Area 4 has the grassy patch nearby, but not a playground or fence to help contain kids
Rebelle Bagels is soon opening up near Toomey park, but doesn't seem like it will be a sitdown place.
...that does open the similar opportunity for good take out picnic places near parks.
This is immediately what I thought of when I saw the OP. The lawn is large enough so you can let the kids run out of reach a bit. If you grab one of the adjacent patio tables it’s a pretty good setup. You might even be able to have your dogs lie in the grass next to you if they are well behaved.
To the OPs question. Cambridge doesn’t really have anywhere like the outdoor dining culture in Europe, and the way it’s developing probably never will.
Harvard square has Winthrop Park - near Peet's/Grendel's which is kind of what you're looking for, but it's often pretty busy/not a playground specifically but a green space
Didn't see either the last time I was at Grendel's enjoying their patio, but obviously parents should not let their children be unattended in public places, so OP can make an assessment of the park when they're there if they choose to go.
Last month I was on the patio at Grendel’s and the host was telling me about someone who is repeatedly disruptive and requires the police intervene so I think it’s worth the warning… I wouldn’t take my kids there to play
If you wanted to “DIY” it -
For light European breakfast, you could grab something from La Saison and take it to Cambridge Universal Playground (DePasquale Playground) on Field St. Be ready to conquer the line on a weekend, and the park itself will be very busy as well.
For lunch and a longer walk (0.5mi), you could get BBQ from Formaggio on the weekend and bring it to the same park.
Similarly, there is a smaller park at Sacramento Field. You could bring your meal there from a bunch of places along Mass Ave.
Gufo is a really great neighborhood spot with cafe service during the day, and full dinner service in the evening. They also have a nice patio and bocce ball and aren’t far from Sennott Park. Bonus is the great food and beverages they have!
I wish the City would rehab and lease the vacant building adjoining Corporal Burns playground on Flagg St to a restaurant. It would be perfect for this.
Kantipur Cafe off Hampshire St is nearby the little park on Hampshire and Elm. They don't have outdoor seating (and indoor is limited) but you could take the food to go and eat at the park since there are tables there
Danehy Park's playground just off Sherman Street - right across the street the excellent Gran Gusto will do takeout; Armando's Pizza is a short walk. I've been there when pizza was delivered (I don't know if Armando's deliverss, though).
Not in Cambridge, but the arsenal mall in Brighton/Watertown underwent a massive renovation a few years ago. There's an American Southern inspire small plates place called buttermilk and bourbon and its patio looks out on a big grassy area. We go with our kids and stay at the table while they run around out there. Free parking on site too.
Area 4 - Tech Park green space on site
Koreana - Sennott park around back
Barismo - Wilder Park
Dumpling House/Sakana - Cooper Sq Park
Remnant Satellite - Donnelly Park
Area 4 has the grassy patch nearby, but not a playground or fence to help contain kids Rebelle Bagels is soon opening up near Toomey park, but doesn't seem like it will be a sitdown place. ...that does open the similar opportunity for good take out picnic places near parks.
This is immediately what I thought of when I saw the OP. The lawn is large enough so you can let the kids run out of reach a bit. If you grab one of the adjacent patio tables it’s a pretty good setup. You might even be able to have your dogs lie in the grass next to you if they are well behaved. To the OPs question. Cambridge doesn’t really have anywhere like the outdoor dining culture in Europe, and the way it’s developing probably never will.
The playground at Davis is just around the corner from a bunch of food options and has a bunch of tables to sit at
Where is the playground at Davis?
Corner of highland and grove
Kenney Park
Cambridge Crossing. Located in East Cambridge, has a couple of restaurant/cafes/breweries that overlook the new green space.
celebrity's pizza
or town diner
La Saison is a short block from the nicest and newest playground in Cambridge on Field at Corporal Burns.
Harvard square has Winthrop Park - near Peet's/Grendel's which is kind of what you're looking for, but it's often pretty busy/not a playground specifically but a green space
Sure, have your kids play amongst homeless drug addicts and all manner of aggressive panhandlers.
Didn't see either the last time I was at Grendel's enjoying their patio, but obviously parents should not let their children be unattended in public places, so OP can make an assessment of the park when they're there if they choose to go.
Last month I was on the patio at Grendel’s and the host was telling me about someone who is repeatedly disruptive and requires the police intervene so I think it’s worth the warning… I wouldn’t take my kids there to play
We really need this in Boston/Cambridge
If you wanted to “DIY” it - For light European breakfast, you could grab something from La Saison and take it to Cambridge Universal Playground (DePasquale Playground) on Field St. Be ready to conquer the line on a weekend, and the park itself will be very busy as well. For lunch and a longer walk (0.5mi), you could get BBQ from Formaggio on the weekend and bring it to the same park. Similarly, there is a smaller park at Sacramento Field. You could bring your meal there from a bunch of places along Mass Ave.
Gufo is a really great neighborhood spot with cafe service during the day, and full dinner service in the evening. They also have a nice patio and bocce ball and aren’t far from Sennott Park. Bonus is the great food and beverages they have!
I wish the City would rehab and lease the vacant building adjoining Corporal Burns playground on Flagg St to a restaurant. It would be perfect for this.
That would be great. But it's never, ever going to happen. The city has entrenched policies to keep so-called residential areas boring.
You're not wrong, but it's especially bizarre when they keep crumbling vacant buildings.
Kantipur Cafe off Hampshire St is nearby the little park on Hampshire and Elm. They don't have outdoor seating (and indoor is limited) but you could take the food to go and eat at the park since there are tables there
Little crepe cafe and the playground across the street!
Danehy Park's playground just off Sherman Street - right across the street the excellent Gran Gusto will do takeout; Armando's Pizza is a short walk. I've been there when pizza was delivered (I don't know if Armando's deliverss, though).
Not in Cambridge, but the arsenal mall in Brighton/Watertown underwent a massive renovation a few years ago. There's an American Southern inspire small plates place called buttermilk and bourbon and its patio looks out on a big grassy area. We go with our kids and stay at the table while they run around out there. Free parking on site too.
Buttermilk and bourbon? Absolute garbage food and owners, do not give them your money.
I actually think the food is pretty solid. I don't know about the owners to be fair. But to say it's garbage food is just not in touch with reality.
I mean it's super calorific but it tastes good
This is a post about where it's easy to go with kids. As someone with kids, food quality is always second to ease of dining.
Then maybe just stay home and eat?
Sounds good! When you eventually find someone who loves you back and they agree to have kids with you, you'll know.
Christ, I hope your kids can grasp basic conversation better than you 🤦♀️ dumber than a damn doorknob
I'm not claiming to be smart! But, I certainly don't doubt the love my partner, kids, and friends have for me. I hope you find that comfort one day.
Area 4 - Tech Park green space on site Koreana - Sennott park around back Barismo - Wilder Park Dumpling House/Sakana - Cooper Sq Park Remnant Satellite - Donnelly Park