Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved: Capen Street Park

199 Capen Street
Medford, MA 02155

The basics:  This is a neighborhood park in Medford, not far from Tufts University.  There are two nice, good-sized play structures (one for little kids, one larger), bouncer-toys, swings, a basketball court with lowered nets, picnic tables and a splash area with three parent-operated sprinklers!

Cost: Free

What's great about it:  The sprinkler area is a great playground feature and allows for more play-time on hot days; there are three simple sprayers/sprinklers with buttons that parents press to operate (the buttons were too difficult for my kids to press, which is probably a good thing!); this park was not at all crowded on our visit; the picnic tables are covered; parking was easy (on a week-day morning).

Drawbacks:  The climbing structures get hot; there is sand under them (slippery/messy/not enough under some equipment); there is a lot of concrete, including under the sprinklers; be advised that this is a relatively small park in a residential area (quiet and not crowded, but no options for food, bathrooms, etc.).

To bring: Sunscreen, snacks, water shoes that don't slip!