Local Playgrounds for the Littles

Written by Ellie Beasley

Perry Park in Needham

Looking to visit a new or different playground this summer? Ever wonder where the parks are located in Needham and nearby towns, and whether they are the right fit for your child? Check out the list below with some of favorites. Also, please leave a comment with any recommendations that you'd like to share! 

Needham

Perry Park

Two separate climbing/sliding structures for little and bigger kids, sandbox with lots of trucks, swings, playhouse, picnic tables; adjacent to a basketball court where kids can ride bikes, scooters, push cars; next to a playing field with lots of grass for running around

DeFazio Tot Lot

Playground suited for the younger child, two sandboxes with lots of trucks, climbing structures, slides, play bus, seesaw, swings, playhouse; near tons of fields (baseball, track, lacrosse, etc) so there are lots of fun sporting events to watch; picnic area with several picnic tables

Mills Field/Gould St

Small space-themed playground for the younger child; web-like climbing structure, climbing structure with slide, sandbox, play rocket ship with control panels, seesaw, talk tubes; near basketball court, baseball diamond, tennis courts; picnic tables

Claxton

Across the street from the Needham dump, small playground with a big sandbox with lots of trucks, swings; next to playing fields and picnic area

 

Wellesley

 

Perrin Park

Shaded playground especially for younger kids; climbing/sliding structure, sandbox, seesaw, web-like climbing structure, swings; next to a soccer field with a walking path around it

 

Warren Park

Huge playground for all ages with separate large climbing structures for both little and bigger kids, sandbox, swings, seesaw, slides, picnic area, basketball court, huge grassy hill that is fun for kids to run up and down

 

Hunnewell Field Playground

Next to tennis courts on Rte 16, small climbing structure for little kids, sandbox, baby swings, relatively small playground but a close walk from Whole Foods if you park there and need your toddler to get some energy out before a grocery shop

Newton

 

Newton Center Playground

Large playground with separate climbing/sliding structures for little and bigger kids, near tennis courts, lots of open grass for running around)

 
Dover

Caryl Park Tot Lot

Relatively shaded playground with separate climbing/sliding structures for little and bigger kids, several cozy coupes for kids to ride/push, swings, playhouse, play school bus; near walking/hiking trails through the woods, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playing fields

 

Ellie Beasley lives Needham with her husband, Andrew, and her son, Grant. She has a baby girl on the way in August. After working in non-profit fundraising in NYC and Virginia, she is now staying home full-time with her children. Ellie enjoys running, golf, tennis, needlepoint, cooking, and volunteering.