Some of the most beautiful and most enjoyable things to do in Arlington may just be in the great outdoors.

You can hardly take a trip through Arlington without coming across the Minuteman Bikeway. This trail, a member of the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began in 1775. Today, of course, it’s used for more modern and varied purposes like biking, walking, running, and commuting.

The Minuteman Bikeway not only travels from one end of Arlington to the other, but it also connects the nearby towns of Bedford, Lexington, and Cambridge — even providing pedestrian access right to the Alewife MBTA station in Cambridge. With the entire town of Arlington covering only 5.5 square miles, nothing is ever far from the bikeway. It’s a great way to not only get outside and get some exercise but also to explore the town.

There’s also a smaller offshoot of the Bikeway that visitors can explore, the Alewife Brook Greenway. This great biking and walking path provides additional options for recreation and a path that connects with routes to Davis Square in Somerville and Harvard Square and Fresh Pond in Cambridge.

Arlington is a bicycle friendly community and has 6 Bluebike stations located throughout town.

Town of Arlington MA Website | My Local MA Getaway

Arlington’s many beautiful parks are home to a ton of recreational activities. The view of the Boston skyline from Robbins Farm Park makes that park a popular attraction. You can enjoy the grassy hillside or claim one of the picnic tables and enjoy the view. Robbins Farm Park also offers a huge playground that’s a kid favorite. In the summer, this park is home to Arlington’s 4th of July celebration and summertime movie series. In the winter, you’ll find kids making the most of the big hill for sledding.

Magnolia Park is home to some of Arlington’s sports fields, as well as one of the town’s community gardens. There’s a multi-purpose field for soccer, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, and other sports, as well as a dog park, basketball half-court and volleyball setups in the summer months. This park is a short walk from the Alewife MBTA station and offers easy access to the Minuteman Bikeway with ample off-street parking and a large picnic area.

Arlington’s Spy Pond is the perfect spot if you’re looking to get out on the water. There’s a public boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other watercraft. The Arlington Boys & Girls Club has a host of activities to do and is located at the edge of the pond. There are also tennis courts nearby, a playground, and a picnic area. Of course, you can also just walk around the edge of the pond and take in the lovely, calming views.

If you’re looking for more of a hike in the woods, Menotomy Rocks Park in Arlington is just the spot for outdoor activities. With 35.5 acres of woodland, this public park is a special spot in town that is perfect for a relaxing hike. You can spend countless hours roaming the trails and make your way around the 3-acre pond.

In the summer months, you can cool off in Arlington at Reservoir Beach. Along with swimming there are walking trails and a playground. A new bathhouse and snack bar will help to make your beach day in Arlington a breeze.

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