Moseley Woods (Corner of Merrimac and Spofford Streets, Newburyport)
The big kids are back in school. This means our playgrounds are a lot quieter. We don’t have to worry about our toddlers being knocked down by mammoth ten year olds. No teenagers are giving our preschoolers the evil eye because their tricycles are taking up valuable real estate on the basketball court. Even better, the summer heat has abated. There is no better time to pack up the little ones and visit the park! This week I am going to let you know about a few of my favorites.
Bet you didn’t know that Newburyport has its very own dinosaur! Okay, it’s not a real dinosaur. But, it is a pretty cool replica of a dinosaur skeleton. And, unlike the dinosaur at The Museum of Science, kids can climb on this one. The dinosaur is the mascot of this wooded playground on the banks of the Merrimack River. There is also a fake hollowed out log for kids to climb over and through, a synthetic boulder to scale, and a thrill inducing zip line. Right in the middle of the playground is a traditional climbing structure. However, this climber is extra tall with fast moving and bumpy slides. A swing set allows kids the feel of flying through the air. Overlooking the river is a gazebo with picnic tables, the perfect place for a little picnic. If you are a true adventurer, there are trails leading from the playground into the woods and to the river banks. But be careful! My five year old swears the woods are full of bears and lions and that the river may be full of pirates.
Tips- This playground is best for those at least 3 years old. There is a bathroom. Bring bug spray.
Ahoy Matey! This playground is paradise for all pirate wannabees. The first thing you will notice about the park is the large pirate ship right in the center. In front of the ship are two dolphin sculptures to “ride” on. There are swings for big kids, bucket swings for the tots, and a good size climbing structure. The back side of the playground has a separately fenced area with a climbing structure specifically for the toddlers. The playground is bordered by a baseball field, tennis court, basketball court, and plenty of open space. This park also borders the Merrimack River and is a great spot for the kids to watch the boats head under the bridge. If you time it right, they will even get to see the Route 1 bridge rise!
Tips- Let the kids bring their bikes or scooters, this park is adjacent to the Clipper City Rail Trail. Parking in the lot is a bit tight.
Action Cove (15 Bachelor St., West Newbury)
Just head west on Route 113 into West Newbury and you on your way to Action Cove. My kids affectionately call this park, “Castle Park”. The entire perimeter of the playground is a large wood structure that resembles a castle or a fort. This is a place to run, climb, and use your imagination! The “castle” offers plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in. I must warn you that your kids will hide and it is very easy to quickly lose track of them. In the middle of the structure is a sandbox and toddler swings for the little ones and there are regular swings and a tire swing on the other side of the structure.
Tips- There is a portable toilet stall (If you are desperate). On a hot day, this park is full of sun and has little shade. Sunblock and cool drinks are a requirement.
Amesbury Town Park (28 Highland St., Amesbury)
Amesbury has a truly beautiful playground in their town park. They have left the old metal slide and other equipment standing. Remember Merry Go Rounds? I haven’t seen one in a playground since I was a little girl. Amesbury has one! They also have added plenty of “modern” equipment. There is a large extensive climbing structure, complete with chains to maneuver over and tunnels to climb through. This playground has several tire swings, regular swings, and toddler swings. There are smaller structures for little guys and a wood car with steering wheels for up to four drivers. When my boys were younger they made a bee-line for the “digger”, which is a seat with a manual lever to pick up and move sand. Another big draw is the pond, home to plenty of ducks and geese.
Tip- There is a skate park for older kids. A bathroom is available. Parking is limited.
These are just my personal favorites. Newburyport is full of playgrounds to explore. Feel free to comment about YOUR favorite park.
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Lisa DeGloria is a freelance writer and somewhat harried mother of 3 boys. She lives in Newburyport and can be reached at lisadegloria@comcast.net
