I love Larzies. It's so beautiful no matter the time of year. There's a short walking path and gazebo area, a grilling area with picnic tables that's covered with a roof that is perfect for cookouts or just hanging out, a softball field, an auto museum, an outdoor ice skating rink, and stunning skyline views of Boston from the top of the hill. The hill is perfect in the warmer months to have a picnic or toss a frisbee or football with some friends. In the winter, it's the best sledding hill. Truly Larzies has it all, and it's amazing year round. read more

See all

This park is beautiful. It has a large parking lot . It is dog friendly. It has many acres to go for a long walk with yourself or your dog . It has picnic tables and a grilling area but you need a permit for that from the town of brookline . They have a playground for kids . They have a huge walking area . No public bathrooms . read more

See all

I was mostly here for the Auto Museum but I only found parking on the far side of the park. That meant that I had the wonderful opportunity to walk through the park today where I saw picnics and cookouts and people playing with balls and running and biking and even a softball game underway. The park has playing fields, picnic areas, gardens, waterways, and an ice skating rink (which was not open this time of year). The "Temple of Love" is a beautiful structure either close up or from across the lagoon. [Review 18607 overall - 1188 in Massachusetts - 2129 of 2022.] read more

See all

As a wedding photographer, I've photographed here many times and keep returning because my couples love it! It has beautiful architecture and a beautiful park. It's small enough where it's quaint, with many photos opportunities but big enough to have plenty of space as there's a lot of other people taking photos or families enjoying picnics. Don't need a photo permit here either! read more

See all

Wonderful place to picnic or relax, one of my favorites in the Boston area. Everything is so open and the top of the hill has such a beautiful view of the Boston skyline. So pretty! read more

Larz Anderson Park - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Beautiful park with nice trails. We went in October and the fall colors were starting to show. The expanse of green hillsides and color trees was great. Great for a short walk or casual lazy relaxing outing. read more

See all

The best place to let your dog run free. The summer brings picnickers throwing their food around.

One of my favorite places to take pictures, picnic, make-out with the boy (don't act like you haven't), play ball in the field, swing on the swings. Pretty much one of the nicest parks in Boston. I've seen so many brides take their pictures here. It has a great gazebo surrounded by beautiful greenery. Annnnnddd, It's the perfect park for any weather. Summer for grilling, Fall for the beautiful foliage, Winter for the sledding and ice skating, and spring for the pretty flowers and walking around. Everyone's pretty much mentioned everything you can about this beautiful park and if you haven't been here.... You're missing out on a gem. read more

Larz Anderson Park - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Welcome to Larz Anderson Park. It may be hard to get to from somerville but this park is completely worth the trip down 93 and up Rte 9. Once you get there, you will see all the cars parked along the curb. You can also choose to head in by the auto museum, and ride up the hill a ways for a good parking spot at the top that will offer what in my opinion is one of the best skyline views of boston (pretty good for a late night spot with the lady if you know what I'm sayin ::winky face::) If there in the day time you can choose to have a private picnic up there or toss a ball around. There is plenty of open space up there for everyone to enjoy. Dont let the top be your entire trip though. Make sure you walk down the hill away from the direction you came up. Down there you will see baseball diamonds, a large park, and grills (you can rent these for $40 and it comes with a table...hello summertime). Everytime I have been there I saw a lot of families grilling but always thought it would be nice to have friends do this. No open containers in boston but I am sure if you keep your shit concealed and are smart about it the rangers wont give you a hard time. Keep walking past the grills and find yourself on one of the most beautiful landscapes that the Boston surrounding area has to offer. Perhaps even better than the top of the hill, you may want to come down here with a blanket and just lay out next to the lake. Definitely take a stroll around and enjoy the footbridges and the romantic "Temple of Love." In the spring / summer you will often see couple taking professional pictures for engagement or wedding photos. I don't have to tell you how to come enjoy a park, but I highly recommend you check it out. read more

Water fountain Sculptures City skyline views Picnic tables & grills Grassy hills Auto museum ($10/adult) Great park to roam in, have a picnic, bring dogs and kids right in Brookline. I will definitely be coming back with friends/family! read more

I have fantastic and very fond memories of Larz Anderson. As a child, I came here often with my whole family and we would barbecue and play games and run relay races and I would always get upset because I was the heavier child that would always lose because I couldn't run quickly. They would point and laugh at me, cracking jokes and whatnot and eventually, I'd get over it, but still... Ah...those were the days. Even so, I'm a bit glad my family all moved away so I can enjoy the serenity and beauty to myself instead of running around with them. Jerks. read more

WOWIE!! This is a great sled park...(yes there is an ice rink too) BUT... There should be a picture here of oodles of kids and adults sledding in the winter...(i have added one that i took...its ok...but it only gives a sample) Top Notch!! read more

Larz Anderson Park - Sleddin down the hill at Larz Anderson Park - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This park has -Amazing city views, -Ample space, -is dog friendly -even parking. What's not to love? read more

This park is one of the best in the area! Definitely check it out if you've never been. Pros - clean bathrooms - great playground - gorgeous lagoon with a "Temple of Love" and a cute mini bridge to take photos on - huge open field on a hill - great to take your off leash dog (though you need to participate in Brooklines "Green Dog Program") - cool "ruins"/history - ball fields - tours on weekends in the summer - Larz Anderson Auto Museum - there's a geocache hidden somewhere in the park Cons - you're not supposed to sit at the picnic tables/use the pavillon unless you buy a permit (to use the grills). read more

I am in love with this park. *Swoon* On Saturday, since the weather was nice and since we had only seen the park (where we're going to get married) in photos and in the winter dark (we had checked out Larz Anderson Auto Museum as a potential venue), we decided to scope it out in the daylight. The Top of the Hill has a great view downtown, plus old Japanese garden ruins, there is also plenty of parking and an iceskating rink. We spend some time checking out the view on Top of the Hill then walked down to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and School (both closed). The park was beautiful, lush, and green -- and basically deserted. It was a slightly chilly day but gorgeous out. There is plenty of space to move around with your pet, friends, or baseball team . There are also plenty of places to duck away and smooch with your lover :D I love the gorgeous willows on the water, the happy geese, the peaceful pond filled with koi. There are also grilling areas set up if your friends and you want to BBQ. Very pretty park and as I understand -- has great events during the summer -- free movies, car shows and of course, it's a romantic and affordable spot for a wedding! read more

Larz Anderson Park is amazing. Big fields. Playgrounds. Ice rink. The works. What a generous donation by the Anderson family. The park gets a 5/5. The employee who was driving around in a golf cart and tried to intimidate me gets a 3/5. I've never experienced something so strange. Not only did I feel harassed, I was asked "where are you coming from?" Does it matter if I don't live in Brookline? It was an odd conversation where I felt like they were trying to make me feel not welcomed at the park. read more

I love flying sport kites. Its a hobby that lets me get away from the stress of work for a few minutes or hours at a time. It can be relaxing on light wind days, flying my superlight kite with my finger tips. It can be a work up wrestling my power foil on windy days. I have looked far and wide for the best place near the city to fly my sport kite collection and Larz Anderson park is the only such place. As it is at the top of a hill, there is almost always wind, almost always coming from the same direction, though it can be gusty at times. Yet Laz Anderson park is more than just a sport kite airstrip. Its a good place for dogs if you have them. Good place for a BBQ ( but you have to pay to rent one out), and strolls around the pond. When we went to watch the meteor shower, we did it at Larz. There is also a automobile museum that hosts awesome car gatherings. There are a lot of dogs at the park, but I have yet to step in dog poo while not looking at the ground and looking at the kite, I also have yet to crash my kite into dog poo, though given the sheer amount of dogs there, I think it's only a matter of time. read more

As a parent of a four year old and a two year old, I find myself spending a lot of time at the Larz Anderson playground--one of the best in the Boston area. First of all, most of the playground is shaded. Second, there are many structures, all of which are kept in good shape and which the kids use and enjoy. There are bathrooms (kept reasonably clean, considering they're by a playground) and drink vending machines. The park itself is immaculately kept. There's a pond with bridges, a gazebo, carp, ducks and the vermin called Canadian geese. I don't skate, so I can't write about the skating rink. There's two baseball fields, a soccer field, and one huge hill that's great for kite-flying or rolling down. The picnic areas (including the large closed-in one) have big tables and grills, but you have to reserve them and pay. It's cheaper for Brookline residents, which is kind of annoying because they have more money than the rest of us to begin with. If the money helps keep the park in the amazing shape it's in, it's worth paying for. Parking lot can fill up fast, especially if there's a game. The street parking is a little scary when you're there with kids, but I've never not found a spot. read more

My Auntie would bring us here to sled, when I was wee. Huge Hill. Fantastic vistas of Boston from the summit. And, a skating rink. Add a pond, with a beautiful bridge, and picturesque shrine. Add large carp, and some scary looking catfish in the pond. Add a great Community Garden Plot, a great Play Space for kids, and the Museum of Transportation Next Door. Net Sum? A great park. Oh, and you haven't lived until you roll down that huge grassy hill! read more

Larz Anderson is our new favorite park! We have wanted to visit Larz Anderson for some time now, but never got around to it until friends held a birthday party for their 1-year-old daughter here. This park is amazing for kids and adults. Huge green spaces for picnics or sports. A gorgeous pond with geese and ducks aplenty. Very nice covered BBQ area for large parties or other special occasions. And absolutely picturesque - perfect for family photos. We'll be back soon! read more

The reason I know about Larz Anderson is because my boss lives right near it and I used to work in my boss's basement. As you walk through the park you can imagine that you are an industrialist baron, surveying his estate as he enjoys the many luxuries of the gilded age. A luscious view of Boston, rolling green lawns, pretty gazebos, some beautiful old cars, etc etc. Of course, it's not your estate -- it's a public park. This is why you'll see the Brookline children running around and dogs being walked by owners and even an occasional wedding. By the way, it's also a decent (faraway) place to view Boston's July 4th Fireworks if you want something less crowded and more low-key. read more

Great all around park. We went ice skating there today. The ice was well maintained. Equipment and staff were excellent. Ask about the wild bunny that lives near the rink and bring carrots (12/2009) Sledding hill looks amazing. We will return for that soon. read more

You know why you have never been to Larz Anderson Park before? Because it is simply impossible to get to. That's right don't even bother trying unless you have areal photographs and a team of Sherpas to guide you in. That might not even be enough, you may need a team of alpacas to carry your supplies in, a months worth should do you for this trek. In other words, check out a Google map and head on over to this place, it's worth the trip. It's not that hard to find. By car it's sort of near Jamaica Pond, in fact just follow that crazy windy road that looks like it should be closed 'for lack of the likelihood that you will not careen into a rock face on this road' trust me, it's just up ahead. Once you get there, take in the view of the city, roll down the grassy slopes or if it's winter time - ski, sled or slide on your butt to the bottom (but watch out for the death road below). This place gets really crowded on 4th o' July as it has the best view of the Esplenade fireworks this side of the Charles so if you want to do that this summer, just get to Larz early. Oh, yeah, one little note and you'll thank me for this - there is almost always a Brookline police officer floating around so.....plastic cups! read more

This is an exceptional park, it is well maintained and very scenic. My family spent a lot of time here when I was a kid. We played on the playground, flew kites, went ice skating, picnicked, watched the fish, hiked, played softball, and picked crab apples. It is a great place to explore. It also has the best sledding hills ever. The pond area is very pretty, with the exception of the canada geese. I love the structures throughout, especially the gazebo. read more

Literally stumbled upon this place while going for a long walk in a different direction that I usually do. Right next to a nifty car museum and an old little red schoolhouse. There is a beautiful gazebo, two stone bridges, a dark pond, picnic areas, and apparently Chinese, Japanese, and Italian gardens as well. I gots to go back and find those. Also look out for the GIANT koi fish in the pond. No joke, it was probably 3 feet long. read more

See all

This is a review of the ICE SKATING RINK located on the grounds of the Larz Anderson Park. This is my favorite outside ice skating rink around Boston. The ice is good and is cleaned every 30 minutes. The skate rentals are still in good shape and are maintained well. There is ample inside area to change, and a small ice scating area especially designed for kids. This is Boston's winter hidden jewel. read more

If you have the chance to care for a child (your own, your babysitting family's or maybe a strangers...crreeepy) then you should definitely head over the Larz between 3 and 5 M through F. It is like Woodstock for kids; crowded for sure and for the little ones I take care, pure ecstasy. Not the best playground I've ever seen but we've got swings, slides and a few castles. They love it because there are always kids there and I love it for the cushy ground cover. They have sweet black platforms at the bottom of every slide so you don't bruise your bottom! Makes sliding down a lot more fun when your a good 50 pounds over the weight limit. Oh and for those who don't play with kids regularly...did I mention the temple of love? read more

My work has their division summer picnic at Larz Anderson Park every year. This is a great place for a corporate or casual get-together for around 50 adults plus kids. The shelter of Goddard Ave is a nice place for a meal. We normally have catered BBQ. There is a huge playground and the little kids love it. The bigger kids (and adults) like to hang out on the ball fields. There are some nice walking paths around the pond and fountain, but the pond itself it a little overgrown with algae. Bathrooms are a little "rustic" but they do the trick. The charge for the permit was $150 and must be purchased by a resident of Brookline. read more

A real delight of a park here in Brookline. It's so beautiful and well kept. The perfect place for a stroll, a picnic, a snowball fight, sledding, baseball. You name it, you got it. They have two baseball diamonds, open fields, play grounds, bathrooms, bbq pits and areas to eat and, minus the goose crap, this place is very clean. Truly a perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon, no matter the weather! read more

One of the NICEST PARKS AROUND!! Has a pond with coy in the summer. Free grills if you want to do something other than the backyard thing. Baseball fields, outdoor skating rink in the winter. I walk my English bulldog there twice a day! read more

This is a great hidden park in Brookline. I'm not even sure I saw all of it--it's pretty big. A friend and I walked around the pond, sat on one of the many benches and looked at the water and talked. It's a lush green and private park. There are ducks. There is a great playground, tennis courts (? I think I saw tennis courts), and a public restroom. I'm looking forward to sledding and skating here in the wintertime. read more

The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it can sometimes get a bit crowed. But that aside this is a gem of a park in winter or summer. I used to live in the neighborhood but I enjoy coming back to visit. We went skating today. You should plan to get there within the first hour or so on the weekends because the lines start to form read more

Great place to walk around and bring the dog! Big wide open spaces, I'm sure it's great for sledding! We will definitely be returning. We were, however, a little disappointed as the Auto Museum had a $10 per person price tag! ouch! read more

This place is just great. Today I went over for an awesome bike ride. The park is so beautifully captured the trees are so tall and old. The people out with dogs are friendly even to a cyclist which is unusual. When you were in the park you can't even believe that you were actually in the middle of a busy city. There are areas to picnic areas to walk area is it to Blake and I understand there is even an ice rink in the winter. We are lucky to have this gem of a park near us. Try it out!! read more

This is a beautiful park in Brookline with a nice reflecting pool, community gardens, two baseball diamonds, and several grill stations complete with picnic tables and a grill nestled away from the business of the city. I went there recently on a weekday evening and walked up to an unattended grill, fired it up, and had a delicious night. The park web site says permits are required for picnics ($25!) or reserving the shelter ($200!) for a day. There is supposedly a park attendant on the weekends and holidays from 10A - 7P, and the grill stations are numbered, so finding a free one might be more difficult during periods of high demand. read more

ahhhh, Larz. What a hidden gem! As a resident of Brookline, I try to visit the park, community garden and the skating rink whenever possible all throughout the year! If you are a Brookline resident, call the town and try to get on the waiting list for your own community garden space...$50/year to have your own space to grow?!! best deal in Brookline or Boston...hands down. The park and the skating facility are amazing. check it out! read more

This is a truly beautiful park. I've been here a couple times for cars and coffee, and also other times to just visit the park. There is a peaceful pond to walk around, and the trees and plants are beautiful. Definitely a great place to spend an afternoon in warmer weather! read more

I must agree with everyone else, this park is a beautiful find in the middle of a busy, bustling city. The scenery, clean air, cleanliness ... absolutely splendid. One complaint ... the Park Ranger. We rented a BBQ Pit for a birthday party. As we rolled up our coolers, busy crossing our fingers that the ever-present rain and sprinkles would go away, the Park Ranger walked up and RAINED ALL OVER our parade with a list of rules that left our heads spinning: 1. We brought a puppy with us and found out that she would have to be tied up at a tree far away from the picnic table and BBQ stations. While we would clearly keep our dog away from the BBQ station (duh!) ... the wooden table - really? How does our dog sitting by us outdoors affect anyone else using that table in the future? You DO realize that we are outside, yes? And you DO realize that RESTAURANTS let you site outside with dogs by the table - not down the street, yes? 2. Our mylar balloon passed the test because it wasn't latex - SERIOUSLY? We were told that latex balloons were not allowed because people have allergies, and if such a balloon was to pop and we left the pieces behind, that could cause problems. Uhm, people have bee allergies too - do they watch the bee population of the park as well? What about peanut allergies? Uhm, pollen anyone? 3. If we saw her looking in our direction, it was just because she was counting the number of people we had. Excuse me? (Enough said) The above 3 rules were the most frustrating of the laundry list. While the park was great, and we enjoyed the celebration, the Park Ranger was worse than the occasional sprinkle of rain. Great park for walking around, but I recommend finding somewhere else to rent a BBQ station. read more

This place is beautiful! And so relaxed and easy. Nice park ranger who was very helpful and clear. Bring your own charcoal and pay upfront $40 for a grill and picnic tables. Drinks on the D/L were okay, just don't be a bunch of drunks and clean up after yourself and you're fine. Beautiful view of Boston. Highly recommend read more

In early June I threw a birthday bbq at this park. Chose it for the beautiful landscape, but was cautious about organizing an event there because of the Yelp reviews that mentioned rangers that were very strict. Had the opposite experience: was able to coordinate catering, and the ranger (I forget her name, I apologize!) was extremely helpful. From driving my elderly aunt and uncle to the site on her cart, to assisting in the clean-up, things couldn't have gone more smoothly. Thanks again! read more