In the Tri-Cities, most of us LOVE the outdoors.  Parks abound, but have you ever wondered which parks are best for picnics?  We share a few picks from our readers below, but it's no where near an exhaustive list.  Also, as state and federal budgets effect the operations of many of our parks, we found that a few of our favorites (including Levey Park on the Pasco-Kahlotus Road) only offer limited services in 2012.

Comment on this post to share your picks and create a great resource for Moms in our community!

Hansen Park on Columbia Center Blvd. near 10th Street:  This is a large park that's surrounded by a parking lot, undeveloped field, neighborhood street and retirement community.  While there are few picnic tables, there are plenty of maturing trees where you can pitch a blanket for a great afternoon snack.  Plus, the park offers clean restrooms and a great jungle gym.

Chiawana Park:  In Pasco and right on the bike path, this park has a bit of everything.  Plus, they just installed a new playground that one mom told us is AMAZING!

Howard Amon Park:  While we all know where this is located, it kept coming up on the list.  Pool, slides, trees, bike paths, river ... the list continues.

Grange Park at Union Street Library:   There isn't a lot of shade here yet, but that seems to be one of the only drawbacks.  It offers a playground for smaller children and tennis/basketball courts for the older kids.  One reader shared:  It has the beautiful and interesting Master Gardener gardens with raised beds for veggies and herbs, and a child's garden with a sand box.  Of course there is the fish pond and water play area too that kids love.  There are covered gazebos with tables and lots of nice grass for picnics.  You can get a good book at the library or participate in one of their many activities, then go outside, take a walk around the park and watch your kids play.  Perfect.

So what are your park picks this summer?

Age isn't always the best way to decide whether a child has what it takes to be a successful kindergartener. "Readiness" is the issue and in recent years teachers have shifted focus from age to social and cognitive development.

No single or simple factor will help you determine if your child is ready, but when you enroll your child a teacher will schedule a meeting with your child for a quick assessment of what they know and where they might be struggling. This helps educators understand the dynamic of their classroom and what specific areas they may need to spend additional time on.

It's a painless assessment that probably stresses the parent out more than the child. There are no 'failing' grades. Studies show children entering school may be starting anywhere from a 3-year-old to 8-year-old level.

Few children are equally competent in all areas. Many children who are advanced mentally may lag behind emotionally, while children who are extremely adept physically may be slower in terms of language development.

If your child has already been to preschool, talk to the teacher. He or she probably has a good sense of his development and how your child compares with other children. If your child is not in preschool or you just want another opinion, check with your child's doctor. She will know about your child's physical development and can offer helpful feedback as to whether your child is ready.

An example of the kindergarten assessment for Kennewick is provided in the READY! for Kindergarten material or through the Children's Reading Foundation. You can also find sample tests online, such as www.covenanthome.com/kready.htm.

Tell us ... what are your best tips as a single mom?

The June/July issue is here! Read about MOM Makeover winner Marisol Solorzano and much more.

MOM Makeover winner Marisol Solorzano - How does she do it?

Lessons from a stepmom - Be where you're at

Road trips - Hit the road this summer!

Fairs and festivals - Tips to make the most of summer's events

Recipes - Potluck favorites

Travel journals - Memory keeping on the road

Summer Fun - Get involved

SuperDAD - Joshua Everett Galloway Byrd

The Mid-Columbia Libraries Summer Reading Program starts today! Create an account, read your favorite books, and enter your reading time. Read 15 hours by August 24 to enter to win a LeapFrog Tag Junior Prize Pack (ages 0 - 5); Nook Tablet (ages 6 - 12); Kindle Fire (ages 13 - 17); iPad 3 or computerized telescope (ages 18+).  Kids and teens: complete your reading to get a free book - pick up yours at the library beginning July 5.

Your child can also create a bookmark using this year's Summer Reading Program theme: "Dream Big, Read!". You may use crayons, colored markers/pencils, or ink. Age categories are: 0-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-17. Enter as many bookmarks as you want. More important details on the entry form.