Imagination at play

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” —Fred Rogers

Time spent appreciating nature and all the creatures in it fosters in children a sense of stewardship and wonder. Dynamic sensory experiences and overcoming challenges through outdoor playtime can boost a child’s self-confidence, critical thinking skills, creativity and cognitive development.

If you’re looking for the perfect outlet to unleash your kiddos’ imagination, head to Lake Metroparks Nature Play at Penitentiary Glen Reservation or Adventure Play at Jordan Creek Park. 

“Our philosophy is to let kids explore the outdoor world in a safe way,” Lake Metroparks Assistant Chief of Outdoor Education Becky Parkin says. “We want them to roam, to feel the freedom and excitement of discovery, pick up rocks in the creek or climb a rock wall and sit on top as if they were king of the world.”

Fenced in and open daily from sunrise to sunset Nature Play is a playground geared toward younger children. It’s built from natural elements designed to encourage hands-on discovery, motivate cooperation through play, encourage social interaction and sharpen decision-making skills that are essential to childhood development.

Children can traverse an acre of green landscape with logs to climb on, tunnels to crawl through and hillsides to roll down.

And for those 7 and older, Adventure Play at Jordan Creek Park features al fresco pastimes such as zip lines, climbing wall, balance obstacles and a 30-foot rope bridge. The park includes two walking trails, a story walk, and creek for things like rock skipping. There is no start or finish line as kids chart their own course for adventure.

Natural play spaces help children understand, appreciate and value nature’s ecosystems. Frequent visits to nature play spaces foster a kinship with nature and promote a greater understanding of our place in the natural world.

Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road in Kirtland. Jordan Creek Park is located at 7250 Alexander Road in Concord Township. To find out more, visit LakeMetroparks.com.