Hobbs Fern Sanctuary, 180 Hemenway Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, US

A pastoral oasis in a busy city, Garden in the Woods is a unique destination for nature-lovers, families, or anyone seeking a little serenity. New England Wild Flower Society's "living museum" conserves, protects, and displays many of the area's most beautiful native plants while also featuring rare plants, all along a winding, sometimes hilly gravel path. Figure about an hour for a leisurely stroll throughout the Garden. Guests will enjoy noting the distinct areas including the Idea Garden, New England Rare Plant Garden, Curtis Woodland Garden, and more. There is a Family Activity Area with a few fun prompts for kids, beautiful wooden benches throughout, and three additional short trails for hikers.Must see/do at the Garden in the WoodsThe lily pond is one of the prettiest spots in the garden, and if you're lucky you might see some turtles hanging out there. If you've got kids, check out the Family Activity Area and definitely grab scavenger hunt sheets from the Garden Shop. In summer months at 10 a.m. on alternating Saturdays, kids two to six will love story time, free with admission (check the website for dates and themes). Or take an evening tour on select Thursdays at 6 p.m. to see the blooms in enchanting dusk lighting while collecting gardening tips from the experts.Best and worst time to go to the Garden in the WoodsGarden in the Woods is open to the public from mid-April to October, and there really isn't a bad time to go (except non-holiday Mondays, when they're closed). Thursdays through July offer extended evening hours. May is your best bet for blossoms including wild blue phlox and pink rhododendrons, making for an especially colorful visit. There are a lot of mosquitos, so visitors may want to avoid going on muggier days or those just after wet weather when these predators are most abundant. Check the website or call ahead to see what's blooming.Admission to the Garden in the WoodsAdmission is just over ten bucks for adults and just under for seniors over sixty-five. Kids aged three through seventeen are about five dollars, and those under three are free. Your entrance fee includes a guided walk at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or at 2 p.m. on weekends. Park in their lot for free. You'll do fine on the main, one mile gravel path with strollers (but be ready to push up a few steep spots), and there are three additional short trails for those in appropriate footwear.Wildlife at the Garden in the WoodsPlants. This "living museum" features many native plants to be cultivated and studied as well as rare species that are showcased and protected. In addition to the many flowers, ferns, trees, and other flora and fauna, you may see squirrels, chipmunks, butterflies, huge dragonflies, cardinals, and more. Each week that passes brings different blossoms; repeat visits yield unique experiences. Check the bulletin board at the entrance as well as the website to learn what flowers are blooming during your visit and look for those as you explore the gardens.Insider tip for visitors to the Garden in the WoodsWear bug spray; enjoy the garden, but don't let the mosquitos enjoy you. Nature-fiends will love the Garden Shop's collection of tools, books, and whimsical items, including fun stuff for the kids. Also, peruse the website for details on a variety of programs including specialized educational series, exclusive visiting hours for artists, gardening demonstrations, and more.Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She doesn't have much of a green thumb unless you count dandelions and crabgrass, so she really appreciates gardens cultivated by the experts.