Explore Your Local Playgrounds And State Parks

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Even if you are not a outdoor enthusiast I think you are missing out on the beauty of your new town if you don’t take time to explore its State Parks and playgrounds.

God’s creation certainly shines in the beauty of nature around us and nature is protected in its true form in our state parks.

Hiking, biking, swimming, and camping are all great ways to explore state parks. Depending on the nature of the state park of course.

As for playgrounds my favorite way to explore them when my kids were little was to combine friend making with playground exploring. After just one year of living in our new town one of the MOPS groups I joined announced that they would be meeting in parks over the summer. Another bible study I joined decided to extend their group into the summer months by offering pure fellowship times at a different park each week.

What was nice about visiting parks with other moms with little ones was more than one pair of eyeballs helped in keeping the kids corralled and safe. I could take the potty training child to the potty while another mom watched the older ones for a moment.

My kids had time to make friends while I also had time to make friends and we also found some great parks to enjoy that made us all make our new home feel more like home. Now that is a win win.

If your bible study or MOPS doesn’t do this be brave and suggest in your small group that you would love to meet at a certain park at a certain time and day of the week through out the summer. Those that are interested can message you on Facebook. Then start a private group on Facebook just for your park hop group and start mixing up the parks you attend each week. I am guessing at least a few moms will be interested once you share your desire and I also am guessing that the group will grow over the good weather months. So be bold and take the first step towards making close friends for you and your children and exploring your towns parks at the same time: start a park hop group.

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This post is part of the New Town to Hometown series. Use the links below to dig into the series.

Introduction: My Story

Part One: Becoming Friend Worthy

1. It all begins with fellowship with God
2. The most important lesson in friendship building
3. Are you welcoming?
4. Create mutual bonds
5. Meet a need and make a friend
6. Don’t try to look perfect
7. Not everyone is going to be your friend

Part Two: Places To Find Friends

1. Start the search online
2. Church
3. Community
4. MOPS
5. Homeschooling groups
6. Be the neighbor with the active porch swing
7. Breaking the ice and setting goals

Part Three: Creating Community

1. Research before you leave

2.Visit your new local visitors center

3. Make a to see list

4.Take a Sunday drive

5.Study the areas history

6.Take part in all things local

7.Explore local state parks and playgrounds (you are here)

Silly Stories Of My Moving Adventure

1. It is going to be a long trip
2. When you give a two year old a marker
3. I was a soap opera star for just one day
4. A sign that the long trip was about to end
5. What happens when your landmarks become cornfields