The top 5

May 8, 2008 | Print

Tips and Gear for the Park

1. Safe Plastic Sand Toys. Green Toys are made from recycled plastics, eco-consciously produced in California, and phthalate and BPA-free. Plus we like the rope bucket handles.

2. A Great Sun Hat. We’ve tried many brands and styles, Sunday Afternoons SPF Hats have great coverage, stay on (unless it’s really windy), and kids don’t mind wearing them. They come in a range of bright and neutral colors.

3. Delicious, Organic Park Snacks. Easy to pack snacks that kids love to eat.

4. Safe Sliding. We’re hearing more stories lately about young children breaking their legs when riding down slides with adults. Instead of sitting in front of us on the slide with our legs on either side, a child is safest sitting on top of our laps.

5. Follow Their Lead. The park is fascinating, we don’t need to entertain. We let the kids choose where they want to climb and dig.

If they’re drawn to a structure that’s dangerous for them, we gently redirect: “This slide’s steep isn’t it? I see a yellow slide that has stairs you can climb. And a driving wheel. Let’s go try it.”

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