Playing with Dennis the Menace in Monterey

August 11, 2007 Saturday

Kai was getting a bit restless having been in his carseat for 2 1/2 hour on our drive to Monterey. So it was time to get his energy out- and we stopped at the Dennis the Menace Playground surrounded by this lovely lake with paddleboats.

At the entrance is Engine No. 1285 donated by the Southern Pacific Company in 1956. Kids clambored up this massive structure and had their pictures taken with triumph in their eyes.

Kai's favorite play structure was this coil-tunnel that led to a steep slide. He would run through it (or climb it) and then go down the slide with daddy Greg. He screamed in delight in this picture.

Dare to put your head into a lion's mouth? Dare to get wet at the water fountain?

Kai and daddy on top of this sun bridge.

Kai and mama on the suspension bridge. This is where I tried to grab Kai before he tumbled over from an accelerating run across the bridge. I had to leap over him when he fell so not to step on him. FeFiFoFum!

Kai has this thing about feet! Apparantly Dennis the Menace doesn't mind.

Opening in 1956, Hank Ketcham, the creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip donated this park creation to the City of Monterey. Now after 4 renovations, the park is definitely a must-see attraction for kids (and adults-we had just as much fun also!)