The magical first snowfall. Hot cocoa by the fire. Holidays and festivities. Shoveling your car out of a few feet of snow in the bitter cold. All these things are synonymous with the wintertime, a special chapter of the year. This snowy period can make life a little more difficult on certain days, but also brings beautiful icy white landscapes and all sorts of enjoyable activities in the snow (shoveling is not one of them 🥶).
Sledding is one of those winter activities that brings much delight to adults and kids alike, and we’re here to help you locate fantastic places for sledding in Boston. So, when the snowflakes start coming down and sticking to the ground, try sledding on one of the many hills around town. Gather your favorite sled, bundle up, and get ready to experience a winter blast of fun by riding down the snowpack on one of the many hills in Boston.
Our Picks for Sledding Hills in the Boston Area
1) Robbins Farm Park in Arlington
One of our favorite parks in the Boston area, this classic outdoor spot has an amazing hill for sledding when the snow falls. Take in the breathtaking views of the Boston skyline at the top, especially on a crisp white winter day, and get ready for an exciting ride down to the bottom. The long hill offers a great angle for a faster cruise down the slope, which will surely bring hair-raising fun to everyone riding down.
2) Hynes Playground in West Roxbury
This fantastic neighborhood park is a popular location enjoyed by many throughout the year. With terrific basketball courts featured in our “Top 10 Basketball Courts in Boston” article, a wonderful playground, and a well-kept field bordered by a nice walking path, it’s easy to see why this outdoor space is well liked in the community. Some of these features might be out of reach during the wintertime, but after a fresh coat of snow, the sledding hill delivers much delight for families looking to take advantage of the wintry conditions. The two-part hill is separated by a walking path, but still offers a continuous journey down to the bottom. While not particularly long, the steeper incline ensures thrilling rides for kids of all ages. Adults can get in on the action too and experience the joy that sledding brings to all.
3) Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain
Most people that live in the city know Jamaica Pond is a lovely place to take a walk offering unique charm for every season. With snow on the ground and the pond frozen over during the coldest months of the year, it evolves to become an enchanting location for a wonderful winter stroll. If you’re seeking a higher level of chilly amusement than just a walk, the inverted hill on the north side of the pond, known as the “Sugar Bowl”, answers the call by providing one of the best places for sledding in Boston. With a few nicely slopped hills that meet in the middle, there is some serious snowy fun to be had.
4) Fallon Field in Roslindale
Fallon Field sits just minutes from Roslindale Village and is known for its iconic yellow and blue tube style slide that has given countless rides to kids big and small. Although the slide may be inaccessible during the frigid winter months, the fun doesn’t stop. With some frosty white powder on the grass, the sharply angled two-tier hill next to the playground packs a punch and turns into a top destination for local sledding thrill seekers. If the roads are clear, it’s certainly worth the drive for those coming from other parts of town to get in on the snowy action.
5) Prospect Hill Park in Waltham
The straightforward hill abutting the woods next to the pavilion at the back of the park turns into a prime sledding location with snowy weather. If good old fashioned winter enjoyment is what you’re looking for, this sledding hill comes through big time. With a great combination of decline and length, plus no obstacles to be mindful of, there is unlimited fun to be had here.
6) Danehy Park in Cambridge
It’s not surprising that one of the highest points in Cambridge has hills and with a little bit of white stuff and some willingness to brave the elements, these hills make for superb sledding. The expansive slopes leave plenty of room to maneuver and offer various starting points to begin your ride. This huge park can also accommodate cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it one of the top locations for winter activities in the metro area.
7) William G. Walsh Playground in Dorchester
Located on the south side of the city, this park features a sledding hill that is well known in the neighborhood. The patchy line of grass on the right side of photo above shows evidence of many joyful sled rides down the most used part of the hill. Children of all ages swarm in this area with a wide assortment of toboggans when school is closed after a snowstorm. As you can see, the hill extends well beyond this section to allow plenty more sledding enthusiasts of all ages to ride down the powdery slope without freezing bottlenecks.
8) Larz Anderson Park in Brookline
A premier destination for those who enjoy spending time outdoors that turns into a winter wonderland when snowflakes start falling. We try not to pick favorites, but this is the best place for sledding in the Boston area. Experience long-lasting rides down perfectly sloped stretched out hills on multiple sides of the park. It might be a little tiring walking all the way back to the top, where stopping for a moment to catch your breath and enjoying panoramic views of the city will surely give you the energy needed to do it all over again. If you haven’t turned into an icicle at the end of sledding session, try ice skating on the amazing outdoor rink, where skates are available to rent. With enchanting snowy scenery plus magical sunsets against crystal clear white landscapes, there’s no better place to discover winter’s beauty than Larz Anderson Park.
Safety Considerations: Tips for Safe Sledding in Boston
| 1. | Choose the Right Hill | Some sledding hills are steeper and more difficult than others. Choose the right one based on ability and experience. |
| 2. | Start at a Safe Point | Turning or slowing down is difficult, so most sled rides go in a straight line. Make sure your entire path is clear of any obstacles. |
| 3. | Dress Appropriately | It’s probably going to be cold outside, so we recommend wearing multiple layers of warm clothing. Hats are gloves too. |
| 4. | Use a Helmet | Consider wearing a helmet for added safety, especially for kids. |
| 5. | Inspect Your Equipment | Make sure your sled is designed for the terrain, and always check your equipment for any damage before use. |
| 6. | Check the Conditions | Ensure there’s enough snow for a safe and enjoyable ride down. Don’t go out in the bitter cold and avoid rainy weather. |
| 7. | Follow the Rules | Be aware of and abide by any posted rules or guidelines in the area. They’re there to protect you. |
By following these simple suggestions, you can make the most of your sledding experience while keeping safety a top priority.
Some Final Thoughts to Share
As we wrap up our guide on sledding in Boston, we hope you’re geared up and excited for an action-packed sledding excursion. Downhill sled rides on Boston’s snowy slopes are perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Before embarking on your next frosty adventure, be sure to check out the Parkscape app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This user-friendly park resource helps you discover winter wonderlands in the Boston area including ice skating rinks, charming snowy pathways, and of course sledding hills. Let it snow❄️ Let it snow❄️ Let it snow!
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