Christopher Columbus Playground
Price
Free
Duration
30-60 min
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
Christopher Columbus Playground is located in Boston's North End — the historic Italian neighborhood that has been the heart of Boston's Italian-American community for over a century. For families visiting Boston, this playground offers something no other Boston playground can: immediate immersion in one of the city's most vibrant and characterful neighborhoods.
The playground itself has standard equipment for children ages 2-10 — climbing structures, slides, and open play areas. But it's the surrounding context that makes a visit here so memorable. Stepping out of the playground puts you directly onto the North End's narrow streets, where the smell of fresh-baked bread and espresso drifts out of storefronts, cannoli cases are arranged in bakery windows, and the energy of an authentic urban Italian neighborhood creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in Boston.
Christopher Columbus Park (separate from the playground, adjacent on the waterfront) has a beautiful wisteria arbor and harbor views that make for excellent post-playground photos and a lovely walk. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a short walk from the North End — easy to incorporate into a broader downtown Boston family day.
The non-negotiable addition to any North End playground visit: cannoli from either Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry (or both — the rivalry is real and the debate is passionate). This is a genuinely iconic Boston family food experience.
No admission fee for the playground. Parking in the North End is notoriously difficult — take the MBTA (Haymarket Station on the Green and Orange lines is a short walk) or use the Garage at Dock Square.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; the North End neighborhood makes a lovely pre/post playground food stop
Wait Times
No wait — public playground
Nearby Food
The North End is one of Boston's best neighborhoods for food — cannoli, gelato, pizza, and Italian restaurants on every block. Mike's Pastry, Modern Pastry, Regina Pizzeria, and dozens of excellent restaurants within walking distance.
Why Kids Love It
Christopher Columbus Playground is in the North End — Boston's Italian neighborhood — right near the waterfront and just steps from some of the city's best cannoli and gelato. Kids enjoy the playground equipment, but the real magic is the neighborhood: the narrow cobblestone streets, the aromatic bakeries, and the harbor views create an immersive urban experience. After playground time, a cannoli from Mike's or Modern Pastry is a near-mandatory childhood Boston memory.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The North End is one of Boston's most walkable and family-friendly neighborhoods — explore beyond the playground
- Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry (rival cannoli institutions) are both nearby — try both and pick a side
- The Christopher Columbus Park (different from the playground) is adjacent and has beautiful waterfront gardens
- Hanover Street is the main drag with outdoor seating and family-friendly restaurants
- Nearby Faneuil Hall and the waterfront are easy walking distance for extending the day
What to Bring
- Cash for North End bakeries
- Snacks and water for the playground
- Comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 playground; $20-40 for nearby North End restaurants and bakeries
Tips to Save
- Free playground in the heart of Boston's North End neighborhood.
- Combine with a visit to a North End bakery or restaurant for a complete and affordable family outing.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Saturday
- 6AM-11:30PM
