Charles River Esplanade Playground

The Charles River Esplanade is a 3-mile linear park along the Boston bank of the Charles River, and it's where the city's most active families spend their free time. The park runs from the Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge, with playgrounds, paths, the Hatch Shell concert venue, and Community Boating along the way.

The main playground for families is located between Dartmouth and Exeter Streets, accessible via pedestrian footbridges over Storrow Drive. The playground has modern equipment for two age groups (toddler and school-age), a splash pad that runs in summer, and benches with views of the Charles River. The setting — sailboats on the water, the MIT campus across the river, the Back Bay skyline behind you — is hard to beat.

The bike and walking paths are the Esplanade's greatest feature for families. Miles of flat, paved, car-free paths run along the river, perfect for kids on bikes, scooters, or training wheels. The paths connect to the Paul Dudley White Bike Path, which circles the entire Charles River basin — you can ride from Back Bay to Cambridge and back without ever crossing a street.

Community Boating deserves special mention. Founded in 1936, it's the oldest public sailing program in America. The kids' program (ages 10-17) costs $1 for the entire summer and includes unlimited sailing lessons and boat access. It's real sailing on the Charles River, taught by experienced instructors, for less than the cost of a pack of gum. Sign up early — it fills.

The Hatch Shell, an outdoor amphitheater on the Esplanade, hosts free concerts throughout the summer, including the famous Boston Pops Fourth of July concert. Family-friendly performances run on many summer evenings — check the Esplanade Association website for schedules.