location: Pawtuxet Village Playground – Commercial Street (just off Broad Street) in Pawtuxet Village Cranston, RI
cost: Free
good for: All ages
The recently renovated Pawtuxet Village Playground is a haven for all children. Tucked in on a quiet neighborhood street, this fenced in park is the perfect place to bring the kids for a day of fun. Both older and younger kids alike will find something suitable to their level of play. The updated play structures allow kids plenty of opportunities to safely climb, slide, spin and balance. There are slides, swings, spring riders, a funky balance beam, a self-controlled spinning seat, and a climbing wall. A play fire truck and a real boat make for easy imaginative play and are hits with the younger crowd. For snack time or a rest, there are plenty of picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the grounds. Next to the play area there is a large blacktop where older kids will enjoy the use of two basketball hoops. This blacktop, as well as a paved walkway encircling the mulched play area, is also a nice feature for those learning to bike or ride a tricycle.
My three-year-old son and his friends have had their fair share of adventures at the Village Playground. Upon arrival they immediately congregate on the fire truck. They take their turns in the front seat, each getting a chance to “drive” using the steering wheels; fortunately there are two. After a trip to Alaska or Florida, the kids are off and running, usually with a couple of new friends. Their next stop may be to the boat where they sail the seas as pirates, braving sharks and big waves. While they run around and laugh with the other kids, I sometimes sit on a bench enjoying a rare quiet moment with the baby. Because this playground is fenced in I feel comfortable giving them some autonomy to roam. After tiring themselves out they mosey on over looking for something to eat. We set up our usual snack “buffet” on one of the many picnic tables. A few bites and they’re off again, this time to the grassy area surrounding the basketball court. They search for the perfect sticks and scramble over tree roots as nature explorers, discovering anthills and ladybugs. On many occasions they ask me over to the playground area where they serve up pretend ice cream at their shop counter under the jungle gym. Their creativity never ceases to amaze me. Even with all the structure of a playground they still find ways to be inventive with their play.
Each time we visit this outstanding playground, nearly everyday in the spring and summer, my son has a wonderful time. No matter how often we come, it never loses its thrill. He arrives excited and leaves exhausted and happy, always having made new friends and discoveries through play.
Hi
Are there babys swings? Thanks!