Spring Family Fun: Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Together
With spring in full swing and summer shining on the horizon, it’s a perfect time to make the most of local outdoor activities, especially for families with children. We’ve rounded up parks, playgrounds, and zoos located near Related properties that have family-friendly features like bike paths, picnic spots, splash pads, sports courts, and more.
New York City: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is an expansive stretch that offers something for everyone—bike and foot trails, wetlands, a marina, a variety of sports fields, and a carousel. But one of the main draws is the Pier 6 Playgrounds that go beyond your basic slides and swings. Splash around in the Water Lab, experience a huge sandbox with slides at the Sandbox Village, and let your little ones get energy out on the ropes at Swing Valley. Spend the day and have lunch at the picnic tables or grilling areas and pick from multiple ice cream vendors for dessert. The park’s picturesque backdrop of Lower Manhattan adds to the fun and wonder. 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Washington, DC: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Although it’s a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, spring’s mild weather is a prime time to visit Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. Noteworthy animals to see include the Andean bear, Asian elephants, lions, tigers, Western lowland gorillas, and more. Animal-curious children will enjoy daily demos, such as meeting reptiles, feedings, and conversations with animal keepers. In addition to animal exhibits, families can enjoy the Me and the Bee Playground, the Speedwell Conservation Carousel, the Squirt Zone tide pool, and much more. 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Chicago: Maggie Daley Park
Chicago families with children will want to check out Maggie Daley Park—especially its jam-packed, three-acre Play Garden. Designed with whimsy in mind and callouts to Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, children under 12 can explore a selection of separate yet interconnected play spaces. Choose from all-ages playscapes like the Wave Lawn and the Enchanted Forest, take little ones to The Watering Hole or The Harbor, and let older kids explore The Sea and Slide Crater. The park boasts other family-friendly features, such as a climbing wall, mini golf, picnic groves, rollerblade and micro scooter rentals, tennis courts, and more. 337 E Randolph Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
West Palm Beach: Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo is bursting with greenery, trees, and tons of animals and activities for families to enjoy. Experience animals like alligators, tigers, sloths, and spider monkeys through animal encounters (meeting koalas!), shows, and hands-on feedings. The zoo’s interactive Nature Play Pavilion takes things a step further by encouraging kids to act like cats, otters, monkeys, and tortoises. Or, cool off from the hot South Florida weather at the zoo’s splash pad, the Palm Beach Zoo Play Fountain. There’s also a wildlife-themed carousel and the opportunity to rent super-fun Safari Wagons to cart kids around in style. 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Boston: Martin’s Park
The playscape at Martin’s Park on the Smith Family Waterfront Seaport in Boston speaks to the park’s nautical theme. The central ship structure includes a gangway, cargo climbing cubes, a talk tube, and a flag that children can raise and lower. Kids can explore a timber maze featuring pier posts, a climbing net, a large basket swing, two tunnel slides, and a climbing sphere. The best part? The space is designed with accessibility and children of all abilities in mind. On the walkways, families will find musical and sensory structures, and take in inviting scenery from 350 trees, 700 shrubs, 9,400 ground cover plantings, and 4,400 white daffodils. 64 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210
San Francisco: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Meet over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals like zebras, giraffes, gorillas, penguins, and more at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. Learn about the zoo’s inhabitants from interpretive ambassadors, docents, bio-fact carts, and talking storybooks. In addition to animals, the 100-acre space set against the Pacific Ocean features lush gardens, the historic 1921 Eugene Friend Dentzel Carousel, and the 1904 miniature Little Puffer steam train. Meanwhile, the modern Elinor Friend Playground features play spaces for all abilities and ages. 1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
Los Angeles: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Let your kids burn off some energy at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, which features five miles of walking paths and an expansive playground with areas separated by age groups. Add a tranquil element to your outing by taking in the park’s Japanese garden and fishing lake. Other family-friendly amenities include basketball and volleyball courts, barbecue and picnic areas, and more. The unparalleled views of downtown LA round out the list of reasons to visit. 4100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90056
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