Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
We're in the thick of summer and there's only one place that my kids want to be-the park! For JJ, the park is a place he can go and attempt to feast on sand candy. (Oh the anxiety I get with that kid.) Moo on the other hand knows that the sand is not for eating and prefers to enjoy the challenges of the jungle gym like the monkey bars, going down the tall slide (she doesn't like heights) and climbing wall.
We're in the thick of summer and there's only one place that my kids want to be-the park! For JJ, the park is a place he can go and attempt to feast on sand candy. (Oh the anxiety I get with that kid.) Moo on the other hand knows that the sand is not for eating and prefers to enjoy the challenges of the jungle gym like the monkey bars, going down the tall slide (she doesn't like heights) and climbing wall.
For me going to the park as a family is a magical experience. JJ magically doesn't run the camera when I try snap pictures of him. Moo magically transforms into this budding social butterfly. And the fact that I'm usually able to better keep up with my two kids than some of the other parent are able to keep up with their one magically makes me feel less mommy guilt about other areas of motherhood that still need improvements on my part.
Most importantly what I love about the park is that we're out doing something that's healthy. The kids and I are being active instead of just sitting on a couch watching tv all day or getting sucked into social media. We're laughing, smiling, running around, swinging, making sand castles, throwing balls and bonding. We're making memories and relishing just being able to be with each other.
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And living in the Queen City, we get a chance to explore several different parks. We have two parks less than a 2 miles from our front door that we like to enjoy when it's not too hot or rainy out. If we're looking for more of nature park to take in duck sightings or look for butterflies, there's always the beloved Freedom Park. We don't get out there much because it's a bit of drive from our end of the city, but I would say that it's our favorite park to go to.
It was the first park we took Moo to here. I can still remember watching her as tried to take in the sights. The dogs (she loves them even though she's allergic), the ducks and geese in the pond, the people fishing, the other kids... And although the playground is always overcrowded and there's hardly room to move around, it's the one place she doesn't mind being around a lot of people. I guess the excitement of having fun outweighs her dislike for large crowds. She loves to walk over the bridge sometimes.
JJ's been a couple of times but I can't wait until he's older. He'll really appreciate it then. I already love it for him because there's hardly any sand. Lots of grass, some concrete walkways and a mulch covered playground. No fears of him eating any sand pies or cookies. LOL.
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| Enjoying the nature trail |
I know that we often times feel like if we're not spending money on entertainment our kids won't enjoy it as much, but that's just not true. Taking advantage of your local parks whenever possible is the best free fun you'll ever have as a family. You'll have even more fun if you get out there and be active with them. Don't just hold down the bench with the other parents.
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| Some goodies from Coca-Cola that we enjoyed at the park |
Get there and remember what it was like to be there age. Rediscover that rush you felt knowing there was nothing but space for you to run around in and you could use your outside voice. Make those memories now while you still can. Cherish these moments while they're still happening. Turn off the tvs and take it to the park people!
Need more of an incentive to get out and get active with the kiddies? Well, I'm giving away a $20 Subway gift card and red &white beach ball thanks to my friends at Coca-Cola to one you lucky readers as of the America Is Your Park campaign. All you have to do is snap and post a picture of you and/or your family being active at the park on Twitter or Instagram using hashtage #TakeItToThePark and tagging @yummommies! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to record your entries.
I can't wait to see all of your pics! You can also help your park win $100,000 for help rebuild and enhance its features by voting for your favorite park here. And don't forget to spread the word so that your park can win.
What's your and/or you're family's favorite thing about going to the park?
