While family was visiting, we went on a picnic to the wine country (at the well-loved V. Sattui Winery) followed by a trip to see the redwood trees at Muir Woods. Wanting to make sure Eli had plenty of wiggles on a day with lots of driving, it seemed like a great time to try out Playground Fantastico in Napa. I first heard about the playground through Red Tricycle website/newsletter for California parents. (Thanks for the tip, Sarah!)
We loved Playground Fantastico! This public park designed by children got two thumbs up from the kids in our family ages 2 to 12, yet even the 17 year-old and parents enjoyed it.
There's a "tot lot" with swings, ramps, stationary riding toys, and tiny buildings to explore...
The "big kids" side (ages 5 to 12) has a rambling castle full of nooks and crannies and escape routes...
The zone between the two playgrounds is a sand area presided over by a huge lizard. I was so pleased to see that a big triangle of canvas provides shade to much of the sand!
Everybody's favorite part of the playground, however, was the sand and water section on the edge of the tot lot. A low wall with a tile-lined water channel separates the water play area from the rest of the playground. Kids can turn a knob to get water to flow down this tiny river.
It has shade too!
A huge fish and turtle rise up out of the sand...
One Mama's Two Cents: Love, love, love Playground Fantastico! Admittedly, at first I wondered how I was going to keep my toddler dry when the ankle-deep puddles of the water play area were sorely tempting him. Definitely bring tall boots if you visit in winter! Thankfully, our day warmed up considerably so I could give Eli the green light, stripping him down to a swim diaper and turning him loose. I think all the kids would have happily played at Playground Fantastico all day. There are plenty of shady picnic tables, so take a cooler full of food/drinks and plenty of sand toys including a few boats. You'll want extra clothes and a few towels too. There is an adjacent parking lot and bathrooms, so that makes visiting easy. In fact, there is an elementary school next to the playground and it is a popular destination for summer camps, daycares, etc., so be prepared for sudden influxes of kids.
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