Last week was spring break and I was anxiously checking the weather forecast every day, ready to get outside. As soon the sun broke through the clouds I knew what we were doing; quickly to the park everyone! I went around last week with snacks in my car just in case the weather suddenly got nice I would not be interrupted by a pesky thing like feeding my child. We needed sunshine and my son needed to run, jump, and climb. A friend told me about Franklin Park, and that she could also meet up for a playdate so off to Prairie Village we went. Franklin Park is an oasis nestled amongst the neighborhoods. I am not sure how this playground was not even on my park radar because it is really an awesome place. But that is what good friends (and articles like these) are for.
It is the perfect spot for little ones.
Franklin Park was made with the younger crowd in mind with two great playgrounds that are low to the ground for the ease of youngsters. I know the struggle of setting up a playdate, looking forward to chatting with your mom friend, only to arrive and barely finish a conversation because you are both constantly running to stop your toddlers from nose diving off a steep platform. They had your little ones in mind when planning these parks. There are small ladders, low to ground monkey bars, short slides, baby swings, and even a mini climbing wall that was perfect for my preschooler. To the moms of older kids, this playground will probably not be challenging enough for your children. However, there is a baseball field, a soccer field, and a health trail that might hold their interest more.
There are elements for playing in nature.
Having nature elements to play on seems to be the hot new trend for parks and I am not complaining. I love it. I live in your typical Johnson county neighborhood so I basically have a patch of grass for my son to explore. We have to go somewhere if I want him to really be in nature. Franklin Park really thought of it all in this area. There are logs to balance on and jump over and tree stumps to leap from. This area also has a water feature during the summer that includes streams, a waterfall, and a log bridge to cross. Another area of the park has a large sandbox where my son and his friend had a blast digging. All of the trees in the park also gives it a woodsier feel and would provide great shade over the summer.
Franklin Park is the ideal playdate spot.
Prairie Village must have taken a mom poll when they were designing this park. It is a mom’s dream for a playdate. It has all the awesome features I already mentioned and more. Bring your lunch or a snack because there are plenty of picnic tables. They even have tiny picnic tables so your kids and their friends can have their own private lunch date. Franklin Park has plenty of benches and seating scattered throughout the park as well. We visited at a fairly popular time, but we still had no problems finding a spot to sit. There are also bathrooms so you do not have to worry about ending the fun just because one of the kids needs to use the restroom. It is also a great spot to make a like-minded mom friend. This park was full of moms, kids, and families, so your youngster will have no problem finding someone to play with also.
There are so many things to love about Franklin Park that it’s a must add to your park rotation. You can find it at Roe Ave & Somerset Dr. Prairie Village, KS 66208
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