Rock Meadow Conservation Area is owned by the town of Belmont and is part of the Western Greenway--a corridor of green spaces that connect Belmont, Lexington, and Waltham. This local greenspace is nice for a quick walk or mountain bike ride, and provides opportunities to see different types of birds and grasslands. Trails begin at the parking lot on Mill Street. Take the grassy path that starts to the right of the Victory Gardens (community gardens located here since 1969; plots are open to residents and non-residents alike) to head into the meadow. Toddlers can run free here and enjoy the open grassy space. The path loops up and around the meadow--go left to head toward the woods and meet up with the Greenway Trail; go straight to cross the boardwalk over the meadow. If you take the Greenway Trail, enter the woods and cross the small bridge over Beaver Brook (look for ducks below!) and head into the Beaver Brook North Reservation, which features rocky, wooded trails (better suited for older kids), wet meadows, and vernal pools. Mountain bikers looking for a ride close to home come to Rock Meadow and Beaver Brook. (In fact, members of the New England Mountain Bikers Association helped rehabilitate trails on this property, including the new bridge over Beaver Brook and the boardwalk that leads through the meadow.) Other activities here include trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog walking. A small swing set south of the parking lot will amuse young kids while you enjoy the meadow view. Map: walthamlandtrust.org/open-space/guide-to-open-spaces/beaver-brook-north-reservation/beaver-brook-north-reservation-guide.pdf

Lone Tree Hill is just across the street, offering more walking trails. Head south on Mill Street to reach Beaver Brook Reservation, which has a large playground, and a spray park in summer. Mass Audubon's Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is close by (off Concord Ave)and features trails and farmyard animals.

Head back down Concord Avenue to reach Belmont Center, which has family-friendly restaurants and shops.