Bradley Palmer State Park
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Bradley Palmer State Park

4.7
·540 reviews·Topsfield, United States

A former estate offering 721 acres of trails, a splash pad, playground, and scenic drives along the Ipswich River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Splash pad is open!

CrowdHigh
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Bradley Palmer State Park

Bradley Palmer State Park

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Splash pad is open!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A former estate offering 721 acres of trails, a splash pad, playground, and scenic drives along the Ipswich River.

4.7
(540 reviews)

"Beautiful enormous park! We came for the splashpad for my 2 year old but the actual park and road in were amazing and beautiful."

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TIP

Splash Pad Entry Fee

Park entry is $5 for MA residents, $20 for non-residents.

Kid-Friendly Amenities

Splash pad, playground, restrooms, and changing rooms make it great for families.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 540 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splash Pad

Splash Pad

Topsfield, MA

A fully fenced, refreshing oasis for kids on hot summer days.

TikTok+1
Playground

Playground

Topsfield, MA

Shaded playground adjacent to the splash pad, offering fun for younger visitors.

TikTok
Ipswich River Trails

Ipswich River Trails

Along the Ipswich River

Wander alongside the Ipswich River on scenic walking and biking paths.

Reddit
Historic Mansion Grounds

Historic Mansion Grounds

Main Estate Area

Explore the expansive grounds of the early 1900s mansion, offering beautiful green spaces.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Splash Pad & Playground Fun

Beat the summer heat at the fully fenced splash pad and shaded playground, perfect for kids of all ages. Restrooms and changing rooms are available. Ice cream trucks sometimes visit! TikTok+1

Trails & Scenic Drives

Explore miles of trails for walking, running, biking, or horseback riding. Enjoy scenic drives on paved paths, especially in the off-season when speed bumps are removed. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Splash pad is open!
Crowd
High
When
Fall mornings
Why
Beautiful foliage, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
No speed bumps, quiet biking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#raisedonblacktop #nocellapaving #massachusetts #blacktop #writgengroup #bradleypalmerstatepark
@nate81978
74 likes • 3K views

Splash Pad Entry Fee

Park entry is $5 for MA residents, $20 for non-residents. TikTok

Kid-Friendly Amenities

Splash pad, playground, restrooms, and changing rooms make it great for families. TikTok+1

Just north of Boston, Bradley Palmer State Park located in Topsfield, MA has a bunch of trails but also an amazing splash pad and play ground for kids of all ages. It’s only $5 to park for Massachuseetts residents and $20 for non-residents. They also have a men and womens restrooms, and changing rooms to change your kiddos in private with a bit more space than a restroom stall. There is a ton o...
@jessicadoane
19 likes • 859 views
Bradley Palmer State Park 📍40 Asbury St, Topsfield, MA 01983 💦Cool off at the fully fenced splash pad– perfect for hot summer days! 🛝 Shaded playground in the same enclosed area! 🍉 Bring snacks & enjoy a family picnic under the trees 🍦The ice cream truck makes visits from time to time! 🚻 Restrooms on-site for convenience 📚On select days the Topsfield Library has a storytime pop-up with games an...
@home.withlittles
3 likes • 131 views

Off-Season Biking Bliss

Visit in the off-season for smooth biking as speed bumps are removed. Reddit

Picnic Paradise

Bring snacks and enjoy a picnic under the trees; ice cream trucks sometimes visit! TikTok

One footers (posting again bc no veiws last time) #dirtjumps #mtb #dirtjumper #bradleypark #onefooter
@khalilmtb1
40 likes • 785 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Splash Pad Entry Fee

Park entry is $5 for MA residents, $20 for non-residents. TikTok

Kid-Friendly Amenities

Splash pad, playground, restrooms, and changing rooms make it great for families. TikTok+1

Off-Season Biking Bliss

Visit in the off-season for smooth biking as speed bumps are removed. Reddit

Picnic Paradise

Bring snacks and enjoy a picnic under the trees; ice cream trucks sometimes visit! TikTok

Wildlife Spotting

Look for frogs, turtles, birds, and deer, especially at dusk. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(540 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Bradley Palmer State Park's family-friendly amenities like the splash pad and playground, as well as its beautiful trails for walking and biking. The park is praised for its natural beauty and wildlife, though some note it can get hot and buggy in the summer. The off-season offers a quieter experience, especially for cyclists. TikTokReddit+1

"Bradley Palmer is a great place to a walking, running, bike riding or even horseback riding. I’ve walked through many of the diet paths before. You can also find your way down and walk alongside the Ipswich river.

I’ve been taking my son there to go bike riding a lot and he loves it. The Willowdale entrance to the splash pad entrance is 1 mile. So he’ll ride his bike and I will run along with him up and down the road at least 4 to 6 times. We get a good exercise.

For the fall time in the off-season, this is the best time to go bike riding there because they take the speed bumps out and there’s no cars driving in there. You can still ride and everything in the summertime but they do put their speed bumps out and just need to be cognizant of cars driving through coming and going from the splash pad area.

Otherwise, a beautiful park to enjoy. Plenty of shady area as you walk along the road and of course throughout the woods. Certainly good place to give your dogs some good exercise!"

Mike Perham

"Beautiful enormous park! We came for the splashpad for my 2 year old but the actual park and road in were amazing and beautiful. People were walking, hiking, and bike riding around. My 2 year old thought he was in a "jungle." When we got to the kid's area, there were bathrooms, a playground, and a giant splashpad. It is very clean and we had a wonderful time. I want to come back for a bike ride with my partner. It was so beautiful"

Chelsea Chory

"📍40 Asbury St, Topsfield, MA 01983
@home.withlittles

💦Cool off at the fully fenced splash pad– perfect for hot summer days!
🛝 Shaded playground in the same enclosed area!
🍉 Bring snacks & enjoy a family picnic under the trees
🍦The ice cream truck makes visits from time to time!
🚻 Restrooms on-site for convenience
📚On select days the Topsfield Library has a storytime pop-up with games and books
🐾 Plenty of walking trails if you want to explore before or after!"

Laura Harrison

What People Like

Splash pad and playground
Scenic walking/biking trails
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Hot and buggy in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bradley Palmer State Park is located at 40 Asbury St, Topsfield, MA 01983. It's accessible by car and is a popular spot for day trips from Boston. TikTok

Yes, parking is available. There is an entry fee for parking, which is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents during the summer season. TikTok

Yes, biking is a popular activity. The park has paved paths and roads suitable for cycling. For a smoother ride, consider visiting during the off-season when speed bumps are removed. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a great nature escape and offers a variety of activities like walking, biking, and water play, making it an ideal day trip destination. Reddit

The park is located in Topsfield, MA, and is close to towns like Ipswich, making it a convenient stop for exploring the North Shore. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a parking fee for entry. Massachusetts residents pay $5, while non-residents pay $20. TikTok

While the splash pad and playground are within the park, there is a parking fee to access these amenities. TikTok+1

The splash pad is typically open during the summer months. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check the park's official website or local listings before your visit.

Yes, dogs are welcome in the park and can enjoy the walking trails. They are a great place to give your dogs some good exercise. Reddit

No advance booking is typically required for general park entry. However, it's always a good idea to check for any special event or seasonal restrictions. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, running, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and exploring the trails along the Ipswich River. The splash pad and playground are also major attractions in summer. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, it's highly recommended for families! The fully fenced splash pad and shaded playground are perfect for kids. TikTok+1

Yes, the park provides restrooms and changing rooms, especially near the splash pad and playground area, making it convenient for families. TikTok+1

Summer is popular for the splash pad, but fall offers beautiful foliage. The off-season is ideal for quiet biking due to the absence of speed bumps. Reddit

Yes, the park is suitable for kayaking and canoeing, particularly along the Ipswich River. Reddit

🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining

There are no dedicated restaurants within the park. However, it's a fantastic spot for picnics, and ice cream trucks occasionally visit during the summer. TikTok

Absolutely! The park has plenty of shady areas and open fields perfect for picnics. TikTokReddit

While not directly in the park, the surrounding towns like Topsfield and Ipswich offer various dining options if you prefer to eat out. TikTok

Bring your favorite snacks, drinks, and a blanket or chairs. The park's natural beauty makes it a delightful setting for a meal. TikTok

There isn't a permanent concession stand, but ice cream trucks are known to make appearances during the summer months. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture shots of the splash pad in action, the shaded playground, the historic mansion grounds, and the scenic trails along the Ipswich River. The fall foliage also provides a stunning backdrop. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, the park is home to various wildlife like frogs, turtles, birds, and deer, making it a great location for nature photography, especially at dusk. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for current rules regarding drones in state parks. TikTok

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Dusk is particularly good for spotting deer. Reddit

The early 1900s mansion and its surrounding estate grounds offer a picturesque setting. The Ipswich River also provides beautiful natural backdrops. TikTokReddit

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