The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy Debuts The Playway, Highlighting Free Attractions and Activities that Spark the Joy of Discovery for the Whole Family
A guide to family-friendly destinations and programming designed to delight, engage, and inspire visitors of all ages along Boston’s iconic Rose Kennedy Greenway
July 31, 2025 – Boston, MA – Today, the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy announced the launch of The Playway, a guide to family-friendly destinations and programming designed to delight, engage, and inspire visitors of all ages along Boston’s iconic Rose Kennedy Greenway. Continuing the Conservancy’s commitment to showcasing the myriad opportunities to explore Boston’s neighborhoods along the mile-and-a-half park, The Playway highlights the connectivity and walkability of many beloved downtown Boston attractions.
The Playway Map launches at Truck and Tractor Day
At The Greenway’s Truck and Tractor Day on August 8, families will be the first to experience the newly unveiled Playway Map and collect limited-edition Playway stickers—each representing a unique feature of The Greenway. Designed with whimsical flair, the stickers showcase beloved
attractions including interactive fountains, pollinator gardens, public art installations, play structures, and more. The Playway maps out joyful moments both on and around The Greenway for kids and grown-ups alike. More than half of the highlighted items are completely free and accessible to the public, and many of the other included attractions offer free or discounted tickets available through EBT, Wonderfund, and the Boston Public Library’s Cultural Pass Program. Each stop features opportunities to spark imagination, movement, and shared adventure in and around downtown Boston.
“The Playway is a celebration of all the ways families engage with The Greenway every day—from spontaneous play to seasonal programming,” said Eileen Ong, Director of Programming and Outreach at the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. “We are proud to offer a park experience that is free, accessible, and intentionally designed to serve families in the heart of Boston. This new guide helps illuminate the magic of exploration, curiosity, and shared joy across the park.”
Some of the features highlighted on The Playway Map include:
Carolyn Lynch Garden: As residents and visitors alike look for ways to relax and beat the heat this summer, the Carolyn Lynch Garden, with its beautiful lawns, chaise chairs, fountains, and shade trees, is a perennial favorite. Passersby can relax on swinging benches, cool off by the fountains, and admire the beautiful blooms that line the paths at this lovely North End garden.
The Greenway Carousel at The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grove: The beloved Greenway Carousel is a family favorite all season long, and has recently joined Boston Public Library’s Cultural Pass Program! Now, Boston residents can check out Carousel tickets with their library card and enjoy a spin on one of our playful Carousel creatures inspired by the air, land, and sea animals of Boston Harbor! EBT card and Wonderfund Access Card holders also ride free!
Rings Fountain: Called “the most unconditionally happy spot in all of Boston,” Rings Fountain is one of the most popular spots on The Greenway throughout the summer months. Whether visitors are cooling off by the “rings” of water jets that give the fountain its name, or enjoying a mesmerizing light show timed to the choreographed fountain movements at dusk, Rings Fountain is the place to be.
Harbor Fog: This permanent installation is a favorite of visitors, young and old, on The Greenway who marvel at the lights, sounds, and cooling mist of this tribute to Boston’s Harbor. This special water feature really takes cool to a new level!
Public Art on The Greenway: Among the ever-changing rotation of contemporary public art on The Greenway, the 2025 season is brimming with beautiful installations from Jeffery Gibson, Ja’Hari Ortega, Misa Chhan, Jackie Amézquita, and Lani Asunción. Come swing on Big Hoops to Fill, marvel at the larger-than-life mural, your spirit whispering in my ear, enjoy the dancing flags of year of the snake and more!
Food Trucks: Grab a bite at one of The Greenway’s local food trucks and enjoy delicious dishes from all around the world! Check the online food truck schedule for more details.
PlayCubes® at Chinatown Gate: Climb on these colorful PlayCubes®, or join us for our weekly play sessions at Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park to make new friends and memories near the Chinatown Gate.
Playway maps and stickers will also be available at partnering local cultural destinations adjacent to The Greenway, and will be distributed throughout the summer and fall at family-oriented events and programs.
A Collaboration with Local Partners
The Playway was developed in partnership with community organizations and institutions that share the Conservancy’s commitment to youth, play, and accessible urban space. Participating partners include Boston Public Market, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the New England Aquarium, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Christopher Columbus Park, and The Freedom Trail®.
Family-Friendly Programming in Full Swing All Summer Long
The launch of The Playway coincides with a robust season of family-focused programming across The Greenway:
- Carousel of Curiosity offers family-friendly programming centred on arts, science, and animals at the Greenway Carousel. Join Greenway Conservancy staff and community partners on select Wednesdays throughout the summer from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for hands-on learning, arts and crafts, and exploration for all ages!
-
- Youth play programming, SaturPLAY, in partnership with A-VOYCE, takes place on the last Saturday of each month, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., from now through October. Weekly play sessions hosted by the Conservancy in Chinatown will take place on Thursday evenings from June through September.
- Lion Dances at the Chinatown Gate entertain visitors every Saturday at noon through August 30, in celebration of culture and tradition.
- Jazz in the Park Summer Concert Series, presented by the North End Music & Performing Arts Center, will bring live music to the North End on Thursdays from July 10 through August 7.
- Family-friendly fitness classes, including Family Yoga by Balabends, offer a wonderful opportunity for individuals of all ages to connect through movement. Part of The Greenway Fitness Program, you can find classes from August 2 through October 5.
- Misa Chhan, “Year of the Snake” Opening Celebration & Cyanotype Workshop, on August 1, offers an opportunity for families to engage with traditional cyanotype printmaking through a hands-on workshop suitable for all ages. In this demonstration, families can learn the basics of this historic form of printmaking and bring home a print of their own.
- Coolidge Corner Theatre brings Coolidge on The Greenway: Science on Screen series. Experience family-friendly cinema classics under the stars with this free, outdoor summer film series entirely presented on 35mm. The final summer screening will take place on August 13.
- The Greenway Artisan Market, operated by Somerville Flea, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from now through October 12. Vendors offer a variety of local handmade products, including jewelry, crafted goods, and art.
- Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) brings Films at the Gate for its 19th year from August 22-24 to Chin Park with live performances and screenings of Kung Fu and classic Chinese-language films.
- KickBack Boston returns to The Greenway with DJs, food, drinks, and lawn games on September 13.
- Lantern Festival will also be held on September 13 in Chin Park, welcoming the mid-autumn harvest with a celebration of vendors, lion dances, and cultural performances.
- Sustainable Business Network’s Boston Local Food Festival returns on September 14, featuring fresh produce and local artisan foods.
- In October, the Greenway Conservancy will start the month off with its third annual Fall Fest as well as Fall Fright Movie Nights, a series of weekly outdoor movie screenings.
For additional information and updates regarding these festivals and events, please visit our calendar. All events hosted on The Greenway are subject to weather and schedule changes. Our calendar is available online, and updates are available by following The Greenway on Facebook and Instagram (@rosekennedygreenway), and by signing up for our weekly e-newsletter.
Thank You To Our Supporters
Programming on The Greenway is made possible with major support from the Greenway Business Improvement District through the ARTBeat 2025 series, Mass Cultural Council, and Meet Boston.
Project support for programming in Chin Park on The Greenway is provided by TD Charitable Foundation.
The Greenway Fitness Series is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
About The Greenway and the Greenway Conservancy (www.rosekennedygreenway.org)
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a contemporary public park in the heart of Boston and one of the most visited attractions in the Commonwealth, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The Greenway is managed by the Greenway Conservancy, a non-profit responsible for the administration and care of the park. The majority of the Conservancy’s annual budget is made up of generous donations from the community, and it is with their support that the Conservancy cultivates a gathering space where all are welcome and celebrated.
Images for The Playway can be found here: https://rosekennedygreenway.canto.com/s/VH058?viewIndex=2
Image credits:
Playway Logo & Map: Greenway Conservancy
Greenway Carousel: Nicole Loeb
Rings Fountain: Matt Conti
Playcubes®: Chris Rucinski
Big Hoops to Fill: G. Ortiz
Carolyn Lynch Garden: Anthony Crisafulli
Harbor Fog & Revelry Food Truck: Greenway Conservancy Staff
