Get some Fresh Air in Millennium Park
West Roxbury’s suburban landscape helps residents escape the big city feel of living in Boston. Yet, sometimes you might just need to get away and find a little extra peace and quiet. What’s better for a relaxing escape than a network of natural beauty? You don’t have to drive all the way out of the Greater Boston Area to find the respite you need. Escape the big city in West Roxbury’s Millennium Park.
Once home to the trash of many, Millennium Park is now the treasure of an entire town. This 100-acre park used to be the site of a landfill. It was reclaimed and reopened as a community recreational facility and is now home to fun-loving families, outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike.
Walk The Trails
Most people don’t think of Boston as a destination to go hiking or walking. But in West Roxbury at Millennium Park, anyone can enjoy about 6 miles of walking trails. The trails are handicap accessible and provide views well worth the workout.
One of the trails will even take you through Brook Farm, the historical site of a utopian society experimenting with communal living in the 1840s. So while you’re on your walk you can also see where the ideas of Transcendentalism captured Nathaniel Hawthorne!
Capture the Moment
Walking a web of trails might not be your style, but who doesn’t love a great view? Millennium Park is more than just a haven for activity lovers. You can go to simply get a taste of the diverse views of Greater Boston. From Millennium Park you can see Downtown Boston, Newton’s Hills and Blue Hills. Not to mention the people watching potential. That’s always fun.
Because of the beautiful landscape and scenery, not only would you never guess this park was once a landfill, but you will also find that it is a great place for a photo shoot. Gather the family for a family portrait or just grab a camera and see what you can capture.
For the Kids
Kids require more than just a great view to stay occupied most of the time, and they will find what they like at Millennium Park too. From sports to general kid-friendly outdoor equipment, parents can take their children to Millennium Park for a full day of entertainment.
Aside from the multitude of sports available through local leagues, you and your kids can enjoy sports facilities like a softball field and basketball court. There’s also a tot spray for those hot summer days where your kids can cool off while you relax in the shade.
Water Sports
The Charles River has several locations to rent and launch a canoe, and Millennium Park is one area that is accessible via canoe. From Millennium Park, you can paddle between the canoe docks in Nahanton Park and Millennium Park for a multi-park experience.
Not Into the Park? Try the Jim Roche Community Arena
Not everyone wants to be outside all the time, and we understand that. Plus, Boston is notorious for bitter-cold snow storms. That means that there MUST be some sort of indoor activities available as well. In West Roxbury you can also visit the Jim Roche Community Arena for all kinds of fun on the ice.
If you’ve never been ice skating before, don’t worry! You can learn to skate at the arena through one of their programs. You can also make reservations to have a party. It’s a great venue for all kinds of parties, especially for kids. The arena also has a figure skating club, public skating, private ice time, and hockey programs.
Battle it Out at Laser Quest
Are you ever really “too old” for laser tag? The correct answer, by the way, is no. You’re not. However, you can just not be a fan of laser tag. In which case, this bullet point is not for you. But for those who love the thrill of gunning down their friends with lasers in a dark room filled with obstacles… Check out Laser Quest in West Roxbury.
Whether or not you are a kid, have kids, or you’re just an adult looking for something to do, Laser Quest has plenty for you to do. You can just enjoy hanging out with your friends during regular open hours or reserve a space for birthday parties or special occasions. They even host corporate team building events! That sounds way better than a trip to a lake to do trust falls, right?
Hit the Town Instead
There’s always dinner and a show in Boston! If you have kids, drop them off at a local daycare and hit the town with your friends or significant other. If you don’t, just go out! There is a ton of local history, food and entertainment to take advantage of.
For dinner in West Roxbury, there are plenty of places to choose from. Some of the best include the Corrib Pub, an Irish style gastropub. You will also find West on Centre, Sofia’s, Thai Spice, and much more in the area to enjoy a great dining experience.
West Roxbury is filled with plenty of entertainment for all seasons. Whether you want to enjoy a little time outdoors, carve up the ice, battle it out with your friends in laser tag, or catch a show in Boston, you will find plenty to do. What are your favorite local activities?
