Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Tyler State Park with the Fam

The last time we visited Tyler State Park was back in March when I did the Looney Leperchaun 10K. I remember running through corn fields and being surprised at how many hills there were throughout the trail run's course. Something I particularly remembered was that the kiddos really liked the playground there (they played while I ran). 

With nothing planned on Sunday, we decided to check out the park, not only for the playground but to also explore what else the park had to offer. After a picnic lunch, the kiddos enjoyed the playground. I even had a bit of fun myself. I was so proud of myself for going all the way across these monkey bars. I can't remember the last time I had ever gone across (I was probably in elementary school) but I did it! T25 has definitely made me stronger. I'm pretty sure I couldn't do this a month ago.

After playing on the playground, we headed to another section of the park where you can cool off in the Creek. Lots of people were wading in the creek, also saw some people fishing. 
We saw some kayaks and canoes, as there was a place where you can rent them.
 
After playing in the creek for a bit, we decided to do the short nature trail hike that was close by.
This is a perfect hike for little kiddos as it is very short and has lots of little things that kids will find interesting, like going over a log, and crossing a bridge.
The hike is a short loop and it took us less than a half hour to do the loop.
There are other hiking trails throughout the park and a map of them here. Hubby had heard of a neat old bridge in the park that was pretty interesting so we decided to check it out. Before getting back to the car, we did come across this near the creek. 
Pretty freaky that this was by the creek, after all we were soaking our feet around in it. :p 
As to the bridge, it is called the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge. It was first built in 1847 but then rebuilt in 1997 as the old burned in 1991. It's pretty neat looking.
Tyler State Park is a great place to visit. There was lots to do and the kiddos had a blast! Their favorite part was playing around in the creek.