20 Coolest Playgrounds in Boston (2024 Map)

We’re collecting parent reviews for the best playgrounds in Boston and the suburbs! From cool destination playgrounds to hidden gem neighborhood parks, see what parents say about the top local spots for kids to play outdoors. Click the map view and zoom in to discover the best Boston playgrounds near you.

Your reviews, tips & photos will help other families looking for a new playground to check out, so please chime in and share the scoop on your favorites!

Our list of Boston's indoor playgrounds has you covered when the weather isn't cooperating, too.


 

    Fallon Field

    Pin

     (470.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    The super tall slide (supposedly the tallest of all of the Boston playgrounds) is the major attraction here. To get to the top of the slide, kids climb up the net-like rope structure and into the cage area at the top of the slide. For those not ready to tackle the challenge, there is a wide embankment slide, swings, playhouse and a group spinner.

    Larz Anderson Park

    Pin

     (471.8 mi)

    Price

    Free

    This tree-lined playground features several unique play structures for a mix of ages that are fun for climbing and sliding. The park offers plenty of spots for a picnic, plus you can climb the big hill and check out the fantastic views of Boston.

    Arsenal Park

    Pin

     (472.0 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Set behind a shopping center, this lovely park is perched on the Charles River. One of the best features is separate playground areas for both little kids and older siblings as well as water features for splashing around on hot days. There's plenty of green space for enjoying a picnic and a stroll or ride along the walking/bike path.

    Brewer-Burroughs Playground

    Pin

     (472.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    For the younger set, this playground is designed specifically for kids 2-5 years old. As a bonus, the play area is also full of donated toys such as cars for cruising around and play kitchens for lots of imaginative play.

    Robbins Farm Park

    Pin

     (472.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    The star of this playground is the set of super long side-by-side hilltop slides. The playground also has separate structures for toddlers and older kids as well as a tire swing and playhouse. The location makes for a fun place to fly kites and enjoy spectacular views of the Boston skyline.

    Billy Ward Playground

    Pin

     (473.7 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Billy Ward Playground has separate play areas for big and little kids, a fun train structure for imaginative play, a large sandbox and plenty of shady spots. There's also a spray deck with water features to enjoy during summer months.

    Winthrop Square-Minot Rose Garden

    Pin

     (474.1 mi)

    Price

    Free

    This spacious park features a playground with climbing structures for toddlers and bigger kids, making it a great playground for siblings. There are also plenty of swings and on hot days there is a water play feature to cool off. Winthrop Square also offers a rose garden and lots of shady spots to stretch out, take a nap or enjoy a picnic.

    Jackson Square - Lorber Family Playground

    Pin

     (474.4 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Located behind the Jackson Square MBTA station, the centerpiece of this playground is an orange 50-foot long, Finnish-designed “Wallholla”—a climbing structure resembling an ant farm. There are also balance-based toys and structures, swings, two long zip-lines and basketball courts.

    Alexander W. Kemp Playground at Cambridge Common

    Pin

     (474.8 mi)

    Price

    Free

    This fun playground inspires imaginative play with slides built into hills, wooden branches and stumps, a water play station, expansive sand area, a large dish swing and a merry-go-round with wheelchair access.

    Little Scobie Playground

    Pin

     (475.4 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Little Scobie Playground in Roxbury has a large rope structure for climbing, an embankment slide, and a preschool climbing area. It's a great place to take younger kids along with their older siblings.

    Hemenway Playground

    Pin

     (475.8 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Kids have a blast racing each other down the double super-long slides at this playground. To get back to the top there is a climbing wall built into the side of the embankment. There are also swings and climbing structures for younger and older children.

    Esplanade Playspace

    Pin

     (476.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Located along the Charles River, this Boston playground is designed to challenge upper body strength with a zipline, disk swing, enormous climbing net and more.

    Chuckie Harris Playground

    Pin

     (477.3 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Besides a tot lot, swings and climbing equipment, water play and green space, the highlight feature of this playground is the massive slide that kids love.

    Tadpole Playground

    Pin

     (477.5 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Tadpole Playground in Boston Common offers climbing structures, slides for toddlers and bigger kids, monkey bars, rubber flooring, and whimsical frog statues. In the summer months, there’s a sprinkler in the corner of the playground.

    North Point Park Playground

    Pin

     (477.7 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Tracy Snyder Molina:  This playground right on the Charles River by the Museum of Science remains somewhat of a hidden gem. The park itself has shaded picnic tables, gorgeous weeping willows, an amazing view of the Zakim Bridge, walking/biking paths and you can watch the Duck Boats entering and exiting the river. The large playground is comprised of a bright and colorful toddler section as well as an area for bigger kids and a spray deck is offered in the summer months.

Primary photo:   Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park, courtesy of Landscape Structures

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