I typically post about our escapades in state parks, wildlife refuges, zoos, etc. but I also love playgrounds with added bonuses of natural areas. We LOVE a good playground and we’ve been to so many that I’ve lost count of all of the different ones, but there are so many out there and their locations are not often well documented. Sure, the larger ones are generally well known but there are plenty of others that are worth a visit too and Cupola Park is one of them. If you Google it, you will find very little information on what to expect when you go there.
This awesome park is located along Millsboro Pond, in (surprise!) Millsboro, a nice little town in southern DE. There were a variety of seagulls and ducks hanging out in and by the water which were a total kid magnet. If you have the time, bring your fishing rods and try your luck before (or after) you check out the playground. You could spend an entire day here with the family as there are restrooms, picnic tables and pavilions (complete with little grills) all located in the shade of mature trees INCLUDING the largest bald cypress in the entire state!
There was a multitude of playground equipment, including handicap accessible swings, that was being put to good use by kids of all ages during our visit. I loved that the playground area was almost completely surrounded by a fence so you don’t have to worry about your wee one falling in the water or wandering away while your attention is diverted to catching your other child that is shooting off the end of the super tall slide.
Aside from the birds we saw near the water, there were also squirrels in close proximity to the equipment that the kids loved to watch (and chase.) While we were there, I also watched two little boys chase and scare a group of ducks. As we know in parenting, monkey see, monkey do. This was a teachable moment for them, and for us, to always be kind to wildlife. It’s natural for kids to want to chase and scare animals because they’ve finally encountered something that they are larger and more powerful than and generally the animals are very reactive to their behavior. It’s never too early to teach them to respect all living beings, from the tiniest ant to the largest elephant. Respecting wildlife means giving them space, understanding that they may be unpredictable and appreciating their beauty. Additionally, it is always good to remind your kids that another child’s poor choice is not a reason for them to make the same one. That lesson might take a little more time to sink in…
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