Native Plant Trust - Garden in the Woods

Nature walks with Kids near Boston

Nestled in the woods within a quiet north Framingham neighborhood, you'll find the Native Plant Trust - or Garden in the Woods. 

Garden in the Woods is a 45 acres woodland botanical garden located at 180 Hemenway Road, in Framingham, MA. It is the headquarters of Native Plant Trust, and open to visitors between mid-April and mid-October. 

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You'll find several ways to share enjoy nature with your kids at Garden in the Woods. Watch them play on their own or with other kids in the Family Activity Area, or enjoy a scavenger hunt or other self-guided adventures on the trails. 

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It's a wonderful place to bring kids or to enjoy some solitude or the company of a friend as you stroll the grounds immersed in nature.  

photo credit: BostonCentral

Experience beautiful trails that wind through a botanic garden showcasing native plants on a glacial landscape rippling with ravines, ridges and a babbling brook. 

photo credit: BostonCentral

It's a great place to let young kids observe the natural landscape.  During the summer season you can see dragonflies and butterflies flitting about, tadpoles, frogs, turtles, and more around the lily pond. 

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In past years, an exhibit called "Art Goes Wild" featured about 18 different sculptures made of natural materials could be found along the trail.  Today, only a few remain.  

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You can still see one off the trail near the activity center on the right as you make the turn. I didn't take a photo of it - but it looks like a long winding thatch made of sticks that snakes along the ground through the trees.  

The well-mapped trails feature dozens of marked plant life, a lily pond (turtles & frogs!), handmade benches, natural sculptures and a family discovery & play area.

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The family activity area is a welcoming little alcove full of interactive things to do that are all made out of natural materials.  So simple!  

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Here's a cool teepee structure built in lean to fashion with sticks.   Kids can let their imaginations run wild here amongst the trees.

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Build with rustic blocks made out of wood from the forest, walk on tree stumps of varying sizes to practice balancing skills and dexterity.  Or, this could be an inviting story circle, or a chance to perform for friends. 

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Natural dioramas - add your own pieces of nature to the display.  The honeycomb shaped structure is visually stimulating & calls to mind the resourcefulness of honeybees.

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Hop on these balance beams and pretend that the forest floor is made of lava!  Or have a seat and pretend it is a canoe and you must row yourself across a river. 

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The quiet paths include curated steps made out of rocks and are surrounded by native plants like ferns, and if you are lucky you may even spot the elusive lady slipper. 

Children of all ages find the rolling, wooded landscape naturally compelling. Slivers of light break through the branches, forming patches of dancing light on the forest floor. 

photo credit: BostonCentral

You can learn a lot about native plants as many are labeled for easy identification.  There is a wide variety of native plants, trees and bushes here, both flowering and evergreen. You can even find cacti!

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Summer months features blooms of many colors which pop out amidst the lush green leaves along the trails. How many different types of flowers can you find?

photo credit: BostonCentral

photo credit: BostonCentral

The primary loop is about a mile around and if you grab a map from the visitor center you'll see that there are 2 extension paths that you can explore.

photo credit: BostonCentral

Sometimes I bring a book with me and sit and read one of the many beautiful benches along the trail.  During the summer you can find a shaded area and during the cooler months you can seek out a beam of sunshine. 

There is something magical about being in the woods.  Whether you call it a fitness trend or a mindfulness practice (or a bit of both),  the term forest bathing has become popular in many circles. 

The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.

photo credit: BostonCentral

photo credit: BostonCentral

Native Plant Trust: Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA 01701
T 508.877.7630

There is certainly so much more to explore in the Greater Boston area - so be sure to check out our guide to Free things to Do in Boston here, or our Rainy Day in Boston guide.  

Some other fun summer adventures might include a visit to World's End in Hingham, or a daytrip to Halibut Point State Park in Rockport.  Spending the day at one of many Boston Beaches is another great summer activity. 

Looking for a beautiful breeze with a view? Enjoy some summer fun at Spectacle Island , or take a trip out to visit the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston.   

Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.