If you wander through the Prudential Center Mall in Back Bay, Boston, you’ll eventually stumble into a garden at its heart, complete with waterfalls, fountains, and flowers. Take a second to lounge on the grass, read a book on one of the benches, or, if it’s a chilly or snowy day, enjoy a breath of fresh air and a hot coffee before returning to your indoor activities. 

Though the Prudential Center South Garden is a lovely place to relax on any given afternoon, it’s also home to a lot of fun, free events open to the public. For example, during the summer the garden hosts a family film festival every Saturday, where everyone is invited to unwind in the garden and enjoy a kid-friendly movie screening free of charge. The garden also offers free weekly fitness classes, which vary between Pilates, yoga, and other toning exercises.

If you’re not into classes or organized fun, the South Garden is still a wonderful place to get away from the bustle of Boston. I usually pick up a book from the Barnes and Noble next door or a coffee from Pavement and just get some downtime. You can also pick up a takeout meal from any of the surrounding restaurants and catch a breezy outdoor lunch in the sun. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a warm drink, a quick lunch, or just some autumn sunshine, the South Garden is the perfect place to do so!