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Community Volunteer Day in Franklin Park

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department's Urban Wilds Division is inviting you to join us in removing non-native plant species and build habitat walls at our first volunteer event of the year!

April 18, 2026
Event Date2026-04-18T10:00:00 - 2026-04-18T12:00:00

This natural area is home to beautiful rock outcrops, heritage trees, and attractions like the Bear Dens. However, it needs our help to stay healthy and remain an important park for us and future generations. We hope that by bringing people together to work towards restoring the ecological health of the Long Crouch Woods, we can showcase this area's beauty and potential.

Urban Wilds Volunteer Day Photo

For this event, there is no experience necessary! The focus is to clean up trash and glass from the site, clean up trails, remove invasive understory plants, and build habitat walls with the brush generated; all of which are done to improve overall forest health and increase visibility into the woods. There will be lots of learning opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds. 

Urban Wilds Volunteer Day Photo

The event will happen, rain or shine. We will cancel in the case of extreme weather such as thunderstorms. Staff will provide all the tools, supplies, and instruction needed for the project(s). Please dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as well as wearing closed toe shoes. We recommend participants bring their own water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. All ages are welcome, we just ask to note if any children will be joining for the day!

For the understory plant removal aspect, expect to be utilizing hand cutting tools like loppers and pruners, moving brush, raking, and maybe even kneeling/crouching. Please let us know in the form if you have any special accommodations or needs in order to joyfully participate!

There is limited street parking near the entrance we are meeting at,  but it can be limited, so we also encourage you to bike, walk, or take public transit. There is also public parking at the Playstead and Giraffe Gate of the zoo, which is about a 10 minute walk to the school street entrance.

We hope to see you there, and we would also love to hear your ideas for future projects! Be sure to fill out our Google Form to sign up.

Urban Wilds Volunteer Day Photo

April 18, 2026
Event Date2026-04-18T10:00:00 - 2026-04-18T12:00:00

Emerald Necklace Walking Tour

Join the Boston Park Rangers as we offer FREE environmental education through guided tours and nature-based programming intended for ALL AGES. 

September 20, 2026
Event Date2026-09-20T10:00:00 - 2026-09-20T16:00:00

Walk the legendary Emerald Necklace from Boston Common to Franklin Park. On this guided journey, follow the green ribbon designed by Frederick Law Olmsted as it winds through historic parks, scenic waterways, and hidden landscapes across the city. Discover the parks that connect Boston—one park at a time. Please bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes. There will be stops for restroom breaks and a 30-minute lunch break (lunch is not provided). 

  • Meeting location will be outside the Boston Common Visitor Center located at 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
  • Ending location will be at the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park located at 1 Circuit Dr, Boston, MA 02121
  • For ages 15+
  • Registration is not required at this time

For more information visit the Boston Park Rangers homepage or call (617) 635-7383.

 

September 20, 2026
Event Date2026-09-20T10:00:00 - 2026-09-20T16:00:00

Stable Tour

Join the Boston Park Rangers as we offer FREE environmental education through guided tours and nature-based programming intended for ALL AGES. 

September 3, 2026
Event Date2026-09-03T16:00:00 - 2026-09-03T17:30:00

Join the Boston Park Rangers on a tour of our stable as we introduce you to our equine partners. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how the Boston Park Rangers operate their stable.

  • Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes
  • For all ages 
  • Tour length 1 - 1.5 hours
  • Parking is available onsite

For more information visit the Boston Park Rangers homepage.

 

September 3, 2026
Event Date2026-09-03T16:00:00 - 2026-09-03T17:30:00

Franklin Park Ruins Tour

Join the Boston Park Rangers as we offer FREE environmental education through guided tours and nature-based programming intended for ALL AGES. 

August 8, 2026
Event Date2026-08-08T14:00:00 - 2026-08-08T15:00:00

Explore the hidden history of Franklin Park on a guided walking tour through its forgotten ruins. Discover overgrown stonework, lost structures, and the stories behind the park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Perfect for curious locals, history lovers, and urban explorers. Uncover the secrets hiding in Boston’s largest park.

  • Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes
  • For ages 15+
  • Event time range 1 - 1.5 hours

For more information visit the Boston Park Rangers homepage.

 

August 8, 2026
Event Date2026-08-08T14:00:00 - 2026-08-08T15:00:00

Jamaica Pond Walking Tour

Join the Boston Park Rangers as we offer FREE environmental education through guided tours and nature-based programming intended for ALL AGES. 

July 11, 2026
Event Date2026-07-11T14:00:00 - 2026-07-11T15:00:00

Join a guided Nature Walk led by a Boston Park Ranger, and explore Jamaica Pond and its inhabitants. Discover local wildlife, plant life, and the history that shaped our parks into what we enjoy today! It's a perfect way to slow down and connect with nature this Summer. 

  • Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes
  • Ideal for ages 12+
  • Tour length 1 -  1.5 hours

For more information visit the Boston Park Rangers homepage.

 

July 11, 2026
Event Date2026-07-11T14:00:00 - 2026-07-11T15:00:00

Commonwealth Ave. Mall Walking Tour

Join the Boston Park Rangers as we offer FREE environmental education through guided tours and nature-based programming intended for ALL AGES. 

June 13, 2026
Event Date2026-06-13T11:00:00 - 2026-06-13T12:30:00

Step into history with a Boston Park Ranger and begin your journey at the statue of George Washington as we stroll the tree-lined greenway of Commonwealth Avenue Mall. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this guided walk reveals the powerful stories behind the Mall’s grand statues and memorials—from Civil War heroes to the figures who helped shape the nation. Discover the history hidden in plain sight along one of Boston’s most beautiful boulevards. 

  • Parking for this event will be at the Boston Common Parking Garage (0 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116)
  • Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes
  • Ideal for ages 15+

For more information visit the Boston Park Rangers homepage.

 

June 13, 2026
Event Date2026-06-13T11:00:00 - 2026-06-13T12:30:00

2026 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshops: Dorchester

Looking for a free, fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Join us this summer for one of our arts and crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist.

July 31, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from July 31, 2026, until August 14, 2026
  • Doherty-Gibson Playground
    1545 Dorchester Ave
    Boston , MA 02124
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-31T10:00:00 - 2026-07-31T12:00:00

Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday in July and August and run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided, but you'll need to bring your creativity! 

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is required for groups of 8 or more. Please email allison.singer2@boston.gov to register.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: InstagramFacebook, and Bluesky.

July 31, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from July 31, 2026, until August 14, 2026
  • Doherty-Gibson Playground
    1545 Dorchester Ave
    Boston , MA 02124
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-31T10:00:00 - 2026-07-31T12:00:00

2026 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshops: South End

Looking for a free, fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Join us this summer for one of our arts and crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist.

July 31, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from July 31, 2026, until August 14, 2026
  • ODay Playground
    75 W Newton Street
    Boston , MA 02118
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    South End
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-31T10:00:00 - 2026-07-31T12:00:00

Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday in July and August and run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided, but you'll need to bring your creativity! 

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is required for groups of 8 or more. Please email allison.singer2@boston.gov to register.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: InstagramFacebook, and Bluesky.

July 31, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from July 31, 2026, until August 14, 2026
  • ODay Playground
    75 W Newton Street
    Boston , MA 02118
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    South End
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-31T10:00:00 - 2026-07-31T12:00:00

2026 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshops: South Boston

Looking for a free, fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Join us this summer for one of our arts and crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist.

July 30, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from July 30, 2026, until August 13, 2026
  • Medal of Honor Playground
    775 E 1st Street
    Boston , MA 02127
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    South Boston
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-30T10:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday in July and August and run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided, but you'll need to bring your creativity! 

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is required for groups of 8 or more. Please email allison.singer2@boston.gov to register.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: InstagramFacebook, and Bluesky.

July 30, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from July 30, 2026, until August 13, 2026
  • Medal of Honor Playground
    775 E 1st Street
    Boston , MA 02127
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    South Boston
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-30T10:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

2026 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshops: Beacon Hill

Looking for a free, fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Join us this summer for one of our arts and crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist.

July 30, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from July 30, 2026, until August 13, 2026
  • Myrtle Street Playground
    50 Myrtle Street
    Boston , MA 02114
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-30T10:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday in July and August and run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided, but you'll need to bring your creativity! 

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is required for groups of 8 or more. Please email allison.singer2@boston.gov to register.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: InstagramFacebook, and Bluesky.

July 30, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from July 30, 2026, until August 13, 2026
  • Myrtle Street Playground
    50 Myrtle Street
    Boston , MA 02114
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-30T10:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00
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