Parks in the US

Different than in the Netherlands, it is quite common in the US to take your kids to the park and spend hours. Some families bring food to BBQ and make it a whole day event, similar to Dutchies going a day to the beach.

In the US however this can happen every day of the weekend (or both) and even during the week at the end of the day.

The parks are build to host these family events with minor attractions and ammenities such as BBQ's, play structures, creeks, and so on. We are fortunate enouhg to have Vasona Park close to our house where they run a miniature train through the park which Luke and Nikki love.

On the weekend when Maureen spends some quality time tennis, squash, dancing, and/or yoga I take them out. It is typically several hours spend jumping on the train, having Luke keep up on his bike, buying popcorn, messing around in the creek, playing in the sand box, and me chasing them down.

As we return from this trip, both of them fall asleep for hours, Maureen comes home revitalized, and I feel like the Dad I could not be during my weekday trips. So everybody's happy.