Western Ave
Children's Center
Building Relationships
in Allston, MA
Learn about the community that Western Ave Children's Center is a part of.
Honan-Allston Branch - Boston Public Library
The Honan Allston Library is just blocks away from the WACC. There are regular infant, toddler, and preschool story hours on a regular basis. Behind the library there are wonderful areas behind the library, which hold a serpentine path up a small hill, rock walls, and grassy areas to run and explore.
Location: North Harvard Street, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 9-minute walk
Raymond V. Mellone Park
Raymond Mellone Park - Behind the library, this area has been developed into a public space with walking paths, benches, and areas to explore. Adjacent to the library, there is an outdoor classroom and story area for children. A gift from Harvard to the neighborhood, Mellone park is a tribute to a local community leader.
Location: North Harvard Street, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 10-minute walk
Science and Engineering Complex - Walking Path
Science and Engineering Complex, The new Paulson Science and Engineering Complex is a cornerstone of the growth in Allston by the University. The building at 150 Western Avenue houses a cafeteria and maker space, and the area behind it is full of walking paths and specimen trees that will grow into lovely shaded groves.
Location: 150 Western Ave, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 1-minute walk
Swissbäkers
A local favorite, Swissbakers is a great place to grab a snack, play on the cow rockers and leave with a smile on your face!
Don't forget to say hi to Tom!
Location: 168 Western Ave, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 4-minute walk
Smith Playground
Down the street from WACC is Smith Playground. More than the play structures you can see from the street, it is a community hub for activities! With street hockey courts, baseball fields, a water park, basketball courts and an amphitheater, Smith Playground is a busy place for all ages!
Location: 235 Western Ave, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 9-minute walk
Class of 1959 Chapel - The Fish House
Across the street and a short walk from WACC, the 1959 Chapel is a fun stop for the children because of the lovely Koi Pond it holds. Stopping to see the fish is a highlight of walks around the neighborhood.
Location: Gordon Road, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 4-minute walk
Zone 3 - Community Sketchbook
For the children, a walk to the park or Trader Joe's often also involves a walk through the Zone 3 area and conversations about the changing murals and public art found there.
Location: Western Ave, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 4-minute walk
Baker Library - Grassy Field
For the children, the beautiful lawn in front of the Baker Library is the main attraction here, not necessarily the extensive collections within!
Location: Harvard Way, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 6-minute walk
Spangler Center - Dining Hall
A great place to stop for a snack with the children or find a bathroom when away from the Center, the Spangler center and the wonderful lawns and seating areas around it are great places to pause while walking around the neighborhoods with children.
Location: Western Ave, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 4-minute walk
Trader Joe's
When the children need eggs to make pancakes or flour to make play dough, Trader Joe’s is our stop! Just down the block, it is a manageable walk with a small group and a great size to feel comfortable negotiating with young children.
Location: 199 North Harvard St, Boston, MA
ETA from Western Ave Children's Center: 6-minute walk
As we settle into our home in Allston, we know there are so many more places to explore! Make suggestions, and help with collaborations, we want to be good neighbors!