America's oldest public park (1634) and the adjacent Public Garden form the heart of Boston, featuring the iconic Swan Boats and beloved Make Way for Ducklings bronze sculptures.
Boston Common and the adjoining Public Garden together form the cultural and geographical heart of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, occupying approximately 74 acres along the western edge of the historic downtown district. Boston Common, established in 1634, is the oldest public park in the United States and originally served as a shared grazing ground for colonial settlers' cattle. Today it is a large open lawn bordered by mature trees, pathways, and significant civic monuments, with the Park Street MBTA station — the oldest subway station in the Western Hemisphere, opened in 1897 — at its Tremont Street edge and the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House visible above the northern boundary on Beacon Hill. The Common hosts public gatherings, concerts, and festivals throughout the year, and contains the Frog Pond, a shallow pool that operates as a splash pad in summer and transforms into a popular ice skating rink from late November through mid-March, with skate rentals available on site. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a 70-foot Civil War memorial atop Flag Staff Hill, provides an elevated view across the Common toward the downtown financial district skyline. Adjacent to the Common and separated by Charles Street, the Public Garden was established in 1837 as the first public botanical garden in the United States. The formal Victorian landscape features symmetrical seasonal flower beds, weeping willows along a central ornamental lagoon, and the Swan Boats — flat-bottomed pedal-powered vessels operated by the Paget family continuously since 1877, carrying passengers on circuits of the lagoon from mid-April through mid-September. Near the lagoon stand the bronze Make Way for Ducklings sculptures by Nancy Schön, installed in 1987 and based on Robert McCloskey's beloved 1941 children's picture book depicting a mallard family crossing Boston's streets. The equestrian statue of George Washington near the Arlington Street entrance, completed in 1869 by Thomas Ball, is regarded as one of the finest equestrian portraits in American public sculpture. Both parks are managed by the City of Boston and are accessible at all hours at no charge.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- Spring for flowers; summer for Swan Boats; winter for ice skating
Location
139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
42.3551, -71.0657 View on map
Highlights
- Swan Boats (spring-fall)
- Make Way for Ducklings statues
- Frog Pond skating (winter)
- George Washington equestrian statue
Tips for visiting
- Swan Boats operate from mid-April through mid-September; rides cost $4.50 per adult and $3 for children — queues build by midmorning on summer weekends, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday is advisable
- The Frog Pond ice skating rink opens in late November and runs through mid-March; admission is $6 for adults and free for children under 13, with skate rentals available on site
- The Public Garden's spring flower beds are typically at peak bloom in late April and early May, coinciding with the opening of Swan Boat season and the most comfortable walking temperatures of the year
- The Freedom Trail begins at Boston Common and passes through it — the red-brick line can be picked up at the Tremont Street edge near the Park Street MBTA exit
- The Make Way for Ducklings sculptures are in the Public Garden near the Swan Boat lagoon, not in Boston Common — a short walk from the Park Street MBTA exit via the pedestrian underpass on Charles Street
- Both parks are most pleasant during daylight hours; the Common's Boylston Street edge can see late-night activity, so evening visits with families are best confined to the Public Garden near Arlington Street
When to visit
Late April and May offer peak flower bloom in the Public Garden with the Swan Boats newly opened and comfortable walking temperatures. December through February provides Frog Pond skating and festive holiday lighting throughout both parks, with fewer daytime crowds than summer peak season.
Accessibility
Both parks are fully accessible to wheelchair users, with paved pathways throughout and curb cuts at all street entrances. The Frog Pond skating rink has accessible viewing areas around the perimeter. Swan Boat boarding requires stepping onto a low dock platform, which may present difficulty for some wheelchair users; contact the boathouse in advance to discuss assistance options. The Park Street MBTA station at the Tremont Street entrance serves the Green and Red lines and has elevator access.
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Frequently asked questions
When do the Swan Boats operate in the Public Garden?
Swan Boats typically operate from mid-April through mid-September, weather permitting. Hours are approximately 10am to 5pm daily in peak season. Boats do not run from October through March. Tickets are purchased on-site at the boathouse beside the lagoon.
Where are the Make Way for Ducklings sculptures?
The bronze Make Way for Ducklings sculptures by Nancy Schön are located in the Public Garden, near the Swan Boat lagoon, not in Boston Common. They depict Mrs. Mallard and eight ducklings and are a popular stop for families with young children.
Is there an admission charge for Boston Common and the Public Garden?
Both parks are free to enter at all hours. Swan Boats charge $4.50 per adult and $3 for children for a circuit of the Public Garden lagoon. Frog Pond ice skating costs $6 for adults and is free for children under 13; skate rental is an additional fee.