Blue Hill Observatory Science Center

Truly a perfect place to take visitors to Boston. It’s very easy to get to, and the hike up is just the right amount of challenge for beginners and intermediate hikers. The summit is remarkable. You can see planes landing at Logan. It’s so cool.
At the base where you park, there’s a little gift shop and animal area. You can see a river otter gamboling in his pool, and the occasional owl or other birds of prey in the rescue area. You can feed ducks at a little pond too.
After all is said and done, grab some Dunkin off the highway and revel in your hike!
This place is a must-​do, truly! So perfect for any kind of group too — nature can be enjoyed on multiple levels at any age.
Around fall, they operate the ski lift for foliage tours just for a couple bucks too. We went a few years ago, and it was so much fun.

HISTORY: Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, located at the top of a scenic mountain range south of Boston, is a unique American institution. Founded in 1885 by Abbott Lawrence Rotch as a private scientific center for the study and measurement of the atmosphere, it was the site of many pioneering weather experiments and discoveries. The earliest kite soundings of the atmosphere in North America in the 1890s and the development of the radiosonde in the 1930s occurred at this historic site.
TODAY: The Observatory is a National Historic Landmark and remains committed to continuing its extensive, uninterrupted climate record with traditional methods and instruments. The recently established Science Center expands this mission by enhancing public understanding of atmospheric science.
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We went for their Spring Open House today and took a tour of the Observatory, enjoyed the great view from the summit of Great Blue Hill and participated in many fun activities. Activities included presentations on weather and climate, kite making and flying, tagged balloon releases, self guided tours with interpreters throughout the facility, and tables for the WINS program, MWO, NWS, and Friends of the Blue Hills. The 360 degree views from the upper open air deck of the weather observatory are simply breath-​taking.
My kids were thrilled to get a chance to learn about how the weather is recorded by meteorologists and tour the unusual structure, built in the late 19^th Century.
GIFT SHOP: There were also special sales on many items in their gift shop. They have a wide range of kites, science kits, a collection of geology lessons and materials (including several rocks and minerals kits), books, and fun toys including a fresh supply of snacks and beverages for hungry hikers
PARKING: The closest parking is at the Blue Hill Ski Area or the adjacent Trailside Museum at 1904 Canton Avenue in Milton, MA.
To access the activities at the Observatory, you walk the one-​mile long road from the Trail side Museum to the summit of Great Blue Hill (no private vehicles are allowed on the summit road). We took the Red Dot Trail, well marked-​about 25 minutes to the top –it is a rocky path –or you can walk on a paved road from the parking lot.
Hiking trails lead to the summit from these parking areas. The summit access road is not open to public vehicles; the walk up the hill to the Observatory along the summit road is approximately one mile. Trail maps and information are available at the Trailside Museum. A shuttle van was also available for seniors and special access from the Trailside Museum parking lot.
Bicycles and Pets on a leash are also allowed on the trails.