Sledding at Fellsmere Park, Malden, Massachusetts

Winter in Massachusetts can sometimes be pretty rough, especially if you are someone who did not grow up with snow. If you do not have to shovel the snow, then there are a lot of silver linings. There are so many fun winter activities that you can truly enjoy in the winter. You can go skiing, ice skating, build a snowman, tubing, or sledding.

Deciding where and when you go sledding is very important, if the snow does not pile up, it kind of defeats the purpose.

Sledding, sledging or slay riding as it is sometimes called involves sliding downhill over the snow on a sled, sledge, or toboggan.

One of my favorite places to go sledding is Fellsmere Park, which is located in Malden, Massachusetts. It is a very old park that was built in the late 19th century. The park features rolling hills, open fields, and a central pond.

During the winter months, this park was my go-to sledding destination.

Why Sledding at Fellsmere Park is Special

Fellsmere Park’s gently sloping hills are perfect for sledding. The park itself is very spacious so you have plenty of room to slide downhill without fear of bumping into other park visitors.

In terms of its looks, when it snows, it is so beautiful and becomes a winter wonderland.

What It’s Like to Go Sledding

Sledding at Fellsmere Park is always a blast! It’s a fun and energetic experience. The park’s hills vary in steepness, and so you can cruise through the snow and scream on your way downhill.

It’s a great space for both beginners and more adventurous sledders. On snow days or no school days, you would typically see loads of families bring sleds, toboggans, or tubes to race down the slopes.

There is a very beautiful pond in Fellsmere park, which freezes over during the winter. When frozen, it adds a scenic backdrop to the sledding activities.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring Your Own Sled: You have to bring your own sled or snow gear. There are no facilities here for rental, so pack your sled or snow gear.
• Dress Warmly: You need to layer up. The first time I visited this park, I actually thought I was well bundled up but a few minutes in I realized I didn’t even come close to being prepared.  It gets very windy so wear layers, gloves, and waterproof boots.
• Arrive Early: I came a little bit later in the day on some of my visits and as you can see from some the pictures that the snow had been moved around quite a bit or had stated to melt.
• Safety First: Check the Sledding areas for any hidden obstacles under the snow before sliding.

Essential Gear for an Enjoyable Sledding Experience

Below are my suggestions of some of the must-have items:

• Sturdy Sled: Choose a sled that is sturdy. You can buy sleds online or in stores. I have purchased a few online as well as from stores and they tend to be relatively affordable.
• Insulated Outerwear: Wear a waterproof winter coat and snow pants to keep warm and dry during your sledding activities.
• Protective Footwear: Wear insulated snow boots and pair them with warm socks. It would allow your foot remain warm and prevent moisture. This seems intuitive but I wore a pair of boots one time that did not prevent the cold from getting to my feet so keep this in mind.
• Accessories for Warmth: You should also wear a hat and waterproof gloves or mittens to protect against the cold.
• Sun Protection: Yes, it’s winter but you still need sunscreen. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, as snow can reflect sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
• Facial Tissues: Carry tissues to manage any runny noses caused by the cold air.
• Hot Beverages: Sledding makes me thirsty so I would say bring a thermos filled with a warm drink like hot chocolate or tea. You can enjoy your beverage after walking back up the hill, plus it would keep you warm!

Nearby Attractions

Fellsmere Park is conveniently located near other points of interest. It is close to Pine Banks Park, which is another great spot for winter recreation. Fellsmere park is also close to Malden Center, which has many shops and restaurants for post-Sledding treats.

If you are into hiking and snowshoeing, you can also visit Middlesex Fells Reservation.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for sledding at Fellsmere Park is right after a fresh snowfall. You want the hills to be covered in snow so that there is no chance that you will bruise yourself.