By default, I often take my kiddos to the same parks - over and over again.  I feel like I am in a rut when it comes to exploring the plethora of playground options in our area.  With the weather getting nicer, I am ready to explore! What better time than now to break out of that rut?!

To help you discover a new local park or two, Diana and I are going to share our Favorite Local Parks, the latest in our Out & About Series. 

This week Dana shares her top four favorites in Issaquah.

Lakeside Park in Klahanie - My family calls this the "Duck Pond Park" because it's located near Yellow Lake on the older side of the neighborhood.  Park along Klahanie Blvd near Lakeside Pool.  Grab your stale bread and head for the gravel trail just beyond the play structure.  Soon you'll find a wooden boardwalk and a lot of hungry ducks.  Once you've had enough of the feeding, return to the playground.  The structure is pretty tall and the slides are fast for young kids, but it's manageable with a lot of adult supervision!  Or you can walk the trail all the way around the lake.

• Restrooms:  Better go before you leave the house
  
• Shade: Some shade, especially along the walk to the lake.
  
• Parking: There is some parking in the pool lot or parallel parking along the street.
  

Squak Valley Park - Nestled at the bottom of Squak Mountain, near where the paragliders take-off, the views from this park are fantastic!  The play structure is quite tall, which is great for older kids, and there's also a small structure for the younger crowd.  The surrounding soccer fields provide plenty of room to run off some energy.  The drive back through downtown Issaquah usually results in a stop at the cupcake shop!

• Restrooms:  Pit toilets, but very well-maintained
  
• Shade: Very little shade here
  
• Parking: Parking lot is right next to the play area

Summit Park - This is truly a hidden gem, and you'll need to look up directions to 30th Avenue Northeast, Issaquah, WA.  There is a huge grassy area for running, playing tag, tossing the frisbee, etc. There is also a Kompani playground set that is really great for older kids. And, best of all, there are two "tube" slides set into the side of a hill!  Trails lead up and around the hill - where the view is awesome - and the two slides are fast and fun! I suggest grabbing dinner at Zeek's Pizza and then driving a short distance up the hill to Summit Park!  So much fun!

• Restrooms:  Better go before you leave the house!
  
• Shade: Not much shade here.
  
• Parking: Street parking nearby
  

• Restrooms:  They flush, but they aren't pretty!
  
• Shade: Not much shade here.
  
• Parking: Plenty and it's nearby.

Each community has a list of parks and playgrounds listed online.  

Here are the links for your convenience:

Issaquah Parks
 
Sammamish Parks

Snoqualmie Valley Parks (North Bend, Snoqualmie & Fall City)

We'd love to hear from YOU: What is your favorite local park?  Please share!