Christian Herter Park

Christian Herter Park in Allston is a substantial riverfront park that serves as one of the Charles River corridor's most active community spaces. Stretching along the north bank of the Charles near Soldiers Field Road, the park combines athletic fields, a skate park, a playground area, and direct connection to the Charles River Esplanade path.

For families, Herter Park offers something for every age group in the same visit. Young children have a dedicated playground area. Older kids and teens gravitate toward the skate park, which is one of the better free public skateboarding facilities near Boston.

The athletic fields host community soccer leagues, ultimate frisbee games, and informal sports throughout the warmer months — good entertainment for spectators and easily joinable for kids who want to kick a ball around.

The riverfront location connects to the Charles River Esplanade path, which runs east toward Cambridge and west toward Newton. Families with bikes can incorporate a riverside ride into a Herter Park visit with no additional cost or planning.

Allston is one of Boston's most culturally diverse neighborhoods with an outstanding and affordable restaurant scene. Harvard Ave and Brighton Ave form the commercial heart of the neighborhood with Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and dozens of other cuisines concentrated in a walkable area 10-15 minutes from the park.

Parking along Soldiers Field Road is available but can be congested on sunny weekends when the river path draws heavy cycling and running traffic. The 57 MBTA bus from Kenmore Square serves the area, and the park is bikeable from much of the city.