After the snow melts, the air warms up, the birds start chirping again, and the flowers begin to bloom, you know it's that time of the year again -- spring! After a long cold and dreary winter, we welcome the signs of spring with open arms. If you're looking for the best things to do in Massachusetts in spring, here are 15 places and activities to get you started!
Flower Blooms In Massachusetts
One of the things most of us look forward to in spring is seeing the flowers start to bloom. It's a surefire sign that winter is over and spring has arrived! With colorful blossoms dotting the landscapes, whether in a field or the woods or at a flower farm, the sight certainly puts smiles on our faces.
Location: Norwell, MA
Popularity: Very popular in the spring.
Price: $28 per ticket for a 45-minute time slot. Children under 10 are free.
From mid-to-late April, this colorful farm offers you-pick tulip events as well as other you-pick flowers throughout the spring and summer. You are allowed 45 minutes in the field to cut your flowers and take those Instagram-worthy shots. It's one of the most fun things to do in Massachusetts in spring.
Location: Dartmouth, MA
Popularity: This reserve is most popular during the spring when the daffodils are in bloom.
Price: $5/person
Looking for cheap things to do in Massachusetts in spring? The daffodil fields at Parsons Reserve are a must! People from all over New England flock here to see the vibrant yellow flowers dotting the landscape. It's quite a happy sight!
Location: Boston, MA
Popularity: Very popular year-round/
Price: Open to the public; no fee.
Head to Harvard's Arnold Arboretum to marvel at the cherry blossoms in bloom throughout the park's 281 acres. The Japanese cherry blossoms here signal the arrival of spring in the most magical way.
Botanical Gardens In Massachusetts
One of the best places to guarantee seeing flowers is at a botanical garden, and the Bay State certainly has several remarkable ones. If you love to see different flowers as well as learn about them, head to one of the following botanical gardens this spring:
Location: Boylston, MA
Popularity: This is one of the most popular botanical gardens in New England.
Price: $19/adult; $16/senior (age 65+); $8/dog; children age 3 and under are free.
The 171-acre New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is home to a mansion, greenhouses, gardens, and trails to see it all! Throughout the year, you. can enjoy the conservatory filled with plants and flowers, but when spring arrives, you must see the vibrant flowers in the expertly-manicured gardens. It's certainly worth taking a day trip here especially if you're looking for family things to do in Massachusetts in spring.
Location: Stockbridge, MA
Popularity: This botanical garden is busiest when there's an event.
Price: $18/adult; $16/senior (65+); Free for members and children under 12.
At only 15 acres, Berkshire Botanical Garden may be small but that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting. Home to 3,000 species of plants and flowers, there's certainly a lot packed into a small space. This is also one of the oldest botanical gardens in New England, open since 1934.
Location: Sandwich, MA
Popularity: This is a very popular attraction on Cape Cod.
Price: $22/adult; $12/child ages 3-17; kids 2 and under are free.
Heritage Museums & Gardens is open for the season between mid-April and mid-October, and it's an absolute gem on Cape Cod, one of the top getaway destinations in New England! Throughout its 100 acres are stunning manicured gardens as well as shrubs and trees, nature trails, and its famous North American Hydrangea Test Garden.
Parks To Visit In Massachusetts This Spring
Whether it's a state, national, city, or town park, these green spaces certainly come alive after the snow melts and gives way to the new season. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, or just sitting on a bench listening to the birds, here are a few parks to consider visiting during the spring season:
Location: Boston, MA
Popularity: Very popular for locals and tourists alike,
Price: No cost
Did you know that the first public park in America is right here in Boston? That's right! The 50-acre Boston Common debuted in 1634 and has been going strong ever since. Across from the Boston Common is the Boston Public Garden. Each one has walking paths as well as gardens and other attributes for all to enjoy for free! These two oases in the city are among the best free things to do in Massachusetts in spring.
Location: Newburyport, MA
Popularity: This is a relatively. popular park when the weather is warm.
Price: Daily parking fees: $5/MA resident and $20/non-resident.
If you're looking for family things to do in Massachusetts in spring, you can't go wrong with a state park. There are 16 miles of trails to explore the park and you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.
Location: Leominster, MA
Popularity: This is a popular community park for residents of Leominster.
Price: No cost
Grab the family and head to the park...Doyle Community Park, that is! With ball fields, a recreation. center, a playground, and more, this 32-acre park is full of fun things to do in Massachusetts in spring!
Spring Hikes In Massachusetts
When spring arrives it's time to head outdoors to make up for all the time spent indoors during winter! Go out, get some fresh air, and exercise on one of these spring hikes in Massachusetts:
Location: Granby, MA
Popularity: The trails here are fairly popular.
Price: Free parking at the park entrance.
Take the 3.4-mile Mount Norwottuck loop trail at Mount Holyoke Range State Park to see wildflowers as you hike. Spring is certainly the perfect time to see flowers in bloom here! The trail ascends to the summit of Mt. Norwottuck where you can take in epic views! Learn more about Mount Norwottuck.
Location: Hingham, MA
Popularity: This amazing park is quite popular, especially starting in early April as the weather starts to warm.
Price: Free for Trustees members; $10/non-member.
This is one of my favorite places in Massachusetts! Not only is it picture-perfect but you can take in views of the. Boston city skyline from across the water. The hiking here is quite easy and there's a beach, trees, wildlife, and flowers here as well. It's a wonderful park to enjoy during the spring. Learn more about the World's End.
Location: Hudson, MA
Popularity: This is a popular hiking trail.
Price: No cost
At 1.2 miles, the Danforth Falls Loop Trail is rated easy and will take just over 30 minutes to hike. The best part of this hike is the waterfall! Best seen after the snowmelt in early spring, set aside enough time to truly appreciate its power and beauty.
Spring Picnic Spots In Massachusetts
Whether you're looking for romantic things to do in Massachusetts in spring or you want to enjoy nature while dining al fresco, picnicking is the way to go. So, pack a picnic basket and head to one of the many picnic spots around the state!
Location: Pittsfield, MA
Popularity: Fairly popular among locals.
Price: No fee
Owned by the city of Pittsfield, the 617-acre Lake Onota is one of the bluest lakes in the state. While you can go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing, consider taking a date here and having a picnic lakeside. It's one of the most romantic things to do in Massachusetts in spring.
Location: Florence, MA
Popularity: This is a very popular park for all to enjoy.
Price: Vehicle parking: $5 Monday-Thursday; $10 Friday-Sunday and holidays.
With plenty of picnic tables at this private, non-profit park, picnicking here is a must! On the property, there's also a wildlife center, pedal boats, a steamer train, mini golf, a water spray park, tennis, pickleball, and more. There's even an event center with live music during the warmer months.
Location: Methuen, MA
Popularity: This is a small hidden gem park that's worth visiting.
Price: No fee
At just 24 acres, Greycourt State Park might be small but it certainly packs a punch in what it has to offer. The focus of this park is the castle ruins. Right by the castle is a manicured lawn, a perfect place to lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a meal with views and nature. What could be better?
These Massachusetts spring activities and places are sure to put a *spring* in your step this year! Do you have anything else to add to this list of the best things to do in Massachusetts in spring? Please mention them to us and your fellow readers in the comments. Happy spring!
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