A day at the park: Cayuga Park

Living in the bay area has caused my husband and I to be park snobs. With so many places to go and explore, how could we not be? I'm sure my kids (and dog) could care less where we go but I, on the other hand, have preferences:

1. Must have parking. 
2. Dog-friendly.
3. Updated play area.
4. A nicely maintained grass (not weeds / dirt) lawn

Of course just because a park doesn't meet one or two of my preferences doesn't mean we're never gonna set foot there ever again. It's become fun to explore and try out different places, and perhaps fall in love with one so much that you can make it a weekly habit.

Such is the case with Cayuga Park, a neighborhood park just minutes away from our home. I first noticed this park from up above a few years ago. No, really. The Bart runs right above it and if you're one of those passengers (like me) that claims a window seat each time, then you've probably seen it. I've always wondered what that park was but ever since we moved and no longer needed to take Bart pass Balboa Park station, I forgot about it...until recently.

We went there about a week ago when I saw it again from the train and decided we had to check it out. It's hidden from the main road and the only sign of urban environment you get from inside the park is the sound of a train passing every 5-10 minutes. As described by the SF Rec and Park website: "Cayuga Park is a local favorite of Outer Mission and Cayuga Terrace residents. Tucked away amidst housing, the I-280 freeway, and BART tracks, it is considered to be one of San Francisco’s hidden gems. Perhaps best known for its sculpture gardens, unique trails, and bustling basketball court, the park also offers visitors a clubhouse, children’s playground, tennis court, ball diamond, and multipurpose, turf area." The park has recently been renovated to add modern updates to its old-charm environment. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the park, however, are the art sculptures done by it's retired and longtime Filipino gardener, Demetrios Braceros. His sculptures have transformed this park into, well, a work of art.

Often times, we drive out of the city and into the suburbs to enjoy their neighborhood parks but in this case, people not living in the city, should make it a point to come visit Cayuga Park. It surely will not disappoint.

main entrance

walking trails within the park

playground

sculptures lining the path

 

A few notes:
1. Been here 3x already and during those times, parking wasn't an issue. Weekdays, park at the neigborhoods, weekends park along Alemany and take the pathway down.
2. At the entrance it says dogs aren't allowed, yet inside the park it says that all dogs must be on leash. Confusing, yes. But a lot of owners are seen walking their dogs inside (with and without leashes) so its safe to say that dogs are allowed for now.
3. Restrooms are updated - MAJOR PLUS
4. Clubhouse is still not opened to public but starting November, they'll be able to take reservations for events. I already have it as the "front-runner" for Aubrey's 3rd bday venue :)

Family Time: A Day Out With Thomas

I honestly don't know what the big deal is with Thomas the Tank Engine. It's on Netflix kids so we'd watch it occasionally (esp. to give Aubrey a break from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Barney). She's never really shown that much enthusiasm towards that show until a couple nights ago when a commercial came on advertising a day with Thomas the Train at Roaring Camp Railroads. Whenever that commercial would come on, she'd yell "Tchwain! Tchwain!" at the top of her lungs. My husband had been wanting to bring her to RCR and when we saw that this event was only going on for the next two weekends, we decided to buy tickets and check it out.

Unlike their usual one hour train ride through the Santa Cruz mountains or the beach, the "Thomas Train" is a 25 minute train ride through parts of the Santa Cruz mountains. Given the short attention span our toddler has, this ended up being a great idea. 25 minutes was exactly enough time for Aubrey to go ooh and aah and stay in ONE position during the entire ride.

Tickets were purchased beforehand and kids two and under are free. You get to choose which train car you'd like to ride on: 3 are open, 3 have canopies, and the last train is covered. Aside from the actual train ride, there were plenty of other activities spread out over the camp: face painting, building with Mega-blocks, playing with train tables, temporary tattoo booths, music and instrument playing, bubble station, and plenty more.

It'll be going on for one more weekend and if you're free and don't mind the hour and a half drive from the city, definitely check it out!

quick tips:
1. Parking is $8 cash.
2. They have concession stands there (bbq, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.) and it didn't seem crowded at all. However, if you'd like to save on some money, there are a lot of fast food restaurants nearby that you can go to and eat beforehand (or even bring your food in).
3. There are picnic tables for rent but a lot of people brought picnic blankets ( there's a lot of open space). I wish I'd known this before going!
4. Wear covered shoes! I wore sandals, not realizing that parts of the camp are sand and rocks.
5. Mamas, bring an extra shirt for whatever reason! Ok, this tip applies to anywhere you go with a kid but I forgot to bring my extra shirt and Aubrey, a little bit too excited once we entered the park, ran down the path too quickly and fell. Her battle wounds are now forever imprinted on my white blouse.