WELLESLEY – Children across Massachusetts were thrilled to go sledding when they woke up on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a coating of snow.
Snow brings sledding fun for kids
“I have vivid memories of doing this with my parents, and it’s almost even more fun being a dad,” says Wellesley resident Ben Bullitt, who took his two sons sledding at Warren Park. “These kids are so excited.”
Ben says that you don’t need fancy equipment, just a hill and some snow. The Bullitt family bought their sled from CVS for $9.
“You go fast!” says Ben’s son Nash.
It’s a great outdoorsy way for families to spend the day off from school.
“You can lie on the couch and watch movies all day. You don’t have to work and do math,” says Zara, who was teaching her little brother Otis how to sled.
“He was so brave,” says Zara.
Skiing and snowshoeing
Kids are not the only ones enjoying the snowy weather, though. Adults took to the slopes or the fields to ski and snowshoe on Monday.
“It’s just walking with giant shoes. You go out and sled, make angels in the snow. Which I did, Gretchen still has to do one,” says Tom Schneider about his wife Gretchen. They spent their day off at the Weston Ski Track.
The snowy weather reminds the New England residents of the magic of being a kid.
“I could never live in a place that didn’t have snow,” says Gretchen.
“It reminds me of being little,” says Tom.
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In Canton, regulars rattled off what’s to like about Blue Hills.
“There’s no other place I can go that’s ten minutes down the street from my house and I mean $50 for a day pass, you can’t beat that,” one skier said.
There were riders and skiers of all skill levels. “Definitely exhilarating,” another skier said. “Your heart rate goes up and you get a little scared. You’ve got to try to remember that as long as you fall before you hit into someone, you’ll be alright.”
Massachusetts residents embraced the snowy weather this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, combining the holiday’s spirit of service with outdoor winter fun. As the state was blanketed with snow, families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts took full advantage of the conditions, participating in a range of snowy activities that celebrated both the day and the season.
A Snowy Day of Outdoor Fun
The snowstorm that blanketed Massachusetts just in time for MLK Day turned the state into a winter wonderland, prompting people to head outside and enjoy everything the snow had to offer. Skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes at popular mountain resorts like Wachusett Mountain, while families flocked to parks for sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
In Boston, the iconic Frog Pond in the Boston Common was bustling with skaters gliding across the ice, with people of all ages enjoying the crisp air and picturesque views of the city. “It’s the perfect way to spend a day like this,” said local resident Sarah Johnson, who was out on the ice with her children. “It’s fun, and it gives us a chance to connect with the outdoors and each other.”
Volunteering in the Snow
While snowy activities were a highlight for many, the true spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day also shone through in Massachusetts through acts of service. Numerous community groups organized volunteer opportunities, with residents braving the snow to give back to their communities.
In Cambridge, volunteers gathered at the city’s community center to help shovel driveways and sidewalks for elderly residents, ensuring that those who were unable to get outside could do so safely. Other groups focused on environmental clean-up efforts, collecting trash and debris from public spaces, while some took part in food drives and packing care packages for local shelters.
MLK Day is known for being a “day of service,” and residents in Massachusetts carried on that tradition despite the snowy weather. Many saw the snow as an added challenge but also a reminder of the resilience that Dr. King exemplified throughout his life.
Snowy Parks and Trails
For those who love to hike and explore nature, the snow presented an ideal opportunity to visit Massachusetts’ many parks and trails. The Blue Hills Reservation, just outside of Boston, offered stunning views of the snowy landscape, and hikers could be seen trekking through the white-covered trails.
Many residents used the holiday to explore the outdoors, appreciating the quiet beauty of nature. “I love how peaceful it is in the snow,” said local hiker David Clark. “It’s like the whole world slows down, and you really get to appreciate the calm.”
A Family-Friendly Holiday
For families, MLK Day provided an opportunity for bonding in the snow, with many parents taking the day off to enjoy outdoor adventures with their children. Whether building snowmen, having snowball fights, or simply walking around the neighborhood in the snow, it was a time for creating memories together.
Local sledding hills were busy with families who made the most of the fresh snow. In smaller towns and suburbs, the sight of children racing down hills on sleds was a testament to the fun and joy the snow brought to everyone.
A Community-Focused Day
Though the snow created a beautiful backdrop for all these activities, many people took time on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to reflect on the significance of the holiday. Across the state, community centers, schools, and religious institutions hosted virtual or in-person discussions and events focused on Dr. King’s legacy, social justice, and the ongoing work toward equality.
“It’s important to remember the bigger picture today,” said Maria Hernandez, a local teacher. “We have so much to be thankful for, but MLK Day reminds us that we also need to keep pushing for equality and justice, especially in these times.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Massachusetts was a unique blend of snowy fun, reflection, and service. From the slopes to local parks, residents found joy in the winter weather, while also taking the time to honor Dr. King’s legacy through acts of kindness and community engagement. Despite the cold and snow, the warmth of community spirit was palpable, reminding everyone of the power of service, unity, and reflection on this important holiday. Whether enjoying the outdoors or giving back to those in need, Massachusetts residents made the most of a day that honored both their shared history and their shared future.
