Carl W. Kroening Nature Center (Minneapolis, MN) has a natural playground was expertly planned on the side of a hill. Directly outside the nature center, it features more fixed structures than most natural playgrounds, which can lend it the feel of a ropes course (though some of the logs fixed in place were starting to deteriorate, which salvaged some of the natural feel for me). The areas at the bottom of the hill feature more loose sticks and branches. The play areas are padded with wood chips with a path of slate chips winding down the hill between them. The hill itself is interspersed with rocks and plants at a gentle enough slope that a 19mo was able to walk down (with a hand to hold). The garden around the play area displays some native plants. Inside the nature center you’ll find some live displays of native fish, reptiles, and amphibians as well as educational displays. At the bottom of the ramp you can find baskets of nature-themed children’s books and natural wood blocks for stacking! Under the trees outside the nature center are lovely boulders to sit on.
Follow the riverside path north a few minutes through to find an expansive playground at North Mississippi Regional Park. The wading pool here reminds me of the seal exhibit with its central stone pillar and I love that!
Nature In Your Nurture 