The oldest public park in the United States (1634), a 50-acre downtown green anchored by the Frog Pond (summer spray pool, winter skating), Tadpole Playground, and rotating off-leash dog zones, with the Freedom Trail running through it.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot paid, hourly/daily
Entry fee
Park is free; Frog Pond ice skating in winter has a fee, spray pool in summer is free
Hours
Parks open 6:30am and close 11pm; pedestrian pass-through access is available 24 hours
Accessibility
Mostly walkable paths but some areas have stairs and slopes; Visitor Information Center on the Common can route an accessible path, and major accessible-path upgrades are planned for coming years to replace cracked sidewalks
Ice-Skating
Allowed winter, fee-based
Managed by
Boston Parks and Recreation Department, with Friends of the Public Garden as programming partner
617-635-4505 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Costpaid, hourly/daily
What's here
On site
Playground
Tadpole Playground, adjacent to Frog Pond, installed 2002
Restroom
Frog Pond bathhouse
Frog Pond bathhouse concession stand
Changing rooms
Frog Pond bathhouse has lockers and a changing area
Common questions
Is the Frog Pond open in winter?
Yes, it becomes a fee-based ice skating rink; in summer it's a free spray pool open daily 11am-6pm until Labor Day.
Where do I park at Boston Common?
Paid lot (paid, hourly/daily).
Is there an entry fee at Boston Common?
Yes, Park is free; Frog Pond ice skating in winter has a fee, spray pool in summer is free
Can I bring my dog to Boston Common?
Dogs are allowed. Leash rules and clean-up requirements usually apply, so check posted signs.
Is Boston Common wheelchair accessible?
Mostly walkable paths but some areas have stairs and slopes; Visitor Information Center on the Common can route an accessible path, and major accessible-path upgrades are planned for coming years to replace cracked sidewalks
What rules should I know at Boston Common?
No intoxicating liquor in public parks. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet except in designated off-leash zones.
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