“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” –Fred Rogers
Get outside with your family!
1. East Longmeadow's Heritage Park: A trip to this park on North Main Street is perfect when you have kids of various ages with you. The swing sets are positioned in between two play areas so adults can keep an eye on all that's happening between the climbing wall and several play structures. Another important thing to note is that they have smaller plays capes for the mini macaronis! You can walk over to the pond and feed the ducks too! There are no bathrooms at the park.
2. Wilbraham's Spec Pond: It's located near the YMCA in Post Office Park off Boston Road. My #MacKid loves the "SpiderMan" type climbing rope element and I like walking down by the beach before we leave. It's good for my soul. Don't miss Amy's Sparkle Park - a spray pad area that is included in the price of admission to Spec Pond Beach. The restrooms are open during the summer. You can even rent the Pavilion and host a BBQ!
3. Springfield's Forest Park: In front of the entrance to the Zoo you will find a huge playground! Spend some time here with the kids before the Zoo opens (I like this because it's usually cooler outside) or if you choose, on the way out to make leaving all of the animals a little less sad! You'll be able to see the Zoo train go by as well. There is plenty of parking and a restroom close by.
4. Hampden's Memorial Park: Memorial Park on Main Street is worth a visit even when the FREE Spray Park isn't open for the season. Kids can run around the ball field, play in the tiny, very shallow stream and enjoy the playground and swings. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the Pavilion seating or stop for an ice cream cone at Mountain View Drive In afterwards.
5. The Wilbraham Children's Museum: This was the first playground we explored when moving to the area eight years ago! There have been many updates since then and even more to come. Afterwards, if you are up for it, leave your car there at the museum and cross the street to get on the sidewalk for a stroll down to Rice Fruit Farm. Here you and your child can split one of their famous muffin tops or grab a cone.
6. Connor's Place: A short drive from Hampden and East Longmeadow, this playground is located at 96 Field Road in Somers, CT. We love meeting friends that live in Connecticut here. They have fields to play in and covered pavilions for bringing a picnic lunch or snack.
7. Enfield Rotary Playground: I like coming to this playground because during the summer you can also sneak inside the Enfield Library before or after the kids play outside! There are play structures for small and big children and different ages will enjoy hanging out here. It's located at 104 Middle Road and there are spots for a picnic.
8. Jessica's Boundless Playground: Located in Belchertown, MA, it is a multi-generational activity structure for people of all abilities!
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