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One of my absolute favorite summer activities is visiting the Boston Frog Pond! The Frog Pond is a giant pond in the middle of Boston common with water that’s 6-8 inches deep. There is also a huge geyser of water that fountains out of the middle and this pond that is meant to be splashed in. (Posted life guards and everything!)
I took my son and he loved every minute of it. He loved being there to play in the water, he loved having friends to play with and he loved following the other kids and trying new things like laying in the water on his belly and his back.
It was a really hot day and I was glad I came in my swimsuit because I was right there next to him sitting in the water to cool off. We had a great time and were so glad we had friends to join us.
Things to Note:
1) Price
Free, free, free. Just show up and start splashing.
2) Location & Amenities
Right in the heart of Boston, part of Boston Common. The Red Line on the “T” stops pretty much at the park so you can get there without even having to bring a stroller. There is a bathroom located right next to the Frog Pond that has lockers you can use for the day. There is also a snack bar attached to it if you need burgers and fries to get you through a busy day at the park. Life guards are posted around the pond. There is a carousel next to the pond ($3/ride) and an enclosed playground, not to mention plenty of trees and shade.
3) Hours
The Frog Pond opens in late June and seems like it usually open until about Labor Day. Hours vary, and it’s closed if the weather is bad. Generally its open 11am – 6pm.
4) Other Seasons
Even when the pond is closed there are all sort of events generally going on around the pond. In the winter you can ice skate on it, in the fall they have pumpkin floating festivals and more. All in all it’s a really fun place to visit.
Summary & Rating ★★★★★
Five stars. I think the Boston Frog Pond is a blast and my son has adored it since the first time we let him put his toes in it about a 1.5 years old. This past summer when he was 2.5 it was amazing to be able to sit on the side of the pond and let him run around in the water. The water is shallow enough that I didn’t feel like I needed to shadow his every movement and he had so much fun playing with the other kids in the pond and splashing around. This is one of our most favorite summer activities and if you’re around for the summer it’s something you shouldn’t leave Boston without trying.
Boston Common Frog Pond
Boston Common
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617)635-2121
Website: http://bostonfrogpond.com/