Hawthorne Park Playground

If you’re looking for a park that actually has enough going on to keep kids of all ages busy for a few hours, Hawthorne Park delivers. There’s a solid climbing structure, slides, and swings for the younger crowd, plus a basketball court, soccer field, and open grass for older kids to burn some energy. The splash pad is a big deal in the Medford summers — locals know to show up early before it gets packed. Shade trees and covered seating mean parents aren’t just standing in the sun waiting it out. It’s one of those spots that genuinely earns its reputation as a community hub rather than just coasting on it.