Get Outdoors with DCR: Explore Parks and Recreation Across Massachusetts

Summer doesn’t officially end until September 23rd which means there is still time to get out there and enjoy the lovely New England weather before a chill starts to fill the air and frost covers the ground. There is so much to do around the Bay State, but today we’d like to highlight the many programs and events offered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).These activities are free and open to everyone, making them a great way to spend time with family, friends, or even your four-legged companion.

Park Passport Challenge

If you're looking for a fun way to explore Massachusetts, the Park Passport Challenge is a great place to start. Participants can download or print a Park Passport and visit participating DCR parks throughout the Commonwealth, collecting stamps as they go. From scenic hiking trails and peaceful beaches to historic landmarks and urban parks, each destination offers something unique. Whether you make it your goal to visit a handful of parks or fill your entire passport, the challenge is a wonderful way to discover new places while enjoying everything Massachusetts' state parks have to offer.

Learn more about the Park Passport Challenge and download your passport on the DCR website.

Playgrounds, courts, and outdoor fitness areas

Looking for a quick outdoor activity closer to home? DCR also maintains hundreds of community recreation areas throughout Massachusetts. These include playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, pickleball courts, street hockey rinks, skate parks, and outdoor fitness equipment. These spaces provide free opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, whether you're bringing children to a neighborhood playground, meeting friends for a game, or getting in a workout before or after work. With so many locations across the Commonwealth, it's easy to find a nearby DCR property where you can enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and spend time with your community.

Visit the DCR website to search for playgrounds, courts, fitness areas, and other recreational facilities near you.

Celebrate Massachusetts' Revolutionary History

Special this year is DCR's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. As part of the statewide MA250 celebration, DCR is encouraging visitors to explore Massachusetts' state parks and complete any two of the featured "Join the Revolution" activities. Participants who complete the challenge will receive a commemorative MA250 sticker and be entered into a drawing for a grand prize: a four-pack of ferry tickets to the Boston Harbor Islands. It's a fun way to experience the outdoors while connecting with the Commonwealth's rich history.

For more information and a complete list of activities, visit DCR's Join the Revolution webpage.

Don’t forget to check out our digital repository to see some of the items we have available online from the Department of Conservation and Recreation. 

General plan for Charles River Speedway: for horses and bicycles, 1897

You'll find highlights like: 

• Suggested Hikes, Rides, and Paddles
• Trip-Tip Self-Guided Adventures
• Department of Conservation and Recreation Maps

Jessica Shrey
Legal Research Reference Librarian