Moms Talk: Park Time

Q: Can you recommend some of your favorite local parks?

A: The weather outside is, well, delightful. We are surrounded by parks. Hitting one up for a few hours is a perfect family-friendly way to spend the day. Flowers are blooming, squirrels are trying to steal seeds from the soil and kids are raring to play outside.

Parents can either soak up the sun or bring along a book, let the kids play while catching up with a friend or relative on the phone or climb a tree. Careful though, the kids will want to join for sure.

Capitola, Soquel and their surroundings have many parks to choose from, but here are some of our favorites:

• , which is best known for the enormous blue ball sculptures spread around its perimeter, has something for everyone—a play structure, slides, plenty of room to roam, swings and benches.
• Nisene Marks is not a playground type of park, but it does offer kids a dirt bike area and plenty of trails for hiking. Take turns with other parents watching the kids tire themselves out in the bike park while hitting the trails for a hike or jog. The dirt bike park is great, because kids of all ages ride, and the adults who are around are friendly and helpful when the occasional crash occurs.
• Wilder Ranch State Park is north of Santa Cruz along the Pacific coast. Horses, cattle, goats, chickens and a barn cat are among the animals on this exciting outing. Make a day of it by adding in a hike or bike ride. Bring a picnic lunch and check out old farm equipment.
• Roaring Camp Railroads, along Graham Hill Road, is a great place to picnic, walk around with the family and explore the redwoods. There is a short loop hike just adjacent to Roaring Camp, in Henry Cowell Redwoods. It’s easy enough for any fitness level, and strollers can even traverse the mellow path. Grab a self-guided trail map and learn about the extra-large trees along the path.