Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
I’m sure you’ve noticed how beautiful the leaves in Connecticut have been this fall. With the warm weather we’ve experienced in the past weeks and the stunning color on display, I’ve tried to find as many excuses as I can to be outside.
So my outing last week took me to a place I’ve been meaning to visit for a little while. My neighbor is an avid tennis player and she mentioned to me that the place in Simsbury where she plays has a great playground area. Well I of course love playground recommendations, so I finally found an opportunity to check it out.
I convinced my husband and my friend and her daughter to join me and the kiddos on our playground scouting session at Simsbury Farms. 
After a little research I learned that Simsbury Farms is owned and operated by the Town of Simsbury and includes a large variety of activities. The complex has golf, tennis, swimming, ice skating, paddle ball, a playground and more.
When we arrived at the destination and saw the sign labeled “Simsbury Farms” we assumed this was the place to go, but really weren’t sure. We couldn’t see the playground from the main entrance, but it was certainly there.
As we pulled into the facility all we saw was a golf course and beautiful rolling hills.
We followed the main road for a short distance and found the playground on the right next to the tennis and paddle ball courts. There was a parking lot right there which made accessing the playground area very easy. 
With a parking area located right outside the playground’s gate, I didn’t need a stroller to get my three little ones safely inside.
One of the playground features I noticed right away was the fact that the play area was fully fenced.
Woo hoo! You know how I love a fenced-in playground.
Now, I should point out that the latch on the main gate was broken the day we were there. Fortunately, that wasn’t a problem for us, the kids were too busy playing to have time to plan their escape. 
With a couple of potty training two-year-olds in our crew, it was great to see a restroom located right outside the playground’s entrance. 
Once inside, the kids headed towards the first playscape they saw (which ended up being the smaller of the two located inside).
This playscape was surrounded by rubber matting which kept any falls from being too serious and was also a great surface for my one year old who is fairly new to the world of walking.
The area included a play house which was a hit with the kids.
It wasn’t long before they were done with the little playscape and ready for the big one. They couldn’t resist the large playscape’s bridges, ramps, and slides galore.
Of course the challenge of having a large and small playscape in the same area was that Sweetheart wanted in on the big playscape action. Fortunately it wasn’t too challenging of a structure I could keep an eye on her.
Right behind the play structures was a covered pavilion and picnic tables. A perfect spot for the kids to grab a bite or to find a little shade on a hot summer day (not that those are in our immediate future).
After the kids had their fill of the playscapes, it was time for us to move on to the swings. For that, we needed to exit the fenced-in area and head down the hill. But before we got too far, I took a moment to take in the beautiful views (especially during peak leaf season).
Aaaah. Isn’t that what living in New England is all about?
But, enough of my sightseeing, before I knew it the kids were heading down the decent-sized hill to the swing area below.
Right next to the swings was a little bridge that led to a field on the other side. Of course the kids had to go explore that too. The bridge was a cute place for a mini photo shoot but, as you will see, my photography skills need a little work. I tried. 
After we finished exploring the playground area, we decided to take a walk across the street and check out the Simsbury Farms Ice Rink. The rink is expected to open for the season in November.
I know absolutely nothing about ice skating, but it looked like this could be a fun winter destination.
Plus, right next store to the ice rink was an outdoor pool. Obviously we have a long ways to go before the weather is right for a dip in an outdoor pool, but I was excited to hear that this pool was open to residents and non-residents. I will be sure to add it to my summer outing list.
After playing at the playground, running up and down the hills, swinging, exploring the fields, and touring the ice rink, we had officially pushed the kids’ limits. They were quickly becoming tired, hungry and cranky. It was time to head home.
We got back in the car and decided to take a little detour on the way home. My husband wanted to return by way of Nod Road in Avon so he could see the changing leaves of the trees surrounding Heublein Tower. I agreed, but just as long as he would make a pit stop at The Pickin’ Patch (on the same road) and grab us some apple fritters.
Well, it worked out for both of us.
So our morning outing ended up being pretty successful. We discovered a new-to-us playground and recreation complex, got a chance to see the beautiful fall foliage views, and got to sample a few fall treats.
If we didn’t have napping kids, we could have made a full day of it with a stop at nearby Flamig Farm.
So, have you been to Simsbury Farms? What is your favorite activity there? Tell us in the comments section below.
100 Old Farms Road, Simsbury, Connecticut
Playground Features:
- A fenced-in play area
- A large and small playscape
- Convenient, FREE parking
- A covered pavilion with picnic tables
- Restrooms near the playground (port-a-potty)
- Ground cover of rubber matting and mulch
- Benches
- Variety of swings including standard, baby swings, and handicap accessible swings (located outside the fenced-in area)
- Beautiful views!
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