I’ve noticed a funny thing here in California (at least in the Bay Area). When the temperature drops below 60F, kids disappear from the playgrounds. This morning before school, the thermostat was still hovering around the freezing point, yet the kids who arrived early had a blast running around on the playground. Really, parents, playingContinue reading “It’s cold in California! Now let’s go play outside…”
Category Archives: At the Park
Weekend: Into the Forest
I hope everyone had a great weekend! It was gorgeous here in the San Francisco Bay Area… perfect for a bike ride in the redwoods! Photo taken April 27th, 2013 Redwood Regional Park
Three Classic Backyard Games: Fun For Kids and Adults
It can be tough to find outdoor games that are truly fun for both children and adults. Here are three of our family favorites…. Croquet, Bocce, and Cornhole. My brother and his wife always have these games set up when they have parties at their home. So fun! Croquet I grew up playing Croquet inContinue reading “Three Classic Backyard Games: Fun For Kids and Adults”
Outdoor Fun: Read a Book
The pleasure of a new book from the library… Book Bench, Dublin Library Photo taken February 26th, 2013
How many of you remember these?
Photos taken January 21st, 2013 Hap Magee Ranch Park, Danville, California
Play: Shannon Park, Dublin
Kids thrive when given free playtime outdoors after a day of school… Photos taken January 15th, 2013 Shannon Park, Dublin, California
Outdoor Play: Lightsaber Battle
My son asked for one thing from Santa this year… a lightsaber. A blue lightsaber, to be exact, so he could be just like Luke Skywalker. Santa must’ve thought two lightsabers might be more fun, as, in addition to the blue lightsaber, he also brought a red one (like the one Darth Vader uses). Doesn’tContinue reading “Outdoor Play: Lightsaber Battle”
He Rides, I Run
I started running three years ago in order to keep up with my son. I wish I were faster!! How do you keep up with your kids? Photo taken January 2nd, 2013 Redwood Regional Park
Burning holiday energy…
Oh, my, is my five-year-old excited about Christmas tomorrow. He can’t sit still, and he’s been acting super whacky. It’s been raining and cold here in the Bay Area for days, and our outdoor adventures have been limited this past week because I’ve been sick (I still have a horrible cough). Between his cabin feverContinue reading “Burning holiday energy…”
Building Forts! Adventure Playground, Berkeley
The Adventure Playground in Berkeley… the only place I know in the San Francisco Bay Area where kids are encouraged to get creative with saws, hammers & nails, and paints to build forts. And play on their creations! Photos from our school field trip to the playground yesterday… For more information, check out this postContinue reading “Building Forts! Adventure Playground, Berkeley”
BMX Fun, Memorial Park, San Ramon
A favorite after school activity… playing with friends at the local BMX park! Memorial Park, San Ramon, CA
Too hot…
We met friends this afternoon for playtime at Alamo Creek Park in Dublin, but it was way too hot to play (over 100F). My son started off enthusiastically, but quickly wilted. The ducks had the right idea. But we won’t complain. It’s supposed to cool down into the 70’s by Thursday. How’d we manage theContinue reading “Too hot…”
Scrambling: Fun on the Rocks
I wish more city parks had rock structures like these for kids to scramble on. The following photos were taken earlier this week at Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, California. The boulders challenge kids in a way the regular play structures don’t. In order to climb these rocks, children have to use their minds toContinue reading “Scrambling: Fun on the Rocks”
Go Climb a Tree
We’re lucky to have a couple parks nearby that have great trees for climbing. The kids are drawn as much to playing on these trees as to the man-made play structures in the parks. This one is in Kolb Park in Dublin. Our other favorite climbing tree is in Shannon Park, also in Dublin. DoContinue reading “Go Climb a Tree”
Climbing the Wall…
An awesome way to burn some kid energy is to head out for some rock climbing… park style. For a list of our favorite parks in the San Francisco East Bay with fun rock wall features, see my post… Outdoor Climbing Walls. Photos taken at Val Vista Park, Pleasanton.
Simple Outdoor Play: Frisbee!
Frisbee… such an inexpensive, simple game, and so easy to play anywhere! Fun!! Photos taken at Drakes Beach, July 26th, 2012, Point Reyes National Seashore
Simple Park Play… Just Swing
Kolb Park, Dublin, California
Hide and Seek!
What child could resist playing hide and seek in this redwood forest? Can you find them? At Roberts Regional Park, Oakland… http://www.ebparks.org/parks/roberts. *** You may also enjoy… Nature Play, Roberts Regional Park, Oakland (anaturemom.com)
Ten Fun East Bay Parks with Free Water Play Features
The weather is warming up, so it’s time to find fun outdoor activities for the kids that incorporate water play. Kids love to play in water… any kind of water! The play areas I’ve included in this list are all free and are located within local community parks. If the features aren’t already on inContinue reading “Ten Fun East Bay Parks with Free Water Play Features”
More Scooter Fun at the Skate Park, Emerald Glen, Dublin
My son is now obsessed with riding his scooter at skate parks. He asks to go every day! And it’s a super easy park activity… as long as the park has the facilities. This morning, to burn some energy, have fun, and enjoy the sunshine, we headed to Dublin’s Emerald Glen Park, which has aContinue reading “More Scooter Fun at the Skate Park, Emerald Glen, Dublin”
Suburban Nature Explorations 