Did you know that Salem currently has 58 playgrounds?! The city of Salem has a great interactive park map to help you find ones close to you. This tool is great if you want to take a park tour. Using this resource, you can create a list of parks and park hop spending 15 to 20 mins at each. This is perfect for hot days. Where you can retreat to the cold air conditioned car for a few minutes in between parks.
I recently polled some local Salem moms and asked what their favorite parks were. In no particular order, the top five were:
1. Wes Bennett
Wes Bennet park has two different play areas with one intended for younger children as well as bigger play set to challenge your older kids. The park is adjacent to Pringle elementary. If you visit on a busy weekend remember you can park in Pringle's parking lot. There are also a few small walking trails that my 2 year old really enjoyed! This park has a lot to offer, and we can't wait to visit when the splash pad opens (June 19th). The only main drawback is that there are no restrooms! So make sure you have an exit strategy if one your little ones has to go all of a sudden.
2. Orchard Heights
Orchard Heights is kind of the whole package. With play structures for both big and little, it also has basketball courts, tennis courts, nice walking trails, and porta pottys!
There were plenty of logs perfect for taking a break and reading a story while enjoying a snack! (The walking trails are fairly short.)
3. Bryan Johnston
What a neat park! This park has play equipment you don't see at a lot of parks and definitely a place you want to check out! Once again, they have play structures separated for the under five crowd, and then the 5-12 crowd. There are also walking trails, picnic tables, and chess/checkers tables! This is a great park to pack a lunch and enjoy your afternoon at. Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms.
4. Bush
The playground isn't huge, but it definitely is inviting! It has one play area so all kids will be playing together. Alongside the play-set, it has a lot of equipment to allow older kids to spin their sillies out. A large swing seat with a pull down harness allows children of all abilities to swing alongside their friends. This park has additional swings down the walking path. This park also has great areas to throw a frisbee, go for a walk, or enjoy a picnic. Bring your scooter or bike and let your little ones enjoy riding along the paved paths. This park also has rose gardens and the Bush Barn Art Center and Gallery to help fill your afternoon. Bonus, this park does have bathrooms!
5. Hillview City Park
What a nice park if you want more of a private affair. This park is rarely ever crowded and has lots of play equipment to choose from. It also has a gazebo, great for hiding from the elements if the weather turns bad. Once again, there are no bathrooms so be prepared!
I hope this list inspires you to explore a new park this week!
