Franklin Park Zoo is a delight for Boston visitors—from zebras to giraffes, it delivers big-time on animal magic. But once you’ve said hello to all the creatures, the neighborhood still has plenty more to offer—at absolutely no cost. Whether you fancy quiet green spaces, historic local landmarks, or cultural snapshots of Boston life, the areas around Franklin Park will keep your adventure going without dipping into your travel fund. Let’s set off to explore the best free things to do near Franklin Park Zoo—grab your curiosity and maybe some walking shoes, because the fun continues just beyond the zoo gates.
Our favorite free things to do near Franklin Park Zoo include:
- Franklin Park Playstead & Overlook
- Shattuck Picnic Grove and Wilderness
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
- The William Devine Golf Course Walking Paths
- Scarboro Pond
- Frederick Law Olmsted’s “Ellicott Arch”
- Jamaica Pond
- Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists Grounds
- Egleston Square Public Art Tour
- Southwest Corridor Park
Franklin Park Playstead & Overlook
Right next to the Franklin Park Zoo, the Playstead bustles with local energy. It’s the neighborhood’s unofficial outdoor living room, hosting everything from baseball games to picnics. If you crave open sky and people-watching after animal-spotting, this is your go-to spot. Families flock here for the playground and wide fields that invite frisbee games or soccer matches. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a local festival or performance—many are open to the public and charge nothing for admission!
Make your way up to the Overlook, a gentle rise offering a rare, sweeping view of Boston’s varied skyline peeking over the treetops. Bring a snack and sprawl on the grass while the city hums in the distance. Whether you want to let kids burn off post-zoo energy or just stretch your legs, the Playstead and Overlook deliver a slice of classic Boston park life—and it’s all right next to the main event.
Shattuck Picnic Grove and Wilderness
When you’re ready to get away from the crowds, step a little farther into Franklin Park. The Shattuck Picnic Grove feels worlds away from the hustle, even though it’s just a short walk from the zoo’s entrance. Shaded by stately trees and ringed by woodland trails, this area is perfect for a no-cost picnic or a quiet hour lost in a book.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the nearby “Wilderness”—a sprawling stretch of wild forest designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Winding trails ramble up rocky hills and down into shady dales, with honking geese and chattering songbirds for company. You’ll spot locals out for their daily stroll, ambitious trail runners powering up the rocks, and nature lovers with binoculars pointed at the treetops. This pocket of untamed green feels like an adventure, no park ticket required.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Fancy some botanical beauty? Head just a mile or so west to the Arnold Arboretum, one of Boston’s greatest free treasures. Open every day and crammed with rare trees and flowering shrubs, this living museum is a feast for the senses no matter the season. Visit in spring for clouds of cherry blossoms and rhododendrons; soak up the fiery reds and yellows of autumn; or wander among snowy pines in winter.
The Arboretum’s friendly staff sometimes lead free walking tours, too—check their website for dates if you want to deepen your plant knowledge. With acres to roam and scenery that changes every week, this classic Boston spot keeps locals and tourists coming back.
The William Devine Golf Course Walking Paths
Not a golfer? No worries. The William Devine Golf Course, tucked right inside Franklin Park, offers more than perfect greens for professionals. Outside of tee times, its scenic walking paths welcome strollers, joggers, and bird watchers. Follow the park’s perimeter for a relaxing ramble, taking in rolling lawns and huge old trees planted over a century ago.
Dawn and dusk are especially magical, when the dew glints on the grass and the city feels miles away. And it’s all open for free wanderings—just be mindful of active golfers!
Scarboro Pond
Scarboro Pond is Franklin Park’s serene heart—a little pocket of tranquility ringed by waving reeds. Locals come here to walk dogs, picnic beside the water, or admire the ducks and turtles gliding under the dappled shade.
Pack a lunch (or save your zoo snacks), find a sun-warmed picnic table, and watch the world go by. You might spot turtles lining up on logs, or see a quiet canoe cutting across the pond’s glassy surface. In the spring and fall, the surrounding trees put on quite a show, reflected perfectly in the peaceful water. Nature photographers love this spot for its constantly changing light and wildlife cameos. Scarboro Pond is a classic Boston retreat—without crowds, tickets, or any fuss.
Frederick Law Olmsted’s “Ellicott Arch”
Franklin Park is brimming with historic charm, much of it thanks to its creator, Frederick Law Olmsted. One of the most delightful surprises here is Ellicott Arch—a stone bridge buried in the woods right near the zoo’s edge. The design dates to the 1890s, and its graceful arches make you feel like you’ve stumbled into an old-world fairy tale.
Exploring this corner of the park means winding along leafy paths as rays of sunlight filter through the trees. Ellicott Arch itself is a favorite for photos—especially in autumn, when the stone glows beneath piles of red and gold leaves. Pause here for a family portrait or a moment of quiet reflection. Tucked away from the main traffic, this spot holds a gentle magic you’d never guess is hiding so close to the city bustle.
Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond
A short drive (or a scenic walk) from the zoo brings you to Jamaica Pond, a sparkling urban reservoir much loved by Bostonians. Gravel paths hug the curved shoreline, drawing runners, bikers, kite flyers, and dog walkers in every season. In the summer, the grassy banks burst with families picnicking, artists sketching the water, and kids rolling down the gentle slopes.
Take a lap around the pond for postcard-perfect views, or claim a bench and spot rowboats gliding across the blue. Jamaica Pond’s open, easygoing vibe makes it an oasis for both relaxing and people-watching. It’s a local favorite for a reason, and you don’t need a penny to enjoy it.
Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists Grounds
Mattapan and Roxbury, just minutes from Franklin Park, are at the heart of Boston’s vibrant Black history and culture. While museum admission isn’t always free, the grounds of the National Center of Afro-American Artists often host outdoor art installations and striking public sculptures. The gardens and entry plaza are open to the public, offering a memorable introduction to Boston’s diverse artistic scene.
Admire larger-than-life bronze works and powerful murals celebrating African and African American heritage. There’s always something new to discover, from pop-up mini galleries to outdoor pieces. During community or festival days, you might even catch a free performance or open-air art event—blending cultural pride with creative energy, just a short stroll from Franklin Park’s leafy walks.
Egleston Square Public Art Tour
No trip to greater Boston is complete without a dose of local street art, and Egleston Square delivers. This lively spot between Jamaica Plain and Roxbury bursts with colorful murals, mosaic benches, and even sidewalk poetry. Print a free “art walk” map online, or simply follow your eyes and see what you discover.
Local artists have transformed utility boxes into bright visual stories and decorated alleyways with murals that celebrate neighborhood history and creativity. Wander down Washington Street or explore community gardens and pocket parks—there’s something fresh on almost every block. Bring your camera, chat with locals, and experience this urban gallery that channels the city’s pulse—completely free.
Southwest Corridor Park
Stretching from Forest Hills to Back Bay, the Southwest Corridor Park is a green beltway with something for everyone. Entry points near Franklin Park give access to miles of multi-use paths—perfect for runners, cyclists, dog-walkers, and rollerbladers escaping city noise. Along the way, you’ll find vibrant community gardens, shady benches for people-watching, and murals bursting with local flavor.
The park also serves as a linear playground, with fitness stations and gathering spots along the route. Musical jam sessions, street chess, and spontaneous sports games often pop up in the grassy areas. Relax with a book, get your steps in, or simply take in the urban-meets-natural scenery—all completely free.
Discovering Franklin Park’s surroundings turns a zoo adventure into a day full of surprises, stories, and local flavor. From lush gardens to vibrant murals, historical gems, and quiet ponds, you’ll find more than enough free things to do to fill your Boston itinerary—and your camera roll!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Franklin Park Zoo or Things to Do with Kids in Boston
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