One of the things that got me started blogging in the first place was sharing about the fun things I like to do with my kids. I firmly believe you can make your own fun doing just about anything. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun or make special memories. So, that’s what I’m doing today. Getting back to the fun things my family and I like to do together.
If you are reading this thinking, I wish there was more to do in my city or town I challenge you to take a closer look at what your city has to offer. Get creative! Check out nonprofits, local businesses, city-owned organizations, etc. Some places offer “discount days,” some places offer certain services for free, and some places are completely free you just have to use your imagination.
Wesselman Woods Nature Playscape?
One of our favorite places to go when the weather is nice is to the Nature Playscape at Wesselman Park (Visit Playscape Website). It’s located in Evansville, which is super convenient for me, it’s inexpensive, and it’s a fun way to get everyone outside. I love spending an afternoon at the Nature Playscape watching my kids play, have fun, and get dirty. The older they get the braver they get and it has been a fun thing to watch over the years. Not only do I love spending time at the playscape, but I also love the time after an afternoon at the playscape. Everyone is exhausted but in a good way. It’s the perfect time to have a family movie night!!
What is the Nature Playscape?
Wyatt, Reese, and I were actually at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Nature Playscape in 2018. It was chaos that day! Thankfully, the crowd has lessened a bit since then.
The Nature Playscape was donated by the Welborn Baptist Foundation as a way to bring the community back to nature. It is a 3-acre, fully enclosed playscape, which is currently the largest in the United States. The Nature Playscape is a safe place for kids to play, explore, use their imagination, and get messy. Another fun thing to note about the Nature Playscape is that there is no premanufactured equipment. Kids are encouraged to use their imagination with sticks, rocks, pinecones, and whatever else they can find. They are encouraged to climb on top of boulders, stick their feet in the stream, and dig in the dirt. A little imagination coupled with all the natural components the playscape has to offer is all anyone needs to have a good time!
Things To Know Before You Go
- Bathrooms – Go to the bathroom in the Nature Center before heading out to the Nature Playscape. There is no restroom within the playscape, which means if someone has to go to the bathroom you have to walk all the way back to the Nature Center (about 1/4 mile).
- Snacks/Drinks – Definitely bring snacks and drinks with you, just make sure to clean up after yourself.
- Sunscreen!!!
- Water Feature – I recommend calling the Nature Center office or checking on Facebook to see if the water feature is up and running that day. There are several reasons the water feature might be turned off, so it’s always good to check. The playscape is still fun without the water feature, but it can be disappointing to the kids if they show up excited to play in the water and it isn’t in working order.
- Admission – There is an admission fee of $3 for ages 3-12, $5 for ages 13 and up. I recommend the annual family membership for $50 if you plan on going more than a couple of times.
- Bring extra clothes and/or a towel.
- Activity Checklist – There is a free printable activity checklist on the park’s website (here). This is a fun and easy way to get acquainted with the space and to get a feel for the grounds. (Or you could print out one of these scavenger hunts and see how many you can complete!)
What Comes with the Nature Center Membership?
- Free admission to the Wesselman Woods Nature Center, Preserve, Nature Playscape, and Howell Wetlands for the entire year.
- 10% off merchandise.
- Access to the Old-Growth Gazette newsletter.
- Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) Reciprocal Membership Privileges. (Louisville Nature Center and the Cincinnati Nature Center are on this list and are only a 2–3-hour drive away).
- Discounts and early access for events, classes, and camps.
I hope you have the opportunity to visit the Wesselman Woods Nature Playscape! It’s one of the many hidden gems in Evansville!
