Getting outside and running around in the sun is an important part of childhood. The freedom! The friendships! Unfortunately, in a highly urban city like Boston, finding safe, green space for your child to play in can be a challenge. But through my work as a family photographer, I spend a lot of time searching for parks that are both beautiful and fun. That’s why I’ve put together this handy list of my favorite playgrounds in Boston.
Break Out Of Your Regular Spots With These Fantastic Playgrounds In Boston
Hoyt-Sullivan Park Tower Playground
115 Central St, Somerville, MA, 02145
With its striking wooden architecture, Hoyt-Sullivan Park has everything a child could want. Various types of swings dot the area, while different levels of playground structures ensure that Boston kids of all ages can engage in active, exploratory play. The most adventurous can even climb up to seven feet in the air! There are also multiple slides for kids to zip down and plenty of trees and grass nearby.
Larz Anderson Park
Newton St. and Goddard Ave, Brookline, MA, 02445
At a whopping 61 acres, the Larz Anderson Park is the largest Park in Brookline, and it takes full advantage of its expansive historic grounds. Featuring a community garden, dog park, multiple athletic fields, and even an outdoor skating rink, the Larz Anderson Park is perfect for anything outdoors, be it soccer practice or a picnic. Its hilly terrain provides stunning views of Boston— or just a fun slope for your kids to roll down. Larz Anderson Par has, of course, a sizable playground for Boston kids to climb all over, too.
Charles Bank Playground & Spray Deck (Local Guide)
251 Causeway St #101, Boston MA, 02114
Situated next to the beautiful Charles River, Charlesbank Playground is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Bring a blanket to enjoy lunch next to the water. Then, accompany your kids to the Park’s large, fenced-in play area. Charlesbank Playground features several climbing structures geared to engage children of all ages, as well as four different slides, swings, and even a paved path for scooters or roller skates. In the summer, Charlesbank Playground opens a spray deck, which is perfect for a quick refresh before clambering back up the towers.
Stoneman Playground
Charles River Esplanades, Boston MA, 02115
The Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground is dedicated to the Boston parents who, realizing that their kids deserved a safe place to play, lobbied the city to revamp the forgotten playground. Freshly remodeled, the new Stoneman Playground is a child’s paradise. Divided into two separate, gated areas, the Stoneman Playground has both a toddler and older kids’ area. The toddler area features age-appropriate climbing structures, slides, swings, and a pretend car. Bigger children, meanwhile, can enjoy a challenging play structure, monkey bars, a fire pole, and even a tire swing. Benches line the area for parents to sit and supervise. In the summer, you can even participate in model sailboat racing and fishing on Sunday afternoons.
Charles River Esplanade Playground
Esplanade Playground, Boston MA, 02114
The Charles River Esplanade Playground is perfect for older kids seeking a challenge. The tree-lined, shady space has a variety of structures designed to bring out your child’s inner explorer. Swing them higher and higher on the fun disc, or let them gather their friends to push each other on the dizzying spinning merry-go-round. The central climbing structure is a difficult, rope-based affair, resembling a pyramid made of spiderwebs. The Esplanade Playground even has a zip line!
Martin’s Park
64 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA, 02210
As a part of the gorgeous Smith Family Waterfront, Martin’s Park is a wonderful environment to explore for an afternoon. Featuring lots of greenery and paved open space to run around in, imaginations can truly run wild at Martin’s Park. Its central Boston playground structure resembles a sailing ship, calling all aspiring pirates, mermaids, and captains to explore its decks and ride the waves. Martin’s Park also hosts various events throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on their website.
Millennium Park
300 Gardner St, Boston, MA, 02132
For green as far as the eye can see, head to Millennium Park. No matter what kind of outdoor adventure your family wants to have, Millennium Park is the perfect destination, boasting hiking trails, athletic courts, a track and field, and even a kayaking launch point that accesses the Charles River. Its playground is modest but still entertaining, featuring smaller climbing structures, swings, and slides.
Jean Waldstein Playground
02481, 1 Strathmore Rd, Brookline MA, 02445
The Jean B. Waldstein Playground is another great spot for all-day fun in the sun. It’s large playground is entertaining and engaging for kids, featuring slides, metal climbing structures, a sandbox and more. There’s even a water spray fountain for your little ones to run around in! Beyond that, the Jean Waldstein Playground has a vast open field, a little league diamond, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and, perhaps most importantly, lots and lots of space for dogs.
Joey’s Park
177 Cross St, Belmont MA, 02478
Joey’s Park is dedicated in honor of Joey O’Donnell, a bright, ambitious young man who passed away from cystic fibrosis at the age of 13. Inspired, his friends raised money and designed a playground in his name, as well as the accompanying Joey Fund. Resembling a castle, Joey’s Park’s massive, interconnected wooden structures are great for kids to run around and explore. There are slides! Monkey bars! Bridges! With a large, open field nearby, Joey’s Park is sure to be a big hit.
Find Your Family’s Fun at These Playgrounds In Boston
Letting kids have the time and space to be kids is important. Luckily, these Boston playgrounds are the perfect places for a day with the whole family. No matter where you are in the city, a play break and some fresh air are just around the corner.
Seeing your kid smiling outdoors is wonderful. If you’d like to hold onto that perfect grin for years to come, it may be worth planning a family photoshoot. As a Boston family photographer, I make it my mission to capture your most precious moments. Send me a message today. I’d love to chat about your vision.
