philly parks

This playground is on the corner of Terrace St and Hermit St in Manayunk, PA. Elinor's dance school is walking distance from here. On this day we took a trip with a few of her little friends after class for a picnic and play. There isn't too much shade but it is still a great park. The splash pad was so much fun. The girls had a blast running jumping through the water. I also suggest water shoes or keeping your shoes right next to the splash pad. Only because once you walk away from the water, your feet will burn. 

awesome table with checker boards on top and a basketball court that we didn't check out

nice and clean structure, only parts were too hot to slide down

We were sitting in the only bit of shade to eat

one more splash before we left

houston playground

Last week we ventured to Houston Playground. It is fairly close to our house. I'm so surprised no one told us about this spot last summer. I'm so happy I'm finding new playgrounds and fun things to do! 

There are two playgrounds, a toddler/preschooler friendly one and a big kid one. Luckily, the smaller one is in the shade. We walked over to the bigger side but Elinor decided she didn't want to try it out.

Plenty of swings on the smaller playground.

From the smaller playground you can see the splash pad. 

on the other side of the splash pad is the bigger playground. Full sun. Beyond this are baseball fields and basketball courts. Again, we didn't go over that way. There is a summer camp there during the week and I didn't want to disrupt their games.

The water comes on at 12pm. I think it stays on till 9pm and it isn't on during the weekends. Which is a bummer. Elinor had so much much running through the water.

If you are ever around Roxborough, PA check out Houston playground. It's a fun time!

sister cities park

I am determined this summer to find new playgrounds and activities! I'm hoping every week to post about a new adventure we have explored. I keep hearing about Sister Cities Park and how amazing it is now. I'm a little terrified driving and parking in the city. I'd much rather take public transportation. It was so easy in Boston to do that but in Philly, I'm a little lost. 

Last week, I put on my big girl pants and we took a trip to Sister Cities Park...alone! Parking was fairly easy. We parked a block away by the library with 2 hour meters that takes cards. When we were leaving I realized the meters on Vine st are 3 hours and also take cards. The street is small but doesn't seem to be used much. I noticed parking spots the whole time we were there.

There are so many things to do at this park. A wading pool, a stream coming down rocks that you can climb and send boats down (boats and other toys are for rent and I think sale too), a spray fountain for the kids to run through, a cafe that we didn't get a chance to check out, and even a little library cart full of different age group books. After playing for awhile, we sat with our lunch under a tree and read a ton of books.

Elinor picking out the next book

I suggest bringing water shoes if you have them. The rocks are smooth but they are bumpy. Also the walkway in the sun are HOT!

It was the first time we found a place that didn't make me wish for a Boston playground. I have missed all the splash pads there! We will be going back and hope to see you there too!