Any moms of little climbers out there? If you’re like me, you have a full-time job keeping up with the antics of busy kids, and any chance for them to climb safely is priceless.
Enter Barfield Crescent Park. This is hands-down one of my favorite places to take the kids for its amazing outdoor attractions where even the most active kiddos can find plenty to climb. Bonus: the heavily forested area provides respite from summer's blazing heat and even moderate shelter in light rain. Bring bikes, bug spray, and clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and get ready for a full day of nature fun for all ages.
1. TRAILS
Barfield Park hosts over 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails, which means there's plenty of space for kiddos to get out the wiggles. Even very small children can have a fantastic sensory playdate by scrambling over rocks, touching roots, and feeling soft moss. Older kids will love exploring nooks and crannies in the acres of limestone and finding bright critters like millipedes and centipedes.
2. WILDERNESS STATION
My kids and I just love visiting the Wilderness Station, whether to see the gardens, play a game of tic-tac-toe, or checking in on the turtles, snakes, or other critters housed inside.
The station also offers maps of the park, scavenger hunts, and nature bingo sheets, and the staff is always helpful with ways to learn more about the area. I love seeing the local art items for sale inside and usually we pick up educational games and or toys before we head out. Guests can also get snacks and even disc golf Frisbees for the park’s course.
3. DISC GOLF
Teens and adults will enjoy the hiking and skill challenge on the gorgeous 18-hole championship disc golf course. Be aware that it stays busy, so keep littles near a hole or two to prevent any unwanted collisions.
4. GARDENS
I'm slowly improving my green thumb, and I have received so much inspiration from the gardens surrounding the Wilderness Station (you can also enjoy fields of wildflowers cultivated around the park). Take a slow walk through the flower and butterfly gardens and also catch site of hummingbirds and other feathered friends. Small raised-bed vegetables around the station show what grows well in our area.
5. FAMILY ACTIVITY TRAILS
Children can have fun at the park’s Sand Lake near the Wilderness Station and the nature climbing trails for kids complete with fallen logs, plenty of boulders, and rock trails.
6. ANIMAL WATCHING
Take a slow walk through the flower and butterfly gardens and also catch site of hummingbirds and other feathered friends. Small raised-bed vegetables around the station show what grows well in our area.
7. PICNICKING
Children can have fun at the park’s Sand Lake near the Wilderness Station and the nature climbing trails for kids complete with fallen logs, plenty of boulders, and rock trails.
8. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Whether you’re a homeschooling family looking for enrichment programs, an adult looking to up your exploring game, or just a parent wanting a social outing with your toddler, the Wilderness Station offers inexpensive and free programs weekly to get locals and visitors in the outdoors. Check out the Murfreesboro Outdoors Facebook page at facebook.com/OutdoorMboro for the latest adventures.
Ready to go? Barfield Crescent Park is located at 697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro. Call 615-217-3017 or visit murfreesborotn.gov/176/Wilderness-Station.
Laura Beth Payne is a writer and homeschooling mama living in Murfreesboro with her husband, two children, and adorable cat. A native of the city, she spends her time exploring local spots and writing about where families can go for their next adventure. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram at Murfreesboro Mama.