Toddle Along Tuesday

I'm linking up with Growing Up Geeky today for Toddle Along Tuesday.  This week's theme is "Cheap Ways to Entertain Kids."

Our favorite free activity is the park.  Now that spring is here, we go as much as possible.  While I wish we had a good park within walking distance, I am content to drive to our favorites.

This is Marshbank Park:

Photo Credit

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They recently did a renovation, and now the park boasts two new play structures, including this beauty.  In addition to the main piece seen above, there is also a shorter toddler structure that Cal can easily navigate on his own. 

It also has some toy steering wheels, which my kid LOVES. 

He is also a big fan of the bridges and roller slide on the larger structure, although it causes Mommy some anxiety because they have several openings on the sides where big kid attractions such as the fireman's pole and rock wall are. I try not to hover, but I also don't want him to fall off at one of those gaps.

 They have a nice shelter near by with restrooms, and a few covered picnic tables.  I think one night we may bring dinner with us. 

We had the chance to visit another park over the weekend: Hess-Hathaway Park.

Photo Credit

 

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The play structures here seem to be made by the same company as those at Marshbank, so Cal's favorite steering wheel, bridge and roller slide are all present.  This area is a bit bigger, and includes a sandbox/water table area that I can see being pretty messy.  Luckily he was more interested in the other stuff.  Like Marshbank, there are a lot of climbing things for older kids that attach to the play structure, so I do have to hover a bit.  They also have a maze and a farm, although we have not had time to check those out.

The best part is the both parks are handicap accessible.  Children with wheelchairs or other adaptive devices can easily enter the play structures using ramps that connect with the bridges.  Both parks also offer special needs swings that allow for larger children who still need the benefit of a seat bealt/harness to enjoy swinging.  We're pretty lucky to have these awesome parks near us!