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.

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!

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.

Came here for the pool. They have shoe booties to cover your dirty shoes before entering the pool…read more There are two pools - one for swim lessons and laps while the smaller pool is for little kiddies and water aerobic classes? Good to see that they offer life jackets, noodles, and other floaties. Staff hand out different colored necklaces to kids depending on their swimming level (red dotted = can't swim, red = can swim a bit but can't go to deep end, yellow = can swim to deep end). Overall ok until I saw a floating bandaid in the deep end and clump of hair on the deck. Family locker room is clean. They have soap if you want to rinse. Need to scan pass in order to enter (turnstyle like paying before entering the mbta train). That's good because other locations, everyone can enter without checking IDs or memberships. Machines can use an update. I didn't use but a family member said they are old.

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 gem of the city. The esplanade connects Boston to Cambridge, there's a few bridges that run…read moreover the waterway. Wonderful place for walking, running, or cycling. Flat course with mostly functional water fountains. There are often events at the hatch such as orchestra performances, free movie nights, and more. At night it is relatively safe to walk as well, you should still be aware of your surroundings as anywhere else. One of my favorite parts of Boston.

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.

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.

BU's Track & Tennis Center is more than an athletic facility. The various functional setups…read morethroughout this facility, accommodated hundreds of guests for graduation ceremonies...hence my visit, congratulations Class of 2018! Although the normal amenities such as the Ticket Office, Guest Services, Concessions, & Locker Rooms were not accessible, the Restrooms & Vending machines were. The hospitality staff of mostly students extended 5 star assistance.

This is where my Masters graduation was held. Great venue for the occasion :)…read more "If a lion fails to hunt the antelope it doesn't give up, get drunk... the lion will get back up and hunt another antelope"

Under-rated/lesser known Boston park. Right on the SW Corridor, convenient location for all. Large…read moreopen space. Very safe tennis court and dog park adjacent. Well maintained.

We LOVE this park!…read more The playground is safe, well equipped and appropriate for children of all ages. The sand box is always clean and there are always lots of toys for the kids to play with. It is partly shaded which is nice during the hot summer month. The water fountain is a definite plus. What we like most about the park is the amazing programing that goes on year around. From Santa's visit, to The easter Egg hunt, the Spring Festival, Halloween fun and the wonderful summer concert series and kids series, there is always something great and fun happening. All free and a beautiful safe environment. You can also play tennis and basketball, enjoy a picnic, or just relax... A South End gem.

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!

I booked a kayak at the Kendall Square location and landed here. I should have gone the other…read moredirection - the most difficult part was near this location, and I was paddling against the wind and current most of the way. Other than that, it was a great trip! It's a nice mix of peaceful trees and city views. I also paddled through a sailing team practice, which was cool. The boats were in great shape. The life jackets were showing their age, but I guess that's what you get with rentals. They estimated 1.5 - 2 hours for this trip, and it took me about an hour. I docked a star from this location, because the workers didn't really seem to know what was going on when I returned the boat. I needed to let them know I came from the other location and the responses were "that's cool" and "okay" and "I don't know what to do with that". Turns out you have to check out in a trailer at the end of the dock and tell them, but no one seemed to know. Still a great trip!

TL;DR - Paddle Boston at Kendall Square is my go-to for kayaking on the Charles. The staff is…read morealways friendly, prices are fair, and the views of Boston and Cambridge are unbeatable. Their season passes and Fourth of July rentals make the experience even better--highly recommend! _______________________________ I love being outdoors, especially on the water, and Paddle Boston has become one of my favorite spots in the city. I discovered them shortly after moving to Boston and working in Cambridge, and it has been a go-to ever since. Their kayak rentals are fairly priced and offer an amazing way to enjoy the Charles River with unbeatable views of both the Boston and Cambridge skylines. The staff is always friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Their kayaks are perfect for the calm waters of the Charles, not overly advanced but not basic either, just right for a relaxing paddle. I also love that they offer season passes for frequent paddlers and special rentals for the Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks, which is truly the best way to experience the show. While I typically take the T to get there, parking nearby on Main Street has never been an issue. If you are looking for a fun and easy outdoor activity in the city, I highly recommend Paddle Boston at Kendall Square.