Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum and public park along the Arborway, free and open daily, with paved paths past 15,000 curated plants up to Peters Hill's skyline view; it's a botanical collection first, not a recreation park, so don't expect playgrounds or ballfields.
What to expect
Entry fee
Free to enter the grounds; no admission charge
Hours
Grounds open daily dawn to dusk, free. Hunnewell Building Visitor Center: weekdays 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday noon-4pm
Accessibility
Peters Hill is accessible via the Walter Street Gate; visitors with accessibility needs may request a weekday driving permit online to reach the hilltop. An ADA-accessible path connects Forest Hills Station to the original South Street…
Managed by
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
617-384-5454 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Restroom
Hunnewell Building Visitor Center
Hunnewell Building Visitor Center
Exhibits, gift shop, maps, children's activities, horticultural library, staff assistance
Not here
No picnic area
No formal picnic shelter; picnicking on the lawns is generally tolerated but not a built facility
No concessions
No on-site food concession beyond the gift shop
Common questions
Is there a playground or splash pad?
No. The Arboretum is a botanical research collection and public park, not a recreation park, and does not have a playground or splash pad.
Yes, free street parking is available along the Arborway, Flora Way, and Walter Street; there is no paid lot.
Where do I park at Arnold Arboretum?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Arnold Arboretum?
Yes, Free to enter the grounds; no admission charge
Is Arnold Arboretum wheelchair accessible?
Peters Hill is accessible via the Walter Street Gate; visitors with accessibility needs may request a weekday driving permit online to reach the hilltop. An ADA-accessible path connects Forest Hills Station to the original South Street…
What rules should I know at Arnold Arboretum?
No bikes off paved roads/paths (bikes permitted on the main paved paths only).
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.