This 64-acre former private estate turned public property was bequeathed to the Town of Brookline in the 1950s; it is now the town’s largest park, with easy walking paths, sports fields, a playground, an ice-skating rink, a lagoon, plenty of places to picnic, and an auto museum. The Temple of Love gazebo is a wonderful place to gaze out at the peaceful scenery. Head up to the highest point on the main ridge for fantastic views of Boston.

The main ridge is a popular spot to watch Boston’s Fourth of July fireworks or to fly kites, because there’s always a wind. In winter, the many hills call to sledders when snow is on the ground. Overall, Larz Anderson Park offers a lovely outdoor respite from the city and is an extremely popular gathering place for groups.

From May through October, the Auto Museum holds a series of lawn events on the weekends, showcasing different kinds of vehicles, from Corvettes to motorcycles to Minis. The events are always lots of fun, for both adults and kids.

Remember: The grills, picnic areas, Temple of Love gazebo, and other areas are often rented out to groups by the Town of Brookline. Call ahead to reserve a space if you want to cook out.

If it is a rainy day, head to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Not only is there a stunning collection of classic cars, but there is also a dedicated kids’ playroom, filled with toys that have—you guessed it—wheels.

Centre Street in Jamaica Plain offers plenty of family-friendly dining options.