Mommy Connections Fave 5 CBRM Parks

06/22/2018

Well today is the first official day of summer and I have to say, it is truly one of the best days! I remember back to being a kid and loving the extra hours of daylight to play in. School would winding down and the excitement of beach days and picnics in the park would be in the forefront of my mind. Well, not much has really changed since those days, except for now I have my own children and it’s them having those very same thoughts.

So the question becomes, where do we spend our days with our children to soak up that glorious sunlight? Well, as a mom of four kids, I know that they need to get outside. They need to run. They need to play. If you find yourself wondering what park or playground would be best, I have made a list of my top 5 favourite parks in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality:

1. Open Hearth Park – 109 Ferry Street, Sydney – http://www.openhearthpark.ca/

On the grounds of the former Steel Plant and “open hearth” sits a brand new playground with foam padded surface, water play in the splash park, and many benches where parents and caregivers can rest and easily see their little one. The facility offers canteen services throughout the day. There are washrooms. There is a walking track that can be used for biking as well. Within the park sits a football field where our local high school, Sydney Academy, plays and practices during the season. There is plenty of space for a picnic. Throughout the summer they have events and activities taking place.  For updates on upcoming events and for more information, please visit: www.openhearthpark.ca

2. Indian Beach – 445 Purves Street, North Sydney

This recently updated playgrounds sits on the shore of Indian Beach. It has baby swings, swings for persons with physical disabilities, and some pretty cool new areas for play. The improved landscape and parking lot make it easy to access. My kids also enjoy combing the beach for treasures. For more info: http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/

3. Two Rivers Wildlife Park – Marion Bridge

There is so much to do here! This park is situated on the beautiful and famous Mira River. You can literally spend the entire day here and then some! Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and make use of the picnic area after you have had a visit with the animals! Your little ones will love the shaded walk through the trail while they wait with anticipation to see what animal will be next. There is wagon rides, petting zoo, U fish, swimming, and a playground! They even offer camping! Washrooms are on site and through the trail as well. There is a admission cost of $7 per adult and $5 for youth with children under 2 for free! They are open daily in the summer from 10-7pm and winter 10-5. For more information please visit: www.tworiverspark.ca

4. Louisa Gardens – Sydney’s Northend Park – 99 Debarres Street, Sydney

This playground is tucked away in Sydney’s north end. It is a beautiful park that is not overcrowded and perfect for kids of all ages. They have baby swings and plenty of slides. There is picnic tables with shaded covers over the top which is a perfect spot to stop for lunch or a snack. There are also plenty of benches for parents and caregivers to stop and rest while watching your little ones play and burn off that energy. There is also a tennis court attached to the park. My husband and I were just there last weekend with our 21 month old and he had a fabulous time! Lots of fun things to do there. There is a Facebook for anyone looking for more information.

5. Southside Ball Field – Glace Bay

In the summer my kids love to visit Big Glace Bay Beach! It is a must on the summer to do list. It’s always nice to visit a playground as well while in another great area of the CBRM. This park has recently been updated and renovated with a soon to be splash park. This park is great for school aged kids who love to climb! Some of the upgrades that have been done or planning to be done are: splash pad, new parking lot, walking track, playground, basketball and road hockey court. Canteen services are also in the plan. The idea was for this park that anyone and everyone can enjoy a fun day here! More information on http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/

Don’t forget to stay protected from the sun, bring water and snacks, pack a change of clothes and bathing suit, and most importantly to play safe!