Three Best Summer Destinations for Your Family
By Brittany Dixon Looking for great outdoor activities you can enjoy with your family? Look no further than the Blue Hills for the best summer fun in the South Shore! Here are three great spots that are sure to please everyone in your family. Ponkapoag Pond, just...
Save the Date: Blue Hills Bash!
Save the date for the Blue Hills Bash! Friends of the Blue Hills Annual Celebration Thursday, October 20, 2022 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm The Tirrell Room 254 Quarry Street, Quincy, MA Speaker Claire O’Neill Earthwise Aware (EWA)...
Ponkapoag Pond Master Plan & Fisherman’s Cove Improvements
Department of Conservation and Recreation is creating a Master Plan for Ponkapoag Pond, which includes improving the parking at Fisherman’s Cove and building a new bog board walk. The plan also calls for signage at entrances to the park in Randolph. The...
Member Profile: Erik Barrios
Erik Barrios grew up hiking the Blue Hills. He still loves exploring the park. That’s why he’s a member of the Friends of the Blue Hills. You can join Erik and over 1,400 others to help care for the Reservation by becoming a member! Q: What do you love...Upcoming Events
Sep
13
Sat
2025
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Sep 13 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Trail Maintenance for September 13th Registration Closed. Please Email John@Friendsofthebluehills.org to check to see if there are opening or cancelations. Meeting Location: Trailside Museum HERE Join us for a volunteer day dedicated to maintaining and[...]
10:00 am
Let’s Go Fishing with Elevate Yo...
@ Houghton's Pond
Let’s Go Fishing with Elevate Yo...
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 13 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Calling all local kids and families! Join us at Houghton’s Pond for a FREE day of fishing–and fun! All fishing equipment, plus instruction, will be provided. /* "function"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn("The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded()[...]
Sep
14
Sun
2025
7:30 am
Hike with Rosa
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Hike with Rosa
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Sep 14 @ 7:30 am
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:Â MODERATE 4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles. This hike will be meeting in the Houghton’s Pond parking lot by the children’s playground. Join the Friends of the Blue[...]
10:00 am
ARC’TERYX RUN BOSTON-10k Trail Race
@ Houghton's Pond
ARC’TERYX RUN BOSTON-10k Trail Race
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am
Join our partner Arc’Teryx Boston for a 10k trail race at Blue Hills Reservation followed by complimentary refreshments and a post-race celebration! This event is for all paces and skill levels; all are welcome. 1st[...]
Sep
15
Mon
2025
10:00 am
Invasive Plant Removal at Burma ...
@ Farnham Connolly
Invasive Plant Removal at Burma ...
@ Farnham Connolly
Sep 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Volunteer Event: Invasive Species Removal at Friends of the Blue Hills Join us for a hands-on volunteer event aimed at removing harmful invasive species, Mile-A-Minute, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native ecosystems,[...]
Sep
17
Wed
2025
2:00 pm
Wellness in the Wilderness
@ Houghton's Pond
Wellness in the Wilderness
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 17 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Meet Ranger Dan at Houghton’s Pond near the Visitor Center This is a partner event with DCR and there will no sign up needed for this event. “Join us for quiet and contemplative relaxation program[...]
Sep
18
Thu
2025
10:00 am
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE This hike will be approximately 3 miles, with some elevated difficult terrain and rocky obstacles. Wear sturdy footwear. This hike will begin at 840 Hillside St, Houghton’s Pond, by the playground. Hikes[...]
6:30 pm
2025 Annual Celebration: Fuel th...
@ Irish Cultural Centre
2025 Annual Celebration: Fuel th...
@ Irish Cultural Centre
Sep 18 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
🎉 It’s More Than a Fundraiser — It’s a Celebration of Adventure Join us for an unforgettable evening that puts the fun in fundraising! Whether you come for the outdoor vibe, the vibrant community, or the chance to[...]
Sep
20
Sat
2025
7:00 am
Woman’s Only Hike With Evangeline
@ Houghton's Pond
Woman’s Only Hike With Evangeline
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 20 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Women’s Fitness-Focused Hike at Blue HillsMeeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking LotTime: 7:00 AM sharpLevel of Difficulty: Moderate to ChallengingDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours Join us for a women-only hike led by Evangeline, a Reiki Practitioner, yoga[...]
9:00 am
Nature Journaling for Kids
@ Houghton's Pond
Nature Journaling for Kids
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
On our nature journaling hike, we will become young explorers and scientists. As we walk along the trails, we will use our eyes, ears, and even noses to discover the wonders of nature all around[...]
Sep
21
Sun
2025
10:00 am
Widow Walkers Hikes-9/21/25 Feel...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Widow Walkers Hikes-9/21/25 Feel...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Sep 21 @ 10:00 am
**The September 21st Hike Registration is now Full. Please sign up for the October, November or December Hike! Join the Friends of the Blue Hills along with our partners Widowmaker Brewing and ARC’TERYX at the[...]
Sep
24
Wed
2025
2:00 pm
Wellness in the Wilderness
@ Houghton's Pond
Wellness in the Wilderness
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 24 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Meet Ranger Dan at Houghton’s Pond near the Visitor Center This is a partner event with DCR and there will no sign up needed for this event. “Join us for quiet and contemplative relaxation program[...]
Sep
25
Thu
2025
2:00 pm
Fall Foliage Foray
@ Houghton's Pond
Fall Foliage Foray
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Meet Ranger Dan at Houghton’s Pond near the Visitor Center This is a partner event with DCR and there will no sign up needed for this event. Come see autumn’s red blaze (and yellow and[...]
Sep
27
Sat
2025
9:00 am
Kid Friendly Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
Kid Friendly Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 27 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
The Signup is closed, If you would like to join the hike please meet Caitie at the Playground at 8:50 at Houghton’s Pond. Please check in with her there. Bring the whole family and join[...]
9:00 am
Neponset River Fall Cleanup: Mak...
@ Neponset River Watershed
Neponset River Fall Cleanup: Mak...
@ Neponset River Watershed
Sep 27 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Each year, hundreds of volunteers come together to clean up parks and shorelines throughout the Neponset River Watershed and they’d love to have you join them! There’s a role for everyone from hauling debris and[...]
10:00 am
Kyle Ollmann’s Memorial Hike
@ Shea Rink
Kyle Ollmann’s Memorial Hike
@ Shea Rink
Sep 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
A lifelong resident of Quincy Kyle was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 2019. Kyle’s family was extremely proud of him to have bought his first house at 22 years old after all[...]
5:30 pm
Evening Hike With Thomas
@ Houghton's Pond
Evening Hike With Thomas
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:Â MODERATE Please meet Thomas at Houghton’s Pond. He will wait for all hikers to arrive! 4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles. Join the Friends of the Blue Hills[...]
Sep
28
Sun
2025
7:00 am
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 28 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Meeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking LotTime: 7:00 AM sharp Level of Difficulty: ModerateDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours Join us for a refreshing coed wellness hike led by Evangeline—a Reiki Practitioner, yoga instructor, and community builder. These[...]
Oct
1
Wed
2025
7:00 am
Your Morning 3-Miler with Melissa
@ TBD
Your Morning 3-Miler with Melissa
@ TBD
Oct 1 @ 7:00 am – 8:30 am
How do you start your mornings before work? Brew a cup of coffee, read the news, or watch some TV? Friends of the Blue Hills has a better idea… Why not start your day with[...]
Oct
4
Sat
2025
7:00 am
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Oct 4 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Meeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking LotTime: 7:00 AM sharp Level of Difficulty: ModerateDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours Join us for a refreshing coed wellness hike led by Evangeline—a Reiki Practitioner, yoga instructor, and community builder. These[...]
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Oct 4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for a volunteer day dedicated to maintaining and improving the trails at The Friends of the Blue Hills. We’ll focus on essential tasks like brushing back overgrowth, clearing debris, raking paths, picking up[...]
Oct
5
Sun
2025
9:00 am
Colonial Road Runner Club Race
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Colonial Road Runner Club Race
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
These trail races follow rolling courses over dirt roads and forest paths in the Houghton’s Pond section of the scenic DCR Blue Hills Reservation, a few miles south of Boston. The routes avoid steep hiking[...]
Oct
6
Mon
2025
10:00 am
Invasive Plant Removal location TBD
Invasive Plant Removal location TBD
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Volunteer Event: Invasive Species Removal at Friends of the Blue Hills Join us for a hands-on volunteer event aimed at removing harmful invasive species, Mile-A-Minute, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native ecosystems,[...]
Oct
11
Sat
2025
9:00 am
iNaturalist Walk @ Houghton’s Pond
@ Houghton's Pond
iNaturalist Walk @ Houghton’s Pond
@ Houghton's Pond
Oct 11 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Join Us for an iNaturalist Hike at Houghton’s Pond with Friends of the Blue Hills! Please meet Ann and Suzanne right next to the playground at Houghton’s Pond! Discover the hidden wildlife around you with[...]
4:30 pm
2025 Sunset Hike and Hilltop Con...
@ Great Blue Hill
2025 Sunset Hike and Hilltop Con...
@ Great Blue Hill
Oct 11 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
What could be more spectacular than fall foliage? Experiencing it from the top of Great Blue Hill as the sun sets — picnic in hand and live music in the air from the Retro Rockets[...]