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Best Playgrounds Around Boston

Boston is the place for year-round kid-friendly fun at its area playgrounds. From household-named places, to lesser-known but equally fun locations, children of all ages enjoy loads of traditional and unique activities. Some parks have breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. Others are nestled safely along the banks of the Charles or conveniently located in the heart of the city and neighboring areas. Grab the kids, choose one of these fabulous playgrounds and have some fun.
FROGPOND
(Photo from WBZ)

The Boston Common Frog Pond
The Boston Common
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-2120
www.bostonfrogpond.com

What Bostonian hasn't visited the famous Frog Pond at least once? Located in the center of the oldest park in America, the spray pool is the delight of kids and parents alike. Re-opened in 2013, it's a great place to cool off on hot summer days. The old-fashioned carousel with its colorfully painted horses is not to be missed. Snacks, food and beverages are available at the Frog Pond Cafe. Open year round, the park also offers skating lessons in winter and various programs throughout the year.

Larz Anderson Park
Newton St. and Lee St.
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 730-2069
www.larzanderson.org

This 64-acre park is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a huge, fenced-in playground. Play structures feature a small climbing gym and slide for toddlers, a large swing set with apparatus for children from infants up and larger climbing gyms for school-aged youngsters. The ground is safely covered with mulch and there is a cement pathway to accommodate rollerblades, scooters or other wheeled modes of transport.

robbins farm park
robbinsfarmpark.org

Robbins Farm Park
61 Eastern Ave.
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 316-3880
www.robbinsfarmpark.org

Conveniently located across from the Brackett School, Robbins Farm Park (a.k.a. Skyline Park) has playground structures for all ages. The views of the Boston skyline are breathtaking, and the playground itself is huge, giving folks enough room to fly kites easily. A pair of super-long slides are built right into the hillside and can even accommodate older kids. The usual amenities of swings, see-saws and slides are included, but also there are unique structures made of wood for the smaller kids, including a tractor and barn.

Related:  Boston's Best Waterparks And Pools

esplanade playground
(Photo from Esplanade Playspace/Facebook)

Esplanade Playspace
The Esplanade near the Hatch Shell
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 227-0365
www.esplanadeplayspace.org

Located on the banks of the Charles River, this playground offers plenty of fun activities for kids ages five to 12. The park includes a kid-powered merry-go-round and a large disc swing. A zip line carries the kids to and from the disc rides. A climbing gym that looks like a huge spider web is the main attraction, with its goal being to climb to the top and slide down the large blue slide at the end. There's plenty of shade and lots of climbing and swinging apparatus to keep kids entertained.

Franklin Park
Forest Hills St.
Boston, MA 02121
(617) 541-5466
www.franklinparkcoalition.org

Boston's largest park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same guy who designed Central Park in New York. This kid-friendly park offers not just one, but three playgrounds, easily accessible because they're each located on the edge of the park. El Parquesito de Hermandad includes a double slide, zip line and water sprinkler. Tiffany Moore Tot Lot is safest for the little tykes. The American Legion Highway Play Area was built with encouragement by Mrs. Angela Menino (wife of Boston's Mayor). These are three great choices for playing before or after a visit to the zoo.

Related: Boston's Best Indoor Playgrounds

Kathleen Mueller moved to Massachusetts as a toddler and has lived in many communities throughout the Bay State. Currently splitting her time between Worcester county and Cape Cod, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, reading, and taking scenic drives in New England. Kathleen is a frequent contributor to examiner.com check her out at Examiner.com.

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