I can't tell you how many times I've driven by Walnut Street Park in Cary on my way to Cary Towne Center and various other stops in town.

I finally stopped at the park last month on a slow weekday morning with my girls. As with most Cary parks that I've been to, I'm glad I finally went!

This 11-acre park on Walnut Street between the Crossroads shopping area and Cary Towne Center features a paved trail; playgrounds; and open space for picnics and general running around.

The play area for older kids, in particular, stands out because it features a newer style of play equipment with ropes for climbing and pieces that spin kids around. When I look at pieces like this, I have no idea what to do. When my seven-year-old sees it, she immediately hops on and is crawling all over it like a monkey.

Across a landscaped area and paved walkway, you'll find a play area for preschoolers. This side is much more traditional with small slides; a sand area; balance beams (which I wish we saw more of); and belt and bucket swings (there are belt swings also on the side for older kids).

My only complaint about the playground here: It's hard to keep track of two kids (or more) if each want to play on an opposite side of the play area.

Another plus with this park: The paved loop trail. A brick walkway takes you from the playground to a large 1.4 acre open space lawn (a great place for balls, cartwheels, somersaults and picnics). From there, it leads you to a brick pedestrian promenade (which sits right off very busy Walnut Street). The brick walkway turns into a paved trail that passes through a forested area and to a small boardwalk where you can view wetlands.

According to Cary's website, one mile equals 2.5 trips around the loop. If you're a runner, this would be a great place to take the jogging stroller and do some easy laps before stopping for some playtime. There is plenty of parking here in a lot off Lawrence Road, along with bathrooms right next to the play area for younger children.

For a closer look, watch my video tour. Walnut Street Park is located at 1420 Walnut St., Cary.

Looking for other places to take the kids? Check our database of past park and playground reviews and list of Triangle family destinations. Go Ask Mom features places to take kids every Friday.