Belvedere Castle

Central Park is kind of like a bottomless pit of awesomeness. Not only are there 21 different playgrounds (T and I have a goal to visit every single one) but there are lakes and forests, a zoo and a carousel, baseball fields and huge meadows...and even a castle! I feel like we could spend every single day exploring Central Park and still not see or do everything. But we're going to try ;)

 

On a gorgeous almost-fall day last week we met up with some friends and explored Belvedere Castle and picnicked by the turtle pond. The castle is beautiful, and the view from the top is really nice. It's free to visit and a quick, fun adventure in the park. Plus, both boys were tired out from hiking the stairs to the top and napped the afternoon away. Score one for the Momma! 

  

The 5 little adventurers on top of the castle. We are so, super sad that these amazing friends we've only barely made are moving to Texas soon.

 

View from the top to the West.

 

View from the top to the East.

 

We were able to check-out "adventure kits" at the castle and hike through the forest looking for animals, plants, birds and insects. The kids each had their own binoculars, backpack, magnifying glass and plant/animal reference guides. I look at the picture above of that big boy wearing his shoulder bag and wonder where my little baby went. So sad.

T and Evie stalking a squirrel.

 

Ever and I were hunting for bears. He was pretty excited about the whole thing...

...until he was pretty sure that he found one! Then he reminded me over and over, "I no wike beaws."

Talmage was running around in circles, loving making his own trail and exploring the 'wilderness.'

 

Since this was our first trip to the turtle pond I had no idea what to expect, but I definitely didn't expect to see hundreds of turtles swimming around the pond. We were very pleasantly surprised. Talmage was convinced that they were all looking at him, scared out of their minds by seeing a shark!

 



Just a few of the sunbathing turtles on the side of the pond.