How do you like to go up in a swing, up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing, ever a child can do!
The Swing, by Robert Louis Stevenson
By Phyllis M. Cahaly, CMD, Director of Partnership Marketing, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Do you recall the simple pleasure of going up in a swing at your favorite playground? First, find your perfect swing, nestle into the seat, grab on to the chains, and then pull back and take flight. All you need is some leg power to pump and before you know it, you are truly up in the air so blue. Talk about being unplugged, it’s just you and that beautiful airborne moment with the wind greeting you like a friend. This summer, those swings, and other fun, playful apparatuses, await you at amazing playgrounds across Massachusetts. These are special places that you and your family can explore, some with creative play structures and splash pads, some with nature-inspired play areas, and some with inclusive designs.
There are endless opportunities for children of all ages to have fun while staying active. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or simply looking for a new place to discover, there’s no doubt that Massachusetts has a playground for every age and interest. Massachusetts is also home to many inclusive playgrounds designed to provide fun, safe, and accessible play experiences for children of all abilities. Plus, visiting different playgrounds is an exciting way to explore new communities across the Commonwealth. Each town and city has its own unique character, and playground adventures can lead to discovering local restaurants, parks, museums, and attractions. A simple trip to the playground can easily become a memorable day of family exploration.
There are infinite playground opportunities around the Commonwealth, and a great place to begin your search is with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. DCR lists 80 playgrounds, 175 courts, 12 fitness areas across the state that are free and open to the public. Here are a few playgrounds to get you started; remember to wear closed toe shoes or sneakers, pack a snack, and stay hydrated!
Playgrounds around Greater Boston
Marine Park is a small park near Castle Island and Evans Field in South Boston. The park has a small fenced-in play area for kids and several picnic benches. It features accessible play surfaces, large climbing structures, and inclusive swings. The space also provides shaded areas and equipment that can be used by children with a range of physical and sensory needs, making it a fantastic destination for all families.
At the Artesani Playground and Spray Deck in Brighton, the water spray helps children cool off while having fun. The playground itself offers a variety of equipment suitable for different age groups, yielding a great option for families with multiple children. Picnic areas nearby provide the perfect spot for lunch or snacks after playtime.
New England Patriot’s champion, Rob Gronkowski, opened the ‘Gronk Playground’ last summer. This local champion is dedicated to fostering youth fitness and was instrumental in developing this exciting playground with the latest ADA accessibility standards and custom equipment. This destination was built within the Charles River Esplanade, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1880s, and is designed for children of all ages, abilities, and neighborhoods across Greater Boston. It is accessible on foot between the public transit stops of Science Park, North Station, and Charles/MGH.
You could almost think of Waltham’s hugely popular, new Universal Playground as an amusement park with its sensory-friendly playground, a seasonal spray park, train rides, sledding hill, an 18-hole mini golf course, walking path with fitness areas, 47-acre nature area, and indoor bathrooms. This fun new spot has drawn enormous attendance so visitors are asked to stay for a maximum of two hours and will need to make free online parking reservations accordingly in the park’s 100-space lot.
Other Notable Playgrounds in Massachusetts
The playground at Turbesi Park in Blackstone is fully fenced in, providing an enclosed safe playing area for children who might be prone to flight. The ground surface is made from rubber, ensuring easy wheelchair access. This fun and colorful playground offers a mix of sensory-rich activities and multi-level play structures, including ramps and wide slides, making it easy for kids with mobility devices to join in all the fun.
Stanley Park, located in the heart of Westfield, consists of nearly 300 acres of trails, woods, picnic areas, recreational facilities, and gardens. In addition to the ADA playscape, children’s pavilion and sandbox area, you’ll find nearly 50 other spots within the facility to enjoy the outdoors including the arboretum, the welcome garden, the duck ponds, the Asian garden tea house, and so much more. They have a full events calendar and will host your next wedding, reception, or gathering for any occasion.
Every playground visit offers a chance for adventure, laughter, and lasting memories, so go have fun!
Other Ways to Find Great Playgrounds Around Massachusetts
- The Five Best Inclusive Playgrounds in Massachusetts – UltiPlay Parks & Playgrounds
- Boston Parents Paper – Best Playgrounds in Massachusetts
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