Head to the Back Bay Fens and hang out next to a beautiful freshwater marsh. Along with the marsh, this link in the Emerald Necklace park system is home to ball fields, a wartime “Victory Garden” that was established in 1941, and the popular Kelleher Rose Garden, among other outdoor attractions. While you're exploring the park, be sure to pay respects at the World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War memorials that reside in the park.
America's fight for independence began in Boston, so what better way to celebrate Independence Day than in the place where it all started? The Boston Harborfest is the city's week-long celebration of American independence, and on July 4th the festival moves to the Charles River Esplanade for a great view of fireworks and patriotic music by the Boston Pops.
Spend some time hanging out in the country's oldest park. The 50-acre Boston Common is the anchor for the Emerald Necklace park system and is the starting place of the famous Freedom Trail. There are quite a few monuments throughout the park, and several outdoor events take place in the Common throughout the year.