Celebrating a Preschool Graduate & Top 6 Parks for Picnics

And, just like that, I’m watching my youngest, Claire, have her final preschool days at The School of Grace. While I know we’ll have a full summer together, her preschool graduation means her kindergarten milestone is just around the corner in August, and it’ll be a big changing of the guard moment for me.

I’ve had the lucky opportunity to stay home with the girls over the past 7 years! Having both girls in elementary school next year means I’m losing more time with them. While I’m excited to have more time to myself, I’ll miss staying so connected. And, these final few days signify a lot of “lasts” with just her.

• Last days walking her into preschool and watching her “sign in”
• Last days getting a big squeeze as I pass her onto her teacher
• Last days she hangs with me after school eating a snack, helping or running amok in the classroom
• Last days her and I sing to the Trolls soundtrack or Avett Bros with the windows down after we drop big sis at school
• Last impromptu mid-day park visits
• Last days she runs up to me for hugs on the preschool playground
• Last days I get to spend a solid four hours of uninterrupted together time being her Helping Parent

While I’m hopeful she’ll mature a little this summer, I wrestle with the desire to let her be her. As much as she brings the potty words energy to the party, she also gives the best hugs ever and loves to have picnics. Though we’ve been butting heads a lot lately (probably our way of processing the upcoming changes) I’m so proud of this spunky, comedic, crazy, intensely loving chic!

Top 6 Parks for Picnics with Preschoolers

Like I mentioned above Claire loves picnics. She loves to throw them for her lovies at home, bring them to friends’ houses or to a park. Here are our 6 favorite local parks to have a picnic:

1. Roanoke Park (Five Points, 1500 Cherokee Dr) – features a large open grassy area adjacent to a smaller age playground area with lots of benches; open field has several trees along the perimeter perfect for climbing and a shady picnic; I’m a huge fan of ordering take out from Nofo and picnicking here
2. North Wake Landfill Park (North Raleigh, 9300 Deponie Dr) – enjoy a picnic under the large pavilion next to the playground area; if you want to take in amazing 360-degree views of Wake County, hike the short but steep trail to the top of the hill
3. Lassiter Mill Historic Park (ITB, intersection of Lassiter Mill Rd & Lassiter Circle) – throw a blanket down on the sandy beach near Crabtree Creek, provided the water levels aren’t too high; then, skip some rocks in the water together or wade out into the water
4. Mordecai Mini Park (ITB, 1122 N Blount St) – features lots of shady spots on the mulch or at the picnic tables; great fenced-in playground for kids of all ages with slides, swings and climbing areas; walk to Escazu for amazing hot chocolate or ice cream push-pops afterwards
5. Dorothea Dix Park (ITB, multiple access points) – has a mix of picnic spots with views of downtown Raleigh, tree groves, and open grassy areas; our favorite picnic spot is near the Big Field (101 Blair Dr) under the trees along the perimeter; the girls love to ride their bikes, barrel roll down the hills, or kick the ball around
6. Anderson Point Park (east Raleigh, 20 Anderson Point Dr) – follow the paved trail around the park for several picnic options; enjoy a picnic while swinging on the bench swings overlooking the park; sit on the stone wall or grassy spots at the amphitheater; walk up the spiral path to another scenic overlook and sit on the wooden benches while enjoying the view; one of our favorite spots to enjoy a picnic is in the large grassy spots near the playground area