Top Five Play Spots Around the Rye Nature Center Forest
By Jack Meyers, Environmental Educator (With Heavy Input from our Forest Preschoolers)
Spring has arrived, and here at the Rye Nature Center, with the warmer weather comes a return to whimsical outdoor play. There is no better time to find a spot out in the forest and get an adventure going!
One cannot overstate how beneficial time outdoors is for a child’s development. Unplugging and engaging with nature can do wonders for mental and physical development. Walking on uneven ground, for example, strengthens balance and coordination, while the varied terrain provides a natural challenge that hones motor skills. Furthermore, outdoor exploration encourages curiosity and imagination, fostering creativity as children interact with their surroundings.
That said, a trip to the forest with a young child can be an overwhelming venture, and loaded with lots of questions: Is my child safe playing here? What are some hazards I should look out for? Am I disturbing nature by allowing my child to play here? Where is this infamous ‘Pirate Ship’ I always hear my child mentioning?
As a staff, we are always happy to help guide you on any forest outing but recognize that we are not always so easy to find! So, we hope this article can serve as a sort of “frequently asked questions” resource in our stead.
Without further ado, here are the top five play spots (curated and carefully picked by our forest preschoolers, campers, and park attendees alike), as well as five hazards to look out for while you and your kids romp around in the woods:
1) The Pirate Ship
The Pirate Ship is one of the most frequently requested play spots across the board. It features two completely sturdy and safe fallen trees with lots of protruding roots that help steer the ship, as well as several long logs great for balancing!
Located right alongside our turtle trail, the Pirate Ship is an easily accessible play space, safe for any age!
“I love when Mr. Henry hides and pretends to be the sea monster.”
-Forest Preschooler
2) The Rocket Ship
Consider this next spot a sort of cool older brother to the Pirate Ship. The Rocket Ship serves all the same functions but with slightly more height. With this in mind, this location is preferred for young climbers with a bit more experience.
Located a bit further out, on the far side of Nanderwhere Pond, this play spot is great for the more adventurous and energy-filled children.
“When I go there,
I like to dig.”
-Forest Preschooler
3) The Rye Reflection Space
For those who want to sit back and relax, but still have some climbing options, the Rye Reflection Space is for you! This location, completed by an Eagle Scout, features four Adirondack chairs, some beginner-friendly climbing rocks, and a wonderful amount of sun to bask in.
Between the warm sun, the cozy chairs, and modest play features, there is really no better spot to relax, reflect, and play!
“I like to lie on the rocks and pretend I’m a Lizard.”
-Forest Preschooler
4) The High Point
The High Point may be one of the further locations, but it offers a lot of space and plenty of options for entertainment! Highlights include an immovable glacial erratic (pictured), an open field, and a sun-soaked cliffside for taking in the view of the 47 acres.
Another unique aspect of this play spot is the change in forest type. While most of our trees skew towards deciduous, such as Maple and Oak, the High Point takes on the characteristics of a coniferous forest with its many Pine and Hemlock trees. This gives the whole area a much more mountainous feel.
On a dry sunny day, the smell of pines and the warm atmosphere make it easy to spend hours up here! Plus, with our maze and quarry so close by, there is no shortage of entertainment.
“If we all get together, maybe we can push this rock down the mountain!”
-Forest Preschooler
5) The Viking Platform
Last but not least, our Viking Platform is a great location for little ones who may not be ready to roll around in the dirt. The platform makes for a great spot to sit and read a book, have a snack, or even get some work done!
Right beyond our playground, the Viking Platform is an easily accessible play spot for all ages. This was also an Eagle Scout project!
“Can I have the big chair?”
-Forest Preschooler
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best areas to explore and play, here are some things to be considerate and cautious of when out in about in our woods:
1) Poison Ivy
“Leaves of three,
leave it be!”
If you’ve heard the rhyme, you know to keep clear of these leaves or any red, fuzzy vine!
2) Wildlife – Keeping a Respectful Distance
Our 47-acre forest is a habitat for many different species. From deer to turtles to turkeys, none of these animals are anything to worry about. That said, these woods are their home! So, please always keep a respectful distance when sharing a space with our furry, feathery, or scaley friends.
3) Staying on the Trails
All of our trails are clearly marked and lined with wood chips for safety. When out traversing these trails, please be sure to stay on the trail or in the previously mentioned play spots as much as possible.
4) Unstable Footing
It is always best practice to check for stability before attempting to climb in any new location. Keep in mind that when wet, logs and rocks can become quite slick! Lastly, if you are ever unsure if your child is climbing up too high, a good rule of thumb is to never climb any higher than your own height.
5) Cat Briar, Wineberry, and Other Thorny Plants Alike!
While there are lots of thorned plants throughout our woods, if you follow step three and stay on the trails you should be more than safe!
One last thing to keep in mind…other people. This is a shared community space, please leave no trace, mind your impact, and have fun!