Somewhere Quaint Wth a Tailless Squirrel

My son and I have enjoyed many visits to Watkins Regional Park. For this column, I asked for my son's descriptions which included: many animals like peacocks, ducks, and even a squirrel without a tail! He's referring to the little farm, which is open year round and also includes huge hogs and ponies. By the way, it's free to visit this part of the park.

Then he continued: there's the awesome mini-golf, and the carousel. The carousel is just a $1.50 per ride, and the golf $3.75 per round for residents. The carousel is an antique so it does occasionally break down, but we're not done yet.

There's one of the largest playground setups I've ever seen, and I noticed last time they seemed to have the areas set up by age appropriate equipment. Now I was chasing my very active kid but hopefully they still have this setup.

Don't forget the train, Mom, when we sat in the front, on our perfect day? You know as a parent you may have a few days when you just can't connect with your kid? Me too. To break that chain I grab his hand, he's 13 so not much longer, and we go outside. What a difference green space has on our ability to communicate. But the antique train, open same schedule as carousel and golf, was part of a very perfect day. Just $1.50 per ride, but heads and ears up: the whistle is very loud sitting up front. It's an open train and the track runs though the shady woods, passing the little farm. For that short ride, feeling that slight elusive breeze, then hearing my kid, look at me and say  I'm the best mom ever-could the day be more perfect?

Finally, there's a free nature center that includes birds of prey, often injured, reptiles, creepy bugs like monster roaches, owls-again being rehabilitated, an indoor turtle pond and a small but uber nice gift shop: think holiday shopping. Some prices seem way too low, so I just buy a lot. Bonus 1: They host birthday parties—my son has had two—but you must book a few months in advance. Bonus 2: If you visit the center while they have the lights display in December, stay until closing, then enjoy the lights as you leave. My son has a December birthday so we'd plan the party this way. Normally you'd have to pay to see the lights, but being frugal, we were already in the park. SCORE.

 I recommend going early on very hot Sundays as it gets busy with family reunions, etc. But one summer Sunday, pack a picnic, lots of drinks, hats and sunscreen, don't forget your camera, as you're off to find your family's perfect day at Watkins where it feels, as my son so succinctly said, quaint and hidden away. Let me know how it goes.

Note: The mini-golf, carousel and antique train will be open starting in May, pre-Memorial Day, most Thursdays and Fridays: 10-3, and most weekends: noon-5. Usually they only have the Memorial to Labor Day schedule. And more good news, they'll be open weekends in September: Saturdays 10-7, Sundays 12-7. Also, beginnng 9 a.m. Saturday Feb. 26 is when residents can begin summer camp registration for their kids through M-NCPPC .