1. Robbins Farm Park — Arlington

Sometimes referred to as Skyline Park because of its breathtaking views of Boston, Robbins Farm Park in Arlington is a huge play area that just can’t be missed. One major highlight is the set of super long slides built into the side of a hill. The playground has separate structures for toddlers and older kids as well as a tire swing and playhouse. It's also a terrific place to fly kites and watch the Boston fireworks.

2. Arsenal Park — Watertown

Tucked away behind a shopping center in Watertown you’ll find Arsenal Park, a beautiful green space right on the Charles River. This park has separate playground areas and swings for big and little kids and water features for cooling down on hot summer days. Arsenal Park also has ample picnicking space, a path for walking or biking, and several ball fields.

3. Billy Ward Playground — Brookline

The Billy Ward Playground in Brookline is the place to go for one-stop kid fun. There are two main play areas, one for bigger children and one for little kids. Plus, Billy Ward has a big sandbox, water features, and a ton of shade. That’s a huge plus on steamy summer days.

4. Brewer-Burroughs Playground — Jamaica Plain

If you have kids between the ages of two and five, then you must visit the Brewer-Burroughs Playground. This tot lot is designed specifically with younger children in mind, so it’s perfect for little-kid playtime. The play area is also full of donated toys, like play kitchens, tiny basketball hoops, and cars for cruising.

Kids cool off at Chuckie Harris. Photo courtesy City of Somerville

5. Chuckie Harris Park — Somerville 

This totally custom playground in East Somerville is unlike any other. It features a huge slide that multiple kids (or kids and adults) can enjoy at the same time, a large water structure that turns into a movie screen, and innovative climbing areas. In addition to being a fun place to spend an afternoon, Chuckie Harris hosts a lot of special events like puppet shows and block parties, especially in the summer.

6. Columbus Park — Medford

Head to Medford to play at the extensive Columbus Park. There are actually two playgrounds at this park, one for little kids and one for big kids, so it’s a great place to take siblings of different ages. The park also has grassy areas, baseball fields, and basketball courts.

The Alexander W. Kemp Playground is built around a natural landscape. Photo courtesy of City of Cambridge

7. Alexander W. Kemp Playground — Cambridge 

It’s not hard to see why this renovated space has been named one of the best playgrounds by the Huffington Post and the Early Childhood Education Zone. Alexander W. Kemp Playground at Cambridge Common is built around a landscape of hills and valleys to allow children to learn and grow through play and fun. There’s even a multi-directional swing and a merry-go-round that’s at ground level so it’s accessible for everyone.

8. Larz Anderson Park — Brookline

This Brookline playground is part of the large Larz Anderson Park, a 64-acre expanse of land that also has picnic areas, a dog park, and trails for walking. The playground itself is largely shaded, a huge bonus on steamy summer days. And it boasts several play structures for a variety of age groups that are great for climbing and sliding. After you’ve had your fill at the playground, climb the park’s big hill for spectacular views of Boston.

North Point Park has a splash deck and great views. Photo courtesy of City of Cambridge

9. North Point Park — Cambridge

This playground can be found at North Point Park, which is tucked away on the Charles River right across from the Museum of Science. The playground boasts structures for various ages, picnic tables, and a beautiful view of the Zakim Bridge. In the summer, kids can cool off on the splash deck.

10. Winthrop Square/Minot Rose Garden — Brookline

The shady playground at Winthrop Square/Minot Rose Garden in Brookline is just one reason to visit this peaceful park. Multiple play structures for different age groups of kids make it a great playground for siblings, the water fountains double as a splash area to cool off on hot days, and there are plenty of swings. Plus there’s a beautiful rose garden and grassy area for lounging.

Corey Hill Park's natural playground has chairs for tired adults to rest on. Photo courtesy of the City of Brookline

11. Corey Hill Park — Brookline

This park features a natural playground with play structures made out of rocks for kids to climb on. Corey Hill Park is often referred to as "The Summit" because it is perched up on a large hill—so be prepared for some extra exercise! Reward yourself at the top by relaxing in Adirondack chairs while taking in sweeping views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.

Lynch Park has water by the waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Beverly Recreation Department

12. Lynch Park — Beverly

A quick drive North of the city will take you to this waterfront park that features a large playground and splash pad during the summer months. Lynch Park also has walking and bike paths with amazing views of the ocean from just about everywhere. Pack lunch and head down to one of the small sandy beaches for a picnic before heading home.

Main image of Robbins Farm Park by duchessbennett via Instagram

This post was originally published on July 21, 2017 and is updated annually.