Bear Mountain Playground

If you know, you know — this little spot in Tomkins Cove doesn’t get nearly enough credit. The equipment is newer, which matters when you’ve got a 4-year-old who wants to climb everything in sight, and the climbing structure, slides, and seesaw are well-suited for the toddler-to-early-elementary crowd. Shade trees and benches mean parents actually get to sit comfortably instead of squinting into the sun. The open grass field and nearby trails make it easy to stretch the visit out way past playground time, especially when the forest backdrop has that late-afternoon light going. Bring a picnic — the tables are right there, and honestly, you’re not going to want to rush home.