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Try a new park
What are my favorite parks in the Tricities? Well to be honest; the list varies quite a bit from season to season but definitely my go to parks are as follows:
Rediscover Parks
Mariposa Park Pasco WA
Goethal's
Goethals nature park, Richland; The landscaping on this park is really nice. They utilized the hills well to incorporate all the play structures. If you have kids that like to climb hills they will love it here. I like the variety of play areas but it has a zipline and it's usually not busy especially if you go early in the day. There are 5 major areas to play in and honestly endless possibilities. In the summer, there is an amazing creek for the kids to play in. Be sure to bring a picnic because your kids will want to be there for hours.
Mariposa
Mariposa Park; Pasco; The entire playground is interactive in one aspect or another. The bigger kids will LOVE the carousel you hang off of it and swing around. Please do not let your little ones stand underneath it. The slides are big and go fast which honestly is nice for a change :) ThE gorgeous art like sails can be moved it's almost like sailing a ship. Although it lacks shade, my kids really enjoy all of the interactive toys. It even has a digital memory game...aka simon game it lights up and everything. It even has a "MOMMY AND ME SWING".
Chiawana Park
Chiawana park, Pasco; This park has had a major overhaul and is AMAZING NOW! There are actually 2 play areas one on East and one on the West. In the hot Summer days this is definitely my favorite park because of the shaded play area on the West side. I also really like that it's always mellow during the week and that my little one has plenty of room to run and explore not to mention riverfront. There are some woodsy areas past the park where you seriously feel like you are transformed into another place very picturesque and perfect for family photos or an intimate outdoor wedding venue. The play structure on the West side of the park even has a "MOMMY AND ME SWING".
Claybell
Claybell Park, Richland; This park overall is AMAZING. The design element is definitely different than any other park I've been to in Tricities. It boasts one side that is perfectly safe for infants and toddlers and on the opposite end of the park a huge playset for bigger kids. What makes this park stand out is the Toddler area it has a picnic table that doubles as entertainment. I believe its called a swing and play. It has a 2 climbing walls as well as a smaller wall of music and entertainment for little kids to tinker with. Last but not least, it has 2 swings. It has a tire swing and a hammock like swing which mulitple little ones can sit on together and enjoy.
Howard Amon
Howard amon park, Richland; This place gets packed on the weekends but during the week its very quiet. The are 2 different large play areas large enough to accommodate the crowds. On hot days, if you go early enough the Howard Amon Wading pool is nice and quiet. The big kids really like the climbing wall and zipline. Everyone loves the digging area and the waterfront walking trails. Additionally, it's nice that there are family swings practically everywhere you turn.
Playground of Dreams
The makeover on this park is awesome! Between the water park and the play area it is a must try on a nice day. Due to the lack of shade please check slide before you slide down as it does get hot but the park is definitely an open floor plan with lots of roaming around to do and sure to keep the kids entertained for a while. Check it out once and let me know what you think. Park includes about 10 play structures, 4 of the play structures include electronic interactive pads, 6 slides, 1 sitting swing carousel, 2 baby swings (one of which is mommy and me swing), 1 toddler swing w/ mommy & me swing, 2 swings for kids 5 to 12, and 3 adult swings. Playground of Dreams
Toddler Friendly Parks
Capital Park
This park definitely took me by surprise it has a huge set up from what I've seen for community parks in our area. It has 2 large play structures that are a nice distance apart as well as swings and several other play structures. The only downside is the lack of shade but that does not keep me from frequenting this absolutely fun park.
Playground of dreams
No matter how hectic this park is there is even after the remodel there is absolutely something for everyone. From fishing, walking, duck watching, splash park, and numerous play structures. Every child is sure to have a blast including your little one. For little, it's best to go during in the morning because of the heat on the play structures. There is minimal shade at this park.
Parks that big kids will enjoy!
Looking for somewhere to hike with the family?
Check out this great site on places to hike in the Tricities. Hike Tricities is the best site I've found with details to trails and intensity level in our area.