New England Botanic Garden | Tower Hill's Gardens & Trails

Our last visit to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill was so enjoyable, I purchased an annual membership on the spot! The grounds are truly stunning — with winding trails, vibrant blooms, wooded retreats, and interactive art installations.

A perfect spot for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape into beauty. Daily passes and annual memberships are available, and many local libraries offer 1/2-price admission passes — a great deal worth checking out!

Each season brings new color and texture to the landscape, from springtime blossoms and summer lilies to fall foliage and evergreen serenity. There’s always something fresh to explore across this expansive property.

Stacey Sao has been discovering and sharing outdoor things to do in and around Boston for more than 25 years. From hidden gems to iconic attractions, she writes about her experiences so you can explore the city with insider tips, helpful guides, and first-hand insights.

Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor planning your trip, Stacey’s stories will help you make the most of your time on your next outing.

Entrance 

Entrance gazebo, water features and seating - welcoming you to the gardens.  Grab your tickets at the visitor center and you'll be on your way to a wonderful day in the gardens.

There were so many varieties of lilies here. Some colors I'd never ever seen before! (okay, these I've seen, but there were lots of others...). This is just the photo that I took. 

Wander the Gardens

So many different paths and trails and plants and landscapes to explore at every turn. There's even a secret garden!  

Discover Hidden Corners

You can also explore the wooded trails - perfect for a bit of shade and quiet on a hot day.  One of our favorite  discoveries was the mossy stone stairs tucked into the trees.

It's the kind of place for a DIY scavenger hunt, with little features and surprises hidden all around the grounds.  Use their helpful map and you've got a magical outing in nature.

Trails, Trees, Birds and Views

Sneaking into the bird house. You can sit inside and watch for birds while they visit the feeders. Handy photo guides inside help you to identify them.  Very peaceful.

Art in Nature

So many beautiful blooms and plantings to enjoy.   Most are clearly labeled so you can identify genus and species.  Nature really abounds here.

You'll find little nooks and views like this at every turn here. A really fun place to explore.

Depending on what time of year you visit, you'll be greeted with all sorts of colorful blooms and beautiful garden beds at every turn. 

Wild Rumpus (2018 Installation)

Seriously - how cool is this!?  It's called 'Wild Rumpus' and it's made out of intricately woven sticks. It's like something straight out of Harry Potter. Amazing!  This was a travelling exhibit that was located in the back wooded area in 2018.  

In 2022, visitors were  invited to explore a fantastical collection of interactive, outdoor hideaways inspired by art and nature, and custom designed by local landscape architects and artists.

photo courtesy of Tower Hill Botanical Garden

Overlooks & the Summit Trail

This is one of the overlooks - giving you beautiful views of Mt. Wachusett and the reservoir. For the more sure-footed, you can hike up a short hill to the "summit".  

If you are up for a short upward hike (best for sure-footed visitors), you can reach another vista point affording great views of the Wachusett Reservoir and beyond.

View from the summit. (This trail is a bit more rugged that the rest of the grounds and has roots and larger rocks. Nothing too strenuous, but it's uphill, and a bit 'rooty'.). There are two benches at the top to sit and take it all in.

🌸 Spring brings cherry blossoms and bulb gardens. Summer is loaded with blooms of every kind and color.  In winter, enjoy light shows and indoor displays. Every visit feels new at Tower Hill!

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
11 French Drive
Boylston, MA 01505

More Ideas for Outdoor Family Fun

For more ideas about places to spend time near Boston outdoors, you can visit our handy guide.  BostonCentral specializes in helping families find fun things to do in Boston with kids - so be sure to check back for the latest Boston events and happenings.  If gardens are your thing, don't miss a trip to Garden in the Woods: Native Plant Trust in Framingham.

Find more ideas for great Daytrips from Boston in our handy Boston Daytrips guide.  Some other fun summer adventures might include a visit to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, a daytrip to Halibut Point State Park in Rockport,  enjoy some summer fun at Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor, Castle Island in South Boston, or World's End in Hingham. 

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events & activities website, BostonCentral for over 25 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.