Best Playgrounds South Of Boston For A Playdate
Forest St. and River St.
Norwell, MA 02061
www.townofnorwell.net
Gaffield Park is a modern playground set in the woods of Norwell, Massachusetts. Its easy to find by taking Route 3 south to the Hanover Mall exit. Follow 123 to the Norwell Police Station and take a right. The park will be on the right side of River St. just a short way down. There are plenty of slides, climbing structures and swings for all ages, including a tire swing. There is even a zip line and teepee. One of the best features of this park is that it is across the road from Norris Reservation, where families can take a nice hike after playing at Gaffield Park.
Related: Best Playgrounds Around Boston
Maquan Elementary Playground
38 School St.
Hanson, MA 02341
(781) 618-7060
www.whrsd.org
Maquan Elementary's playground is off limits during school hours, but is open to the public when school is not in session. The playground is fairly new, having been updated from a traditional wood playground. The new structure includes a large climbing wall, zip line, swing sets, several slides, artificial turf and climbing bridges. The playground is behind the town library, next to several sport fields, including a small baseball diamond, and across the street from a running track. It takes around 40 minutes to get there from Boston without traffic.
Halifax Open Play Space
499 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA 02338
(781) 294-1215
www.friendsofhops.weebly.com
The Halifax Open Play Space or "HOPS" is a community playground with plenty to offer. Its off Route 106 in Halifax, directly next to the library. Friends of HOPS is an organization that constantly works to better the play space for the families who meet there. It currently includes spinning toys, swings and climbing apparatus. Just behind the playground is a huge field for playing sports. It is just beyond a hill that is perfect for safe sledding in the winter.
Nelson Memorial Park
Nelson St.
Plymouth, MA 02360
www.seeplymouth.com
It is hard to ask for more than what Nelson Memorial Park has to offer. Located just off the main stretch of Route 3A off Route 3, it is easy to get to and well worth the journey. Its right on the ocean with beautiful views and access to the beach. It includes a playground for younger children and even a splash pad for running through cool water when it gets hot. Features that will help families make a day of it include a bike trail and a boat launch.
Related: Boston's Best Indoor Playgrounds
Crescent St.
Bridgewater, MA 02324
www.playgroundsforeveryone.com
Marathon Park is a very modern playground located on Crescent St. near Route 18 and the Bridgewater State University. Features include smooth terrain (so even crawlers can have a good time), handicap accessible structures, Braille panels and a fence surrounding the entire play area. Children can bang on the musical components of the playground, climb on structures like the rock wall or swing in one of the numerous swing sets. There is even a walking path along the perimeter that is stroller-friendly.
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.