Actual name to use when looking up hours: Veterans Memorial Pool…read more For the convenient location in Cambridge, I was surprised that the pool wasn't at all crowded when visiting on Sunday afternoons this summer! There aren't very shallow areas for the toddlers like there are at some of the other DCR pools, such as Connors Memorial Pool in Waltham, which probably helps to keep the crowds down. But the pool is very spacious and has enough space both for lap swimmers and kids playing. The spray deck just outside is great for the younger kids, too.

I had a previous review on here stating that the pool had no shade on the decks and the changing…read morerooms did not have privacy walls. It's a year later and they've done extensive updates to the pool location. 1. There's now an ADA regulation ramp with rails going into the pool for those in wheelchairs or who have trouble walking. 2. They added easier steps and hand rails for children and families to enter at the opposite end (long stairs that slope gently instead of ladder style.) 3. They have added permanent shade awnings around the pool, along with wooden benches underneath them (definitely still try to come early because those get snapped up quickly.) 4. The changing rooms are the same, but entering the locker rooms, there is now almost a rubberized "curtain" of small strips to walk through that creates privacy. Previously anyone walking by in the main corridor could see directly in. 5. The splash pad/fountain area has awnings and benches around it, and is ADA accessible. As of summer of 2023, the pool is open 7 days a week from 11:15AM-6:00PM. The changes have greatly improved the property, and it's a place where you can come and stay all day instead of roasting on hot concrete. They also have water fountains and outdoor showers along the pool deck for getting a quick drink and rinsing off.

This is a very beautiful pool. I wish it were available more often, but the building is, after…read moreall, a public school. It's worth adjusting one's schedule for at least one or two visits, especially during summer heat waves. The showers offered privacy, but -- during my visits during heat waves -- no hot water. The Cambridge YMCA on Mass Ave. also offers cold showers only. My issue is with another post here that the pool at Somerville YMCA on Highland Street is inferior. I've been swimming there since the 1980s. Compared to many local pools, it's Buckingham Palace. The building dates back to 1904, which is an automatic turn-off for many people, even though Somerville YMCA is kept clean & orderly and offers everything you need to stay fit and toned. I love the beautiful old tiles that line the pool room walls and the peaceful atmosphere for lap swimming without someone else's music blasting away -- as at the MIT pool, to "keep the lifeguards awake." If the windows were unsealed to admit natural light, it would be perfect. To swim a mile, you must do 44 laps. Some experienced swimmers find this confining, but it's just right for beginning/moderate swimmers. The showers are excellent; for a little extra money, there's the women's and men's health club rooms, which offer secure lockers, curtained private showers, towels, and a small gym with plenty of equipment. Ginny Smith offers kick boards, but not fins. You must carry in all your gear and take it with you when you leave. The separate shallow pool is a perfect place to do shallow-water aquatics or physical therapy workouts. Lifeguards friendly & helpful. Desk staff -- during my few visits -- seemed inexperienced and inadequately trained. Perhaps there's too much staff turnover: my guess. A must-visit pool.

I actually had a very pleasant swim during the senior lap swim session. The pool was a nice…read moretemperature and not too crowded. When I went to take a shower post swim, I discovered that many of the showers don't work. With the help of other patrons, I found one that was OK. Kind of a bummer that most don't work. On the way out, I met the director of the pool and mentioned the showers. She was the snippiest and rudest admin person I've come across in a long time. Full of herself and with a big time attitude ... "I'm not a plumber!" she told me. Oh my gosh - who hired her?! Not a person you would want representing such an important and promising facility.

One of many beautiful areas of the Boston Common. A wading pool in the warmer weather, one of the…read moremany beautiful green areas in the city.

Romantic notion when you're pretty much skating on concrete?…read more The admission fee and rentals make this spot totally not worth. You're really only here for the location and that nebulous "romantic feel". The ice itself is atrocious, even though the rink (and I use that term lightly) does get a Zamboni out from time-to-time. But the ice is so uneven. You can see concrete in some spots, with how some of the ice is so thin. You'll encounter a lot of folks that cannot stay vertical on skates, it's just the reality. Don't be surprised when someone behind you suddenly grabs you in desperation to prevent themselves from falling. Plus it's super crowded here during peak times. There are so many other nearby spots of grab better and more affordable concessions, so don't fall for the ones here.

It is a university gym - so do not expect luxury gym. But they have everything one needs, for work…read moreand an especially great olympic sized pool. I love it - but then I hate luxury gyms and their overpriced offerings. Tons of classes as well and probably one of the best value for money gyms in the area!

I have been to MIT Recreational few times this year for competitive USA Swim meets. I am a fan in…read morethe stands. I can share it's a long walk to the parking lot. Lack of on street parking plus construction across the street currently doesn't help. The elevator is sometimes working. It's always clean and a lot of spectator seating but if they are running both pools during the competition you don't get a great vantage point of the rear pool. Very spacious.

The Esplanade is always beautiful, it doesn't matter the season. This is the perfect time of year -…read morewell now thru Fall to visit. Winter is nice too but they lock up the bathrooms which can be annoying if you're taking a super long walk and trying to stay hydrated! If you're looking for something to do on the weekend, look no further. The park is so big - you can listen to music or maybe even see a movie at the Hatch Shell, have a picnic, hangout on the dock, or even have a beer at Night Shift. Oh and if you have kids, there are a few different playgrounds. Let's not forget, it's super dog friendly. Oh and get your cameras ready for various birds and sometimes turtles in the lagoon.

The Esplanade was a revelation, one of the highlights of my trip to Boston!…read more We took the T-red, got off Charles/MGH and it was a short walk to the Esplanade, a few miles alongside Charles Rivers with beautiful views of the river, wild life, the bridge and the city! We went on a Saturday morning, locals were walking, jogging, sitting on a bench drinking their coffee. Teams were out in the water roving, a nice visual Boston cliche that you see in movies, but I got to see for real. You can walk for miles here, till you get to the BU Bridge in parallel with the beautiful houses of Beacon Hill. Nice nature, cute bridges, birds, peaceful spots to stop by and look at the water, enjoy a book or a coffee. Nice locals offered to take our photos and we enjoyed chatted with. Beautiful sculptures, clean restrooms, lots of greenery. Great spot for a picnic also. I am sure it's pretty here at sunset. I am sure they have events here as well. My husband regrets not knowing about it. He went to Boston University and walked the BU Beach and the Bridge, but wasn't aware of this part. He would have loved to come here for peaceful walks and some reading. We didn't want to leave. A must see place in Boston!

Floor warp is getting worse, the flickering lights over the second volleyball court are…read moreseizure-worthy and last week, a carabiner snapped sending both nets down in a flash of glinting shrapnel. On the plus side, they've restocked the vending machines. Hot Fries for all!

Exhibit with 100 life-sized elephant sculptures elephants made from lantana weeds by artisans from…read moreIndia have arrived in Boston from August 8 - September 13, 2026. I got the chance to see them on the 2nd day of their arrival. You might not have heard, but the elephants are here. The Great Elephant Migration has officially arrived in the Back Bay. The wildlife conservation exhibition launched in Newport, Rhode Island in the summer of 2024 and traveled across the United States. Heading south to Miami, Florida before migrating west to Beverly Hills. The Red Elephant is named Mayflower after a tree that blooms with red flowers. You can volunteer or purchase the elephant's. Check out their site for more details: thegreatelephantmigration.org

The Great Elephant Migration AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026…read more BETWEEN FAIRFIELD & DARTMOUTH Such a Cool exhibit and for a great cause. If you can catch it on Comm Ave, definitely check it out. Free exhibit featuring 100 life-size elephants made from lantana weeds by artisans from India. My fav was Mayflower: The Red Elephant Named after a tree that blooms with red flowers, this distinctive sculpture was highlighted during the exhibit's-journey alongside supporting figures. You can volunteer and even purchase elephants! Check out their site: thegreatelephantmigration.org Metered Parking on side streets is your best bet for spots!

I may only be taking advantage of 10% of what the YMCA offers, but so far, it is already WELL worth…read morethe price. The Kids Corner (babysitting) is fantastic. It's such a beautiful, bright and clean room, and the staff who take care of my kids are consistently fabulous -- a huge improvement from my previous gym which shall not be named where most of the staff didn't even seem to enjoy children. But the staff in the Kids Corner seem to genuinely care for the children and seem happy to be there! My daughter sucks on everything within a 2-foot radius, and I was happy to learn that they routinely clean the toys that have been sucked on! A couple other pluses: I love that the treadmills are equipped with live TV, Netflix and Hulu. The front desk staff are really friendly and helpful. There is a pretty wide variety of classes and I can't wait until the baby's nap schedule will allow me to partake in some! And the steam room! Ahhh, the steam room. A couple of things that I wish could be improved: 1) The parking. Though there is a TON of parking, it somehow doesn't seem to be enough! Around 10am on weekdays, it's pretty tough to find a spot. 2) The locker room is a little dingy. Clean, but it just feels old. Lastly, there is one huuuuuge plus that I didn't even know I needed: Diversity. Yes, you heard that right. Diversity. In Newton! Really! I love that when I bring my kids here, they will see people of all races, ages and abilities both as members and employees! I see people being treated with respect and care, and even just being near that makes you feel good, doesn't it? The YMCA is good for my soul, people. I'm so glad this place is here and has the mission it does. It really is a great place.

Five stars for Kids Corner, three to four for everything else. Lots of new equipment, friendly…read morestaff, lively atmosphere and family-friendly. The building is v v old though.

The Greenway is such a breath of fresh air. So crazy how the highway used to be in its place. There…read moreis quite a bit to look at while walking - pop up art pieces all along the way, beautiful trees, and even some wildlife - mostly birds and rabbits, but every now and again, I'll see a turkey. Toward the North End, there's a carousel and often there is at least one food truck - usually a sweet treat. Luke's lobster is nearby the carousel too. During the summer, they have an artisan market and even some food trucks. There aren't any bathrooms but right across the street - Atlantic, there are a few options--the Marriott at Long wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, and the Intercontinental.

A beautiful park in the middle of one side of the city. A great place for pictures. It had a…read morecarousel and a rose garden in the center. The rose garden was not very big. It was nice. It was an area fenced in. It had benches inside, and it smelled wonderful. Right at the entrance of the garden, a round fountain stood. To the sides, two large walk-in canopies were surrounded by green. The park was nice. I liked my time there. It was a family-friendly place.

Great location. Always clean and there's enough room for a score of woofies to run and play…read more There's also a small separate section for the smaller ones.

You can't bring balls into the park. No toys allowed. This isn't fun for dogs. Where else can they…read moreplay off leash and play fetch? If other dogs can't handle it? They should leave.