Activity Overview
Boston's Arnold Arboretum sits on a 281 acre site in the Jamaica Plains area of the city. The institution runs research and conservation programs and try to promote responsible treatment of the environment to the public. They do these by making their grounds free and open to the general public throughout the course of the year. Besides walking around the grounds there is plenty to do here like taking in an art show, visiting the Arboretum's library and photographing the local wildlife.
Things to Do
- You can start your trip at the Arboretum's visitor center. Located in the Hunnewell Building the center is home to an interesting archive of personal papers and insititutional records, a library that has extensive materials dedicated to the study of temperate woody plants and regular art shows which regularly exhibit the works of local artists.
- You can find out about a bunch of self-guided family activities you and your kids can enjoy on the website for the Arboretum. There are guided family walks led through the grounds of the Arboretum. Discovery packs can be gotten from the visitor's center and can be used by families to explore and learn about the grounds through fun self-guided activities.
Arnold Arboretum Insider Tips
- If you are a fan of lilacs this special flower is given its very own day of celebration every year at the Arnold Arboretum. On May 10th each year the Arboretum show off their impressive collection of lilacs while plenty of other family activities are organized.
- Come along in October to see the park's crabapples break out and bloom in an array of colors.
- The Hunnewell Building's visitor center and art exhibits are closed on Wednesdays throughout the year.
