Fort McHenry, McHenry

Where can you find a wooden play set that pays tribute to Fort McHenry, Baltimore, an important part of the War of 1812? If it weren't for Fort McHenry, we wouldn't have the Star Spangled Banner and we'd likely be drinking tea and eating crumpets more often. This little gem just off of Highway 120 is a kids paradise. Slides, climbing, tires and stairs that sway! There are certainly moments that you will lose sight of your little ones, but don't worry..there is only one entrance/exit to the Fort.  You can park yourself there and wait for them to run themselves out of energy! Ahhh, naptime!

Place for mom to sit and watch: yep!
Floor Covering: mulch
Baby swings: yes
Regular swings: yes
Sandbox: Yes
Big Kid Play Area: yes
Bathrooms: not that I saw....
Baseball fields: no

Day One: Veteran's Park in Lake Geneva

This idea of "reviewing" parks this summer seems to be destined. First, the idea a few weeks ago to go to every park in the two counties we "live" in. Then, an article in a family magazine about creating a scrapbook of parks. Seems we are destined.

So, we start with an easy one that we are well familiar with. It is located on the southeastern edge of Lake Geneva. We often refer to it as "helicopter park" as there is a large green helicopter at the entrance and a memorial to veterans. It has lots and lots of room to run, including soccer fields, baseball fields and basketball hoops if you have teenagers too. All the typical park stuff....monkey bars, slides, a tunnel, climbing wall but also has a seperate area for the littler folk, with baby swings, mini slide, and those rocking horse type apparatus. You can ride an alligator, space shuttle, duck or horse. I really like how the little kid stuff is separated by a nice wide sidewalk  It has a nice large parking lot and is nestled in among some local businesses. It's also a short drive to Dairy Queen, in case the park goers need a snack after all that playing!
It's a playdate!

Place for mom to sit and watch: yep!
Floor Covering: mulch
Baby swings: yes
Regular swings: yes
*Little Kid Play Area: yes
Big Kid Play Area: yes
Bathrooms: yes
Baseball fields:yes
Other "amenities: basketball courts, soccer fields
Dogs allowed: No

*Little Kids - under 4