Artrageously Fun Parks

by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

Art Parks Near You

Artrageously Fun Parks Sculpture parks such as Storm King (www.stormking.org) can be found all over the country, offering a blend of art and nature that appeals to all ages. Many offer special attractions and programs for families, and at some parks curious kids can touch, climb, and explore the installations. Here are 10 of the best family-friendly spots with acres of open space for picnics and nature walks -- and lots of great art.

Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, CA: Formal gardens, hiking trails, and rotating exhibits keep this 175-acre park on many families' weekend-getaway list (408-961-5800; www.montalvoarts.org).

Cedarhurst Sculpture Park in Mount Vernon, IL: These 90 acres in southern Illinois include a bird sanctuary, sculptures galore, and an indoor children's gallery (618-242-1236; www.cedarhurst.org).

DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, MA: A short drive from Boston, the park hosts workshops for families and is near Thoreau's Walden Pond (781-259-8355; www.decordova.org).

Chesterwood Estate and Museum in Stockbridge, MA: The historic summer home of sculptor Daniel Chester French features models for his famous Lincoln Memorial as well as many other sculptures set along miles of meandering footpaths (413-298-3579; www.chesterwood.org).

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI: After oohing over the enormous works of art, families can head to the 5-acre Children's Garden for lots of hands-on activities (888-957-1580; www.meijergardens.org).

Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia, NY: Some of the sculptures at this 100-plus-acre park in central New York State are like kid clubhouses -- touching is encouraged (315-655-3196; www.stonequarryhillartpark.org).

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton, OH: Featuring 68 sculptures scattered about 260 acres in southwestern Ohio, this park offers paved roads and hiking trails that let you explore by car or on foot (513-868-1234; www.pyramid hill.org).

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC: The park's more than 900 sculptures are so lifelike, they'll keep the kids guessing. The park also has an interactive children's garden (800-849-1931; www.brook green.org).

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, TN: The Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail has more than a dozen installations, including a glass-covered bridge that will enthrall kids -- and adults (615-356-8000; www.cheek wood.org).

Monarch Sculpture Park in Olympia, WA: Tucked in the foothills of Mount Rainier, this family favorite features a hedge maze, a butterfly garden, and a Sound Garden with musical sculptures (360-264-2408; www.monarchsculpturepark.com).

For more sculpture parks, visit the destinations section at www.sculpture.org.