Neighborhood Parks and Open Space Gems

Cambridge’s parks system ranges from small tot lots to large reservation areas, and includes a variety of City parks, as well as state reservations managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and even open spaces on private land that are open to all. We’re highlighting some neighborhood gems, local favorites, and hidden treasures across the City that speak to the diversity of parks in Cambridge.

Check out the City’s recently updated interactive Parks and Open Space map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ae62c3d695b64d9f8d5bd93ee493c218/

1. Alewife Brook Reservation

Alewife Brook Reservation is an urban wild of wooded wetlands with winding trails, just steps from the Alewife MBTA Station. Visit the Little River Observation Deck to learn how a nature-based wetland was built with native plants to help clean stormwater and reduce flooding as part of a 2013 Cambridge flood and sewer management project.

2. Cemeteries – Cambridge Cemetery & Mount Auburn Cemetery

Wander the peaceful paths of Mount Auburn Cemetery and Cambridge Cemetery for a stroll through history and nature on the Cambridge-Watertown border. Founded in 1831, Mount Auburn was the first landscaped "garden" cemetery in the United States, and its 175 acres feel more like a botanical park than a graveyard. Just next door, Cambridge Cemetery offers similar walks among Victorian-era monuments and mature trees with fewer crowds. Notable burials include museum founder Isabella Stewart Gardner at Mount Auburn and baseball Hall of Famer "Smiling Tim" Keefe at Cambridge Cemetery.

3. Sacramento Field

This tucked-away Baldwin neighborhood park features a walking loop and pockets of play around the edges. The central, grassy field is a favorite locale for dogs to play during morning off leash hours, while the community garden and basketball court attract activity throughout the day.

4. Alexander Kemp Playground at the Cambridge Common

This creative playground is a notable destination inside a historical park of Cambridge. Walk the tree-lined paths to this playground and see several play sculptures, created by artist and woodworker Mitch Ryerson, that spur kids’ imaginations. The playground encourages movement of all sorts—climbing, swinging, spinning, sliding—as well as hands-on sand and water play.

5. Franklin Street Park

This park located just outside of both Harvard and Central Squares is an oasis that provides contrast from those bustling squares. Marked by a dramatic entry gate by artist Murray Dewart (one of four pieces at the site), this award-winning green space offers pockets of seating surrounded by greenery and a full tree canopy.

6. Magazine Beach

Magazine Beach is one of several parks along the Charles River and Memorial Drive. This State park includes an outdoor gym, open fields for sports or enjoying a picnic, and

a walking path along the river’s edge. A canoe and kayak launch point allows visitors to get out onto the river to paddle. Mass Audobon operates a Nature Center at the park’s historic Powder Magazine building from spring through fall, and in the summer, you can go for a swim at the Veteran’s Memorial Pool.

7. Greene-Rose Heritage Park

This Port neighborhood park includes a playground and splash pad, community garden, and an open field with morning dog hours. The park also features one of Cambridge’s newest Miyawaki micro forests. It’s a great place to play a game of tennis or pickleball (the court supports either) or interact with several pieces in Cambridge’s public art collection.

8. Richard McKinnon State Park (and Lynch Skatepark)

Formerly North Point Park, this State park was recently renamed after developer and lifelong Cambridge resident Richard McKinnon, whose work led to the creation of this park. The park features a playground, splash pad, and seating along the river with views of the Zakim Bridge and Boston skyline. The adjacent Lynch Skatepark is an exciting destination for skateboarders, BMX riders, and roller skaters. The nearby EF Education First building includes restrooms open to the public.

9. Hurley Street Park

This East Cambridge gem includes play spaces and waterplay, a community garden, and a center stage area for kids to channel their inner performer. Swinging benches along the park’s artistic fence provide a comfortable spot for conversations with friends, or to rock an infant to sleep while their older sibling plays nearby.

10. Cooper Square Park

This playground located steps from Central Square is a favorite among Mid-Cambridge families. In addition to swings, slides, and a splash pad, this park has — according to one staff member’s son — “the best toys.” And while we haven’t conducted a survey to confirm that claim, it does speak to the ways that neighbors all over the City build community through our parks, as places to share and play together.

11. Urban Park (UP) Roof Garden

Located on the roof of the Kendall Center garage, this POPS (Privately Owned Public Space) is open to all. The roof garden includes a pickleball court, tables and chairs, and lounge seating, as well as vegetable garden beds. Take the staircase on Main Street, or elevators in the garage up to the roof to check out one of their public programs or just relax.

12. POPS at Broad Canal

The open spaces along Broad Canal Way are examples of POPS – Privately Owned Public Spaces – open to everyone regardless of whether you bring your lunch, shop at the seasonal farmer’s market, or just want to sit and enjoy a quiet moment. Negotiated as a community benefit from the nearby developments, you can enjoy a game of table tennis, stroll along the canal and river on the boardwalk—and if you want, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.