It’s Park Season and I hit the Jackpot!

Let’s be honest-in Texas you don’t play at parks in the summer. It’s just too hot. But HELLO FALL! This cooler weather is definitely “park weather!” It’s so nice to be able to spend some time outside and let the kids play, explore and burn off some energy (bedtime is so much nicer after they’ve played hard!) at the park. And let me tell you, I just hit the JACKPOT in terms of fun fall park playdates!

We have a great playground within walking distance of our house, and we are frequent visitors. The park is often my saving grace around 4 pm! But sometimes we get a little bored visiting the same park over and over and over.

And then I made the discovery of all discoveries when it comes to parks! I was trying to find a park central to several friends for a playdate and stumbled upon Playground Perspectives. Oh.my.goodness! You seriously need to head there right now (well, after you finish reading this). I literally wrote this post the night I discovered this website…I was so excited, I just had to share!

It’s run by 3 moms so their reviews are definitely relevant. Each park review includes the park’s address and a link to a map. It also shares park features (pavilions, restrooms, toddler play areas, basketball courts, etc.).  But my favorite part is the pictures. Each review includes lots of great pictures (actual pictures of the specific park-no stock photos here!), so you really can get a good feel for what the park has to offer…slides, climbing walls, swings).  Each park has a write up by one of the moms describing the good and the bad of each park and whether it’s kid-tested, mother-approved.

It’s easy to navigate too with lots of search options. You can search by zip code, or you can search by city (Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano and Richardson).

You can search by the name of the park or you can search by park features. This was my favorite search option because with an almost 2-year-old, I need a park with a “toddler play area.” And the website didn’t disappoint. Ya’ll- there are 51 parks that they’ve reviewed with a toddler play area!

The website also features a map with each park clearly marked. If you find one in a good location, you can click on it and go straight to the review to learn more.

You can also follow them on Facebook…they are continually adding new reviews and they’re open to suggestions-so if you need help finding a park or know of a good one, let them know!

So what are you waiting for?! Go find a fun new park to try out, invite a friend or two for a playdate, pack a picnic and go on an adventure with your kiddos! With 79 reviews (and more being added each week), you have a lot of parks to try out before winter hits! Bring on the fall 2011 park tour!