Macdowell Lake Playground

If you want a low-key afternoon without the crowds, this little spot by MacDowell Lake delivers. The slides are simple and sized just right for younger kids — we’re talking toddlers through early elementary, nothing too wild. Pack a lunch, grab one of the picnic tables under the shade trees, and honestly you might not want to leave. The walking path and bike track make it easy to stretch your legs after eating, and the forest trails nearby are worth exploring if your crew has the energy. Clean, calm, and very Peterborough — it’s the kind of park locals keep to themselves.