Great Playgrounds Abound in the Lehigh Valley

Spring is finally springing here in the Valley! And, it's about time. I don't know about you, but it feels good not to be cooped up in the house anymore. As a mom of two little ones, going to the playground is a welcomed treat, as well as great exercise and bonding time. With so many great playgrounds peppered across the Lehigh Valley, sometimes it's hard to choose which one to go to.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY

• Lone Lane Park in Upper Macungie: This is a great place to play and one of our favorites. Lone Lane has soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts, a huge playground and a running / walking path through the woods.

• Cedar Beach Playground in Allentown: Every time we've been here, the playground is very crowded, as is the parking lot. However, my 5-year-old loves it! There is a lot to slide, climb and jump on, and the playground is right next to a walking path. To wind down after some serious playing, we like to take the girls to the nearby lake to see the ducks.

  

  Fall 2012 at Cedar Beach

• Bob Rodale Fitness Park in Trexlertown: While there is no playground, there is a huge ... no HUGE ... sandbox for the kids to play in. If you haven't been here before, it's worth going to. This is also a great park for family walks, jogging and bike riding.

• Macungie Memorial Park in Downtown Macungie: We used to live within walking distance of this great playground. Not only can the kids burn off some serious energy, the train runs by periodically for some added interest.

Here are some additional playground ideas from The Morning Call. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLAYGROUND FUN

Here's a little insight: I get nervous when I take my kids to crowded places. Therefore,  I dress them in bright colors when we go to the big playgrounds. This helps me easily spot them while they are running around like crazy banshees or playing hide-n-seek on the equipment with other kids. Other ideas include:

1. Dressing in layers. It's still a little chilly out, so I have been dressing the kids in layers. This way, as they start to sweat, we can peel off layers. 
2. Bringing water bottles. I've seen so many parents without water for their red-faced kids that have just ran non-stop for 30 minutes. It's important for the little ones to stay hydrated ... pack a water bottle and remind them to take water breaks. 
3. Giving a 10-minute warning. Before you're ready to pack everyone back up in the mini-van, let them know the end is near. I've seen plenty of children pitch royal fits when mom or dad says, "Let's go now!" Kids need a little heads up when the fun's about to end; try to avoid being so abrupt with your little people. 

Climbing high at Lone Lane Park

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO PLAY?

What are some of your kids' favorite playgrounds? Do you have any recommendations for our readers? 

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.