One of the perks of having the entire summer off from work is spending the entire summer with my babies. Last summer, I was pregnant and chasing a 2-year-old. I decided our summer adventure would be watching every Disney princess movie available on cable, Netflix, Amazon, and from our local library. It was a productive summer, and I got to relive the stories of my childhood.
This summer, my 2-year-old is now 3, and I have an infant in tow.
This summer will be the summer of playgrounds.
My toddler loves all things climbing and swinging. For a kid who struggled with sensory issues (and graduated from Early Intervention two months before turning 3), a playground is a welcome wonderland. So while counting down the school days, I compiled a list of playgrounds to visit on the South Shore. Here are all the great places we’ll visit this summer — join us!
1. Friendship Park :: West Bridgewater
Located in the town where we live, Friendship Park is a simple but recently renovated playground that we visit frequently. This is our “safety playground” — it’s tried, true, and local. (In the picture below, my Addie is swinging at Friendship Park.)
2. Marathon Park :: Bridgewater
If you’ve never been to Marathon Park with your little ones, you are missing out! This playground has structures for the littlest of angels to the biggest of kids. The structures are separated by size, and there’s even a paved walk around the perimeter of the park to get your steps in if you are so inclined.
3. Ali’s Park :: South Easton
My mother took my two girls to this park and said it was amazing. There are structures for kids of all ages, in addition to grassy areas for picnic lunches! (Above, my Ceci is pictured on her favorite slide at Ali’s Park.)
4. World War I Memorial Park :: Attleboro
This amazing park has multiple playgrounds and a small zoo! My oldest daughter loves animals, so this park is always a hit with her.
5. Imagination Station :: Randolph
This awesome spot boasts great play structures and a splash pad — you will definitely find us here on hot days this summer!
6. Dr. Walter A. Griffin Playground :: Sharon
This playground has climbing structures of various sizes, swings for all ages and abilities, and space designated for my younger playground visitors! One of the structures is even shaped like a pirate ship. Ahoy, matey!
7. Nelson Memorial Park :: Plymouth
A splash pad, a playground, a picnic area, and ocean views? What could be better?! I’m looking forward to keeping cool there this summer!
8. Lessa Memorial Playground :: Stoughton
Like similar playgrounds listed here, there are a variety of climbing structures and swings for kids of various sizes. Unlike the other playgrounds listed here, there is a storybook trail. It is described as a “unique opportunity to walk in the woods and read a story at the same time.” The English teacher in me loves this!
9. Noah’s Place :: New Bedford
This playground was designed incredibly well for children with varied abilities — it’s accessible to all! My toddler requests this spot by name on a regular basis!
10. McKinley Park :: Brockton
Sponsored by the New England Patriots and boasting a variety of climbing structures decked out in red, white, and blue, McKinley Park has been recommended to me by many friends. What a fun spot!
These are the playgrounds on our to-do list this summer! Where do you plan to be climbing, jumping, spinning, and swinging?
