So today is the last day of May. We just celebrated Memorial Day and that means summer has officially begun!
Pretty soon the kids will be done with school for a few months and we can enjoy a time of less schedules and more fun.
To help kick off the wonderful summer months, let me tell you about all of the places we visited in May. These may be great destinations for the lazy days of summer ahead.
#1 Playgrounds, Playgrounds, and more Playgrounds: We went to a lot of playgrounds over the last month. Maybe our obsession with outdoor playgrounds came from just wanting to be outside and enjoy some of the pretty spring days, but I also think it had to do with the fact that my kids are finally starting to become a little more independent. They can now get themselves up a playscape and down the slide with no help from mom. I’m not quite to the point where I can sit on a bench nearby, sipping some coffee and just watching them play, but I think we are getting pretty close!
I shared posts on two Boundless Playgrounds we visited. One was My Friend’s Place in Manchester and the other was Solomon’s Path in West Hartford. These playgrounds are built for children of all ability levels and offer some great amenities.
Shawna and I also revealed our “secret” playgrounds this past month. These playgrounds are a bit more hidden and perfect for the toddler that just wants to run free. Both playgrounds are completely fenced-in and offer lots of activities to keep your little ones entertained. The first is located on the campus of the Solomon Schechter Day school in West Hartford and the second is located in Glastonbury in the Ross Field complex. Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone we told you about them.
And last, but not least on our playground journey this month, was a visit to Wickham Park in Manchester. There we explored the nature center, aviary, and large playground. The grounds of this park are really beautiful and we can’t wait to go back and explore some of their trails and other playgrounds.
Can’t find a playground from this month’s tour that suits your fancy? Then you should check out Shawna’s post with a summary of all the parks and playgrounds we have visited since the start of this blog. This handy post along with the playground cheat sheet she put together should provide lots of fun activities from which to choose your next outdoor adventure.
#2 A Visit to the Connecticut Shore: I had a great time exploring Clinton, CT. A little shopping at Clinton Crossing and then my first lobster roll of the summer at Lobster Landing. In the words of Bruiser, “Mmmm, mmmm”.
#3 Enjoy a Little More Eating and Your Sunday Morning: Who knew the Cheesecake Factory in West Hartford has a Sunday Brunch? I didn’t, and, boy, does it sound good. Thanks to Shawna and her most recent installment of the “Tiny Diner Series”, we all know where we will be spending indulging next weekend!
#4 Burn Off those Extra Calories with a Hike: Well maybe it isn’t a true hike, but a nice stroll on the trails at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill will certainly thrill all of those kids who just love the outdoors. While you are there, you can also check out their museum and even take on the task of doing some track casting (though make sure you come prepared!)
So that wraps up our May. I can’t believe this month is over and done with, but I’m looking forward to the start of summer. With this heat that we have been having, I think I need to start visiting some water destinations. The baby pool in the backyard just isn’t cutting it!
Where have you been exploring this past month? We love to hear new ideas on places to go. Let us know in the comment section below.
Coming Up: Next week I will be wrapping up my visit to Clinton with a visit to a local beach and Shawna will introduce you to another playground that she describes as “awesome”.
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