Hollis Park

Locals with toddlers know this one well — it’s small, fenced, and does exactly what you need it to do. The enclosed play area means you can actually sit on one of the benches without hovering, which is a genuine luxury when you’ve got a runner. Swings and a seesaw keep the little ones busy, and the shade trees make it bearable even on warmer days. Dogs are always wandering through with their owners, which the kids seem to love just as much as the actual playground. Quiet street, good sightlines, no surprises — it’s the kind of spot you end up at twice a week without really planning to.