




Source: | Outdoors with Kids Boston (AMC Books) | ||
Address: | Enneking Parkway and Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park, MA | ||
Hours: | Dawn to dusk daily | ||
Fee: | Free | ||
Contact: | mass.gov/dcr; 617-333-7404 | ||
Bathrooms: | At the ice rink and at the pool | ||
Water/Snacks: | Water fountains and snack machines at the ice rink and at the pool | ||
Map: | USGS Boston South; mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/stonybrook.pdf |
Ice skate, fish, hike, swim, or enjoy a variety of other activities at this 475-acre reservation, whose many boulders and outcroppings tell the story of its glacial past.

Photo by: Kim Foley MacKinnon
Stony Brook Reservation, founded in the late 1800s, appeals to lots of different outdoor enthusiasts. Some like to ice-skate at the rink on the property. Others enjoy the 12 miles of trails, some of which are paved, that run through West Roxbury and Hyde Park. Still others enjoy fishing at Turtle Pond.
The terrain here comprises hills, valleys, forests, rocky outcroppings, and wetlands. Facilities include ball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, a pool, and playgrounds. The 5 miles of paved biking trails are perfect for kids learning to ride a bike and offer a safer—and leafier—alternative to the road for commuter bicyclists. Some sections feature boulders perfect for kids who might like to climb. In winter, kids can enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or simply lace up their snow boots and search for animal tracks along the reservation’s quiet trails.
Remember: Cars can pull over in a number of sanctioned parking places along Turtle Pond Parkway, which intersects Enneking. When crossing the street, make sure to watch out for cars that speed along the parkway. Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
The Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary (Trip 14) is minutes away and offers exhibits and easy trails.
Where to Eat Nearby:On the northwest border of the reservation, you can drive or bike to Washington Street into Roslindale for restaurants. Just a few blocks east of the reservation, Hyde Park Avenue leads to dining options.
PHOTO GALLERY
Yes, I want to receive expert advice on getting my family outside!
TOP RATED TRIPS
Castle Island »





boardwalk, swimming, concession stand
2010 Day Boulevard South Boston 02127
Mary O'Malley Waterfront Park »





The park extends along the beach of the Mystic River
59 Commandants Way Chelsea, MA 02150
Alewife Reservation »





beavers, turtles, hawks, muskrats, ospreys, and more!
Acorn Park Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140
Rock Meadow Conservation Area »





walk, bike, birding, swingset
Mill Street and Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA
RELATED TRIPS
Castle Island »





boardwalk, swimming, concession stand
2010 Day Boulevard South Boston 02127
Charles River Reservation: Esplanade »





Riverside path, playgrounds, biking
Along the Charles River, Boston, MA
Franklin Park »





Zoo, woods, fields
1 Circuit Drive, Boston, MA