Playground Review - Jamestown, MA

Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Teacher, Mom, and 3 Boys (under 7) Rating:   * * * * (out of 4)

Note:  Although I'm currently a preschool teacher and no longer a nanny, I still love all things early childhood!  This means taking field trips with my friend and her three young boys (Ages 7, 5, and 4)  and sharing our findings with others.  We especially love free and low-cost outings, so playgrounds are at the top of our list!  When we find ice-cream or other treats nearby, we include that information as well.  

The newly updated Jamestown playground still has that fresh mulch smell and is attactive, clean and spacious!  The pathways are made of compressed rubber and have a nice cushiony bounce as you walk.  The playground is located directly behind the town library (directions below), which might be an additional little stop if you have the time.  

New Mulch and Rubber Pathways at Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Pros:

Two large themed structures are the first things you notice as you approach the white picketed fence playground:  

• Spaceship area and Pirate ship area with multiple covered slides and stairs to climb:  

Climber and Space Ship area at Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Pirate Ship area at the Jamestown Community Playground, RI

You'll also find:  

• Climber: a large netted pyramid-shaped climber between the two.  

• Swings:  a row of swings (including an adapted/safety swing) for children and infants

• Zipline with platforms on both sides and a disc seat attached to a thick rope.  THIS was one of the most popular attractions at the Jamestown playground.  Parental intervention was needed at times to make sure children in line received a turn!  (There is no close-up photo of the zipline, but it is along the back fence in the photo below.)

Swings and Zipline at the Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Bonuses:  

• Fenced in along street/parking areas and latched gate. Children can run around and have fun, but they can't run away faster than you can catch them.

• About three picnic tables and a small grassy area to put down a blanket.  At this stage, there are no benches, which might be a nice future addition.  

Our three boys played for three hours straight before they started getting hungry and realized it was about an hour past their usual dinner time!

Cons: 

Other than swings, there isn't much here for infants or toddlers.  We taked to some grandparents with their one-year-old, and they were disappointed that there wasn't something more her size or speed.



Town Webpage:  Jamestown Parks and Recreation - Community Playground

Location/Map:  Jamestown Library at 26 North Road - Playground behind

Nearby Ice Cream can be found at Spinnaker's, located in the beautiful Ferry Wharf area where the Jamestown Ferry launches.  There are a few outside tables adjacent to a parking lot, and they offer basic food fare for children and adults (nothing to write home about), but the ice cream was a hit. 

Spinnaker's Cafe, 3 Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, RI

 There's also a small beach a few steps away from the wharf for walking, boat watching, and shell hunting.

Beach Near Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, RI 

View of the Newport Bridge from Beach Near Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, RI

Toddler-Sized Beach and Playground - Grinnell's in Tiverton, RI

We're running out of places to escape the higher than normal temperatures here in Southeastern MA/RI! Little M (26 months)  loves to run and climb, but our usual playground stomping grounds are nothing but burning hot slides this time of year.

Grinnell's, a tiny beach with attached playground in Tiverton, RI was the perfect spot on a recent 88 degree day!  As soon as M and I stepped out of the car, we were greeted with the most amazing breeze that cooled us right down.  The parking lot is only a few yards from the playground/beach so there was none of the usual hassle accompanied with "going to the beach."

The simple playground contained a single climbing structure with slide, a set of swings; a purple riding dinosaur; and some gymnastic-type parallel bars and other bars to hang from -- all with that wonderful breeze and beautiful water view.  Afternoon naps dictate our time table, so this playground was perfect for the two hours we were there.  M didn't want to leave -- he never does -- but it was easy enough to persuade him by agreeing to carry him the few yards to our car.

Some Pros:

Toddler-sized; easy in and out; playground; beach; public restrooms; picnic tables; parking lot close by; lifeguard on duty; not crowded; no traffic; easily accessible off a main road; and a lovely view when facing the water.

Some Cons:

Not the most picturesque or pristine beach you'll find as it's right off the road with a gas station and Cumberland Farms across the street on one side.  There was some litter and occasional cigarette butt edging the playground near the beach grass.   One of the pros for a quick and easy trip also make it a con for some -- parking lot right near beach and visible.

Overall, this beach with attached playground is just the right size for a spontaneous trip.  It has a very laid-back, small town vibe.  It didn't require any planning, packing, or major trek to get there.  We will definitely go back to Grinnell's and plan to enjoy the beach and water next time.

Location/Map:  Main Road, Tiverton, RI

Parking Fee:  $5 weekdays and $10 weekends (for non-Tiverton residents)

Update:  April 2018 - Grinnell's Beach is undergoing a renovation.  Sadly, the little retro playground is gone, but hopefully something better will be put in its place.  The beach itself should still be a great little location on a hot day, but opening dates have not been posted.  Currently, the parking lot is blocked.  They have a Facebook page now, so check for up updates:  Grinnell's Beach on Facebook


Nearby Food and Fun:

Eveylyn's Drive-In - about one mile from Grinnell's.  Evelyn's has been featured on the Food Network's show, Drive-Ins and Dives.  Great place for clam cakes, chowder, and other assorted seafood.  Better to take out or eat outside on patio/picnic tables.

Gray's Ice Cream - about four miles from Grinnell's. Gray's has yummy homemade ice-cream and delicious hot-fudge sundaes and is located in the historic Tiverton Four Corners district (home to little shops and art galleries).  The smallest one-scoop dish or cone is $3.50, which can be a negative when visiting with small children.  It would be wonderful if Gray's offered a kiddie-size, as this destination is popular place due to strategically placed park benches facing the adjacent cow pasture:

 Above:  one of the very large and very loud cows at Gray's Ice Cream in Tiverton, RI