We had a couple of outings last weekend that were absolute success stories for both of our kids, so thought it would be good to share with others.
Both outings were to the same destination - Long Bay in Auckland. It is a beach I have been to many times before, more so as a child, but I haven’t ever taken notice of the playground, so I’m not sure how long (pun unintended!) it has been there in its current state.
Sorry, we didn’t take a camera, so I’ll have to describe the playground to you. It has a wooden walkway with hand rails on either side that runs thru the middle of it which is accessed at one end by a ramp, and at other parts by steps or ladders. Slides of all shapes and sizes, tunnels, and climbing frames all come off this central walkway.
At first we watched as our two-year-old enjoyed herself running along the walkway independently, going down the slide, then back round again for more. Then I clicked: my son would enjoy this too! Okay, he is almost 14, but intellectually he isn’t, and I noticed a couple of “normal” teenage girls having fun on the equipment too. He cautiously made his way up the ramp, holding on to the rails, then (with some help from me) he sat down in front of the slide and I assisted him in slowly shuffling forward, then down. You could see the look of achievement on his face at the bottom of the slide. Back round again, more confidently this time, then again. Obvious enjoyment.
It was fantastic to find something so enjoyable for both kids. If our eldest daughter had still been alive she would have enjoyed it too. Her wheelchair could have been pushed up the ramp and she would have been in amongst the other children, which she would have loved.
The beach itself was also great. Very safe and flat - both kids were excited about having a paddle in the warm water without having to worry about being bowled over.
Finding destinations that work well for J2 isn’t always easy. He is a slow walker with a very awkward gait, and most playgrounds are too small and a little beyond his climbing ability. Even knowing to hold on to the sides of the swing is beyond him. Finding suitable beaches, parks, and walks used to be even more of a challenge with J1 because of the consideration of wheelchair access.
Long Bay was fantastic!! That’s why we went twice in one weekend. If anyone knows of other suitable/successful destinations, please let me know. 
