1. Artesani Playground And Spray Park
City: Brighton, MA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (617) 626-4973
Address: 1255 Soldiers Field Rd.
Description: The Charles River is the idyllic setting of this playground and spray park. Chase your tot from the swings to the merry-go-round at the playground. Then visit the spray park, where the highlight for most kids is the antenna-like sprinklers in the wading pool. Always crowded with frolicking kids, the park has plenty of lifeguards to keep it all under control.
2. Charles River Canoe & Kayak
City: Brighton, MA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (617) 965-5110
Address: 1071 Soldiers Field Rd.
Insider Pick:
Description: Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Charles River to gain a new perspective of Boston. Charles River Canoe & Kayak offers hourly rentals of canoes, kayaks, and the latest water sport craze: stand-up paddleboards. The kiosk on Soldiers Field Road in Boston’s Allston/Brighton neighborhood has the greatest visibility of the 5 rental locations; the Kendall Square location has the advantage of being close to public transportation—the Kendall/MIT T station on the Red line. Each location offers rentals and lessons; each location (except Natick) offers guided tours. Among the offerings are barbecue kayak tours from Allston/Brighton or Kendall Square, kayak ecotours from Nahanton Woods, and skyline tours from Kendall Square. The start of the canoe season is highly dependent on the severity of winter, but it generally begins sometime in May and lasts through Columbus Day weekend. For information on additional area locations, check out their website.