Editor's Note: We'll be looking back at some of our most popular posts from 2016 this week. We start with image galleries.

Playgrounds and popular holiday events were the subjects of Go Ask Mom's top image galleries from 2016. Here's what rose to the top. (Follow the links to see all of the pictures).

Other WRAL Top Stories

Sassafras All Children's Playground: After nine years in the making, the north Raleigh playground opened in November. At 3.5 acres, it's the biggest playground in Raleigh and designed with all kids in mind - including those with mobility issues and other special needs.

Sassafras All Children's Playground opens
Hundreds came out for the opening of Sassafras All Children's Playground, Laurel Hills Park, 3808 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh.

Galaxy Fun Park opens: The north Raleigh indoor family fun center opened to big crowds in September. Featuring trampolines, laser tag, bumper cars, indoor go-karts, a ropes course and a large indoor playground, it's become a new favorite for birthday parties, camps and family outings.

Galaxy Fun Park opens Sept. 23 to the public
Crowds lined up for a preview on Tuesday.

Christmas at North Carolina's Executive Mansion: From just a couple of weeks ago, the photos capture a long-running tradition at the governor's house in downtown Raleigh - the annual holiday open house.

N.C. Executive Mansion Open House
The mansion's annual open house is usually held on the second weekend in December.

Jack Smith Park: This summer, Cary opened its first sprayground at the new Jack Smith Park. The park also features a playground, public art and open space for lots of running around.

Jack Smith Park, Cary
The park at 9725 Penny Rd., Cary, includes a playground, sprayground and dog park.

Battleship North Carolina: We covered this Wilmington destination as part of our road trip series in April.

Battleship North Carolina
The historic battleship sits on the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington.

WRAL kids search for Easter eggs: A sprint for Easter eggs next to the azalea garden at WRAL in Raleigh.

WRAL Easter Egg Hunt
And they're off! Kids run to find eggs in the WRAL Gardens at the CBC Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19, 2016.

Raleigh Rose Garden: Not far from downtown Raleigh, we suggested this spot as a great place to take mom on Mother's Day.

Raleigh Rose Garden
The garden near downtown Raleigh is in bloom around Mother's Day.

Tractors, bubbles at Midtown event: A fun summer event at North Hills' Midtown Park.

touch a tractor
Under sunny skies at Midtown Park, children did crafts, played with bubbles and got to touch a tractor.

Construction at Sassafras All Children's Playground begins: There was lots of excitement about the playground, which opened in November.

Sassafras All Children's Playground
The new playground at Laurel Hills Park in Raleigh is expected to open in November.

Pullen Park's Holiday Express: Tickets will go on sale for the 2017 event in July. Mark your calendars. It will sell out!

2016 Holiday Express at Pullen Park
Credit: Keenan Hairston Courtesy: City of Raleigh