Have you ever thought about how some experiences, or places just feel like summer? Our family recently discovered such a place that was new to all of us and my son actually THANKED me for planning the trip to see it. My kids didn’t want to leave!
Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly nature destination perfect for a half day excursion will find creek stomping just a short drive away in downtown Oswego.
A Trip to Downtown Oswego: Creek Stomping in the Fox River
Oswego sits on the Fox River, and where the city meets the water, you’ll find Hudson Crossing Park. In addition to the playground and sand play area (with diggers), you’ll also find a misting station, a walking path, a pavilion with tables, and more.
The rolling, grassy areas throughout are filled with places to picnic and benches for resting in the shade. A three-minute walk uphill to the downtown area will bring you to a handful of restaurants and shops.
Parking and covered portable bathrooms are onsite.
That’s not all: where this jewel really shines is in the river. No, really. At the opposite end of the park, there are two areas where you can literally walk into the river. My children played for hours in the quiet, shallow banks—catching tiny fish, looking for crawdads, collecting shells, scooping and dumping the cool water and more. Adventurous families (or those with older kids) might take a kayak or a tube onto the river, or even go fishing—but my kids (ages 8, 6 and 3) were happiest exploring with their dollar store buckets and butterfly nets along the shallow riverbank.
I hope your families can experience this amazing area soon. We will definitely be back!
Things to Know Before You Go
- On Sundays, Oswego’s Country Market is happening just uphill of the park property from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Make time to saunter over for a fresh squeezed juice, some beautiful flowers or a farm stand snack.
- Pack a couple towels and backup clothes for all; some of the rocks are covered with moss and walking can be slippery! Water shoes are another good idea.
- Just north of Oswego is the Montgomery Dam (enter on East River Road between Marsch Avenue and Hartway Drive). There’s a little parking lot just downhill of the dam itself—if you have aspiring engineers in your family like I do, make sure to see it! You can walk the short path from your car directly to the dam. Just follow the sound of rushing water and you can’t miss it.
For more chances to splash in the sun, head on over to our waterparks and beaches list!
