Family-Friendly Summer Activities Near Boston
Swimming in Nature
All beachgoers swim under the watchful eyes of our highly trained lifeguards throughout the day. Specific times and spaces are reserved for adults and seniors to enjoy outdoor lap swim. À la carte Swimming Lessons for ages three and up require registration.
Boating in Noanet Pond
South Beach offers access to Hale’s fleet of sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards. Season passes include boating lessons for all ages, and instructors teach budding mariners to safely use oars, hoist sails, tack, and navigate.
Hiking and Nature Activities
Young explorers love hiking at Hale, venturing to caves and coves as they learn about nature. Creative kiddos can try their hand at arts and crafts, and challenge-by-choice is our motto for games and activities including archery, ninja warrior, and climbing on our challenge courses.
Activities for Teens & Adults
Older kids can learn to informally lead activities, participate in Junior Lifeguarding, or even hone their skills as activity assistants through our volunteer program. Cross-program games help them build friendships with other teens in Hale Summer Camps, too.
Community Events in Greater Boston
Everyday activities are great, but so are events that make summer extra special. Barbecues, athletic challenges, and theme days are just a few family-friendly traditions everyone loves!
We welcome summer with South Beach’s annual Swim & S’mores event. Then, when the Family & Community Program’s season begins, staff prepare a BBQ in the picnic area and we cheer on our young athletes as they compete in the Kids Fun TRYathlon. As our season wraps up, we fire up the grills for one last meal together.
We celebrate Independence Day at South Beach with family-friendly games, a sandcastle contest, patriotic arts and crafts, and more.
Advanced swimmers can practice their favorite stroke all the way across Noanet Pond. Those who prefer more leisurely experiences can borrow boats or SUPs to paddle their way to North Beach!
Theme Days bring extra fun and creativity to each week. Enjoy simple, spirited activities — think color days, swashbuckling pirates, and beach-based Olympics — that build community and laughter. Come for the fun, stay for a freeze pop!
On warm evenings throughout the season, we roll out blankets and beach chairs and enjoy movies and tent camping together under the stars.
Special Perks
Being a Family and Community Program passholder offers unique benefits! Here are just a few ways you can amplify your summer experience.
Tiny Turtles uses play to help our youngest swimmers and their caregivers gain confidence in the water. Explore floating, kicking, and blowing bubbles through songs, games, and gentle instruction. This complimentary 30-minute class aligns with Red Cross Learn-to-Swim and Whale’s Tale programs, and is taught by certified Water Safety Instructors.
Learning to swim at Hale is different. Attentive lifeguards keep a watchful eye on the waterfront, and friendly instructors make learning fun as little kids wade into water and older ones dive from the dock. Family and Community Program passholders enjoy a 25% discount on group and private Swimming Lessons.
In 2027, our passholder discount on Swimming Lessons may be replaced by special savings available through a Season Pass add-on. If not, passholders will continue to be eligible for a traditional discount on lessons.
Sauna Saturdays
You may have already enjoyed Firewatch Sauna’s services this winter, and we’re thrilled to let you know they’ll be back this summer in partnership with our Family & Community Program. Sauna Saturdays at South Beach are tentatively scheduled to begin July 11, and our Season Pass holders will be among the first folks invited to book a very limited number of hour-long sessions that will include an after-hours campfire, vinyl tunes, and pond plunge.
We love partnering with Firewatch, but please note that as of this time, sauna services are not guaranteed in 2027. Fingers crossed!
Season Passes — 2027 Now Available!
Now through August 31, you can purchase next year’s passes at this year’s rates! Even better? New passholders can enjoy this summer’s post-season from August 17–31, 2026 for free! Simply add both passes to your cart (2026 and 2027) and you’ll only pay for one when you check out.
Every season pass at Hale offers beach access, open swimming, open boating, and community events at South Beach. Recreational activities for youth and classes for adults are available daily during the summer! Please review our flexible refund policy before you register. If you need assistance, feel free to call our main office at 781-326-1770. We’re happy to help during regular business hours.
Family Pass (2027)
Our 2027 Family Pass is available for $850 until Aug. 31, 2026 and covers all caregivers and children living in the same household. Don’t delay — next year’s prices take effect after this advance purchase opportunity ends!
South Beach Access
Activities
Amenities
Additional Benefits
Season Passes have traditionally provided a discount on our à la carte Swimming Lessons, which require separate registration. We’re currently exploring the possibility of making those easier to register for by way of a Season Pass add-on. If we offer that add-on, it will incorporate those savings in the price. If we do not, Season Pass holders will be eligible for a traditional discount on à la carte Swimming Lessons, just as they have been in the past.
Individual Pass (2027)
Our 2027 Individual Pass is available for $375 until Aug. 31, 2026 and covers one adult between the ages of 18 and 59. Don’t delay — next year’s prices take effect after this advance purchase opportunity ends!
South Beach Access
Activities
Amenities
Additional Benefits
Season Passes have traditionally provided a discount on our à la carte Swimming Lessons, which require separate registration. We’re currently exploring the possibility of making those easier to register for by way of a Season Pass add-on. If we offer that add-on, it will incorporate those savings in the price. If we do not, Season Pass holders will be eligible for a traditional discount on à la carte Swimming Lessons, just as they have been in the past.
Senior Pass (2027)
Our 2027 Senior Pass is available for $215 until Aug. 31, 2026 and offers excellent value for one adult over the age of 60. Don’t delay — next year’s prices take effect after this advance purchase opportunity ends!
South Beach Access
Activities
Amenities
Additional Benefits
Season Passes have traditionally provided a discount on our à la carte Swimming Lessons, which require separate registration. We’re currently exploring the possibility of making those easier to register for by way of a Season Pass add-on. If we offer that add-on, it will incorporate those savings in the price. If we do not, Season Pass holders will be eligible for a traditional discount on à la carte Swimming Lessons, just as they have been in the past.
Financial Aid
Hale strives to be a place where people from all backgrounds and circumstances have opportunities for education and recreation. If you require financial assistance, please consider applying for financial aid. In addition to Hale’s support, funds are available for military veterans and Westwood residents.
Swimming Lessons
Our Red Cross-certified Water Safety Instructors offer six levels of à la carte lessons that build confidence, increase stamina, and refine strokes. Children as young as 3 can enroll. We offer daily classes in four 2-week sessions.
Day Passes
During the summer, South Beach Day Passes offer open swimming and boating supervised by certified lifeguards. They don’t include lessons or other activities, but they’re a great way for season passholders to bring friends and guests to the beach.
Enroll Today
We always have room for new friends and neighbors, so make the most of summer with us!
Already Signed Up?
Get Ready for the Beach
Do you need a parking decal? What should you pack? How do you enroll in swimming lessons? Visit our Program Resource Site for answers to these questions, activity schedules, staff bios, and more! The site currently offers an in-depth look at last summer — the information is subject to change as we plan for next year!
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Swimming Lessons
School Vacation Days
Hale Day Camp
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