Larz Anderson Park
About
Larz Anderson Park is Brookline's crown jewel for family outdoor fun, spanning 64 acres of rolling hills with activities for every season. From winter sledding and ice skating to summer picnics and playground adventures, this park offers spectacular Boston skyline views and even houses the Larz Anderson Auto Museum,America's oldest car collection,right on the grounds.
Highlights
- ✓Premier sledding hill that's a Boston-area winter destination
- ✓Seasonal outdoor ice skating rink with equipment rentals
- ✓Larz Anderson Auto Museum featuring vintage and antique cars
- ✓Multiple playgrounds suitable for different age groups
- ✓Panoramic views of the Boston skyline from the hilltop
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on snowy weekends,the sledding hill is one of metro Boston's best and gets packed by mid-morning
- 2.Bring your own sleds and ice skates to save on rentals, and pack extra mittens and socks for winter visits
- 3.The hilltop offers perfect kite-flying conditions on breezy spring days with plenty of open space
- 4.Check the Auto Museum's schedule for special family events like vintage car shows and the popular Lawn Events during summer
- 5.Park near the museum entrance for easiest access to restrooms and the main playground area
Best Time to Visit
Winter weekday mornings offer the best sledding with smaller crowds. For warmer months, visit weekday afternoons or weekend mornings before 11am to enjoy the playgrounds and picnic areas before they get busy. Fall foliage season (late September through October) provides stunning views.
What to Know
Park access is free year-round with ample free parking available. The seasonal ice skating rink charges admission, and the Auto Museum has separate entry fees. Restrooms are available near the museum, and while there's no food service, the expansive lawn areas are perfect for bringing your own picnic.
Seasonal Notes
The ice skating rink typically operates December through February (weather dependent). Sledding is obviously winter-only but rivals some of the best hills in the Boston area. Summer brings outdoor concerts and auto museum lawn events. The park is open year-round dawn to dusk, though some facilities close in off-seasons.
Nearby Eats
Coolidge Corner is just a mile away with family favorites like Lineup (upscale casual with kids' menu) and The Publick House (gastropub with outdoor seating). For quick bites, grab pizza at Otto or ice cream at JP Licks on Harvard Street.
More Activities Near Brookline
Waldstein Playground
Waldstein Playground is a beloved Brookline neighborhood gem that offers something for every member of the family. With its diverse mix of climbing structures, swings, sandbox play, refreshing spray features for hot days, and adjacent tennis courts, this well-kept playground provides hours of active fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Amory Playground
Amory Playground is a beloved Brookline gem that offers something for every age, from its refreshing spray pool perfect for hot summer days to modern climbing structures that challenge active kids. Located steps from Coolidge Corner, families can easily combine playground time with shopping or grabbing a bite, making it an ideal destination for a full morning or afternoon out.
Playground
This beloved Brookline community playground on Harvard Street offers something for everyone with its modern, well-maintained equipment, spacious open fields for running around, and basketball courts for older kids. The friendly atmosphere makes it a neighborhood favorite where families naturally gather on weekends, creating a welcoming environment for both regulars and first-time visitors.
Puppet Showplace Theater
Puppet Showplace Theater is a charming, intimate venue that brings the magic of professional puppetry to life for young audiences. With rotating performances featuring talented puppeteers from around the country, plus hands-on workshops where kids can try puppetry themselves, this beloved Brookline gem offers a unique theatrical experience that captivates children and sparks their imagination in ways traditional theater can't match.