Clarendon Street Playground

Set amid Back Bay's Victorian townhouses, Clarendon Street Playground provides a shaded urban oasis. It's sunk slightly below street level, muffling street noise - but you'll hear plenty of happy shrieks from the swings, slides, climbing frames and large open area for plain old romping. Local folks leave riding toys out for anyone to use. The latch on the gate can be tricky to open, but this place is worth a bit of effort.