Charlesbank/Esplanade Playground050

People in the know call it the Esplanade playground, but whatever you call it, the Charlesbank Playground is a lot of fun. Situated along the banks of the Charles River, it's a family's dream; a spot where the kids can swing, run, climb, and pretend, while parents enjoy the sun glimmering on the Charles.

Renovated about 5 years ago, the playground still looks relatively new. The large play area is fenced in and covered with bark mulch. No sand here. There are several climbing structures with varying degrees of difficulty. One entire structure is geared toward toddlers, with nothing too long or tall. The playground also features a long tube/tunnel that's great for hiding from parents.

The many slides include one that twists, a longer "big kid" slide, and two shorter slides that are next to each other - great for races! The park has 4 sling swings and 6 infant swings. For those who have "wheels", there is a paved path that circles the entire area.

If you bring a picnic lunch, the playground offers three good-sized wooden tables with benches. One table is handicapped accessible. During the summer months, there is a snack bar several yards away that is great for a quick bite or a popsicle.

As far as playgrounds go, its got all the ingredients for a great time. If the kids get tired of swinging think about heading over to the Museum of Science. You'll see the back side of the museum from the playground. It's a great way to mix some outdoor and indoor fun.