Playground

Larz Anderson Park has an enclosed children's play area, open dawn to dusk, with the park's restrooms right beside it and the group picnic shelter close by. Brookline Recreation lists it among the park's main features, and the Town's brochure map labels the spot "Restrooms/Play Area." It is fenced, and dogs are never allowed inside it.

What's There

The Town describes an enclosed play structure, and its park page says a Massachusetts self-help grant is paying to renovate the playground as well as to preserve the landscape and the gazebo. The Town does not publish a list of equipment or age ranges for this playground, so we don't either; expect a fenced area with play structures, benches nearby and the restroom building a few steps away.

Restrooms

The Town's maps place the park's restrooms at the play area; its landscape map labels the building as restrooms and permit check-in, and the Town's master-plan page proposes upgrades to this comfort station for accessibility and ventilation. The Town's older brochure also mentions a vending machine in the park.

Picnics Next to the Playground

The covered picnic shelter, which holds up to 85 people and has six charcoal grills, sits near the play area, which makes it the obvious spot for a child's birthday party. It has to be reserved through Brookline Recreation, and so do the 12 smaller grill sites around the park. A casual blanket picnic on the lawn needs no permit, but any gathering of 15 or more does. Fees and booking: picnics and permits.

Rules for the Play Area

• No dogs, leashed or not. Brookline's rules keep dogs off every playground, and the Green Dog rules name the Larz play area specifically. Dog rules.
• No smoking, alcohol or amplified music, as in every Brookline park.
• Don't climb on things not meant for climbing; the rules say so for every park object.
• Take trash with you or use the barrels; the Town asks picnickers to pack out what they bring.
• Report broken equipment to the Town's park maintenance line, (617) 879-5650.

Parking for the Playground

Cars may not park at the shelter or drive on the paths, so park in a designated lot and walk in with the stroller. The park road enters from Newton Street and passes the rink lot on the way up to the summit lot. On car-show weekends from May to October, parking in the park is tight; arrive early. Details: parking.

More for Kids at Larz

• The Larz Anderson Auto Museum, free for children under 6 and $10 for ages 6–12.
• Winter public skating at the outdoor rink, free under 24 months.
• Sledding on the slopes after a snowfall.
• Kite flying on the hilltop lawns, which the Town lists as a use of the slopes.
• Walking down to the lagoon and the Temple of Love.