SUMMER in the High Country can at times be unpredictable when it comes to the weather.
However, threatening thunderstorms, cooler winds and overcast days does not mean you have to sit inside and watch the television or play computer games.
Kids love playgrounds and Mansfield Shire has lots of these around the district.
Upgraded within the past 12 months is the Botanic Park children's play area – new and exciting things for the kids to play on along with plenty of open spaces for that friendly cricket match or a game of hide and seek or chasey.
Picnic tables and a free barbecue are also at the Botanic Park situated at the east end of High Street, just over the bridge and there is plenty of parking.
Another popular playground is situated at the Mansfield Recreation Reserve in Highett Street, right next door to the Mennin Memorial Gates.
Popular with kids of all ages this playground is adjacent to the main football/cricket oval where parents can watch a cricket match while the kids play in safety.
Maindample has a very popular children's playground at its community park – again with different equipment to play on. And there is also a gazebo with free barbecues for picnics, shade and accessible water.
Just off the Maroondah Highway at Maindample – with access also to the Great Victorian Rail Trail nearby.
In Goughs Bay there is a playground near the lake with plenty of parking available and easy access to the water's edge for kids and parents to take a paddle.
A recently installed playground at Bonnie Doon will delight the kids and is close to the nearby general store for that snack and cool drinks.
And out at Merton there is a recently installed playground for kids along with access to camping (limited time only) within the recreation reserve.
Again cricket matches are played there during summer – toilets are available and the reserve is only a few minutes' walk to the service station and general store.
If travelling to the mountain areas then stop for a while at Merrimbah Park where there is a small playground but also access to the Delatite River – a very popular spot to cool down during those hot days.
Parking is easy beside the river and there are public toilets available as well.
All in all playgrounds are everywhere for the kids to enjoy – and burn off some of that excess energy.
