A 40-acre formal garden park bordered by North Elm Street, Woodlawn Avenue, and Prospect Street, built up over three decades by Charles and Annie Childs starting in 1915. An Italian-style garden house looks over the rose garden, and the grounds also hold two ponds, open lawns, and pine woods with tall ferns.
What to expect
Trails
Informal walking paths loop the lawns, ponds, and gardens; no mapped mileage published
Entry fee
Northampton has no parking sticker program for its parks. No pass required. checked Jul 24, 2026
Dogs
Leashed per the citywide dog ordinance; no park-specific rule is published
Hours
City parks, playgrounds, and recreation fields are open 7am to 9pm April through October, 7am to 7pm November through March. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
Managed by
Childs Park Foundation
413-584-1991 · WebsiteWorth knowing
- The park was Sylvia Plath's self-described favorite place in America; her mother Aurelia grew up nearby.
Common questions
Is there an entry fee at Childs Park?
Northampton has no parking sticker program for its parks. No pass required.
Can I bring my dog to Childs Park?
Leashed per the citywide dog ordinance; no park-specific rule is published