Get Outdoors in Andover, MA this Spring

This spring, if you want to explore the best of Essex County, come to the Town of Andover, Massachusetts. It’s a beautiful town with plenty of things to do in early spring, especially outdoors. Whether you’re bringing the kids for a weekend outing or you just want time for yourself, there’s no limit to the amount of fun you can have.

Outdoors

Andover is full of natural beauty, especially in the spring when the snow melts and flowers and trees once more come back to life. You can bird watch, check out nature trails, stroll along the Shawsheen River, and smell the flowers when you get outdoors this spring.

Ward Reservation

Come hike, bike, walk, horseback ride, and explore Ward Reservation this spring. It’s more than a regular park. With over 704 acres to explore, there are drumlin hilltops, a rare quaking bog, fields, forests, and more. Before you go, make sure to climb Holt Hill. There you’ll find the Solstice Stones, which mark the sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year.

Bay Circuit Trail

The Bay Circuit Trail is a 230+ mile trail outside of Boston that links several of the surrounding towns, Andover included. Described as an “outer emerald necklace,” this trail links parks, ponds, and other open, green areas together for all to enjoy. Visitors can hike, walk, bike, horseback ride, and explore the “pearls” that the trail connects to. Pack a picnic lunch, some binoculars, and a camera and enjoy nature as it once more begins to bloom.

Kid Fun

Spring is a great time to bring the kids to Andover. There are lots of parks and playgrounds for them to enjoy, as well as farms, ponds, and more.

Smolak Farms

A community staple, visiting Smolak Farms is a great place to take the kids. This working farm has been in operation for over 50 years and has fun activities for the whole family. Stop by the farm stand for healthy meals and baked goods. Get some grain so the kids can feel the animals, including alpacas. Teach them about how the free-roaming chicken, ducks, and geese help the farm by eating the bugs.

Penguin Park

The little ones will love a day out at Penguin Park. Located off Burnham Road near the railroad bridge, you’ll find a great little toddler playground. The park is fenced in so your children can run around safely, play on the swings, and make new friends. Afterward, you can all explore the family-friendly walking trails near the Shawsheen River.

Sports

If you love hockey and aren’t ready to put your skates away yet, head over to Phillips Academy Ice Rink. There are early spring pick-up adult hockey games that, with just an email and $20 fee, you can participate in as a walk-on. You’ll make great friends and get the blood pumping with some old-fashioned friendly competition.

Come up to Andover this spring for a weekend in the great outdoors, time with the kids, or ease out of winter with some ice hockey. You’ll leave with incredible memories that will last a lifetime, and perhaps you’ll find your new go-to vacation spot.