Sometimes you just need to pet a monkey. Or go for a splash at a water park. Or laze under a tree. Because life’s too short to spend all your birthdays indoors. Our list of Outdoor Party Venues in Boston will inspire you to get moving and out into the fresh air – contact deets, party info and web addresses included. You’re welcome.
Boston outdoor party venues at a glance
| Venue | Area | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Park Zoo | Boston | not listed |
| New England Aquarium | Boston | not listed |
| The Lawn on D | Boston | Outdoor |
| Loring Greenough House | Jamaica Plain | Indoor & outdoor |
| Breezy Picnic Grounds | Douglas | Outdoor |
Details as listed by each venue when we last checked — confirm with the venue before booking.
5 spots below, hand-picked for Boston.
Franklin Park Zoo
Get a tour of the zoo and a two hour party room rental, as well as meals, animal-themed centerpieces, decor, and masks. The DIY package includes just a room, table and chairs plus discounted tickets.
- Length
- 2 hours
New England Aquarium
If you prefer your animals under water then a visit to the aquarium is the way to go. There’s plenty to see and learn about. Kids enjoy an IMAX Theatre movie presentation in 3D with popcorn and a soft drink. You can opt to DIY and visit the aquarium and enjoy the programs and lunch in the café.
The Lawn on D
This grassy outdoor space is great for larger gatherings. Their two signature event spaces include picnic tables and seating, lawn games, swings, performance platforms, diverse menus for all tastes and more. You can also request a customized menu for your special day.
- Setting
- Outdoor
Loring Greenough House
The Loring–Greenough House is an 18th century residence with spacious lawn and a sprawling country house that will be perfect for an outdoor event. Their party coordinator will help customize a plan to ensure the best event possible. For a great mix of indoor and outdoor, their country house can accommodate a whopping 150 people.
- Party size
- Up to 150 people
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
Breezy Picnic Grounds
This lakefront picnic grounds at Whitins Reservoir has grassy picnic spots and a sandy beach. Its water slides closed for good in 2026, so plan a swim-and-picnic party instead: reserve a picnic table or three and bring any additional games. You may bring your own food and drinks, and there's also a snack bar with kid food, ice cream, drinks and snacks.
- Setting
- Outdoor
Booking the entertainment too? We’ll check who’s free.
Venue sorted, cake ordered — now the wow. Tell us your date and we’ll confirm which vetted Boston entertainers (face painters, balloon artists, magicians, characters) are actually available.
Free to ask · vetted & insured · money held until after the party
Looking specifically for a kids’ birthday party instead of a general outdoor gathering? Our newer Outdoor Birthday Party Venues in Boston guide is built around birthday packages, ages and pricing — including two picks from the list above, plus a few more from around Greater Boston.
Outdoor Party Venues in Boston You Should Visit — FAQs
Are the water slides at Breezy Picnic Grounds still open?
No. The water slides at Breezy Picnic Grounds in Douglas closed for good in 2026, so plan a swim-and-picnic party there instead. The lakefront grounds on Whitins Reservoir still have grassy picnic spots and a sandy beach. Reserve a picnic table or three and bring any extra games; you may bring your own food and drinks, and a snack bar sells kid food, ice cream, drinks and snacks.
Can you have a kids birthday party at the New England Aquarium?
Yes, and it can be as simple as a visit. The aquarium’s party option gives kids an IMAX 3D movie with popcorn and a soft drink, or you can do it yourself: visit the aquarium, take in its programs and have lunch in the café. If your crowd would rather see animals on land, Franklin Park Zoo’s full package adds a zoo tour, a two-hour party room rental, meals, animal-themed centerpieces, decor and masks.
