Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/659359
30 Hudson Valley Parent n April 2016 Mohonk Avenue, New Paltz With a large wooden castle as the main attraction, kids can exercise their imaginations as well as their bodies. The fenced-in park is f illed with plenty of nooks and crannies for even more fun. Grasshopper Grove, Cornwall A unique nature space for young chil- dren to learn, explore and play. Visitors are encouraged to use their imagina- tions on adventures while enjoying the wonder of nature. $3 non-members. Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls Swings, slides, tunnels, climbing struc- tures, a nature center and hiking trails makes this 300-acre park a favorite. In the summer, visitors enjoy a splash park, picnicking and water views. Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Montgomery Home to Sally's Dream Playground, a beautiful, handicapped-accessible space f illed with swings, bridges, ramps and lots and lots of shade. HUDSON VALEY PLAYGROUNDS TO EXPLORE For the full list visit hvparent.com/best-playgrounds Awwww! Our "Cutest Kid" contest winners W hether they're smiling for the camera, making a mess at the dinner table or just being their innocent selves, cute kids come in all shapes and sizes. But have you ever wondered if it's just the shape of the eyes, deep-set dimples or curly hair that makes a child adorable? When a Japanese team of re- searchers asked volunteers in a study what made a child cute, many said the child's actions were key, indi- cating that things like sharing with friends, being considerate of others and imitating behavior seen in adults made them "Ooooo!" and "Ahhhh!" How cute is that? Lots of parents entered photos of their cuties for our Cutest Kid con- test, which were then voted on by our web readers. Congratulations to biggest vote-getter of all – 4-month- old Cameron from Wappingers Falls pictured above – and to all the ador- able youngsters who entered.