I know a lot of us are divided on this issue and I've posted about it a million times but I am wondering what you would do.
Currently, we have not gone to the park since the Fall. Once winter hit, we stuck to the backyard and this has been nice. My backyard is fully fenced and has a climber more appropriate for this age group. In a month I will also have my 5 y.o DD home with the daycare for part of the summer (she is attending 2 wks of day camp and we are going away for 2 wks as well) so I will be at 7 kids (my 2 plus 5 DCKs).
Today we went to the park at the school across the road. It was a PD day so my DD was with us. This showed me good insight into what the summer would look like and although it went well, I find the whole outing stressful. I am also not sure how much fun it is for the majority of the kids as I won't let the little ones (80% of my DC group) go on the climber. The climber is large and my rule at the park has always been that only kids that can do it independently can go on the climbers.
I have been thinking about hiring some help this summer but also to cover the DC when I get pregnant and go on OB appts. I was thinking during nap today that maybe I will still hire someone and have them take my girls out (3 and 5 yo) to the park on occasion and I stay with the DC kids.
The DC parents all seemed excited we were going to the park today, so were the DC kids. Not sure if I should send out an email re: safety and due to the age of the group we'll stick around at DC doing tons of fun activities but still go on walks etc or just not go and not mention it? I can plan for super fun days in the backyard but I am worried about boredom for me and the kids!
My group last summer was at the park 3 times a week as they were much older. That group went off to kindergarten though