Meridian Park in NE Lacey

Meridian Park is a new city park in northeast Lacey just off Willamette. I believe it's the only city park in that area of Lacey so families north of I-5 and east of Marvin Rd no longer have to trek so far just to play at a park!

This park has a decent number of parking spaces, sun and shade, restrooms, a toddler playground and a big kid playground, 2 regular swings and 2 baby swings, a basketball court and a covered picnic area.

There is also plenty of open space to run around, kick a ball, fly a kite, etc. It's a nice park, but there's nothing particularly unique about it. So unless you live nearby, you may not want to make a special trip.

Picking Strawberries

Picking strawberries is such a great activity. It gets your kids outdoors for a healthy activity AND a healthy snack!

We got an early start as we're early risers in the Gilday household (not by mommy and daddy's choice of course).  I believe we started shortly after 9 am - and by the time we were leaving at 10, the cars were piling in.  

At the Spooners on Yelm Highway, you just pull to the back covered building. They set you up with the basket and send you on your way to an area that is waiting to be picked!  We probably picked strawberries for 30 minutes or so. The perfect amount of time to snap a few pictures, get plenty of berries, have fun and even get muddy.  For less than $10, we picked more than we'll probably be able to eat before they go bad. And after 30 minutes of bending and squatting, I'm reminded why picking strawberries is the perfect summer job for a teenager - not someone in their 30's! 

Helpful hints on berry care:

*always refrigerate immediately (berries will continue to ripen if not refrigerated)

*don't wash berries until ready to use

*rinse berries lightly and let dry on paper towels

*rinse strawberries with the stems on

Happy picking!!

Holy Smokito!

Picture courtesy of Britt Watkins

Today in Thurston county was a whopping 93 degrees and nasty hot. Some like it hot and some not so much.

Here are a few places to cool off with your kids for free oh with the exception of a must have cold one (Iced Coffee, that is!)

1. Millersylvannia Park- Located off Tilley Rd in Tumwater. Has a nice lake to take the kids to. A small beach from area with picnic tables and BBQ pits. The best part enjoy a cold latte while you take the kids for a dip. There is a small snack bar. This is my sister in laws favorites spots and our boys love it.

Bummer: Can be a tiny bit crowded

Bonus: Fun lake with a snack bar

2. Kenney Dell Park in Tumwater. Nice and cool Black Lake a great summer spot. Although recently I have noticed its very popular, but what lake is not during this time.

Bummer: Can also be crowded

Bonus: Awesome jumping dock

3. Pioneer Park off Henderson in Tumwater. Its a three minute walk to the Deschutes River so I recommend a great terrain strollers with packed with all your goods, you wont want to go back to the car for a while :) Only bummer the bathrooms are far from the River which is okay for boys but girls may not like squatting behind a bush! Its wonderful however lots of fun for kids. Finding a spot with shallow water is easy just need to watch out for the small rapids.

Bummer: Far bathrooms and far walk

Bonus: Lots of shade from the sun great trails

4. Heritage Fountain Park down town Olympia. This is fun and for the most part unless you have brave children who like to put there eye in a fountain hole its very safe fun. I recommend aqua shoes for running (even when you tell them not to, you and I know they will!)

Bummer: Bathrooms are a ways away

Bonus: Bayview is not to far to get snacks and a cold latte!

5. Tangelwild Pool located in Lacey.

I have not been here can anyone attest for this one??

6. Priest Point Park Olympia also Burfoot Park If you are up for an adventure then this is the one for you. Beautiful trails that lead to the Puget Sound. I love this hike with another helping hand such as daddyo! So much to explore and see.

Bummer: The hike

Bonus: The Hike!

I would love to add to this list if you have suggestions Please comment or authors write in anytime.

I have two suggestions for a far away splash off.

1. Stewart Heights In Tacoma its a small fee to get in but worth it. Oh I love to take my kids to this mini park adventure.

Bummer: The drive

Bonus: The awesome water slides for the big kids and the small structures for babies!

2. Tacoma Metro Spray Ground Parks and Wading Pools

Bummer: The drive and the silliness of Olympia not having them.

Bonus: New playground :)

Lattins Cider Mill

Today we went to the Lattins Country Cider Mill. Excellent for a summer outing. Its a small friendly family owned farm. You must go on the weekend to have a superb apple fritter. Although we frequent this farm in the fall. Its very nice in the summer as well. There is a small produce stand as well, you can now find asparagus, radishes, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce and even avocado. Delicious cold cider on a hot day a bonus!
An old favorite for us!
Bathrooms: Yes
Eatery: Delicious variety of sweets $
Cost: free entrance