My purpose in writing this blog is to share the gems that I have discovered while living in the Triangle. I know how hard it can be to move to a new place, and not know what there is to do around you. I also know how hard it can be to decide to give a new place a try when you’re also bringing along two (or more) kids. This is, of course, added to the stress of getting everyone packed up, loaded up, and ready to go. When we moved to Hillsborough, I had two kids that still needed to nap mid day. Because of this, when we went out I had to make sure that we made every minute count. One of the first places in Hillsborough (technically Durham) that I tried out was Little River Regional Park. There was no particular reason, just that it was so close to home. When I pulled in and saw how secluded it was, I immediately checked for service on my phone, when I saw I had no service, I almost turned back around. I am so happy that I didn’t and decided to give it a chance. It is our favorite park to visit in the summer due to the abundant shade. It also happens to be where our son learned to ride his bike and our daughter learned to ride a scooter, ah nostalgia.
Pros: First let’s talk about all of the things I love about this park. The park itself is rarely busy, which means no long walks to get to the play set. More often than not, we have been the only family there. It is a perfect place to meet up for a play date with a friend. You know, the kind where you want to chat with the other mom, and not have to worry about losing your kid in the crowd? This is the perfect place for that. We also love that there is a large field next to the play set. It is perfect for bringing a ball to play catch, a game of tag, or a picnic. The benches around the play set are also next to mature trees so at least one of the three will usually be shaded. For this alone, I am grateful. The park is much more fun as a parent when I have a nice shaded spot to watch from. Next to the play set you will also find bathrooms, and a pavilion. I love this, since I don’t have to walk a mile every time someone needs to go to the bathroom. Little River Regional also has a pollinator garden that you are allowed to walk through, and my kids love to look at all of the different flowers and read about them. It is beautiful in the summer. Play area aside, there are multiple walking trails and biking trails. When my children were younger we would only walk the paved loop, which in case I haven’t mentioned, is shaded in the summer. Now that they are older we have started to do other walking trails as well. One trail, which my son lovingly deemed his trail, takes you past the planet walk (a path of planets in our solar system, to scale, with descriptions) and down to an old tobacco barn. If you continue the trail you will follow the Little River and come back up through woods for a beautiful but easy scenic hike.
Cons: While we do love this park there are also some things that could be better. The play set is small compared to other parks. The play equipment is simple (monkey bars, three slides, ladder, fireman pole) and there are no swings. The park itself is more isolated, which can sometimes feel weird. Although, we go often and have never had any problems or concerns with safety.
Overall, we love this park! If you are ever in this area and want to get a breath of fresh air, this is the place to be.
