like they have rock concerts every Friday night in summer - cover bands.

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING! It's Time to jump into The TimeMobile & scour…read morethe Earth & take you to places from a different time that you won't believe still exist! We have set the dial to 1906 in the town of Groton MA. Located about an hour outside of Boston & perched on top of Gibbet Hill in Groton, are the cryptic ruins of The Bancroft Castle. Many people think that you have to jump the pond & go to Europe & other continents to see castles. Not True. Here in America we have many castles; ironically they just aren't being promoted. This is one of the Secret Hidden Gems of America that most people have never heard about or been to before. THE HISTORY: In 1906 General William Bancroft constructed his castle on top of Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts. This place was a gift for his wife. It was originally intended to be a bungalow & more additions were going to be added to create a large castle. Unfortunately he didn't have the funds to complete his vision. In 1918 it became a sanitarium & in the 1930's the bungalow became an entertainment venue. On July 4 1932 the fireworks celebration went haywire & the bungalow caught fire. All that remained were the exterior stone walls. Since 2000, The Castle & it's trails became a protected open space for the city of Groton & open to the public. Great News for us! There is free street parking below the Castle on Lowell St . There is NO PARKING from DUSK TO DAWN otherwise you can Park there. There is also a sign with a notice that this is a Tick area. Take all precautions with DEET or other spray, long sleeve shirts & tucking pants into socks & shaking out of clothes etc. You can visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention for the latest tick guidelines. Also just stay on the main cleared path & with precautions & spray you should be Fine. I wouldn't picnic here because of the ticks even though it's a beautiful spot. It's only a short walk up the hill to The Bancroft Castle. IT'S BEAUTIFUL! You will see meadows, trees, green grass, a beautiful Castle & a white structure in the distance. You can get right up close to the stone structure of Bancroft Castle. It offers a clear open window to the natural setting on all its sides & above too. After your exploring adventure, come on down the hill & it's only a few minutes drive to see that white building. It is The First Parish Meeting House built in 1755 in Groton. Happy Traveling. AND IT'S ALL FREE! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

Cool little structure to check out if you find yourself in Groton. Easy hike from main road- May…read moreeven see skins wild turkeys and cows

It was pouring down rain but the walk was still pittoresque. The flat terrain was perfect for a wet…read moreday

I love walking in here. The trails are easy to navigate and I love seeing the herons, ducks,…read morebeavers, and turtles. You can easily spend an hour in the refuge. It's a great place to walk and clear your head.

It's a nice place to let your dogs swim in the drinking water. It's also a nice place to let your…read moredogs shit on the trail. Great fishing too.

I truly enjoy this area--it's a beautiful spot for walks, and it's clear that many people feel the…read moresame. Unfortunately, a small percentage of owners choose to keep their dogs off-leash despite the posted leash regulations, which creates an unsafe environment for others. As a responsible dog owner, it's disappointing to see these rules ignored, especially when it leads to incidents. I've been approached aggressively by off-leash dogs twice now (in the last week alone), making it difficult to enjoy the space with my puppy. Most people are considerate, leashing their dogs when near others, but it would be helpful if there were stricter enforcement or penalties for those who disregard the rules to help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. It is really not a difficult task to leash dogs. And I have asked multiple times for owners to leash while walking by and they absolutely refuse to do so. And I was then attacked and so was my puppy. If you do plan to walk here, I'd recommend being prepared to be attacked by an off leash dog and I would recommend recording the incidents since these dog owners flee the area and blame you for their dogs attacking you. I know numerous responsible dog owners who are unable to walk there due to also being attacked by off leash dogs. I also use to run here as well, but had to stop due to being chased by these dogs. I'd say it is only 10% of the time and by a limited amount of people but it has happened enough to make me nervous.

My mom and I stopped by Walden Pond when we spent a day in Concord a week or so ago, and it was a…read moretreat to experience it on my first visit to Concord. Walden Pond is a pond, not very different from ponds all over the country. What makes it special is its association with Henry David Thoreau. He lived in a cabin on the shore of the pond for two years, and the pond and his experience living there inspired one of his most famous works, "Walden; or, Life in the Woods." The park has a lot to offer. There are trails, including the Pond Path, which circles the pond. There are beach areas. There is a visitor center, where you can watch a short documentary about Walden Pond. There's a gift shop/bookstore, where you can buy a copy of Walden to read while looking at Walden. There's also the replica of Thoreau's cabin (you can also visit the site of the original cabin). My mom and I visited the Visitor Center, watched the documentary, and enjoyed a picnic lunch on the main beach. We saw tons of people hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, and more. Walden Pond is a special place - a must visit if you're also visiting Concord for the first time.

The pond is a great place for solitude, but don't expect solitude on a weekend with warm weather…read more Everyone and their mother was out swimming, barbecuing, drinking, etc. While it's amazing to see everyone being active, I do wish part of the pond had a quiet area. There is a lot of construction and swimming, but it would be so nice for one small corner to be off limits to swimming and have benches just for a peaceful aspect. It's a beautiful area though and the visitor center is well done. Lots of neat information and a fun gift shop.