Coming soon - I hope

I crossed off two of my wish-list places last week. The first was The Museum of Life & Science in Durham. The second was the New Hill/Bonsal Train ride. Both were amazing and are a MUST for Triangle parents.

I will tell you why we loved them, what we paid and helpful hints for enjoying both places to their fullest. Unfortunately, my blogging has slowed down a bit because we have started school and work and my kids have their favorites. But these two blogs are forthcoming, in addition to new places to be added to my wish list. It's just easier to find what they love and do the same thing over and over - because, after all, kids do that!

Once again, suggestions are always welcome!!

R.S. Dunham "DAD" Park in Cary - Nice Traditional Park, nothing special though

R.S. Dunham Park in Cary is a park I've passed a dozen times but never stopped to play, so I made a special trip with the kids to check it out.  

This is a well-shaded park, and the equipment stayed much cooler when the hot sun hit it than most parks with full sun. It has big equipment for the bigger kids, a see-saw, swings, a large sandbox, basketball courts, tennis courts and this cool little spinny thing that was being dominated by big kids having an absolute blast - so I steered the little ones away to keep them safe.

I didn't see the bathrooms nearby, but the website says there are restrooms there. The tennis courts are lighted at night, too, for the "big" kids enjoyment.

There wasn't anything really special about this park, except for the merri-go-round that the big kids were enjoying so thoroughly. And I am not a fan of the playground mulch because my kids are constantly complaining about the mulch in their shoes. But I did enjoy the nice shaded areas and the great big sandbox, which my kids could play in for hours.

It's an average park, to be honest, so I wouldn't go out of my way to visit but if you're nearby it's certainly worth a pit stop for the little ones. My kids lasted less than 30 minutes before getting bored.

519 Walnut St

Cary, NC

 

HIGHLIGHTS: This park is pretty well shaded, with gorgeous mature trees surrounding the playground and basketball courts, great big sandbox and a fun little merri-go-round like none I've ever seen before.

LOW LIGHTS: Not a big fan of the playground much they have here, and there's not much to it.

COST:  FREE!

Hunter Street Park - We had a rough day and I'm struggling to remain objective!

All in all, I should have only good things to say about this park, but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the Hunter Street Park in Apex. But it was more my experience than the park, so take this with a grain of salt.

With the dog park right there, I had pretty high expectations. But it was pretty separate from where we were playing, so the girls, who love dogs, didn't even know it was there.

The fields are in great shape, it was clean, well maintained and all the equipment was great. But there was something missing. I noticed the train tracks were right next to the park, so I hoped we'd hear and then see a train come through. We heard it, but it went the other route. So I think that disappointed me and the kids a bit.

We first kicked the soccer ball around one of their fields, and that was fun. But it didn't really impress the kids. Then we walked over to the playground, which was really nice. It had a climbing wall, four different slides and a cute little bench underneath for the kids to sit down and take a break. As I type, I realize there was nothing wrong with the park, just kids in bad moods. Jordan told a little girl "you're a nasty girl" for some odd reason, which she later explained the girl was being bossy. I didn't see that part, but who knows? 

And Dani opened up the street light box that encased the base of the street light and pulled out a gold fish and ate it. While I tried to pry her mouth open to make sure it wasn't something else, she bit down on my finger and made an instant blister. And that was about 5 minutes into the trip. So, alas I think my expectations were met, my kids just didn't cooperate.

The dog park was pretty cool, actually. It had a separate entrance for big and small dogs and looked like a wonderful place for dog owners, which I am not. So in the end, it was a pretty nice park. Maybe I'll visit again and get rid of the bad ju ju. 


1250 Ambergate Station
(across from Apex Town Hall)

Apex, NC

HIGHLIGHTS: Gorgeously maintained, there was hardly a piece of trash on the ground, the dog park is right there and a wonderful place for pet owners, the train tracks run right along the borders (on two sides I believe) and would provide a fun "aw" moment for the kids if it came through, shelter is close to the playground, which is updated, safe and had a climbing wall.

LOW LIGHTS: My own personal ju ju aside, there was only one issue I found and it was the door to the fence around the playground stuck when trying to open it and wouldn't close properly, which one of the moms said she'd already call the parks and recreation department about and it was "fixed" but it wasn't quite right. Oh, and no swings, which my kids love.

COST: Free. Although, I think the dog park has associated fees?

Falcon Park in Fuquay-Varina: I'll definitely go back

Our kids saw the park, looked at each other and giggled. Falcon Park is a keeper, although not in my top 5.

 Falcon Park in Fuquay-Varina is pretty easy to review. This is a good park. It's not bad; it's not great. It was fun to go, although I think our kids were pretty worn out from a lot of activity, and we didn't last long. The equipment is at a good height for toddlers and preschoolers, my kids ages, it's challenging but not too challenging, there's lots of space and running room and it's not too close to the road.

Falling on the bridge.

The equipment is a little old, however. And the bridge is pretty steep, my 3-year-old fell on it twice. But she didn't get hurt. In fact, the second time she laughed because she fell into her sister. The swings were just fine, although there were only two. There's a second part of the playground for smaller kids, which mine also enjoyed. The bathrooms were really gross, though. They smelled terrible and looked even worse.

I liked this park, and I will definitely go back, maybe on a hot summer day when we need a little shade.

611 E. Academy Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC

HIGHLIGHTS: Shaded park, close to the middle school, two separate play areas for kids with short attention spans, swings, bridges and tunnels and nice people.

LOW LIGHTS: Horrible smelling and looking bathrooms, and the water didn't work so we couldn't wash hands (EW!), the equipment is a little old, bridge has a steep drop off and there are only two swings.

COST: Free!

Honeycutt Road Park in Fuquay-Varina - Fun, but not for all ages

The scary slide!

 My play date buddy, Amanda, who is always up for an adventure, joined me at Honeycutt Road Park in Fuquay-Varina. It's right behind Club Worx Gym on Old Honeycutt Road.

We got out of our cars and said, "Wow, this place looks great!"
My mind changed quickly when I walked up to the scariest playground slide I've ever seen.

The playground looked great, but it was not ideal for really little ones. Amanda and I both have 20-month-olds, and let me tell you, we were terrified of this jungle gym! It is sort of sectioned off in two parts, one for the little ones and one for the big ones. But they're not separated. There's a tunnel/slide, which was a challenge but not impossible to maneuver for both our little ones, that connects the two parts. The section obviously designed for older kids is so high, and the slide was so steep I wouldn't even go down it. Not only that, but there were several openings in the equipment where a little one could just walk off the side. This is not such a big deal, if your 3-4 feet off the ground. I didn't have a tape measure with me, but I swear that slide was 15 feet off the ground. My 3-year-old walked up to the top of it, looked down and turned around. "It's too scary!" she said. There were kid there at least 5 or 6-years-old and they wouldn't even go down.

We left after about 40 minutes, which I thought was about 30 minutes longer than I felt comfortable staying there - thanks to the swings, which were nice. It's beautiful equipment. The place is well maintained, nice swings, great soccer field right next to it. The parking is close by, and there's a shelter. But I will not go back until my oldest (3) is at least 5 and the little ones are 3ish.

Maybe I'm being overprotective, but my youngest is fearless and at that stage where she doesn't understand consequences or listen to safety warnings. I have to physically remove her from most dangerous situations versus giving verbal warnings. (pretty standard stuff at that age, I think) Also, we met a wonderful mom who was playing their with her kids for the first time, too. She, too, was concerned about the openings in the jungle gym and the ridiculous slide. So I don't think our concerns were out of nowhere.

Interestingly enough, we went to a second park as we were not ready to go home yet. My oldest told me in the car on the way home, "I liked the first park mommy. You know, the one with the scary slide."

101 Fitness Drive
Fuquay-Varina, NC 
 

HIGHLIGHTS: Nice, well-maintained equipment, clean benches, shelter, climbing walls on playground, also some imagination play areas with "steering wheels," nice soccer field next to it, parking was close by, section for little kids and big kids.

LOW LIGHTS: The equipment was just too high for the really little ones, and it's connected to the section designed specifically for little ones. The swings are separated (little kids on one side and big kids on the other) so I couldn't push my 3-year-old and 1-year-old at the same time. Lots of openings in the playground, very challenging equipment, and it looks like the rubber flooring could be replaced. Also, I didn't see bathrooms.

COST: Free!

Jack Marley Park in Angier - I LOVE THIS PARK! Totally worth the drive!!!

Jack Marley Park is the reason I started this blog! I wanted to find the parks that were beautiful, well-maintained and offer a lot for the little ones to enjoy. Places like Kids Together in Cary, Kids Towne at Kelly Road Park in Apex, Pullen Park in Raleigh and Music Time at Brueggers in Apex are absolute child-rearing treasures in this area, and I believe they should be shared. Jack Marley Park is in this class! 

Skate park at Jack Marley.

There are two jungle gym areas, swings, a beautiful pond with a water fountain in the center and lots of ducks, a .8 mile walking trail, workout stations, volleyball courts, softball fields and a skate park. Truth is, I didn't get to see it all my kids had so much fun playing and running around. It is clean (except the bathrooms), they let you feed the ducks and one of the playground areas is fenced in to keep the kids off the running trail and out of the pond.

As Pullen Park is my favorite, it is the park I measure all others against. So here is where Jack Marley falls a tiny bit short. Again, the bathrooms were not very clean. There are three sets of bathrooms at this park, which is pretty spread out, and only one set was unlocked while we were there. We could have had an accident, as the potties were at the other side of the park. We didn't, but I think it's good to know ahead of time anyway so FYI. Also, part of the .8 mile trail is right next the street and the parking area - there's not even a curb on part of it so my toddler had to be picked up so she wouldn't run in front of cars. She's a bit of a wild child. But that area is not really close to the playgrounds, so it was just an issue as we were walking from one end of the park to the other.

My kids have a short attention span, but they played nonstop for almost two hours. This park is in Angier, and I will not hesitate to make this drive in the future. It's worth the trip!


245 East Williams Street
Angier, NC 27501

HIGHLIGHTS: Two playgrounds (one which was fenced in to keep the kids off the running trail and out of the pond), volleyball courts, skate park, gorgeous view of pond with water fountain, ducks, walking trail, tennis courts and more!

LOW LIGHTS: The bathrooms were a little rough and some were not even open, walking trail passes right by the road and water.

COST: Free!

Haunting At Harris - Missed the Hayride, but Still Pretty Fun

If you didn't get to Harris Lake County Park early on Saturday, you probably didn't get to enjoy the free hayride. The activity started at 2 p.m., and I think we got there at 3:30. The hayride tickets had already sold out!

It was OK for us, because we went to a pumpkin patch earlier in the day (Green Acres in Cary) where there was a hayride, but some kids threw absolute fits when they found out they couldn't go. I suggest you get there early next year.

The bulk of the activities were crafts and learning stations. My 3-year-old and I went, and it was pretty fun. There were several things that were way over her head, but others were perfect for her. Oddly, the preschooler that refused to play the bean bag toss or dig through the sand for treasures, stood next to the snake and spider lady for 20 minutes, asking question after question and man-handling the corn snake. This was not a small snake either. There were also live spiders and a dead wolf spider, which she asked me if she could kiss! UGH!

There was an obstacle course, which the little ones loved, and the playground was absolutely packed the entire time we were there. I would say it's geared toward kindergarten and older children, but it was still wonderful, and we will absolutely go back next year.

The hayride had an Indiana Jones theme, "Raiders of the Lost Park," and those who got a ride said it was very cool and true to its theme. The only casual complaint I heard was from a mom who would have liked to know there was a man with a chainsaw in the woods who chased the hayride. Go figure!
For those who missed the hayride, there will be hayrides again at Harris Lake on October 28 at 2 and 3 p.m.

Click here for the Harris Lake calendar of events.

2112 County Park Drive
New Hill, NC

HIGHLIGHTS:If your child didn't like one event/craft, there were dozens more to choose from, the hayride sounded pretty fun, Harris Lake is beautiful and has a nice playground and great dock. Also, they gave away "prizes" which was the biggest hit for my little one. 

LOW LIGHTS: The hayride tickets were gone before 3:30, so you have to get there early to participate. Harris Lake is known for ticks. We didn't have any on us when we got home, but you definitely want to check yourself and your children.

COST: Free!

Haunting at Harris Lake - Coming Oct. 13 from 2-6 p.m.

Another one of my favorite parks, Harris Lake County Park, is having an activity on Saturday, October 13. I am pretty sure I will be going with my 3-year-old!

It's called Haunting at Harris. A friend of mine happened upon it last year and told me I "had to go." Of course, I didn't. I had a pretty little baby at the time and couldn't fathom leaving the house. I have a little more energy this year!

The Haunting at Harris is Saturday from 2-6 p.m. there is a hay ride adventure, games and activities at Harris Lake in New Hill. Games include an obstacle course, archaeology dig (in the Indiana Jones theme) and a lot more. Hope to see you there. Did I mention it's free?

Click here for more information. 

 

 

2112 County Park Drive
New Hill, NC

South Park in Fuquay-Varina - A Nice Change of Pace

She's pretending to be upset. :)

Want to spend some time with really nice moms? Well this is the place to go in Fuquay-Varina.South Park is off of Main Street in Fuquay-Varina. There are softball fields, a little running track that goes right by the playground, jungle gyms (one for the toddlers and another for brave toddlers and older) and swings (both baby swings and big-kid swings).

I really enjoyed my morning with the girls. My smallest is just getting over a cold and got a sinus infection, so we've been sort of cooped up at home since Saturday. But we sneaked out for about 40 minutes to hang out at a new park and enjoy the sunshine. I am so glad we did. There's nothing special about this place, except maybe the track for runners/walkers that is in plain view of the playground for moms and dads who want to get a workout in while their older ones play. But the people were so nice.

We had a pretty good time considering it was right before lunch time, and my toddler is still a little sick. Don't judge - it's just a cold.

We will definitely go back, and we found out about another park in Fuquay-Varina that is great to go to in the evenings. Can't wait to check it out.

900 South Main Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC

HIGHLIGHTS:Awesome moms and dads! Maybe I just got lucky, but the people were so friendly - Adults & Children! It's not terribly crowded, and there's a cute little running/walking track around the nearby softball field so your kids can play while you work out (if they're at that age). Nice shelter nearby.

LOW LIGHTS: I didn't see a bathroom nearby, although that doesn't mean there isn't one. It's pretty small and doesn't have the newest of equipment.

COST: Free!

Holiday Express at Pullen Park - Christmas comes early in Raleigh!

As I've said before, Pullen Park in Raleigh is my absolute favorite park to take my kids in the Raleigh area.  So when I saw this, I ran straight home to look it up. And I'm so glad I did because you have to buy tickets to attend.

This holiday season they're going to decorate Pullen Park with lights and displays. I am particularly excited about the lighted train ride and the visit with Santa! It's December 5-9 from 4-9 p.m. and tickets are already on sale. (Last year the event sold out early, the website said). Children under 2 are free with a paying adult, all other tickets are $8 per person.

Click here to get your tickets or you can buy them at parks and recreation facilities. It looks like you have to sign up for reclink to buy the tickets online. Armbands will be available for pick up on the night you reserved.

520 Ashe Ave
Raleigh, NC 27606

As of November 13, 2012, Saturday and Sunday has sold out and there are less than 75 tickets available for Sunday. Wednesday and Thursday (December 5 & 6) still have a few hundred remaining.

Lake Wheeler Park - So Pretty!

Lake Wheeler is so pretty, clean (looking at least) and the park has a nice newish -looking jungle gym. There are shelters, fishing areas, volleyball courts and all kinds of wonderful perks, but boy was it a drive! I kept thinking, "Did we miss the turn?"

Of course, for some it will be much closer, but for those in the Holly Springs area it's a little out there -- but worth it! This fall, when the colors start to change, it's going to be gorgeous.

I actually want to go back very soon to use the paddle boats with the girls and my husband. I am not sure I'd visit Lake Wheeler regularly, but for a special trip I will definitely return.

Perhaps my favorite part of the trip was when my youngest (20 months) made friends with the exceptionally friendly fishermen on the dock. They had caught a few fish, let the kids look at and touch the fish and check out the worms. (Pictured above, right) She had them laughing and talking to the kids while we fed the geese, easily my oldest's favorite part of the trip.

6404 Lake Wheeler Road  
Raleigh, NC 27603

HIGHLIGHTS:Wonderful park and lake - beautiful, nice jungle gym, water, dock, paddle boats for rent, boat launch, volleyball courts and wildlife.

LOW LIGHTS: For some, it is WAY out there. I think it took me 35 minutes to get there from the Holly Springs area, and the play area is all the way at the back of the park by the water; also the play area is wood mulched so you'll need sneakers for your kids for sure.

COST: Free!

Blue Grass at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Raleigh

Acoustic Manner to Play Sept. 12

This sounds really kid friendly! I think I'm going to go with some great neighbors tomorrow. On Wednesday (throughout the month of September), Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary has a different bluegrass artist perform. It says at the "Crescent Deck" but I've never been there so I'm not sure what that means. It's from 5:30 to 8:30, and you can eat their food or bring your own cooler with food and beverages (no alcohol).

Tickets are $5 for adults and kids under 12 are FREE. Now that's Kristin & Kid Friendly.

Tickets can be purchased at Etix.com or from the Koka Booth Box office. For more information, www.boothamphitheatre.com 

8003 Regency Parkway
Cary, NC

 

De Plane! De Plane!

Observation Park at RDU airport is wonderful!! I had heard about it a couple times, but never thought to take the kids. It is really a park!

There are picnic tables with umbrellas, little runways for the kids to play on, a sandbox full of toys people have left behind and a little jungle gym in the middle. Then there's the observation deck, which allows you to watch the planes coming in with great visibility. The stairs are a little dicey for the little ones, but there is a ramp (which we notice after humping up the stairs - with a 3-year-old and a toddler). If all that activity wasn't enough, a plane would take off or land and all the kids would stop and stare at the planes. Some would scream AIRPLANE and others would just freeze until the plane passed by or stopped. It was hilarious!

My kids played for 2 hours at this place! That's just unheard of for my girls. It was so fun. Next time I'll pack a lunch, and we'll eat there.

The major drawback I saw was a rookie thing. It was a bit hard to find. After you pass the first terminal (and before you get to terminal 2) there is a park and ride turn off (on the right). I missed it the first time but noticed after it was too late that there was a sign for Observation Park. Then, as we left, I followed the airport exit signs and ended up on 540. So we had a bit of a detour. Also, there were landscaping flags all over the place. My kids would NOT leave them alone. In fact, we had to leave because they wouldn't stop (and they're a little sharp on the ends). I told them we had to leave if they wouldn't listen. But even that was after 2 hours of playing very well!

I would definitely go again, even though it ended up being a 35 minute drive. It's open every day 8 a.m.-6 p.m., too! LOVE IT.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Morrisville, NC 27560

HIGHLIGHTS: Free, new experience and a little different (I've never been to an airport park!), get to see the planes take off and land, sandbox.

LOW LIGHTS: If your kids are a little noise sensitive, this may not be the place for you. My kids love loud noises and airplanes, the stairs on the observation deck were pretty narrow (but there's a ramp) and it's a little difficult to find if you've never been there before.

COST: Free!