Beaches - Fresh Water
Ponds & lakes of Boston are great for swimming and family summer fun
Enjoy fresh water swimming, boating, sailing programs, fishing , canoeing, kayaking and all day fun in and around Boston. Spring fed kettle ponds, lakes, and parks offer sandy beaches, some with concession stands, visitor’s centers, restrooms, telephones, first-aid stations and ramps to the water for disabled guests. The best part may be the nearby family friendly lodgings and dog friendly accommodations that welcome your favorite family friend.
Follow these links for : Lighthouses - Fishing Spots - Seaside Parks
4 listings
Milton, MA
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area
840 Hillside Street 617-698-1802Supervised swimming beach at this spring-fed kettle pond. Concession pavilion and Visitor’s Center open seasonally. Restrooms, telephones, and a first-aid station at the bathhouse on the beach. Lifeguards from late June through Labor Day. Handicapped ramp leads to the water.
Natick, MA
Cochituate State Park
43 Commonwealth Road 508-653-9641Picnicking and swimming are allowed only on the middle section of this long, segmented lake.
Hours (Summer): 8am - 8pm, bathrooms locked at 7pm.
Parking Fees (May-October): $8 for MA Residents; $30 for Out-of-State Residents
Ashland, MA
Ashland State Park
162 West Union Street 508 881-4092Ashland State Park is located on the large Ashland Reservoir. The park offers fresh water swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, bicycling and hiking. The park has a boat ramp. There is wheelchair access to the beach, bathhouse, picnic and hiking trails. There are no life guards.
Parking: Available mid-May to Labor Day, $8 daily for MA vehicles and $30 daily for out-of-state vehicles. - Trail Map (PDF).
Winchester, MA
Mystic Lakes
Between Route 3 and Mystic Valley Parkway 617-727-5380The Mystic Lakes offer swimming in fresh water at Sandy Beach, just off Mystic Valley Parkway. Sailing programs are offered at the Tufts University Boathouse. Upper Mystic Lake is for non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks), only. Lower Mystic Lake is for power boats.