Carter Playground

If you’re local to this part of Boston, Carter Playground is one of those spots you end up at more than you planned. The splash park is the obvious draw in summer — kids in the 2-12 range will plant themselves there and refuse to leave. Beyond that, there’s a solid soccer field and open grass for whatever you need it for. The shade trees actually make it bearable to sit and watch your kid play, which not every city park gets right. Plus the city views give it that classic Boston backdrop that never really gets old.