I love that my dad used to use the term “dog party” whenever he saw a big group of dogs playing. You’ll see that and more at the Beaver Brook Reservation (Mill Street, Belmont/Waltham). This impressive piece of land includes 59 acres of open fields, wetlands and woodlands that are open to walking, biking, and picnicking. The north section of the park includes ponds, fields, marsh, and a cascading waterfall. The south section of the park (immediately visible from Route 60) includes ball fields, a wading/spray pool, and a tot lot. There also are restrooms on site when the park is open.

During the summer the spray pool is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4:30pm; the tot lot/reservation daily from 10am – 6pm. There is no admission fee to the reservation. Tel: 617-484-6357.

The underground parking rates at Boston Common Garage are well worth the fun of Frog Pond and Frog Pond Park. In the winter Frog Pond is a famous skating rink; in the summer, the pond is a place for kids to cool off. The Frog Pond spray pool and wading program is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm (free of charge) until Labor Day. Call 617-635-2120 for updated information.

Before or after dipping in the pond, check out the awesome Frog Pond Park two steps away. This terrific playground has lots of cool structures to explore, including what my yummy niece called the “frog potty” (frog sculpture holding a life preserver).

The underground parking rates at Boston Common Garage are well worth the fun of Frog Pond and Frog Pond Park. In the winter Frog Pond is a famous skating rink; in the summer, the pond is a place for kids to cool off. The Frog Pond spray pool and wading program is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm (free of charge) until Labor Day. Call 617-635-2120 for updated information.

Before or after dipping in the pond, check out the awesome Frog Pond Park two steps away. This terrific playground has lots of cool structures to explore, including what my yummy niece called the “frog potty” (frog sculpture holding a life preserver).

Tired of the local park? Then head over to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln. The meticulous grounds instill a sense of peace, and parents and babes alike will delight in the giant sculptures, elevated rock garden, and mini-waterfall pathway. The enormous Trojan Piggy Bank (pictured) no doubt will impress guests of all ages.

The Sculpture Park is open year round during daylight hours. Admission is charged during Museum Gallery operating hours only (Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 5pm; $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, and children ages 6-12; children 5 and under are admitted free). Outside of these times, access to the Sculpture Park is free. DeCordova Members, Lincoln residents, and Active Duty Military Personnel and their dependents are admitted free at all times. See the Hours & Admissions info page for further information.

The DeCordova also offers family-oriented educational programming to introduce kids to visual arts.

Decordova Museum & Sculpture Park, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, Tel: 781-259-8355

Tired of the local park? Then head over to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln. The meticulous grounds instill a sense of peace, and parents and babes alike will delight in the giant sculptures, elevated rock garden, and mini-waterfall pathway. The enormous Trojan Piggy Bank (pictured) no doubt will impress guests of all ages.

The Sculpture Park is open year round during daylight hours. Admission is charged during Museum Gallery operating hours only (Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 5pm; $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, and children ages 6-12; children 5 and under are admitted free). Outside of these times, access to the Sculpture Park is free. DeCordova Members, Lincoln residents, and Active Duty Military Personnel and their dependents are admitted free at all times. See the Hours & Admissions info page for further information.

The DeCordova also offers family-oriented educational programming to introduce kids to visual arts.

Decordova Museum & Sculpture Park, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, Tel: 781-259-8355