Millennium Park, built in 2000 on top of a former landfill and capped with dirt from the Big Dig, is a magnet for families, who bring their kids to fly kites, roll or sled down hills, enjoy the two playgrounds, or play soccer on one of the many athletic fields.

Because of its elevation, the park commands great views and can get quite windy, which makes it a popular kite-flying spot. If you have your own canoe or kayak, you can use the boat launch for the Charles River at the southern end of the park.

The 6 miles of walking trails include a short, paved nature trail that leads around the fields and is a popular stroller cruise. You can also take trails leading to Nahanton Park in Newton. A bridge across Sawmill Brook connects the park with the Oak Hill Trails that run through Brook Farm and connects to Helen Heyn Riverway. The trails—simply called Short, Medium, and Long—range from 0.5 mile to 1.4 miles long. The longest trail takes you by Sawmill Brook and the river, so I recommend that for the best scenery.

Remember: The park can get crowded with children’s sports leagues in spring and fall, so if you are looking for a secluded walk, head elsewhere. Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.

Allandale Woods (Trip 8), just down the road on VFW Parkway, is peaceful and not usually crowded. The Jim Roche Community Ice Arena is about two minutes away, also on VFW Parkway.

Restaurants are along VFW Parkway as well as on nearby Providence Highway.