The weather is warming up, and Wyoming is an exceptional place to enjoy spring. Filled with blooming wildflowers and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, you're going to want to get out there before summer kicks in. Here are five terrific Casper area parks where you can enjoy springtime with the family or your four-legged friends. 1. Crossroads Adventure Playground Located at 1081 N. Poplar, Crossroads Adventure Playground is the ideal destination for active families. There's nothing like it in the city. This inviting playground touts a tree fort, slides, swings, bridges, bouncy toys, and more. For parents, a portion of the play area is fully enclosed, so that no one can toddle off. more Located right near Platte River Parkway Trail, load up the kids in a stroller or wagon and take a family nature walk. Why not meander over to Mike Lansing Field, home of the Casper Ghosts baseball team and catch a game? If you can dream it, you'll find it at Crossroads Adventure Playground. 2. Riverview Park Your first stop at Riverview Park, located at 1032 East L St., should be its beautiful mural. More than 45 volunteers added their creative flair to this heartwarming September 11th memorial. This park also offers a variety of fun outdoor activities like horseshoes, handball, pickleball, boating, and fishing. 3. Paradise Valley Park Grab the whole family and head out to Paradise Valley Park, located at 31 Begonia St. This park is near the Paradise Valley Country Club and features fun activities for everyone. There's a fitness course, tennis courts, and walking paths. The recently updated playground features swings, a rock climbing wall, and two zip slides. There's even a set of bongos for the musically inclined. 4. Morad Park Don't leave man's best friend behind on your next park adventure. Leash up the whole pack, and take a trip out to Morad Park, located at 2800 SW Wyoming Blvd. Dogs love a day at outside just as much as their humans do, and at Morad Park, they're allowed to run free. The park is in a preserved natural area bordered by the North Platte River. When you arrive, look for the signs along the pathway that lead you to the leash-free zones. Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times while exploring the trails, and pick up after your pet. The park also offers benches and picnic tables where you can rest. 5. Amoco Park Amoco Park, located at 1007 W. First St., is home to the beautiful Bart Rea Learning Circle. A glow-in-the-dark labyrinth, it's a relaxing place to visit for yoga, story time, and meditation whenever the mood strikes you. The park has a picnic area, a large parking lot, and clean, well-maintained restrooms. Summer brings the joy of a white water feature, and you can access the trail system, which is just a short walk from the Tate Pumphouse. Get outside and enjoy Wyoming's spring season. There's a park near you that's bursting with life. Image via Flickr by flowcomm
