Massachusetts Is Filled With The Best Playgrounds In The U.S.

From mountains to oceans, our region is filled with nature-filled adventures. Massachusetts playgrounds are also some of the best in the country.

This is the time of year when platforms like LawnStarter share information about how to maximize your outdoor space for the next three seasons. This includes getting the greenest grass possible, where to go hiking, and great places to take the kids to run around and play.

LawnStarter recently published the best cities for playgrounds, and four New England spots were named among the top 10. In fact, all four were in the greater Boston metro. So, in other words, the capital region of Massachusetts has 40% of the nation's best playgrounds.

"We compared over 430 of the biggest U.S. cities based on three categories. We considered the number of playgrounds, average visitor ratings, and local crime rate among seven total metrics," LawnStarter explained.

To compile all this information and assign a proper score, the metrics were organized into three categories: access rank, quality rank, and safety rank.

After our MLB American League East rivals, New York City was named the best city for kids' playgrounds, New England then took over.

In addition to the aforementioned recognition for Boston, Connecticut and Rhode Island also had a strong presence.

Cambridge ranked as the second-best city in the country for kids' playgrounds. Coming in right behind the home of Harvard and MIT is neighboring Somerville at number three. These two areas ranked as the best and second best for playground quality.

Boston proper came in at number seven. Quincy makes the list at number nine, further emphasizing that the greater Boston market took hold of the top kids' playground areas in the country.

Bridgeport, CT, was recognized as the 19th best before Newton, MA, which ranked 20th. So, there are five Massachusetts playground spots in America's overall top 20.

Pawtucket and Providence, Rhode Island, have also done a great job maintaining their park spaces. Their playgrounds cracked the top 50.

"Two states stood out in our ranking: California boasts 34 cities in the top 100, and nearly all Massachusetts cities in our ranking finished in the top 100," LawnStarter concludes. They also claimed that Cambridge's 15 public playgrounds and great walkability helped produce strong results.

New York City had an astounding 1,951 playgrounds, which is why their score and access rank numbers were so much higher than all other cities.

Nonetheless, spring is upon us. Let's take advantage of all the great playground spots around Massachusetts.

The waves are starting to cooperate here in New England, so now is the time to get outfitted in the raddest gear. Here, I will take you through five of the best outlets to get surf attire in Massachusetts.

Over the past ten years, the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have become hotspots for catching some of the best waves on the Atlantic coast. In recognition of the region fully adopting surf culture, major retail brands have opened locations in the area over the past year. Pairing national chains with local small business household names has made the area an east coast surfing hotspot. Jack Johnson, a Hawaiian north shore native, and the heart and soul of modern acoustic surf music, headlined the 2022 Levitate Music and Arts Festival.

The question is simple but the answer is complex. Obviously, the most crucial component to proper surf gear is a good surfboard. Many outlets allow you to rent, but once you are ready to take up the sport regularly, it's imperative that you have the board that is right for you. The best friend of the surfboard is a wetsuit. Often these items can be purchased from the same location. Though you can order wetsuits on Amazon or other digital retail outlets, they all seem to fit differently. Trust me, a loose wetsuit where water gets in the neck is one of the more initiating feelings in the water. Other necessary surfboard accessories include wax and a leash.

Finally, no surfer is properly equipped without attire to show you are a surfer when you are out of the water. Some of the stores we will list sell clothing that is representative of surf culture. In fact, one particular outlet makes their clothing with the beach in mind. They use recycled garments and often lead philanthropic efforts to help make our oceans cleaner.

Whether you are looking for a new board to hang ten with during the summer of 2023, or for athletic wear to sport while surf training in the winters, these five outlets for surf attire in New England are open and ready for you to cruise right in.

Where: 201 Newbury St.

What can I get here? The most comfortable and flexible athletic wear that you can feel great training or lounging in.

Selected item: Sunday Performance Jogger - perfect to wear to the beach during those cold sunrise mornings where the swell is best. Or - to simply lay on the coach in and watch football. Eight color options are available. Cost $98. www.vuori.com

Where: 1871 Ocean St.

What can I get here? Everything from boardshorts (year around) to fleece pullovers to longboards. And they also sell skateboards.

Selected item: Your first surfboard. A youth-sized soft-top (7 or 8 ft) can come fully equipped with a leash and wetsuit. If you are a youth beginner, this is all you need to jump right in. In addition, they often have boards from Joel Tudor or hand-crafted longboards. Regardless, Levitate always offers the highest quality boards perfect or east coast waves. Cost starts at $450 and up.
www.levitatebrand.com

Where: 131 Newbury St.

What can I get here? Denim made from environmentally sound materials, jumpsuits, and the most comfortable terry cloth sweatshirts imaginable. This brand was started by the most well-known and decorated pro surfers in the country, Kelly Slater. All of their clothing is made with sustainability at the forefront of manufacturing. You can read about their environmental efforts here.

Selected item: Hightide hoodie. Described as incredibly soft with legendary comfort, this is the perfect item to throw on after you have completed a surf session and are looking to wrap-up, sit in the sand, and marvel back at the ocean. This sells for $138.
www.outerknown.com

Where: 376 Gannet Rd.

What can I get here? NorEaster has established itself as the premier outlet for surfboards in New England. They have the largest selection of boards with a wide range of accessories. Their staff are professional surfers themselves, so they provide you with expertise that helps you to match your skill level with the right equipment.

Selected item: Daybag surfboard travel bag. Heading to San Diego because you can’t wait to get back on your board? These protective bags are durable enough to be tossed around in baggage claim while keeping your fully waxed board nice and safe. Cost starts at $149 depending upon size. www.noreastersurfshop.com

Where: 74 Narragansett Ave

What can I get here? You have all the shiny new gear now, how about setting up some lessons? This legendary, family-owned shop is in its 22nd year of business. You can walk through the wind-chiming doors to simply get a forecast or reserve your spot in an upcoming camp. Equally as important, this has become the spot to get Rhode Island branded surf swag. Trucker caps with gnarly logos fly off the shelves on a weekly basis. If you surf, you must show it!

Selected item: Narragansett Richardson trucker cap with “Surf Rhode Island” zip-up hoodie, combined cost of $73. www.narragansettsurfandskate.com