We need to network more!

  ABC Nannies put on a very fun picnic at Washington Park this week with entertainment by the Jackman Brothers. Watching a children's magician and eating sno-cones is definitely fun, but what I noticed most is the camaraderie felt amongst these caretakers and their little ones. It isn't easy finding others who are in the same boat as you and understand about poopy diapers and everything going into your little one's mouth, but when you do find it there is this sense of relief and a feeling that you can relax and be yourself. Not everyone understands babies and young children and that's okay, but then again not everyone knows how to diagnose and fix a broken computer but we still respect IT guys. 

  I guess the point that I'm trying to make here is that we as caregivers need to find a better way to network and create positive ways to support one another. When you are a single, stay-at-home parent or a nanny, you don't have co-workers to talk to throughout your day. You become friends with the mailman, the neighbors, and anyone close-by who shows some level of respect for the work that you do that you know is just as important as everyone else's (if not more so because it IS human capital development, but I won't argue that point now...). It's time for caregivers of young children to speak out and step up- time to partner up and get together. Ask that sweet lady you just met at the playground if she'd like to meet up for a playdate next Tuesday. Maybe you thought that man was a bit rude, but your little one enjoyed the company of his toddler, so ask if they'll be at this same park anytime soon so that you can bring your little one back to play. Socialize. Get out in your community. Let's get together more and find ways to show our youngest generation how to be the best future members of our community that they can be! "Children should be seen and not heard" is a phrase from the past, let's change this mantra together and grow a new culture that thrives on community and enjoying new experiences together- loud and clear!

PH- Belleview and Cornerstone

Playground Hopping

Walking from the parking lot on S. Inca  Street towards the upper playground and covered picnic tables 

  We've visited Belleview Park twice now, and once followed the path under University to Cornerstone Playground and Spray park. This is definitely a half hour drive coming from downtown Denver, but it is well worth it for a day outing (well, half day as you know how it goes with the very little ones!). Plan to bring a stroller that you can pack with a picnic, a variety of outdoor gear 'just in case', some cash for the petting zoo and train ride, and if you're feeling brave then pack swimming gear to wade in the cool, clean stream that runs through the park or if you are planning to venture over to Cornerstone. 

A short cement barrier surrounds most of this small-child play-space, which is always nice.  There is a climber, however its not the most fun for my little one, as most of the climbing parts and slides are a bit above his ability level and the climber does't accommodate adults very well. There is a small standing manipulative area that he does enjoy, plus the airplanes were fun to try. Across the picnicking area is a playground for older kids, but we haven't tried it yet as it looks way out of his league.

The small train that goes around the park. For a mere $1.75 a person (free 2 and under) you can have a nice five minute tour along the stream and wave to all of the excited children watching it pass by. Heads up- although simple yet-fun, we went on a Wednesday and there was a line in which we had to wait two rotations before we could ride. The driver said that was actually not bad and that sometimes the line extends down the path. As there are benches along the wait-line we took out some strawberries and a few bites of our sandwiches, which helped keep the little one grounded a bit in the wait. When we went I noticed a sign that said there was a break from 1- 1:30, and at 1:20 there were only a few people in line. If I went back and it was possible, I might aim to head there for 1:15- 1:20 and get on the first train after the break. 

  

Along the stream looking back towards the playground (out of sight up the hill).

Although there were no children swimming when we went in mid-spring, in mid-July there were children and families with blankets and toys out along the stream and enjoying the water. Me and my playdate partner plan to meet up there again soon with our charges for a day just of splashing in the water and enjoying a picnic. 

The petting zoo is very small, but you do get to touch a few sheep and goats, and see chickens and a duck up close.  In this picture the children are around small gated pond with a duck swimming in it.

A small covered area (and with a water mist coming from above!) to touch some of the sheep and goats that are hanging around.

Cornerstone Park

A small area walking under University where there are some swings, covered picnic tables, and this rubber padded area for climbing on rocks (a large boulder for bouldering is out of sight just to the right). I did notice a lot of homeless camps along this path, just to be cautious of.

  After crossing under University and walking up the hill, we played a bit on the playground. We did not take advantage of the spray park on this day as I didn't know we'd be heading there, plus my little guy was just taking his first steps and didn't even realize there was water play (thank goodness!).

Entering the playground from the hillside, looking onto the water play area (a large flower spraying water is the centerpiece), two separate climbers.

What a fun play area for little ones! There was freestanding house area with small tunnel and things to manipulate, swings, a sand box, bouncy ride-on toys, and a nice and short climber with three small slides. 

Bathrooms onsite. 

Amazing views!

PH- Teller Elementary

Playground Hopping

Main entry to the playgrounds at Garfield and 11th.

  Although it's technically an elementary school playground, I've found this playground to be a secret gem that is well-maintained, and since it's summer we can use it as we please. The amount of play-space is excellent with three separate climbers for young to older children, a large field for playing ball or walking along a gravel path that surrounds the field, and lots of aesthetic surprises such as sayings on the walkways, games and activities painted on the tar, and trees and greenery. The playground at Teller Elementary is located along 11th between Garfield and Jackson Streets.

The climber for the youngest children. Even my one-year-old enjoys this climber because he can climb the short steps with some help, play with a steering wheel at the top, and then go down both slides with me close-by. 

This smaller play area is enclosed by it's own fence and has a picnic table, two swings, and a circular path with letters on the ground and various plants and greenery to explore (as seen above). 

11th is on your right behind the climber, and you are looking towards Jackson Street to the far back, with the mid-sized climber in view. Notice the two swings (my little one fits in the handicap seat-type swing). The large tree seen and some others along the street provide some shade.

Looking onto the mid-sized climber. Even though I wouldn't let me little one go up alone, the stairs to climb it and the top area is large enough for an adult so we climb to the top so that he can bounce on the bridge and then we go down the twirly side together. He also likes to play under the climber and play with the large plastic drums to the side. 

Standing in the same spot as above but turned around facing towards 12th with Jackson along the right. The field is partially in view on the right, and the largest of climbers in far to the back. We've walked around it shortly, but it is definitely for older children so I haven't attempted letting him climb up those stairs yet! It does provide yet another area to explore though, and the black fence along it does have a gate so that you can exit right onto Jackson. 

Congress Park Pool

  The pool at Congress Park has finally opened for the summer and we are in love! For a mere $3.50 you can have a fun time splashing around. I love how they have a small wading pool for the little ones, which actually has two sections: one is like a puddle for the very little ones, and the other side is about a foot deep. The main pool is large and clean, too, if you feel like putting your own suit on and getting in with your little one. 

  The one pitfall, which isn't that big of a deal, is that the pool opens at noon midweek and at 11:00am on the weekends so we have to have a mid-day or afternoon visit versus mid-morning. Note that when checking the schedule it says that the first hour they are open is for lap swim only, so you'll have to plan accordingly if you want to use the big pool. The little pool does open during the lap swim time although this is not noted on their website. There is also a lifeguard right at the little pool as well as at the larger pool which is nice to keep things in check, so to speak. 

  Again I did not get very good pictures because clearly when you are with a little one at a pool the last thing that you are thinking about is holding your phone or camera out!

Looking at the kiddie pool, with the larger pool behind it. To the left is the entryway and changing rooms, and to the right is a small grassy area as well as some covered spots on the concrete to lounge and relax, or even have a snack.

Discovery Zone at the Museum of Nature and Science

  I have been so excited to check out the Children's Discovery Zone at the MNS that opened last week and we finally made it! I must say that I LOVE it- despite it being packed with people and not being able to try everything out this first time, but I can still see that it is an amazing new place for children. As I walked around and read signs and looked at materials it was quite evident that whoever designed this space knows a thing or two about brain development and early childhood education. Similar to the Children's Museum, the space is designed for children from floor to ceiling with soft floors, tons of things to explore and manipulate, numerous play areas amidst a larger play room, and even a special "Big Backyard" area just for children two and under and their caregivers. 

  I took tons of pictures, but because it was so busy I didn't realize until we got home that most of them came out blurry or with an obstructed view. Sometimes when you are having so much fun playing and exploring taking pictures is more of a nuisance than a desirable activity. When we venture back in the future I'll make sure to get some good ones that are more clear and give a better view into the space!

  One thing that I was reminded of at this outing is that it is now summer vacation for school-age kiddos. I do think they equally deserve to get out and about in the community, but it definitely will effect my choices of places to play and when to for us this summer. It is very challenging when you go somewhere with a little one and there are large groups of children running amuck. I do see chaperones and caregivers reminding their groups to walk and watch out for others, but I also see children who are running and jumping and making it even more challenging to have a fun time playing. As a society I would like to see adults helping children to learn what respect is: we watch out for others, we help others, and even though we may not want to we need to share spaces with others, no matter their ages. I know that there are people who are annoyed that there is a baby trying to waddle his way through an area that they want their preschooler to be able to get their energy out in, but I also know when it's time for me to pick up and carry the little guy to get out of the way, or when to move him from an activity where bigger kids are playing. Its all about being respectful to those around you and making sure that you are mindful of your actions. Children are not born knowing how to behave in social environments, peers and adults must help show and tell them things that they can do to be respectful while still exploring and having fun. If the play area says for two and under, speak up and tell you preschooler this instead of yelling at them to stop jumping. That soft padded area looks like a fun trampoline to them and they don't know why they are getting in trouble, so instead use language to convey your message : "That sign says that this area is for babies only, and you aren't a baby. Babies can't climb in the dinosaur area because they could get hurt, that's why they have a padded climbing area. Let's let them have this space to practice crawling and climbing and we'll go find an area for you to climb in where you won't hurt a baby." Language is my answer to anything- talk, talk, talk. Even when it doesn't seem like they are listening they do hear you, and not only are you supporting their vocabulary growth by offering new words in new places, you're also supporting their social development and it will show in the future. 

Upon entering the Discovery Zone (go to the back of level 2): out of the picture to the left is a large dinosaur statue that kids can climb all over; the picture is overlooking Dinosaur Gulch which is two areas that look like rock formations filled with tiny rubber scraps to 'dig' through with paintbrushes. Signs encourage kids to look for fossils, and the pictures along the walls show paleontologists digging for and uncovering large fossils. Even though my little one is still very oral, I took him into this area which was fun to walk in, and he even rubbed the brush all around the ground mimicking children nearby. Luckily we moved up the stairs and out of the area before he thought about eating any of the rubber! Behind Dinosaur Gulch is the best water play area I've seen at a museum (this includes the Children's Museum, so you guys better get on that!).

HUMONGOUS water play tables, just the perfect size and length for numerous children to take part all at once. I was even interested in all of the parts to manipulate! You can move a faucet to different dumping containers, or put balls at one end of the table and watch as the current moves it around. In the lower picture above you'll see an umbrella-shaped waterfall, and when you put your hand in to interrupt the stream fog comes out (what a great science question to look into!). There were just so many things to touch and see, my little one loved this section. It was also surrounded by a wet-safe floor and it offered smocks if you choose, as well as hand driers and sanitizer for when you are done. I also noticed that some of the tables were slightly lower, and some got higher as they connected and those tended to have the more intricate, science experiment-type materials. My little guy was just right standing against the lower ones, so we stayed near these which worked well because he seemed to get splashed the least and there weren't as many big kids trying to play close. 

The three pictures above this caption are of the soft padded play area in the back corner of the baby area that I mentioned briefly above (or ranted about bigger kids running amuck in!). Like the Children's Museum there are so many things at low level for babies to look at and manipulate. The half wall was covered in a green shag carpet which I thought was pretty cool. The tall thing that you see a boy climbing through was kind of neat, my little guy liked shaking the blades of grass but wasn't too impressed when he tried to go through it, although it does seem like a great whole body sensory activity for a toddler or preschooler. The large fish tank was a big hit and lots of little ones were against it watching the fish. 

This picture was taken while standing in the back corner near the padded play area. You'll see the fence to the front of the picture leading to the larger discovery zone, which is magnetized so that you can keep your little one in. To the right is a table, and although I saw random puzzle pieces and some magnetic animal builders they were not being kept at the table and being used appropriately, or at least not how they were intended to be used I'm guessing. Yes, babies and toddlers are known for carrying around toys and leaving big messes, but again as a caregiver we can help to show and tell even the youngest of children how we put toys back so that others can have their turn using them. I personally would have a staff member stationed in this area to help keep the materials in places where they can be used appropriately and to guide caregivers as to how and what they can do with such materials with little ones. There is also a large wall mirror to the right with dress-up clothes, and to the left there is a ramp and stairs for little ones to go on (be careful though, the ramp in the middle looks fun but for my new walker required two-hand holding). 

Construction Corner with a ball wall (like the Children's Museum), and 2-3 tables with various blocks and manipulatives for building and connecting. I like how the tables were low and for standing around without chairs in the way. 

The science kitchen was super neat and clearly they have staff ready with planned activities (something that we will participate in when my little one is a bit older). There was a light table in the back corner with Magna Tiles- LOVE- and also a large screen that you 'color' on by using your fingers and hands (kind of like a giant iPad). There were some fun things happening at tables in their too, but my little one was all hands and I moved him out so that he wouldn't destroy anyones work. 

Inside Dinosaur Gulch

Yes they do!

Story reading time on a large screen. My little guy sat through one of three books before we had to move on,  which I am quite proud of!

Monkey Bizness

Upon entry: great climbing even for little ones.
There is also a small enclosed area to the left just for crawlers with lots of soft giant blocks.  
To the right is a large bounce house with built in slide and things to bounce on/against. 

  I'm still on the lookout for good indoor play places for the very little ones, but Monkey Bizness is an okay option for now. It's a bit pricey for a one year-old who only stays for a half hour ($8 children who walk, $5 crawlers, adults free), but there are a variety of things to try out and plenty that he can still climb on even though he's so little. I must forewarn though- if you bring your little one here be prepared to be exhausted yourself, as you'll have to help with all of the climbing and bouncing... phew! It's worth it though if you just need to get out, and lucky for us we are only a few blocks away from the location on Colorado Blvd (the only one I've been to). This will be a PRIME go-to spot for a us when he's a toddler, or for any other time that I have to entertain and exhaust a toddler or preschooler inside. Another perk is that you can get snacks and drinks, including coffee! Don't forget your socks :)

Two climbing houses with tall slides adjacent to a climbing netted area with tunnels and large slide (see below). To the left of the picture is an enclosed area with giant foam swings for bouncing on.

Pushing, crawling, climbing.

29th Street Fountains

  What a great little gem for a quick, cool-down excursion. Located in Stapleton on 29th street, these two small fountains are on a small pavilion near such eateries as Chipotle, Noodles & Co. and Cold Stone. The area does have several covered picnic tables and other benches and spots to sit. However, make note that this area isn't that big and can get quite crowded. We were there on a day in high 80's and it was pretty busy for such a small play area. I also noticed that many people brought picnics and strollers full of stuff. Again, for such small fountains it was a bit much to have numerous beach toys, children sitting all along the fountains eating, and more of a park atmosphere than a quick cool-down spot. Believe me, I completely understand what it's like to find a close-by play spot that you can pack up and head to for a few solid hours, but this is just not the spot and I wish that people would step out of their own little worlds sometime and remember that they are a part of a much, much larger community that requires some compromise and sharing (even though we may not want to!). 

  Either way, the half hour there was very well worth it, as my little one had an absolute ball walking through the shallow waters and splashing. We will definitely go back but for short periods and I will travel light. It may be a great spot to enjoy a decent lunch while the little one plays, but we'll have to wait until he's a bit more independent and doesn't need me right near him in the water the whole time. 

  I guess I should at least share the sign that was posted there, although it didn't seem like anyone else either read it or cared. Use your own judgement...