Nature Center and Chilly Weather

Silver Lake: Nature Center

Bristol, PA

January has hit us hard. Between the rain and small amount of snow to the bitter cold temperatures plus the persistent cold that has dogged both Max and I on and off since December, we just haven't gotten out much. It is just simply easier to stay home, watch never-ending episodes of Paw Patrol and Youtube videos about cars while trying to stave off cabin fever. At least once a week, I find myself purging toys and clothes or rearranging items or redecorating a room.

We did have some luck at the beginning of the month. Typically when we go to Silver Lake, we tend to only go to the playground and lakeside. Rarely do we explore the Nature Center side which is truly a shame because it is pretty cool. Not to mention there was a lot over that I simply never noticed. I am an absolute sucker for parks that have little libraries. Positioned by the pavilion dedicated to eating, there is a decorated box where you can take books and leave books.

There is a children's play area on the Nature Center side which includes a small stream (during good weather) with a wooden bridge, balancing steps, hills, and a maze. Since the off season makes everything look dull and brown, it was hard to really decipher all that the children's play area had to offer. I cannot wait to come back when the weather is nicer.

We also discovered a giant bird, frog, and turtle wooden statue outside the Nature Center doors which utterly fascinated Max. The bird was legit bigger than him! He gave kisses to the frog and sat with the turtle before skipping around to examine all the unique angles of the carved statue. Once he had his fill, we continued on. We came to this area with a stone flooring and what looked like reminiscent of fencing you'd see in a zen garden.

The zen-like area faced a beautiful pond that still shone in the cold light of winter. Max attempted to throw dried leaves that still littered the ground into the water only to discover they stuck to his gloves. Once he finally got one in, he raced off to walk the stone wall that was positioned to the right of the pond. Back and forth. Back and forth.

It took a lot of convincing to get to him leave. The cold certainly does not bother him! His smiles were worth braving the chilly day.

Our Stats

Pros: Natural play area for kids, short hikes

Cons: 

Max's Recommendation: "The pond because there are fish in there!"

Overall Rating 6/10

Logan's Garden

Neshaminy State Park

Bensalem, PA

Neshaminy State Park is one of those parks we haven't gone to much. It is a 330 acre state park on Street Rd in Bensalem, PA. One of the things I like most about this park is how vast and versatile it is. There are many walking trails, a pool with a splash pad, a playground, and access to the Delaware River. When the weather is nice, the park is bustling with families that come to have parties and picnics at the many pavilions and picnic tables scattered about.

Yesterday Max and I decided to walk around the park because the playground equipment was still wet. We have had a few days of rain prior with more coming on Friday. The weather was gorgeous so we definitely wanted to take advantage of it! It was by chance that we discovered the path that we did since we were mostly just wandering around aimlessly.

Down an unassuming path named Logan's Walk led us to an old building and garden left over from former residents Robert and Sara Logan circa 1900's. The couple's large mansion has long since been torn down, leaving behind one small building and their remarkable garden. The garden walls resembled that of a formidable castle much like you'd see in a fairy tale. An undistinguishable Humpty Dumpty sat at the top of the concrete walls above the main entrance of the garden. Those striking concrete walls surround only the front part of the garden and a small part of the left side, which remains open. The rest of the garden is fenced in by a wooden paddock fence.

Two large white wooden doors opened up to a beautiful expanse of grass and ruins. To the left of the main entrance sit still intact wall fountain and what appeared to be a reflection pond. Max enjoyed climbing up the left side wall since it resembled steps leading skyward. But I think he mostly enjoyed jumping into the empty fountains.

On the right, there is another large white wooden door that leads in and out of the garden. There is a small pond that almost looks like a hole in the ground not too far from this door. Scattered through the grounds are various pedestals; their statues long gone. It could have been the beautiful fall leaves still dotting the surrounding trees or the slight chill in the air but it felt as if there was magic in that old garden.

 It was certaintly surreal to see people walking the nearby paths of the park in the distance; most were unknowing of the hidden treasure within the woods.

*To reach the garden, we walked to the left end of the paved path from the parking lot. We went past a section of picnic tables and came to the bathrooms. Logan's Walk is to the left of the bathrooms. Follow that down to the gardens.

Our Stats

Pros: Playground, Pool, Picnic Tables, Bathrooms, Garden

Cons: Can get crowded

Max's Recommendation: "The wall because it is so much fun to climb up."

My Recommendation: "Try and find Humpty Dumpty!"

Overall Rating 8/10