Any moms of serious little climbers out there? If you're like me, you're itching to get your kids back to the parks, so what to do while we wait for them to reopen?
Enter Barfield Crescent Park. This is hands-down one of my favorite places to take the kids for its amazing outdoor attractions and activities where even the most active kiddos can find plenty to climb. Bonus: the heavily forested area provides respite from summer's blazing heat and even moderate shelter in light rain. Bring bikes, bug spray, and some shoes and clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and get ready for a full morning (or afternoon) of nature fun for all ages.
Here are 9 ways to run, jump and play at Barfield Park.
1. Trails
Barfield Park hosts over 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails, which means there's plenty of space for kiddos to get out the wiggles. Even very small children can have a fantastic sensory play date by scrambling over rocks, touching roots, and feeling soft moss. Older kids will love exploring nooks and crannies in the acres of limestone and finding bright critters like millipedes and centipedes.
2. Wilderness Station
My kids and I stay close to this welcoming hub located at the back of the park. Find maps of the park, pick up a scavenger hunt or nature bingo sheet, or just chat with park staff to learn more about the area. While the interior of the station is closed temporarily due to Covid concerns, you can still purchase educational games, toys, snacks and even disc golf Frisbees from the porch. Oh yes, and thank goodness, the bathrooms are open!
3. Gardens
I'm slowing working to improve my green thumb, but the kids and I have received so much inspiration from the gardens surrounding the Wilderness Station (you can also enjoy fields of wildflowers cultivated around the park). Take a slow walk through the flower and butterfly gardens and also catch site of hummingbirds and other feathered friends. Small raised-bed vegetables around the station show what grows well in our area.
4. Family activity trails
Need a little inspiration on the trails? Children and parents alike can have fun following instructions next to attractions like Sand Lake and the nature climbing trails for kids. Use your five senses to take in the beauty of the area and be surprised at what you find.
5. Animal watching
For those of us who live in neighborhoods without a great deal of wildlife, Barfield Park provides great opportunities for learning about watching and caring for local animals. See resident hawks Sadie and Rayda, view turtles at the pond, and other special animals brought out for pop-up programs. Jump in the bird-watching station and follow the guides to see what feathered friends to look for.
6. Picnicking
Picnic tables are open at the park, and it's one of our favorite places to get a lunch with a view. Take a seat next to Sadie's cage, or spread out next to the trails for a shaded place to relax. Other spaces around the parks come complete with horse shoe course (bring your own shoes) and tether ball.
7. Get tied up in knots
I'm always wowed by the number of Eagle Scout projects that have been completed around the park. One of the most impressive is the knot-tying board behind the Wilderness Station. Kids and adults can wrestle with the rope and learn what knots work best for different purposes. It's addicting!
8. Disc golf
The whole family gets a work out on the 18-hold championship disc golf course. Be aware that it stays busy, so keep littles near a hole or two to prevent any unwanted collisions. Teens and adults will enjoy the hiking and skill challenge throughout the park
9. Educational programs
While regular programs are interrupted because of Covid, keep watch for pop-up programs and updates on the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation and Outdoor Murfreesboro Facebook pages.
Barfield Crescent Park is located at 697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro.
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama living in the Blackman Community of Murfreesboro with her husband Nathan and their two children. Follow @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram for more family fun in and around the city.