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Mapping Boston's secret gardens: 25 of the many green spaces

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Boston has 2,100 acres of parks, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Isn't it time you got out to enjoy them, before the winter hits? (And don't kid yourself, folks--according to the Farmer's Almanac and El Nino, our winter is going to be severe...again.)

For your entertainment, here is a map of parks, plazas, and green spaces that aren't as famously known as the Boston Common or the Public Garden. And though there are many listed here, there are just as many hidden pockets of greenery to enjoy before autumn turns them into a blaze of fiery color before they're blanketed with snow.

So grab a book, sketchpad, significant other, or your own wandering mind and get going.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

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This park features a play area, gardens and views of the water. In addition to a regular roster of events, it gives you a chance to rest before or after a major meal in the North End.

North Square Park

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Part of the Freedom Trail, this small historic square offers benches next to the Paul Revere House.

St.Leonard's Peace Garden

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People from all over the world come to walk in the serenity of the Peace Garden; come early in the day.

Paul Revere Mall

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The PR mall is a nice little brick-paved park with a fountain and shady trees.

Langone Park

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Pack some lunch, play some bocce, and when you're done, explore the North End.

Dewey Square Park

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Food trucks, tables and proximity to South Station and downtown. Enjoy the mural before it changes out to the next in rotation.

Rowes Wharf Plaza

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Get thee to the harbor, where you can watch yachts and other calming scenes of the water.

North End Park

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Designed as the North End neighborhood's "front yard," this wide lawn is perfect for picnics and a general misting by the Canal Fountain.

Fort Point Channel Parks

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Public park with grassy areas and a wide range of plants & flowers, plus lawn chairs (!).

Chinatown Park

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A meandering path that's lined with water, bamboo and greens. And at the end, you'll find sheep sculptures. A whimsical park if you'll ever see one.

Armenian Heritage Park

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Come see the Labyrinth, a circular winding path paved in granite that celebrates life's journey; and the Abstract Sculpture, a split dodecahedron mounted on a reflecting pool. They reflect life's journey and the immigrant experience.

Copley Square

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A small park with lawns, a fountain, animal sculptures and a seasonal farmer's market and events. And you're in the heart of Back Bay.

Phillips Street Playground and Park

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A recently renovated park located in Beacon Hill that has a playground for the kids in your group.

Piers Park

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A beautifully landscaped, $17 million park with harbor views, a fitness area, playgrounds and access to a community sailing center.

Boston National Historical Park

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Good view of the city from here, and the benches are perfect for a snooze.

Back Bay Fens

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This large green space has multiple gardens, playgrounds, ball fields and memorials, plus picnic areas. Stay for the floral aroma of the Kelleher Rose Garden.

Peters Park

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Perhaps the greatest dog park in the world, this space also has a kid's play area, tennis and basketball courts, and a garden.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

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This historical, long avenue features a path through trees, grassy areas, park benches and statues. Check out the beautiful architecture on either side of you.

Millennium Park

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A natural retreat with six miles of accessible trails, playing fields, a canoe launch and scenic views. See if you can fly your kite there.

Fenway Victory Gardens

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This literal WWII victory garden from 1942 is now made up of 7.5 acres of produce and flowers.

Prudential Center Courtyard & Garden

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What secret garden map would be complete without this gem, hidden in the center of the Prudential Mall? Lovely place to eat or read.

Boston Public Library

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An Italian-style plaza in the center of a library, with tables to eat, read or otherwise relax? Yes, please.

One Post Office Square

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A gorgeous park with a trellis. And if you're too restless to relax, come for the fitness classes. Yes, Zumba has come here, too.

Dorothy & David Ramler Park

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Small city sanctuary filled with flowering trees designed to attract migrating birds. Bring your binoculars!

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Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

This park features a play area, gardens and views of the water. In addition to a regular roster of events, it gives you a chance to rest before or after a major meal in the North End.

North Square Park

Part of the Freedom Trail, this small historic square offers benches next to the Paul Revere House.

St.Leonard's Peace Garden

People from all over the world come to walk in the serenity of the Peace Garden; come early in the day.

Paul Revere Mall

The PR mall is a nice little brick-paved park with a fountain and shady trees.

Langone Park

Pack some lunch, play some bocce, and when you're done, explore the North End.

Dewey Square Park

Food trucks, tables and proximity to South Station and downtown. Enjoy the mural before it changes out to the next in rotation.

Rowes Wharf Plaza

Get thee to the harbor, where you can watch yachts and other calming scenes of the water.

North End Park

Designed as the North End neighborhood's "front yard," this wide lawn is perfect for picnics and a general misting by the Canal Fountain.

Fort Point Channel Parks

Public park with grassy areas and a wide range of plants & flowers, plus lawn chairs (!).

Chinatown Park

A meandering path that's lined with water, bamboo and greens. And at the end, you'll find sheep sculptures. A whimsical park if you'll ever see one.

Armenian Heritage Park

Come see the Labyrinth, a circular winding path paved in granite that celebrates life's journey; and the Abstract Sculpture, a split dodecahedron mounted on a reflecting pool. They reflect life's journey and the immigrant experience.

Copley Square

A small park with lawns, a fountain, animal sculptures and a seasonal farmer's market and events. And you're in the heart of Back Bay.

Phillips Street Playground and Park

A recently renovated park located in Beacon Hill that has a playground for the kids in your group.

Piers Park

A beautifully landscaped, $17 million park with harbor views, a fitness area, playgrounds and access to a community sailing center.

Boston National Historical Park

Good view of the city from here, and the benches are perfect for a snooze.

Back Bay Fens

This large green space has multiple gardens, playgrounds, ball fields and memorials, plus picnic areas. Stay for the floral aroma of the Kelleher Rose Garden.

Peters Park

Perhaps the greatest dog park in the world, this space also has a kid's play area, tennis and basketball courts, and a garden.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

This historical, long avenue features a path through trees, grassy areas, park benches and statues. Check out the beautiful architecture on either side of you.

Millennium Park

A natural retreat with six miles of accessible trails, playing fields, a canoe launch and scenic views. See if you can fly your kite there.

Fenway Victory Gardens

This literal WWII victory garden from 1942 is now made up of 7.5 acres of produce and flowers.