COVID-19 has had us spending a lot of times indoors, so when it comes time to exercise, instead of going to a gym and spending more time indoors, go outside to a park and exercise. Boston and the surrounding cities have so many beautiful parks to choose from.

Jamaica Pond

You can find eight different parks that stretch over 7 miles and covers 1,100 acres along the Emerald Necklace. Those parks are the Boston Common, Franklin Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum, Olmstead Park, The Riverway, Back Bay Fens, and Commonwealth Ave Mall/Public Garden. They are all great parks with something different to offer. Like Jamaica Pond, it is a great place to run, walk, ride a bike and in the summer you can rent a row boat or kayak.

Chestnut Hill Reservation

In the Chestnut Hill area you can go to the Chestnut Hill Reservation. Here you will find a 1.5 mile loop that goes around the reservoir. Along with being able to walk, run or bike ride, you can go fishing or visit the Reilly Memorial Recreation Center to use the pool or go ice skating.

East Boston/Airport Waterfront

In East Boston you will find the East Boston/Airport Waterfront. The path takes you along the waterfront, with a great view of the Boston skyline. You will go past some docks and through Piers Park in Jefferies Point and continue down Marginal St. heading north and you will come to Constitution Beach in Orient Heights.

Esplanade on Charles River

Located in the Back Bay you can find an outdoor gym at the Esplanade on Charles River. It consists of pull up bars, incline benches and low bars to be able to do a core workout or some push ups. You can also run, bike ride, walk or rollarblade the path along the Charles.

Blue Hills Reservation

If you enjoy hiking or like taking a nature walk through the woods, then you should head to Milton to Blue Hills Reservation. You will find over 100 different trails to hike, walk or run. The trails go over hills, around Houghton’s and Ponkapoag Pond, past a swamp and through some marshland and there’s even an observation tower. Most trails are color coded with dots and numbers for you to follow. During the winter you can stop by and go skiing.

Castle Island

You can head over to South Boston and go to Castle Island. You can have a swim at Carson beach or do some squats, jumping jacks, push ups on the grass area then run, walk or bike ride the 1.84 mile path along the water and around the historical castle. It is the eighth generation of forts built on this site. The first fort was built in 1634 and was known as Castle Williams. Castle Williams was destroyed after the evacuation of the British in 1776 and another fort was reconstructed in its place and is known as Fort Independence.

6 Spots to Get Active Outside