Neighborhood Highlights: Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain, founded by Boston Puritans, has a rich history. It holds the oldest community theater in the United States and was one of the first towns to become a streetcar community in the 19th century. Below are highlights of the many diverse activities Jamaica Plain has to offer for you and your Little Sister!

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Arnold Arboretum

125 Arborway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visitor Center:
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Sat. 10am-4pm
Sun. 12pm-4pm

Now is the perfect time to visit this 265-acre park. View the budding spring foliage, take guided tours to learn about the history of the arboretum or go on a self-guided bird watch. If you are interested in environmental sustainability, check out the Weld Hill Science Building to learn about green research. For more information and for tour times, visit http://arboretum.harvard.edu.

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JP Community Center

Yearly Membership: $5 Youth; $10 Teen; $25 Adult
Visitor Pass: $5

With four different locations around Jamaica Plain, these community centers have a bit of everything. Swim, take a dance class, or just shoot hoops in the gym. You can spend an entire day here with so many different activities. For community center locations and schedules, visit  www.jpcommunitycenters.com .

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MSPCA – Angell

350 S. Huntington Ave.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

This is a great place to volunteer if your Little Sister likes animals and is 16 years old or older. The Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals serves over 6,000 animals and is always looking for extra help to feed, walk, or photograph the animals. Check out their calendar of events for one time volunteer opportunities with no age limit: MSPCA Calendar.

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Forest Hills Cemetery

95 Forest Hills Ave.
Jamaica Plain,MA 02130

Daily 8:30am-Dusk

This cemetery is not just for those looking for a good spook, but for history buffs as well. Famous authors, such as e.e. cummings, Eugene O’Neill, and Anne Sexton,  are buried at the Forest Hills Cemetery  as well as the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. There is also a stunning mile long contemporary sculpture path. Check out the website for walking tour schedules this fall: http://foresthillstrust.org.

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Axiom Center for New and Experimental Media

141 Green St.
Jamaica Plain,MA 02130

Tues. & Sat. 2pm-5pm
Wed. 6pm-9pm
Thurs. 2pm-9pm

Right next to the Green Street T station, this gallery encourages experimental art through a diverse group of exhibitions, events, and educational programs. If you enjoy innovative, contemporary art, come to see technology-based sculpture, installations, and live performances.  To view the fall exhibition schedule, visit http://axiomart.org.