5 secrets to my best playgrounds list
Including a new PDF checklist with library pairings!
I knew how I wanted to start this week’s newsletter after I spent some of my editorial planning time looking at my photo library since the start of the year when we embarked on this “Noticing Nature” theme.
I want to THANK YOU. My photo library is so full of the meaningful moments from when I noticed something in nature that I wanted to share with you. Way more than ever make it to the newsletter. I’ve come to think of it as your gift to me rather than vice versa.
I literally say a silent thank you to you when I notice something new out there. That’s what always surprises me the most out of these projects I create to benefit you and your quality of life in small, simple ways. It always ends up enriching my life more than I expect. So, thank you again and again and again.
And in case you are new or haven’t heard me say it before, I am here because I want to: “empower OC families to prioritize play and outside time.” Play is essential to healthy childhood development + it’s also a heck of a lot of fun for kids and families together. It’s something enjoyable that has so many proven benefits!
Michele
As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.
5 secrets to my best playgrounds list
My goal is always: Empower OC families to prioritize play and outside time. This newsletter is all about helping make that happen!
These days, when you see a “best OC playgrounds” list, you might think it’s a quick list someone slapped together for views.
Here are the secrets hiding inside my list that you might not realize on a first read:
It’s come together over years of input from families and caregivers. I change it up a little each year based on what I’m hearing and add new playgrounds on the scene.
It says 10, but it’s really more like 24+ of the Best OC Playgrounds.
This list is actually organized as Best-By-Feature (zip tracks, complete shade covers, trike tracks, swings, spiderwebs, slides, accessibility, on the beach, destination playgrounds, and splash pads) with a bonus feature at the end.
Pay special attention to the “You might like” paragraphs at the end of some playground feature sections. It links to lists of even MORE options of that kind of playground feature!
It comes with a fun little printable checklist which I just updated this week with libraries nearby these parks! Get your free checklist download below or it’s also at the bottom of the post!
Free Download
The list of playgrounds on the website is meant to be used together with the checklist! That way you can read the park guides before you go!
Also — there is a disclaimer here that beats any playground list from ANYONE. You always know what’s best for your family. The playground you like to play at is the best. Whether it’s the neighborhood playground or an old playground or a different playground each week!
Play ideas
For after the rain . . .
Looking ahead . . .
I know it’s too soon! But registrations are open.
Paved Tiny Hikes printable on deep sale through Sunday, February 22nd
If you haven’t gotten your hands on this guide to stroller-friendly and after-rain routes, now is the time. For the first time ever (and probably ever again), I have really reduced the price. It’s normally $19.95, but I have it in the bookshop at $12.95 just until Sunday because of the rainy week we had.
If you are already a paying annual subscriber, you should have claimed your copy already. If you are a paying monthly subscriber, I’ve offered a $5 off coupon in the past. This one-time deal is better than that. One caveat, if you’ve been subscribing for a LONG time (some of you have!) then email me and I’ll make sure you get a copy. All proceeds benefit this woman-owned local small business and it’s hard to express how much I appreciate the support.
Below is the section for paying subscribers!
This week, you’ll get:
The 7th week of Noticing Nature in OC where you’ll find inspiration for what to look for when outside!
I created a special PDF checklist of the 29 nature things we’ve noticed so far this year! Keep it with you and add your own sightings to the list!
Two paved tiny hike options from the archive that you can take separately or combine by parking at the same trailhead.