Archive for November, 2007
Rudd Park
The playground needs an update, but it does have a ramp for toddlers to use and the cool sand diggers with the levers for big kids (and nostalgic parents.) The stroll will take you by a corner store for a bit of refreshment.
Braefoot Park
If your older kid loves Spiderman, then check out the rope action at this park. The tower is too difficult for beginner toddlers, because it is too high and awkward to cover the exits from the ground. In which case, see Reynolds Park. Both parks are also a comfortable strolling distance to La Collina Bakery, on McKenzie.
Reynolds Park
A pleasant, plastic park. Even beginner toddlers can practice on both towers, and the platforms are designed to let caregivers accompany their kids. One tower has a double slide that you can ride down beside your toddler –but beware the blue plastic! It emanates wicked static on a hot day. In the mood to double-park? Try the gardens at Playfair Park or the cool rope gym at Braefoot.
Christmas Hill
A shorter hike than Mount Doug with an unbeatable view of Swan Lake. Technically, this is not a stroll because the hill is inaccessible to anything with wheels; but, in a backpack or carrier, an outdoorsy toddler would revel in this hiking adventure. She can also practice her own climbing at Rainbow Park, which you will find midway between Christmas Hill and Swan Lake.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake makes an ideal strolling destination after Rainbow Park, which has the two-exit toddler tower that I like. Yes, I have taken the stroller around the lake, but only because my husband and I were very optimistic and pressed on until it was too late to turn back. In any case, there is not much even ground beyond the floating foot bridge, so bring a carrier or backpack to avoid any regrets on this moderate hike.
Brydon Park
A brilliant open-plan park, and not just for being near a Tim Hortons. The tower is toddler-friendly, with holes to grasp in the stairs; but there is also a boulder for advancing climbing skills when they are older. If you manage to pry your child off the apparatus, then I recommend either Tim Hortons or Francelli’s at Royal Oak Shopping Centre. Otherwise, you can explore a portion of a vast trail system to the west, a part of the Centennial Trails.
Playfair Park
A lovely glade with a hidden garden path on one side and a maze of rhododendrons on the other. The playground has gorgeous shade in summer, but it is built for much older kids (which was more and more apparent as I followed my toddler round and round it.) This park is ideal for picnics, but there is a better playground for your toddler at nearby Reynolds Park.
