Taking your children to a local park can allow them to get some extra exercise while spending quality time with family and friends. Making preparations before you leave the house may ensure you have a good experience. Below, you'll find helpful tips on how to get ready to go to a recreation area with your young ones. 

How to Prepare for Going to the Park With Kids

1. Pack Snacks & Drinks

Playing ball games, climbing jungle gyms, and running around with the family dog at parks can quickly cause kids to work up an appetite. Packing a small cooler filled with healthy snacks such as sliced fruit, veggie sticks, and crackers gives your children something to eat and replenish their energy. Remaining hydrated is also crucial, as kids lose fluid through sweat while playing, so bring refillable water bottles, and add sports drinks and boxed juices to your ice chest. 

2. Wear the Right Shoes

Parks may use abrasive materials such as gravel, shredded bark, and wood chips on pathways and parking lot surfaces. Making sure your child wears shoes that completely cover the feet and have sturdy soles can prevent discomfort and injuries. Avoid crocs, sandals, and flip-flops, as these shoes may cause trip and fall hazards while your kids run around or use playground equipment. You might also want to bring wipes and bandages in case of accidental trips.

3. Bring a Towel & Blanket

Towels come in handy at parks because you can use them to sop up moisture on wet benches, swings, or slides before your child sits on or uses them. Additionally, since these surfaces may become hot as a result of absorbing heat from the sun, laying down a towel can prevent your kids from getting burned. You might also use a towel to wipe mud or sand off your child before you get back into the car, which can prevent the interior from becoming soiled. 

4. Learn More About the Park

Doing light online research about parks in your area can give you a better idea about their amenities and attractions, allowing you to choose one that best matches your kids' interests. For instance, if your children love playing basketball or volleyball, take them to a park that has a sports complex where they can play these games on a real court. You can also check to make sure the recreation area includes their favorite playground equipment, such as slides, monkey bars, and swing sets. Additionally, look at maps to determine the locations of restrooms so your kids won't have to walk too far to use the bathroom. 

Help your children get some extra exercise and have fun by taking them to parks managed by Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department. They operate several recreation areas that include sports complexes, event spaces, and fitness centers throughout Jacksonville, AR. Call (501) 982-4171 to ask about locations, and visit the website to learn more about their attractions and amenities.