Tucker's Grove is a great little park with lots of places to have birthday parties or picnics, and it has nice play equipment for little kids. My two preschoolers had a blast. Nothing is too dangerous for them at this park, and it's generally not that crowded.

I love this waterfall, though I haven't had a lot of luck with my kids yet. I tried twice to take my daughter when she was under a year and a half, and she melted down before I could get going. (They are very good about refunds.) You can't take a stroller (or wheelchair, for that matter), and it's one mile of easy walking, but wouldn't be great for a toddler unless you carry him. But there are all kinds of cool rock formations and a beautiful indoor waterfall, and I love it. I am looking forward to trying again with our kids when they're a bit older. When I taught 6th grade, I used the pictures I took when I taught about stalactites and stalagmites, so if your kids are studying that it would be a great field trip.

This place has lots of huge inflatables that your kids will love. Remember to wear socks, as no shoes are allowed. Kids under 2 are free, and adults don't pay, so we used to have quite a deal when our kids were under 2! There is even a toddler area. You can get it for parties and such, and one of my playgroups met here; the staff was helpful. Kids over 2 are $6 each, but adults don't pay to play, so it's still a pretty good deal.

Coolidge Park is a beautiful place to fly a kite or have a picnic. You can pick up lunch on Frazier Ave. or River Street (the Deli is awesome) and have a picnic. There is a great old carousel that has been completely refurbished and is in a pavilion (great for rainy or hot weather) with rides for just $1. There are also wonderful stone animal sculptures with fountains in a circle around other fountains that are perfect for kids to play in in the summer. Not many trees or tables, and no play equipment, but still a great place to run around. It's also connected to a riverwalk sidewalk that runs down the river and is close to the Walking Bridge.

If your kids like all kids of animals and fish, don't miss this aquarium! There are two complete buildings, one focused on sea life and the other on rivers. You can take hours. My kids have loved it since they were babies in strollers (totally stroller accessible, except for the butterfly exhibit, where you can park them right outside). Don't miss the penguins, butterfly atrium, or jellyfish. You learn so much!!