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Ponds & lakes of Boston are great for swimming and family summer fun

Massachusetts > Boston > On the Water > Beaches - Fresh Water
Enjoy fresh water swimming, boating, sailing programs, fishing , canoeing, kayaking and all day fun in and around Boston. Spring fed kettle ponds, lakes, and parks offer sandy beaches, some with concession stands, visitor’s centers, restrooms, telephones, first-aid stations and ramps to the water for disabled guests. The best part may be the nearby family friendly lodgings and dog friendly accommodations that welcome your favorite family friend.

Follow these links for : Lighthouses - Fishing Spots - Seaside Parks
Mystic Lakes

Between Route 3 and Mystic Valley Parkway Winchester, MA, 01890 Phone: 617-727-5380

The Mystic Lakes offer swimming in fresh water at Sandy Beach, just off Mystic Valley Parkway. Sailing programs are offered at the Tufts University Boathouse. Upper Mystic Lake is for non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks), only. Lower Mystic Lake is for power boats.
Swimming at the Beach - Ashland State Park - Ashland, MA
Ashland State Park

162 West Union Street Ashland, MA, 01721 Phone: 508 881-4092

Ashland State Park is located on the large Ashland Reservoir. The park offers fresh water swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, bicycling and hiking. The park has a boat ramp. There is wheelchair access to the beach, bathhouse, picnic and hiking trails. There are no life guards.
Parking: Available mid-May to Labor Day, $8 daily for MA vehicles and $30 daily for out-of-state vehicles. - Trail Map (PDF).
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area

840 Hillside Street Milton, MA, 02186 Phone: 617-698-1802

Supervised swimming beach at this spring-fed kettle pond. Concession pavilion and Visitor’s Center open seasonally. Restrooms, telephones, and a first-aid station at the bathhouse on the beach. Lifeguards from late June through Labor Day. Handicapped ramp leads to the water.
Cochituate State Park - Natick, MA
Cochituate State Park

43 Commonwealth Road Natick, MA, 01760 Phone: 508-653-9641

Picnicking and swimming are allowed only on the middle section of this long, segmented lake.
Hours (Summer): 8am - 8pm, bathrooms locked at 7pm.
Parking Fees (May-October): $8 for MA Residents; $30 for Out-of-State Residents