Can I just say how happy I am that spring is here?! We have had some gorgeous weather days here in Central Iowa during the past month and I'm thrilled we've been able to get outside enjoy it as a family. My favorite thing to do outside as a family is take a walk. It used to be really easy when the kids were in a stroller and we could just push them and go. Now the older two don't get excited about a family walk unless we are headed to a known destination. We're very lucky that we live in walking distance of the local ice cream shop, but we're even luckier that we live in walking distance of four great play areas. We live very close to two school playgrounds and a small city park. Our favorite city park is little further away via a trail which means this mama gets to go for a family walk and the kiddos look forward to going too because they know they are going to get to play.
Last year this park was closed for improvements for the entire summer and when we finally saw a glimpse of the finished product it was fall and turning colder. We didn't really get a chance to enjoy it. This year I'm happy to say that we've already visited several times just in the month of March. The reason this park is our favorite is because it has everything this family of five needs for fun.
My oldest heads straight to the full size basketball court with his ball to shoot some hoops and one of us parents gets to play a game of one-on-one with him. He seldom tires of the game, but when he does he heads to the playground to do some spinning.
My youngest two love the playground and it is equipped with age-appropriate play areas for each of them.
My daughter loves gymnastics and the playground has a great obstacle course for her to climb and swing on.
My little man is really loving the slide this year and this play area has a set of stairs that super easy for him to climb up so he can go up and slide down as much as he wants on his own. He's also loving the swings more this year. The park has a nice shelter house with enclosed bathrooms too which are always a plus. There are plenty of tables for families who want to pack a picnic.
Regardless of who's doing what at the park it's a great way to spend time together as a family. We get to enjoy the outdoors and we get to have some free family fun.
Does your family enjoy spending time together outdoors? What is your favorite way to play? To learn more about the benefits of play visit VoiceOfPlay.org.
I'm sure kids are ready to go outside and have lots of fun after a bleak winter.
ReplyDeleteI used to love going to the park as a little kid! Great exercise :)
ReplyDeleteIts important your children play outside and get active.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important for kids to spend time playing outdoors!
ReplyDeleteThe playgrounds nowadays are great. I wish I would have had all that fun equipment.
ReplyDeleteWe have a local school park I took my youngest granddaughter to the other day but she was more interested in that wooden stuff they spread on the play ground then in playing~ I was shocked! She is only 16 months old.
ReplyDeleteI make sure all my grandkids play outside a lot in spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteWe love going to the park to throw around a frisbee or just walk around. It's a great time of year for outdoor activity.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's spring, but I am so glad. The sun is wonderful, and the warmer weather makes you want to be out. Going to the park, walking, riding bikes...all great spring time outdoors things to do.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great park. I just wish the one we like had restrooms. Yea Spring!
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
So glad spring is here for kids to enjoy the outdoors!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice that you all have such a new beautiful park for your family. I spent a lot of time at local parks when I was growing up.
ReplyDeleteWe love walking to the park and playing when the weather is nice.
ReplyDeleteI love that the weather's warm now and we can all spend time outside!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun taking the kids to the park.
ReplyDeleteI always take my 2 little ones to the park down the street from where we live there is a pond,so we make sure to take some bread to feed the ducks.
ReplyDeleteIt's still a little chilly here even though we are in California. But I try to get out with my Granddaughter daily to get fresh air and let her run off some of her kindergarten energy.
ReplyDeleteI love the warm weather during the spring! Looks like your kiddos love it too! :)
ReplyDeleteOh we love going to the parks too! There are so many around us...its fun to visit a different one each week! The kids love checking out all the different ones! We also love just go out in the backyard and play catch!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Love going to the park with my grand kids.
ReplyDeleteWe love going to the park & playing & getting exercise! I am definitely ready for spring after this long winter!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the article and photos. I just wish spring would finally get here before it is already summer.
ReplyDeleteI love that the weather is getting warmer and drier so the kids can play outside more!
ReplyDeleteMy family loves to go for walks when the weather is good and take photos of nature in our nearby wooded lands! :)
ReplyDeleteMine isn't little enough to go out in public with me anymore but when he was, we used to have picnics all the time. He loved them so much we eventually had some in the living room when it was rainy.
ReplyDeleteCommunities that invest in recreation, community learning and playgrounds are the best places to live.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for children to get exercise outside, Plan activities as a family. Take advantage of facilities your community has.
ReplyDeleteLove to go to the beach or park and go for walks get outdoors and exercise
ReplyDeleteWe take kids to the park a lot in the spring and summer
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to get outside and to play. Spring time is GREAT since it is the first break in the winter weather, things are starting to grow and the weather is so nice.
ReplyDeleteIn my household spring time play involves 2 dogs , dog park and mud from all the spring rains.
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