The first official day of Spring is March 20th. It's time to finally enjoy the outdoors with your children, discover new playgrounds, parks and hiking trails. This will allow them to explore climbing, balancing and moving equipment. If they are reluctant to try new things and just want you to push them on a swing, try to negotiate -"one new thing" and then do the familiar thing that they trust. When trying that "one new thing" you may need to combine physical assistance, words that explain the experience or actually do it with them on your lap or holding hands thru the experience.
The South Mountain Recreation Complex is nestled along Northfield Avenue and Cherry Lane in West Orange. The complex features a variety of recreation opportunities including The Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena, Mini-Golf Safari, Paddle Boating, 1.7 mile walkway and the Clipper Pavilion for picnics.
The Children's Regatta Playground is closed for renovations but look for it to be open toward the end of April. It
provides opportunities for the children to see, learn and be entertained. There are so many options to visit in this entire complex, it is best enjoyed in several trips.
Hiking is a fun way for families to get some fresh air, exercise and explore the great outdoors together. The Fairy Trail in Millburn, is a fun and active family outing. Peer into the miniature houses, hammocks, and other whimsical creations for the wee folk. Park at Locust Grove across from the back lot of the Millburn Library and look for the small sign that marks the Fairy Trail (at the entrance to part of the Rahway Trail). The trail starts out flat, but gets knotty and a bit hilly as you go on. Spending about an hour with a preschooler is sufficient. They will have a blast, but do not expect to walk its length. They will love pointing out each house and may ask when they might catch a glimpse of a fairy.
