ML Interest Tag: tarzan

Spread Out: The Country’s MOST Incredible Places to Picnic & Play

by Helen Walker Green

Having the perfect picnic is still on your summer bucket list. Letting your wee ones burn off energy is always on the agenda. From east to west, and offering up tons of room to play, we’ve rounded up 15 sweet spots to throw down the basket. From rolling hills, hidden playgrounds, beaches and beyond, we promise your little crew will be so busy working up an appetite, you’ll finally have a chance to finish your own meal.

Photo: Lori Belloir via Flickr

Livingston Park – Manchester, Nh
There’s something for everyone at this scenic spot. They’ll fly kites and play frisbee on the large lawn while you spread out, and they’ll enjoy swing time at two playgrounds—one for the littles and one for the bigs—while you polish off your own sandwich. Need to cool off? A brand new outdoor pool just opened in Livingston Park, complete with water features and a slide. Finish your day with a visit to Dorrs Pond right next door; there’s an easy nature trail and several fishing spots.

Picnic Tip:  Don’t forget to be on the lookout for wildlife for an impromptu nature lesson.

Livingston Park
Manchester, NH 03104
603-624-6444
Online: manchesternh.gov/Livingston-Park

Photo: cisc1970 via Flickr

Brooklyn Bridge Park – Brooklyn, Ny
Choose your own adventure at this waterfront park. Opt for amazing views at Picnic Grove, a blanket-worthy lawn at Empire Fulton Ferry (take a spin on Jane’s carousel, too), or get fancy with hibachi grills at Picnic Peninsula at Pier 5. If it’s playgrounds you seek, Pier 6 has the splashy fun Water Lab, the twists and turns of Slide Mountain, the Tarzan-like thrills of Swing Valley, and the HUGE Sandbox Village. There’s a nautical-themed playground at Main Street and Pier 1 has a playground designed especially for tots. Try to beat the kids at hopscotch and four square at Pier 2 or hit up the beach and explore tide pools at Pier 4.

Picnic Tip: Save room for dessert at Ample Hills Creamery!

Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman St.,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-802-0603
Online: brooklynbridgepark.org

Photo: Heather W. via Yelp

Gravelly Point Park – Arlington, Va
Don your aviator glasses. Put your tray tables in the upright position. If you like a little plane-spotting with your picnic, Gravelly Point Park is for you. Next door to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, planes land and take off every few minutes— and fly super low overhead. Watch huge airliners make sharp turns as they come in (to avoid flying in restricted airspace, like over the White House, there will be pretty cool maneuvers). Located on the banks of the Potomac River, there’s lots of green space to enjoy your picnic and be sure to bring a set of wheels to enjoy the Northern Virginia Bike Path.

Picnic Tip: If you like a little less aviation fuel with your picnic, check out other sweet D.C. spots here.

Gravelly Point Park
George Washington Memorial Pkwy.
Arlington, Va 22202
703-289-2500
Online: city-data.com/articles/Gravelly-Point-Park

Photo: Barbthebuilder via Wikipedia

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – Tampa, Fl
The playgrounds at this park are just right for chilling out on a hot Florida day, with plenty of fountains for splashing and a mister to cool down your littles. Located on the banks of the Hillsborough River and next door to the Glazer Children’s Museum, it’s the perfect spot for picnicking. Relax on the Great Lawn and watch the boats cruise by, then stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and explore.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N Ashley Dr.
Tampa, Fl 33602
813-274-8615
Online: visittampabay.com/play/details/curtis-hixon-waterfront-park

Photo: Addy C. via Yelp 

Morgan Falls Overlook Park – Sandy Springs, Ga
A shady spot is just what you need for a picnic in the Atlanta area. With a super-huge playground, complete with rock-climbing wall and large spider web, all under shade awnings, your picnic partners can play and keep cool! Relax on wooden bench swings overlooking the Chattahoochee River. Enjoy the park’s spectacular scenery by taking the forested trail (just under a mile) that winds along the bluff. It’s just enough for little hikers and offers gorgeous views of the park, river and waterfall. Cool off down on the river, rent paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, or try a spot of fishing.

For more inspiration, check out our round up of Atlanta’s Best Parks and Playgrounds.

Picnic Tip: Be sure to visit The Old Chimney— a historic stacked-stone chimney uncovered when the park was built.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park
200 Morgan Falls Rd.
Sandy Springs, Ga 30350
770-730-5600
Online: sandyspringsga.org 

Photo: Wesley S. via Yelp

Winnemac Park – Chicago, Il
You’ll forget you’re in the middle of America’s third largest city when you’re picnicking in Winnemac Park. There’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your outdoor feast. Little picnickers can explore the butterfly garden and scenic prairie garden, then take a hike or bike along the many different trails— it’s a blast to see where they all lead. There’s a cool tot play area and a wonderful accessible playground all kids can enjoy.

Picnic Tip: Don’t forget to check out our picks for Chicago Playgrounds with Awesome Picnic Areas

Winnemac Park
5001 N Leavitt St.
Chicago, Il 60625
312-742-5101
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Winnemac-Park

Photo: Jillberg via flickr

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – Minneapolis, Mn
A waterfall in the middle of a city? Minnehaha Falls is a must-see for folks visiting Minneapolis, and a great place to picnic. Find a spot at a picnic table or relax on the grass. There are walking paths, a bike trail (bike rentals available), and a disc golf course. Below Minnehaha Falls, follow the creek down to the Mississippi River. Take the footbridge across, and you and the kids can wade in the shallow water.

Picinic Tip: Train buffs will get a kick out of the Minnehaha Depot. Built in 1875, on summer Sundays guests can go inside and view exhibits about early railroad history with volunteers from the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
4801 S. Minnehaha Park Dr.
Minneapolis, Mn 55417
612-230-6520
Online: nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/minnehah.htm

Photo: Gabby Cullen

The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden – Dallas, Tx
There are plenty of places to picnic inside the Dallas Arboretum but the Children’s Garden takes the cake. It’s eight acres of wild, wonderful fun, and connects kids with nature in amazing ways. Before or after you spread your blanket and basket down, take a stroll through the treetops on the Texas Skywalk, touch and feel plants in the Plant Petting Zoo or paddle in Turtle Creek. Relax under a pergola or arbor with cooling misters overhead.

Picnic Tip: The vast lawns and gorgeous botanics of the Arboretum are only a short walk away from the Children’s Garden entrance.

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, Tx 75218
214-515-6615
Online: dallasarboretum.org/the-rory-meyers-childrens-adventure-garden

Photo: JeffCo Colorado via Flickr

Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Park – Golden, Co
Imagine outdoor dining with deer and elk as your companions. The Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Park is a beautiful setting to enjoy eats and learn about nature. There are interactive kids’ activities inside the Center and easy forest and meadow loop nature trails for little trekkers. Family nature programs  like “Preschool Nature Nuts,” “Backyard Astronomy” and “Night of the Skulls Campfire” abound.

Picnic Tip: You’ll want to take the scenic route before nosh— do it along Lookout Mountain Road.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Park
910 Colorow Rd.
Golden, Co 80401
720-497-7600
Online: jeffco.us/lookout-mountain-nature-center

Photo: David L. via Yelp

Encanto Park, Phoenix, Arizona
Another stellar city park, Encanto Park is an oasis in the Sonoran Desert. Take a paddle boat or canoe out on the lagoon, have a splash in the swimming pool, practice for future U.S. Opens on the two golf courses. Hit the rides at Enchanted Island Amusement Park (for kids 2-10), and get really sticky with cotton candy (after your picnic of course).

Picnic Tip: Enchanted Island hours vary depending on the time of year. Check their website for up-to-date info.

Encanto Park
2605 N. 15th Ave.
Phoenix, Az 85007
602-261-8991
Online: phoenix.gov/parks/encanto-park

Photo: Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce

Fletcher Cove Park – Solana Beach, Ca
For a seaside picnic with a stunning view, take the kiddos to Fletcher Cove Park. Surrounded by palm trees, this park is beautiful at any time of day, but it’s an especially great spot to watch the sunset. There are picnic tables and a large grassy area, or you can head down to the beach. There’s a cool playground with mini climbing wall, slides and swings, and good spots for grownups to sit.

Want more SoCal beachside picnic-worthy parks? Check out our picks here.

Picnic Tip: If you don’t have time to pack a picnic, grab healthy treats from the Naked Cafe, just across the street.

Fletcher Cove  Park
111 South Sierra Avenue
Solana Beach, Ca 92075
858-755-4775
Online: solanabeachchamber.com

Photo: Meghan Rose

Will Rogers State Historic Park – Pacific Palisades, Ca
This beautiful estate was once the home of cowboy star Will “The Cherokee Kid” Rogers. With a large grassy space and great views of downtown, it’s just right for dining al fresco. Take the .3 mile Rustic Canyon trail leading to a stream that’s great for paddling. There are special children’s tours of the ranch house and stables, and you can take a self-guided tour of the park. 

Want more Los Angeles picnic spots? We’ve got the scoop here.  

Picnic Tip: When there are no polo matches on, take your kite to the Will Rogers Polo Field— it’s one of the best kite flying spots in L.A!

Will Rogers State Historic Park
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd.
Pacific Palisades, Ca 90272
310-454-8212
Online: parks.ca.gov/

Photo: Wendy F. via Yelp

Tilden Regional Park – Berkeley Hills, Ca
With over 2,000 acres to explore, a picnic by the shores of Lake Anza, followed by a swim, and a ride on a miniature steam train are only a few reasons why Tilden Park is a favorite getaway for Bay Area residents and visitors. Take a stroll through the botanic garden, ride the antique carousel, or visit the Tilden Nature Center and Little Farm. If your family likes to hike, there are many trails around the park— the loop trail around Lake Anza is a family fave.

Picnic Tip: Get the insider deets from our guide to Tilden Park here.

Tilden Regional Park
2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd.
Orinda, Ca 94563
510-544-2233
Online: ebparks.org/parks/tilden

Photo: Nikki McLeod via Flickr

Rose Garden Children’s Park – Portland, Or
It’s inside Portland’s huge Washington City Park, which includes Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum and Portland Japanese Garden and this playground has all sorts of features to keep the kids busy; from swings and slides to ramps and tunnels. It’s also fully accessible, so everyone can play! After the kiddos have climbed and swung to their hearts’ content, you can enjoy your picnic in one of several spots.

Be sure to explore more of Portland’s Washington Park by checking out our guide here.

Picnic Tip: The Washington Park & Zoo Railway is not currently running to the Rose Garden as repairs are being made to the line. You can still ride the train around the zoo though!

Rose Garden Children’s Park
Washington City Park
1715 S.W. Skyline Blvd.
Portland, Or 97221

Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Photo: Helen Walker Green

Alki Beach Park – Seattle, Wa
Seattle’s Alki Beach has tons for families to do: beachcombing, building sand castles, exploring very low tides. Bring your picnic basket down to the lawn and tables, sit on the seawall, or find a place to perch on a driftwood log. Work off the treats with a cruise along the bike path. Bring your own wheels or rent (surreys, choppers, fat-tired bikes, in-line skates, longboards and more), or take a kayak, canoe or paddle boards out for a cruise on the water. The super Whale Tail playground is just a block south of the beach; kids love to climb on the whale tail sculpture, slide down twin slides (look for the little one for tots), and pilot a pretend fishing boat. Finish off the day watching ferries criss-cross Puget Sound as the sun sets over the Olympic Mountains.

For more picnic spots in the Emerald City, check out our favorite spots to spread out here.

Picnic Tip: If you don’t have time to pack a picnic, stop at one of the many beachside eateries and get it to go. Spud and Sunfish are favorites for fish n’ chips. There’s also American faire, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese and more.

Alki Beach Park
1702 Alki Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98116
206-684-4075
Online: seattle.gov/parks

What’s your favorite spot to picnic and play? Tell us in the Comments below!

— Helen Walker Green

 

 

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Meet Moana! Disney’s Next Adventuring Princess

by Christal Y.

Just last week at the D23 Expo, a convention for Disney fans, Disney gave a sneak peek of Moana, their new Polynesian princess. If your Mouseketeer loved the island setting of Lilo and Stitch, they’ll love Moana’s animated story, which will bring them on a mythical boat ride. Listen to a snippet of one of the songs below!

The story is described as an adventure set 2000 years ago. Princess Moana is determined to sail across the Pacific Ocean and complete her “ancestor’s unfinished quest” to prove herself as a navigator. She travels with colorful company: her sidekicks Pua the pig and Hei Hei the rainbow-colored rooster, and a once-mighty demi-god named Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson). Sounds like Mulan meets The Little Mermaid, starring Brave’s Merida to us!

The same team who created Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Princess and the Frog are set to direct the film. And the man behind many songs in The Lion King and Tarzan will be arranging the tunes. Sounds like an awesome animated musical to us!

Moana is due to hit the big screens next year, Nov. 23, 2016. Will you be there opening day?

— Christal Yuen

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Why Camp When You Can Glamp at El Capitan Canyon?

by writerredtri

Sometimes you know your little ones could use some QT in the great outdoors and camping seems like the perfect plan.  However, your idea of roughing it is a hotel without room service.  Escapism equilibrium is found at El Capitan Canyon, just north of Santa Barbara; a spot where you can beach camp sans bells and whistles but with enough amenities to keep you feeling like it’s still a vacation.

We’re Going Camping?
Call it camping-adjacent.  So it may not shock the kids that their parent who doesn’t even like to picnic is suddenly amenable to sleeping on the ground.  Because what they don’t know is that from Tom Sawyer to Fancy Nancy, they’ve got accommodations to suit every style. The idea of El Capitan Canyon is to provide just enough conveniences to allow you to experience as much nature as you can stand without cluttering the external wonders with unnecessary artificialities.

You Can Yurt If You Want To
“Roughing it” inevitably carries different definitions for different families, and the whole gamut is made possible here. No shame people, wherever you fall on the spectrum.

If questionable cell service translates into the need for a paper bag and quick short breaths, consider vacating with your crew in one of their cedar cabins. Grouped in Oak and Sycamore grove-nestled villages by the names of Stone Pine, Peace Tree, Lone Stone, and Shaded Creek (who’s breathing better now?), these lodgings come equipped with willow beds and down-style duvets. At highest end, Safari Cabin Suites are decked out with two-bedrooms, a full kitchen, a gas and stove oven, full size fridge. It’s the Four Seasons of the forest.

Think the gang can hang a bit more Tarzan? Safari tents are permanently perched on elevated wooden decks and houses beds queen or double beds. Screened windows and zip-down flaps, with bedside tables and bed linens, a little desk and a storage trunk…so maybe the Tarzan part was pushing it. Still pretty plush by camping standards.

But with The Adventure Yurt, while you’re not sleeping on the ground, it’s still a pretty stellar way to rally the family within a rotunda, comfortably accommodating four. With its lattice walls, raised roof and open domed skylight, these could very well have been Pharrell’s inspiration for that song.  You’re living in nature and you didn’t have to figure out how to pitch a tent.

Options Abound
With this many options, one is bound to be ideal for your family. For example, for a family with bigger kids, the loft in the Creekside Queen is slumber party Shangri-La, but if you’ve got tiny tots, the ladder to the top is relaxation kryptonite for nervous parents. Scour the site or give them a buzz and find out what’s best for your brood.  They’re great about helping you find the perfect sleeping arrangement for your family’s needs.

Before You Snuggle Up, Surf’s Up
You’re settled into the perfect quarters.  It’s not time for s’mores yet.  Must be time to hit the beach!  Heads up: it’s just a five minute walk to the beach, but in toddler terms it’s a fairly adventurous one. Prepare to walk under one freeway and one train and mind the Poison Oak that grows along part of the trail (that would NOT make for a happy vacation!). Once you see the shore, you’ve arrived, and the fancy footwork proves worth it.  Here’s our fair warning #2: This summer Santa Barbara beaches have been dotted with tar, so little suits may pick up a few new polka-dots. Luckily, they think of everything here and beach tar remover is available for purchase at the Canyon Market.  Add a little elbow grease and everyone is good as new.

What’s Cookin?
You are! Every cabin, tent or yurt comes with its own private picnic table and fire pit. Not only is nature invited to dinner, it’s staying for s’mores. Picky noshers are smart to load up the cooler beforehand (there’s a Trader Joe’s just a few miles out), but if your definition of “preparing” equates knowing the number of the the nearest take out, nothing to sweat, the on-site Canyon Market & Deli has got your number, and your back.  And, paper bag down, you can even check email there.

BYOBs
Bikes. They provide rentals but only for grown-ups. Got scooters? Pack those too, and don’t forget the helmets. They’ve got some great gravel-road declines that make for some wild wheelin’.

Bassinets.  (Ok, Pack-n-plays, but we’re going for B words!) If you need one, bring it. They provide cots as requested, but not cribs.

Bags. They’ll come and collect your trash (another camping/glamping differentiation), but it helps if you have something to put it in.

And BBQ stuff. Mini-fridges are in the cabins, so it’s nice to arrive and feel fully stocked. Plus all that fanciful foraging really builds up an appetite.

Off They Go
When you wake refreshed from not sleeping on the hard ground, you’re raring to go.  So much exploring, so little time! Sure, there’s a jungle gym, swings and pool, but more exotically the land is laden with woodpeckers, wildlife and flora galore. Watching kids discovering it one hill climb at a time only validates what we already knew. We’ve missed you, Mother Nature. (As long as we sleep on sheets with a high thread count.)

Llama Lllama, Don’t Miss Them Mama
If a guided hike to the feed the llamas and goats is available during your stay, know that this will rank as one of the highlights for your kids. The hike is short and mild, and the farm animals are abundant and hungry.  With ocean views and balmy breezes, nobody’s hurrying anybody down the mountain.

Other activities are available seasonally; Saturday Concert Series runs May-September, stargazing guides and much more…You can check the on-line activities calendar before you book to see what’s on tap, when. If the ropes course is happening when you go, it’s a must for little adventurers.

Surrender, City Slickers
The vast pathways and sage streaked strolls are magic for making a Magellan out of every kid—the ability to walk outside and explore is infinitely novel for city born offspring—and enables that unplug you crave.

Camping is available year round, and prices range from $145 (for a Safari Tent in the quiet season)-$795 (for a deluxe Safari Cabin in the summer) per night.

El Capitan Canyon
11560 Calle Real
Santa Barbara
805-685-3887
Online: elcapitancanyon.com

Do you know of another spot that effortlessly fuses camping with lovely amenities (necessities, as some of us call them)?  We’d love to get your recommendations for where you can camp without all the work!

—written and photographed by Jolie Loeb

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This Vintage Plane Party Has Us On Aww-topilot

by Christal Y.

Put your seat belts on! Cathy of Party Unwrapped got this plane-tastic party ready for the runway and from take off to landing it’s preformed absolutely stunningly. With a perfect venue overlooking the Van Nuys airport, Little Ryker’s 2nd birthday party literally took new heights. Tiny co-pilots got to taste yummy treats like cloud decorated cupcakes and get their “passport photo” taken behind a world map. Read on below to get all the beautiful details.

The 94th Air Squadron, a restaurant that overlooks the Van Nuys airport, was basecamp for this celebration. Cathy kept the colors a classic combination of red, blue and khaki as the main palette throughout the party. Guests got their itinerary at the “check-in” table, which was covered in vintage postcards, cameras, vintage typewriter, and a metal letter box. There was also a photo book of Ryker’s photoshoot with a real plane – what a nice present for the birthday boy!

Other tables had fun decorations like old suitcases, metal planes, crates (which were from Cost Plus). Each individual table also had big globes made from bamboo bowls with hand painted words: Explore. Cathy used wrapping paper as placemats, personalized utensils and napkins with a “R,” and added a pop of color to each table with bold red planes to really up the fun factor.

With so much to see and so many intricate knick-knacks, Cathy opted to decorate the dessert table minimally. This smart choice allowed the bright blue birthday cake and cupcakes, by Jill’s Cake Creations in Santa Clarita, to stand out on their own. Along with these treats, flyers got to enjoy cake pops by Sugar Babies, blue cotton candy and clouds made of white chocolate.

Of course the guests also ate in style!

As expected from such an elegantly decorated party, the passport photo booth was also a source of great fun. The backdrop was a large scale map of the world, and old suitcases played their part as props. We would definitely be smiling from head to toe for our photos, so we’re sure the guests got plenty of happy souvenirs to bring home.

For all those little ones itching to be Tarzan and Jane for a day, the run-down rustic of this side of the vnue look really lends to the vintage theme. The picture below fully captures how few decorations Cathy needed to capture imaginations big and small. We bet our tiny fly boys and girls would have loved to have a run around this “play space” during the festivities.

Party favors included chic military shoulder bags, hand painted with a star and the numbers 607 (Ryker’s birthday), which were filled with goodies like a handmade travel journal, a t-shirt with aviator glasses, a handmade airplane color pouch and aviator glasses. Just what every young airman and airwoman needs!

What did you think of this amazing vintage plane party? To see close-up photos of all the decorations, visit Party Unwrapped by clicking here.

— Christal Yuen

All photos by JR Anderson Photography

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The Coolest Playgrounds in the Western Suburbs

by Kelly Aiglon

Looking for sliding, climbing, swinging fun? Go west! Whether you live in the western ‘burbs or are up for a quickie road trip, you’ll find a whole bunch of fantastic playgrounds there. Keep reading to discover nine cool choices. They’ve got everything from swooshing zip lines to water blasters to topsy-turvy climbing structures.

For Getting Loopy: Knoch Park - Naperville

Round, round, round you go on the colorful loop that encircles a rope web. With different sized holes and cutouts, kiddos have to try some fancy footwork. Even Spiderman never had this much fun! This park next to Naperville Central High School also has tall slides, climbing walls, ample swings and convenient restrooms.

724 W. West St.
Naperville
630-848-5000
Online: napervilleparks.org

For Playing All Day: Maryknoll Park - Glen Ellyn

The crowning glory of Glen Ellyn's oasis is the Adventure Playground, which will make any kid feel like Tarzan. It has a 75-foot-long zip line, net climbers, a treehouse and swings. Turn a playground romp into an entire day of fun by taking advantage of the adjacent splash park, mini golf course, disc golf course, bocce ball courts and horseshoe pit. You can also just bliss out around the nature ponds and large open grassy area. Because every little explorer deserves a break.

845 Pershing Ave.
Glen Ellyn
630-469-7888
Online: gepark.org

For a Tree House & Zip Line: Harvester Park - Burr Ridge

Playground Pointers

Known even to locals as a "special occasion park," Harvester has it all -- and then some. Climb inside the big gnarly faux tree and slide down before racing over to the mini zip line for a wild glide. The playground is massive and has all the family favorites. Unwind on the walking trails, cool off in the splash area or play in the sand. Phew!

15 W. 400 Harvester Dr.
Burr Ridge
630-920-1969
Online: brparks.org

For Water Play: Ty Warner Park - Westmont

Yelp

For a modest entrance fee, you get lots of bells and whistles ... plus mega water action. Your kids will go nuts on the soft-surface play area featuring water cannons, waterfalls, spray anchors and dumping buckets. For a break, spread out on the shaded picnic tables and grab an ice cream from the concession stand. Note: This spray park opens May 23 for the season.

801 Blackhawk Dr.
Westmont
630-963-5252
Online: wpd4fun.org

For Peace of Mind: Hudson Crossing Park - Oswego

The never-too-crowded Hudson Crossing Park lies on beautiful grounds where wagons and stagecoaches used to trundle by and cross the Fox River. Let the kids have the run of its playground, which has six slides, climbers, swings, a seesaw, spinners and a tot playhouse. Then take a walk or bike ride on the Fox River Trail bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Waubonsie Creek. As Red Tricycle reader, Beth, says, "We've caught many a crawfish under that bridge!"

65 N. Harrison St.
Oswego
630-554-1010
Online: oswegolandparkdistrict.org

For Two Playful Worlds: Katherine Legge Memorial Park - Hinsdale

A rainbow of colors draws you to the main playground -- a wonderland of monkey bars, slides, tunnels and climbing structures. But what will really turn your head is the adjacent “natural” playground. While not as flashy, it feels like a true wilderness adventure, thanks to wooden balance beams and stepping stones.

5901 S. County Line Rd.
Hinsdale
630-789-7090
Online: villageofhinsdale.org

For Farm Fun on Speed: Adventure Playground at Blackberry Farm - Aurora

The Fox Valley Park District’s scenic living-history museum is as active as it is educational. On the playground, which looks like a rustic farmstead, there are several multi-level buildings connected by climbing decks, slides, rope tunnels and catwalk-style bridges. Maze-like, but not claustrophobic, the layout prompts you to dash from one enticing environment to another. Swoosh down the tunnel slide from the yellow-shingled house. Climb through a suspended net to go from one barn building to another. Break away to glide on the zip line attached to a towering silo next to the playground. And that’s just the start.

100 S. Barnes Rd.
Aurora
630-892-1550
Online: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

For Young Explorers: Proska Park - Berwyn

Karina A on Yelp

Picnic in a beautiful green grove before bolting to the toddler-friendly playground and children's garden. There is a small slide and climbing wall for younger kids. Taking a peaceful walk around the ponds will also do any family good.

3001 Wisconsin Ave.
Berwyn
708-795-2892
Online: berwynparks.org

For Musical Merriment: Longfellow Park - Oak Park

Playgrounds are usually loud, but this one has a catchy beat. The music-themed spot will make your mini rock star very happy, thanks to a drum set, xylophone and rhythmic scale. It even has notes blended into the synthetic surface. Of course you'll find diversions like a slide, tunnels and climbing bars, too. Hit it!

610 S. Ridgeland Ave.
Oak Park
708-725-2200
Online: pdop.org

Did we miss your favorite playground in the western ‘burbs? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Kelly Aiglon

 

RELATED STORIES:

10 Playgrounds With Awesome Picnic Areas

High-Voltage Playgrounds You HAVE To Try

7 Hidden Gem Playgrounds You Don’t Know Yet

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Just Opened: Go Ape in Rock Creek Park

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

If your kids love a little adventure, wait until they see this. Go Ape is a zip line adventure in Rock Creek Park that just opened for spring visits. At Go Ape kids roam the trees through a course with six sections, including forty-four obstacles, a Tarzan swing, a spider web, and a skateboard zipline. They can climb up ladders and cross bridges all the way to the highest point of the course, which is fifty feet in the air! Don’t worry, if heights aren’t your thing, you’re more than welcome to keep your feet on solid ground.

Safety First
Go Ape understands that kids love to do things on their own, which is why once visitors finish the required safety training they can go wherever they want to in their harness. The safety training takes about 30 minutes and will teach kids and adults about the color coded clips, followed by a test run with an instructor who makes sure that the learner is ready to go out on their own. If any kid needs assistance, they will be teamed up with an instructor for some one-on-one instruction and confidence building.

Dress the Part
To be best prepared for your visit, be sure to leave your labels at home and instead wear clothes you can get dirty. Leave big stuff in the car or at home, since Go Ape does not have a way to store anything larger than your keys or phone and you don’t want to risk losing that newest Kate Spade. Make sure long hair is tied back, and don’t wear open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sandals. If you want to bring a camera with you to capture all the exciting moments, be sure it’s strapped to you (even if you are on the ground). Check the weather beforehand, though a little mud and rain could make the whole thing more fun for fearless kids, and the area is shaded enough to make a hot summer day a nonissue. Water is provided, so there’s one less thing you have to remember to pack.

Go Big, Even if You’re Smallish
If you’re wondering about whether your kiddo is ready for the course, know that he or she needs to be able to climb a rope ladder at the beginning of the trip. The height requirement is four feet seven inches, and the maximum weight is 285 pounds. An adult (18 or over) can supervise up to two kids between the ages of 10 and 15, but remember that to supervise, you need to be up in the trees with them, not on the ground.

Hate Heights? No Problem.
For family members who are skittish about heights (or for tots), Go Ape has dirt trails so that they can follow below and help snap some good shots with their feet safely planted on the ground. Turn the trip into a full day excursion at Lake Needwood, where you can nosh on a picnic lunch, hike, rent boats, or go fishing.

Cost: $37/kids ages 10-17

6129 Needwood Lake Dr. (Rockville, Md)
410-787-2417
Online: goape.com

Have your kids “gone ape” yet in Rock Creek Park? Tell us about the experience in the Comments section below. 

—Kelly Ann Jacobson

Photo: Go Ape

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5 Indoor Tree Houses to Climb

by Tiana Kubik

Your little monkey loves to climb, climb, climb. When he or she gets tired of scurrying up the ladders at the playground, head to an indoor tree house. You’ll find big, faux trees made just for kids at special spots around town, and they’re well worth the trip. Click through our album to see where you can make like Tarzan and Jane — swinging, climbing, sliding and playing the day away.

Treetop Canopy Climbing Adventure at Lincoln Park Zoo

The next time you say "hello" to the wild animals, make a pit stop at the Treetop Canopy inside the Children's Zoo. Nearly sweeping the ceiling with a maze of sturdy ropes and tunnels, this oasis looks like something out of Swiss Family Robinson. Climbers go in one side and climber higher to the middle and back down to the other side, and the fun is figuring out which opening will lead them the way that they want to go. It's a great spot to let active kids blow off some steam, and escape the cold or rain. Stick around inside to check out the small animal exhibits; there are turtles, snails and otters ready to meet you.

Entrance to Zoo at Fullerton Pkwy. & Cannon Dr.
Lincoln Park
312-742-2000
Online: lpzoo.org
Admission is free

What is your favorite indoor play space? Let us know in the Comments!

— Tiana Kubik

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Into The Sun: Balmy Springtime Destinations

by writerredtri

The gloom and thick coats of the winter months can weigh down on our hearts and leave us feeling a little less than the family love at home. Bring back the joy and laughter that’s so important for you and the ones that matter the most, with a quick change of scenery at any of these awesome and inexpensive spring time destinations.

Palm Springs

While this locale may at first conjure images of retirement communities and early bird specials, modern Palm Springs is brimming with family fun and vacation possibilities. Hotels in the area boast playgrounds, cabanas, hot spas, golf and literally hundreds of pools. If that isn’t enough delightful exhaustion for you and yours, take a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, Splashtopia Water Park at Rancho Las Palmas Resort, the Walk of the Stars, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the World’s Biggest Dinosaur Museum.

Loreto, Mexico

A quick flight from LA will put you on this beach in about an hour for sun, sand, tapas, kayaking, cobblestone streets and tequila for older beach combers. Farmer’s markets make it easy to stock up on fresh vegetables and seafood for the kitchens of very affordable villas and condos, while local hot spots like Jorge’s smoothies & sandwiches bring quick and easy healthful options to you. ¡Viva la playa!

Catalina Island

Where do pancakes, buffalo and a yellow submarine glass bottom boat come together? Twenty-two minutes of the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island offers kid-friendly fun of all sorts. Avalon, on the island’s east side, hosts the urban amenities like golf and gondolas, while Two Harbors is perfect for hiking and camping, complete with firewood, charcoal and propane.

Maui

Known as the playground island, Maui greets you with a rope swing in one hand and a tropical drink in the other. There truly is no end to family friendly adventures available in this lush and incredibly diverse island paradise, from pirate ship tours to authentic treehouse accommodations (think Swiss Family Robinson). Get an eco-education at The Surfing Goat Dairy Farm or Tedeschi Vineyards (yes there’s wine tasting too!), ride a catamaran and then enjoy a fresh fish sandwich at Paia Fish Market. Ohana means family in Hawaiian and Maui welcomes you to theirs.

San Jose Del Cabo


History and leisure abound in this calm friendly bay, home to one of the most spectacular beach views you’ll ever lay eyes on. Desertica Adventure Park provides twelve zip lines with fully certified, bilingual safety guides, tarzan swing, a bungee bridge, pools and a bar for anxious parents who’ve just survived the zip line.  While you’re there be sure to step into El Matador, a restaurant who’s owner and chef was a matador himself.

Orcas Island

While its physically located just off the coast of Washington, a trip to Orcas Island is a voyage into another universe. The island is a wealth of  sustainable agriculture and wholesome adventure: berry picking, harvesting organic eggs, watching a bald eagle soar overhead or witnessing a killer whale crest the waves. Moran State Park provides trails, lakes and and Mount Constitution, the highest point on any of the San Juan Islands. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor camping spot or a hotel room with a hot tub, the atmosphere of Orcas Island will welcome every type of traveler.

–Genna McGahee

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Date Night: Ziplining Adventures

by Erin Lem

Finally! A grown-up adventure that’ll really get your adrenaline pumping! Drop the kids off with Grandma for the day, or consider over-time for the babysitter because it’s Date Night in the daylight! The heart-palpitating activity of soaring over tree tops was compiled by our partner magazine 7×7, and they’ve uncovered four thrilling zipline tours within four hours of San Francisco.

Bay Area urbanites are escaping to the forest to dangle from cable-thin ropes as they take death-defying, high-speed leaps into nothingness. And the scenery is pretty rockin’ too. From Wine Country to Gold Country, Tahoe to Santa Cruz, we’ve got a birds-eye view on the best ziplining adventures in Northern California.

Sonoma Canopy Tours

Where: Occidental, CA

Why: If you’re thirsting for a buzz beyond liquid libations, savor the full-bodied, adrenaline-fueled fun of Sonoma Canopy Tours. Nestled deep in the redwoods of Wine Country, this Occidental zipline adventure is the quickest jaunt from SF to the California Coastal treetops. During a 2.5-hour guided tour, you’ll soar through eye-popping, panoramic forest views on seven ziplines (one over 800-feet long), cross two skybridges, climb a never-ending spiral tree-branch staircase, and rappel from an 80-foot redwood. Bonus: The guides are uber entertaining and do their best to distract you from the fact that you’re white-knuckling a swaying Douglas-fir high above the forest floor.

Zip Tahoe

Where: Kirkwood, CA

Why: As if you really need a reason to escape to Tahoe, zipping above the sun-basked ski slopes of Kirkwood Mountain while soaking in the killer Sierra Nevada vistas is not a shabby excuse. Thrill seekers will ATV ride it up the mountain and spend 2.5-hours flying at speeds up to 30mph from treehouse platform to platform. You’ll embrace aerial endurance as expert guides lead you across eight different zips (six during winter operations) and multiple suspension bridges. Optional zipping tours include breakfast, full moon, overnight, and an ever-popular “5pm Custom” available throughout the summer months.

Moaning Cavern Adventure Park

Where: Vallecito, CA

Why: They don’t call this Northern California locale the “playground of the Sierras” for nothing. One small step off the 100-foot-high platform at Moaning Cavern and you’re zooming like a modern-day Tarzan across the Gold Country foothills. Race a fellow zipper on a 1500-foot long dual cable, go tandem-style, or brave it “Super Style” and fly horizontal above the land like Superman (sans tights and cape). Bonus: The park offers additional adrenaline-pumping activities like a 165-foot cave rappel and an ultra-challenging rock-climbing tower.

Mount Hermon Redwood Canopy Tours

Where: Santa Cruz, CA

Why: Experience the awe-worthy Santa Cruz Mountains from the treetops of Redwood Canopy Tours’ forest-style roller coaster. The 2-hour scenically awesome zipline adventure includes six cables and two skybridges at heights up to 150-feet. Eco-knowledgeable guides share the history of the Santa Cruz redwoods while you share airspace with the soaring eagles. Bonus: Rent a GoPro Helmet Camera, capture the jaw-dropping experience, and relive the thrills…from the safety of your grounded couch.

By Stephanie Orma

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.

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