Discover Dinosaur Park
Get the Kids Outside While the Weather is Nice
I've noticed that most children's activities are structured around the schedule of the stay-at-home parent. Most library story times and gym classes are held in the mornings or early afternoons. There are many hours to kill during the day, so I understand this strategy.
However, I want fun, creative activities to enjoy with my child after day care and on the weekends. This new column aims to find and share the answer to that crucial question, "What the heck are we going to do until dinner?"
While the weather is still tolerable outside, the obvious answer is to head to the nearest playground. Whether or not your community has one within walking distance, Ashburn Park is worth checking out. Located off Ashburn Road, at 43645 Partlow Road, the park has been dubbed Dinosaur Park by parents and kids because of its dinosaur-themed equipment.
This 16-acre park boasts appropriate fun for kids of all ages. The huge dinosaur jungle gym will attract the older kids with monkey bars, tubular slides and climbing apparatus. There is a play fire engine to explore. And, for the little ones, a small jungle gym is enclosed with handy bars to keep toddlers from falling off.
There are plenty of swings–for big kids and with infant seats–to go around. Picnic tables offer areas to enjoy a snack break. And, benches are strategically placed for parents to sit back and watch the kids play.
See you there!
Tom
1:55 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Definitely the best park around.
A few notes:
The large bridge playground equipment is due to be repaired/replaced this winter sometime.
Wear closed toed shoes unless you like mulch in between your toes.
There's a small stream and path at the very bottom of the park which can be fun for kids to explore.
Nicole Skuba
2:10 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hi Tom! The mulch is also a tasty snack for the youngest toddlers if they're not watched carefully. Thanks for the helpful tips!
Andrea Wright
12:26 pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Dino Park rocks! My kids always have a blast when we go there. We took our kids with the neighbors' kiddies this summer -- just imagine 3 two-year-olds and 2 6-month-olds running wild. We packed light snacks and enjoyed ourselves in the coveted gazebo picnic area. The gym equipment is in very good shape. I'm just impressed by number of jungle gyms. There's typically plenty of space to run and play for everyone.
My only two complains are: parking and the port-a-potty. Parking fills up fast, and the spaces are tight (although, I'm sure we can park on the street). A Don-John-type port-a-potty is available for use, but it's clear that it hasn't been emptied/cleaned in a very long time. It's hard to convince your potty-trained kid to sit on a seat that you wouldn't touch yourself. ;)
Nicole Skuba
1:59 pm on Friday, December 3, 2010
Thanks for the comment, Andrea! That must have been a blast. I take my two-year-old son to this park all the time when the weather permits. The port-a-potty definitely leave much to be desired. It's kind of scary in there. Yuck!
Kimberly Ann Snipe
6:01 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
my family been going to Ashburn partk for years... they love it. it just perfect for play date! now i am trying to see if i can host birthday party there but i dont see any phone number... do i just show up? Im thinking of hosting on Sat. in early October... what time frame will be best?