PH- City Park

Playground Hopping

  City Park is walking distance for us, so I packed up the stroller and we headed out right after first morning nap and snack. I find that it works out much better if I can get the little one that I'm with out immediately after his first nap and a big snack/light lunch. He's almost guaranteed to fall asleep in a car or stroller, especially after being outside and playing at the park, and if I don't want the afternoon nap to be a huge fight thanks to catnapping in the stroller on the way home I make sure to walk (or drive) home no later than 1:30 (nap start times currently range from 2-3). Once we're home I then give him another light meal/big snack and short play time. Hopefully as he gets older we can begin to pack a picnic lunch instead and not worry so much about the two nap schedule. 

  We entered City Park from the Cap Hill neighborhood crossing at the Steele Street crosswalk. From where we are we either have to go east to Colorado Blvd. or west to Steele to get an actual crosswalk signal with lights as crossing 17th is otherwise impossible with a stroller. We start by going to the first playground which is closest. This is a perk, as we can just come to this area of the park if we are only looking for a shorter outing versus going to both play areas. This area has woodchips as it's ground surrounded by grass and has large concrete paths that lead all around the park.

Although this playground is bright colors and clean the little one needs lots of help. I help mine on the rocking animals, swing, walk across the bouncy bridge, and then we slide together down the twirly slide. There are also 2 baby swings. 

  

  I will forewarn you though: City Park is covered with Geese Shit! I mean, it is literally everywhere, along with the geese! They are sweet to watch though and we've even been following the growth of a gander of baby goslings born this spring. My little one sometimes likes to watch them on the little island in the pond when they are flapping around and honking at one another. 






  Follow the path to the northeast of the pond. On the right you'll see the Museum of Nature and Science, then the zoo, and then it will open to more grassy green space and another playground.
If you stay on the path veering left instead of going straight along the side of the zoo you'll end up at a beautiful historical building that is fun for a little one to pad around on, if they're into that, and then loops back around the pond. If you go straight you'll see an area for parking, and behind that is the other playground. This playground is much bigger and looks unique and fun, but still outdated and lacking real stuff for baby to stay entertained with (at least without constant adult support). We still had a great time and a found a few things that were perfect for little guy- if you know what to look for that is! 

Practicing for future picnics: blueberries, Cheddar Bunnies, and 1/2 a pouch. We also brought a ball and 3 books, which he  is very interested in these days. I was surprised at how much he was willing to sit and even listen to a story, maybe he was regain energy after the first play area!

Wide open pathways great for trying to walk through!

Trying to walk, tapping on and wiggling bars,
and watching kiddos below us.

  

This was a big hit! Little guy loved standing at this and moving it. Luckily it was connected with chains, so he couldn't move it too much resulting in falling over. It was also under the climber and in the shade. 

  I would recommend City Park if you are looking for an outing involving a lot of walking.  It's also nice to have to two separate areas, plus plenty of space for picnicking.The park is also nice if baby is under the weather, you can just walk around the park and omit the playgrounds, yet still have beautiful things to look at and no vehicle traffic.