Top 10 Things To Do In Brookline, Massachusetts

things to do in brookline
Chandana
Chandana 
Published
| 5 min read

Nature is at her best in Brookline, one of the prime places to live in Massachusetts. Situated in Norfolk County, this suburb of Boston is known for its flourishing environment and understated glamour. The beautiful avenues, stately architectural buildings, elegant residences, and verdant spaces draw tourists in large numbers. Brookline exudes an urban ambiance and is known for its large number of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and verdant parks. The town enjoys a humid, continental climate and the lanes are clad with abundant trees and wild shrubs. The schools in Brookline are highly rated and the place is a little expensive. Shopping, spas and wellness centers, nature, parks, and museums are some of the attractions here. It’s also renowned as the birthplace of John F Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. Take a look at this list of top 10 things to do in Brookline, Massachusetts.

1. Bask in nature at Brookline Reservoir Park

Reservoir Park, Brookline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bestbudbrian used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A renowned park on Boylston Street in Brookline, this is easily reachable from the Brookline Hills stop via the Green Line. A prominent recreational facility in town, this calm and serene place features a kidney-shaped reservoir with a gravel path along its boundary. The reservoir is flanked by lush trees and the mirror-like reflection in the water is awe-inspiring. The architecturally celebrated gatehouse is worth a look. Sunsets at this park are gorgeous at any time of the year. Seating provision is perfect for viewing the spring flowers in bloom and watching the fall colors in autumn. During winters, it is ideal for quick walks or jogs in the fresh air. Brookline Reservoir Park is also perfect for fishing, bird watching, practicing your yoga, and enjoying leisurely picnics. Melodious birdsong and assorted small wildlife species add to the charm of this park. Plenty of free parking is the icing on the cake.

Brookline Reservoir Park

Address: Brookline, MA02445

Website: Brookline Reservoir Park

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

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2. Spend captivating moments at Brookline Arts Center

Art centre
Source: Needpix

This is a conveniently located building filled with art. It is where every corner exhibits a show of color! They offer great summer art programs and classes for all ages. Spirited teachers conduct virtual spring classes, summer classes, and workshops. Private classes, customized lessons, exhibitions, and various events are organized on a regular basis. At-home free activities are also accessible for one and all. The adorable and colorful art displays are exquisite and transport the viewers to an entirely new world. There is also a playground for kids to stretch their legs in between classes or tours.

Brookline Arts Center

Address: 86 Monmouth St, Brookline, MA02446

Website: Brookline Arts Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free entry

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3. Stroll around the enticing Larz Anderson Park

LarzAnderson1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Biruitorul used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

A vast expanse of azure sky and lush greenery greets you at this well-maintained park overlooking the Boston skyline. The beautiful rolling hills are vantage points to enjoy spectacular sunsets as well as splendid views of the city. This landscaped park, complete with fountains, is a great place for a walk or a picnic. There is a nice little arc bridge on one side and a gazebo on the other while the beautiful river is home to lots of big fish. You can look forward to activities such as outdoor ice-skating and snow tubing in winter, sledding, basketball, and kite flying. There is a shady playground for kids as well as a covered place with picnic tables for gatherings and celebrations. Larz Anderson Transportation Museum located within the park is perfect for indulging in your love for antique bicycles and cars. Driving in your own vehicle is the best way to get here, but parking can be difficult to find.

Larz Anderson Park

Address: Goddard Ave & Newton St, Brookline, MA 02445

Website: Larz Anderson Park

Opening hours: 10am - 7.30pm (daily)

Price: Free

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4. Swing by John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

BrooklineMA JFKHouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Magicpiano used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a nicely maintained small house that showcases memories of John F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. Catch a short movie before you set out to tour this cozy house that was the birthplace of the erstwhile President. Both guided and audio tour options are open and you’ll be able to visualize how Kennedy grew up. The President’s mother, Rose Kennedy, recreated the home to ensure the memories of her son and the rest of the family live on forever. The place where he was born, his bed, his treasured books, the room he grew up in, have been well-preserved and displayed. During the half-hour tour, walk through low doorways and beautiful interiors.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

Address: : 83 Beals St, Brookline, MA 02446

Website: John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free entry

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5. Marvel at the wonders at Clay Center for Science and Technology

Dexter School - Southfield School - IMG 3359
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

This is a modern, astronomical observatory and education center actively engaged in space exploration. It has many fact-finding telescopes, advanced computers, and science laboratories. A multimedia lecture hall, classrooms, dining, and meeting spaces along with a solar energy roof deck are some important features. The public telescope is perfect for an evening of viewing the shimmering sky. Meanwhile, the Clay Center observatory is where visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of greater Boston from the observation deck. The Clay Center’s Astronomy Day celebration brings a wide range of thrilling astronomy and space-themed activities for all ages, free of cost.

Clay Center for Science and Technology

Address: 20 Newton St, Brookline, MA02445

Website: Clay Center for Science and Technology

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6. Enjoy a movie at Coolidge Corner Theater

Coolidge Corner South Side, Brookline, MA, USA - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pesotsky used under CC BY 3.0

The charming theater is well-maintained and efficiently managed by friendly staff. It has a beautiful ceiling over a spacious room and a classic art deco interior. With its vintage air, this theater offers a great selection of movies that are not shown elsewhere. The selection of movies each month is based on a specific theme or genre. With a capacity to accommodate 700 in the audience, it offers four screens. Special programs and events are held throughout the year. You’ll find comfortable seats as well the mandatory popcorn, candy, and soda! The programming is always diverse with midnight shows being extremely popular as also kids’ events. Equipped with a modern sound system, it can be a very special experience!

Coolidge Corner Theater

Address: 290 Harvard St, Brookline,MA 02446

Website: Coolidge Corner Theater

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 15 USD

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7. Pamper your inner child at Puppet Showplace Theater

Puppet Theatre
Source: Pixabay

Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline village is one-of-its-kind in New England, solely dedicated to presenting puppetry arts. It is a busy place hosting enchanting performances for over 20,000 children annually as well as for adults. Shows typically change weekly and there is an interactive session afterward. You can enjoy shows featuring hand puppets and shadow puppets are just some of the varieties you will see here. In addition, there is a kid-friendly lobby for quick breaks. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Puppet Showplace Theater

Address: 32 Station St, Brookline,MA 02445

Website: Puppet Showplace Theater

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 16 USD

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8. Step into the past at Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site

BrooklineMA OlmstedHouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Magicpiano used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This incredible place is full of history, beauty, and learning that makes it suitable for everyone. You’ll find a charming museum, elegant gardens, and a lovely library here. The free guided tour lets you learn about the landscape architect behind this historic site. Gain insight into the unusual techniques of American landscape design. Get a glimpse of the work of Frederick Olmsted, documents, around 66,000 original pictures, photographs, and blueprints. All these have been systematically archived and digitized by the national park staff. In addition, junior ranger programs are available. While parking is free, spots may be limited.

Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site

Address: 99 Warren St, Brookline, MA 02445

Website: Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9:30am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free entry

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9. Tantalize your taste buds at La Morra restaurant

Tomato and truffle sauce fried pasta dishes
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Geoffreyrabbit used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a busy traditional Italian place, known for its seasonal, fresh, and creative menu. The pleasant staff and cozy atmosphere together with delicious food make for an enjoyable experience. Try their homemade truffle pasta and bread, liver pate, seafood stew, oyster risotto, eggplant parmesan, and fried rice balls. In addition, La Morra has a wine list that is sure to appeal to connoisseurs.

La Morra

Address: 48 Boylston St, Brookline, MA 02445

Website: La Morra

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm

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10. Get some exercise at Cypress Street Playground

2009-04-21 Hampton Forest Apartment Homes playground
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Specious used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated along Brookline Avenue, this quadrangular recreation area is among one of the first municipal parks in the United States. A well-maintained, clean place loved by toddlers with plenty of opportunities to make new friends, it is perfect for all types of outdoor activities. It is also a preferred place for graduation ceremonies. On any given day, you’re likely to find kids and adults engaged in their favorite sporting activity ranging from soccer to baseball. In winter, it is ideal for ice-skating and sledding.

Cypress Street Playground

Address: Brookline, MA 02445

Website: Cypress Street Playground

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

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Something for everyone in Brookline

With a wide range of attractions and activities, there is plenty to keep you busy in Brookline. Irrespective of whether you are traveling as a family, with a partner, or solo, there will never be a dull moment!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Chandana is a versatile writer with nearly two decades of experience in media, spanning clients across the globe. An avid traveler, she enjoys experiencing every new place to the fullest. Having...Read more

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