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It has become a family tradition for us that every summer we make at least one trip to Mystic, Connecticut. I love the cute downtown area, the beautiful water views and the delicious food and ice cream we indulge in while visiting.
This summer, though, was the first time I would be taking two toddlers with me on the trip. The things that I love about Mystic didn’t seem quite as exciting to them (well maybe except for the ice cream). I needed a new game plan and a little toddler-friendly entertainment while we were there.
The day we went, we didn’t have time for a visit to Mystic Aquarium, though I know that would have been a great option. I needed an activity that wasn’t complicated and would get my little ones tuckered out (that’s southern for tired) so that my sisters (who were visiting) and I could do a little window shopping and then grab some lunch.
Ok, so I know this isn’t a major find, but for me, it was perfect. I discovered that there is a cute playground located right near downtown Mystic. The playground is called Mystic River Park playground and I actually found it through some last-minute google searches before our trip.
This playground had all my favorite features:
- FREE Parking
- Completely fenced-in
- Child proof gate latch
- Variety of playground equipment
- Baby swings
- Benches
- Lots of green space
- Some shade
Plus, and this was a great plus, it is located within walking distance from the downtown area.
Here is a little map with the location of the playground circled in red.
The playground is located on Washington Street near the corner of Cottrell and Washington. There is a small parking lot in front of the playground and that is where we parked.
As I mentioned earlier, the park is completely fenced-in which is just so nice! It also has one of those child-proof locks at the entrance which is another great benefit when visiting with toddlers who are always looking for a way to escape (or maybe that is just what my toddlers do).
The park has plenty of things to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Bruiser and Sparkles especially loved being pushed on the swings by their aunts.
Plus, Sparkles got a little 2028 Olympic training in with her aunt and uncle.
There was also plenty of room for them to run around and some benches where this pregnant momma could take a rest.
Oh, and there is this random, giant lion statue in the park, that I think used to be a functioning water fountain. My kids had recently learned the sound a lion makes, so they just stood in front of it and made the roaring sound. That is entertainment for 1 year olds!
We stayed at the park for almost an hour, then got the kids in their stroller and went for a walk in downtown Mystic.
First stop for me was the restrooms which were located right on Washington Street.
There were also some vending machines right near the public restrooms.
After a quick restroom break, we continued on our walk through downtown. We sat and watched the drawbridge open and close. If you haven’t seen it before, it actually is pretty amazing. The bridge was built in 1920 and uses counterweights to open. From May 1 to October 31 the bridge opens each hour at 40 minutes past the hour, during daylight hours. Other than that, it opens on demand.
Ok, I seemed to have forgotten to take a picture of the bridge on this trip. So, below is a picture from a previous trip.
I snapped a picture of my cute sister and her husband (newlyweds) on the bridge.
After watching the draw bridge, we did some window shopping in downtown Mystic.
If you visit, I would recommend taking a peek inside this fun toy store, Mystical Toys.
And maybe grab a little ice cream at the Mystic Drawbridge ice cream shop.
After strolling through downtown, we took a short ride over to Noank, Connecticut. My sisters and brother-in-law needed to try a Connecticut Lobster roll. So we headed to where else, Abbotts Lobster in the Rough. Check out all the details on this great waterside dining spot in Shawna’s post here.
Definitely a fun 2012 Mystic trip. I was hoping to squeeze in another visit before baby girl arrived, but it doesn’t look like that will happen. By the time you read this post, baby girl will have arrived and my life will be a little extra busy for a bit 🙂
Mystic River Park Playground
Get directions here (to Washington Street):
Playground Features:
- FREE Parking
- Completely fenced-in
- Child-proof gate latch
- Variety of playground equipment
- Baby swings
- Benches
- Lots of green space
- Some shade
- Walking distance to downtown Mystic, Connecticut
Coming Up:
Need to check something off that back-to-school list? Don’t forget to enter our GIVEAWAY for a FREE haircut for you or a special little lady (or gentleman) in your life who might enjoy a “grown-up” salon experience to get ready for back-to-school.
Then on Thursday–If you can’t take the heat, then get out of the playground. Shawna’s got a suggestion for an indoor (and air-conditioned) place to play.
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