Rachel wanted to go to Veteran Acre’s new splash pad for her date with Dad. The splash pad just opened along with the new pavilian and playgrounds. One playground targets younger children and has a sand pit nearby. The other playground is designed for older kids with whirly bars and has swings nearby. Rachel loved the splash pad and ran through it with her play clothes on instead of a swimsuit. The splash pad is closed (water is turned off) from 11:30-12:30 and 3:30-4:30 daily. The water is off if the temperatures are below 72 degrees.

We went home to change before heading to Dairy Queen for dilly bars. Then a quick trip to the adjacent pet store, Birds and Beasts.

Summer is here as is a new park in Crystal Lake. Three Oaks Recreation Area is open with a splash pad, boat rental, sand beach, concessions, and trails made from a rock quarry. It’s very nice so Alexis wanted to go for a boat ride on one of their paddle boats. We chose one of the blue sparkly boats for our date cruise. It’s $6 an hour for residents, $10 otherwise. Alexis’s legs were barely long enough to pump if she sat at the end of her seat. We circled the islands and peered down at the sea weed in the crystal clear water. It was a wonderful date with my lovely daughter.