Robbins Farm Park

Robbins Farm Park in Arlington is one of Greater Boston's most underrated family outdoor destinations — a hilltop park with playground equipment and one of the most spectacular panoramic views available without a long hike. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see the Boston skyline to the southeast, the Blue Hills to the south, and the New Hampshire mountains to the north.

The park sits on top of one of Arlington's higher hills, accessed via Eastern Avenue. The uphill walk from the street is the main navigation challenge — families with strollers should be prepared for a steep path, and a front-pack carrier is a better choice for infants and young toddlers.

The playground equipment at the summit is solid: climbing structures, swings, and slides appropriate for children ages 2-12. But the defining experience here is the hilltop setting — the open exposure, the constant breeze, and the sky-wide views create a genuinely different outdoor experience from Boston's many flat parks. Children respond to the elevation with a primal excitement: this is a place to run, roll, tumble down the grassy slopes, and feel the wind.

The grassy hill is ideal for kite flying throughout the warmer months — bring a kite and take advantage of the reliable hilltop breezes. In winter, Robbins Farm becomes one of Arlington's most popular sled hills, with families converging on the slopes after every significant snowfall.

Free admission and free parking (limited spots on Eastern Ave). Arlington Center, about 10-15 minutes downhill, has cafes, restaurants, and an ice cream shop for post-park refueling.