Actually, he spent most of his time meeting other kids and getting to know the local slides and swings.  Oh well, there’s plenty of things for dado to do on the Outdoors Page.  All in all, it made for a great day.  Find some time to get out with your children.  It’s not only a bonding experience; it’s a crucial aspect of child development. 

Nico visits Currents – Where the sun is always shining!

At two and a half, Nico is just learning to swim.  His first visit to currents was a splash and a half.  Getting him to leave, on the other hand, was a whole other story.  Currents opened in September of 2006 and is open daily year round.  Hours of operation are from 6 Am to 9 PM.  Admission is $3.00 for children under 11, $3.50 for ages 12-17 and $5.25 for adults.  Currents features two water slides, a children’s water playground, leisure pool and resistance channel, spa, party room and meeting rooms.  The facility is located at McCormick Park and is headquarters to Missoula Parks and Reaction. 

During his stay at the water park, Nico floated around the resistance channel, ran through the fountains, showered in the playground, sat on the side of the hot tub and plummeted the little grizzly slide.  He kept pointing to the big slides, but he’ll have to wait a year or two.  Even when Missoula isn’t so warm and sunny outside, there’s always a cool party at Currents.  Visit www.missoulaparks.org or call 406.721.7275 for details.

Dragon’s Hollow

            Over the past year or so, Dragon’s hollow has become a Nico favorite.  Located downtown in Caras Park, the vibrant wooden playground features numerous enclosed slides, swings, contraptions and enough stairs to warrant an inhaler.  Four thousand volunteers gathered in the spring of 2001 to construct the playground in just nine days.  Everyone will find something to love about the Hollow.  Maybe it’s the 30 foot tall, three-headed dragon guarding a castle, or the intricate obstacle course.  Perhaps it’s the musical instruments of the two phone systems.  Maybe it’s the shade of the pavilion or the scent of the rose garden.  Visitors spend hours finding all the special touches created by local children and other artist and enjoying creative, active play.  The park is open daily from dawn until dusk and is free to the public.  While visiting the Hollow, be sure to stop by the adjacent Carousel for a pony ride.

A Carousel for Missoula

            I can’t even count the times I’ve heard, “Go ride horses?”  Missoula’s very own carousel is not only an artistic wonder, but for kids of all ages it is one of those experiences that dreams are made of.  In fact, when Nico goes to sleep, he counts ponies instead of sheep.  Ride the dream of Missoula cabinet-maker Chuck Kaparich, who first envisioned the carousel in the early 90’s after spending countless hours on the Columbia Gardens carousel in Butte.  His dream became a reality after 100,000 volunteer hours went into the construction of 38 permanent ponies, three replacement ponies, two chariots, 14 gargoyles, gargoyle frames and mirror frames, and the largest band organ in continuous use in the United States, all within a jewel box building.  The overfed merry-go-round is one of the fastest carousels in the country.  Daily hours are 11 AM – 5:30 PM, September through May and 11 AM – 7:00 PM for summer months.  Admission is 50¢ for children under 16, $1.50 for ages 16-55 and $1.00 for an adult and child occupying one seat.  Handicapped patrons are always encourages to ride for free.  Visit www.carrousel.com or call 406.549.8382 for extended summer hours and more information.

The Playground at Westside Park

       Located on the corner of Scott Street and Sherwood, the relatively new playground at Lowell School arguably provides Missoula’s best recreation opportunity for children ages 1 to 5.  There are plenty of swings, slides and monkey bars.  Additionally, the park hosts a kid-friendly swinging bridge, a wooden tipi, rings and again enough stairs to wear the little tyke out.  This state of the art playground facility also hosts one of Missoula’s summertime spraygrounds.  Nico says the park is a modern remnant of old fashion fun.  Visit www.missoulaparks.org or call 406.721.7275 for more information.

Missoula Children’s Museum

       The children’s museum provides fun, interactive, educational exhibits and programs that promote learning through play.  Located downtown at 225 West Front Street, the play center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from Noon to 5 PM.  Admission is $3.50 per person.  The Museum is a destination for area families, a place where kids can be kids and grownups can network with other parents and caregivers and feel like part of a community – a community of kids and grownups coming together for positive learning experiences, developmental growth and quality family time.  Nico especially enjoyed unearthing dinosaur bones and composing his first symphony.  The Museum also hosts a handful of children’s programs including World of Wonders, a collaborative interactive series taking children ages 3-8 on a journey of discovery, exploring the natural wonders of Montana.  In addition to the numerous exhibits and play centers, this facility hosts a party room and gift shop.  More info can be obtained from www.learnplayimagine.org or by calling 406.541.PLAY.