Ever since I had to go to zone defense instead of man-to-man (or woman-to-kid, I should say), I've stuck to small, enclosed parks. My bigs have adjusted that way and they know that they're stuck with the little stuff, and they're okay with it. That's because I lost my oldest (okay, she willfully wandered off, but still) at a large, popular park here where the place is so big you can't see everywhere at once unless you are on top of the drawbridge on the play structure, and there was no way I was climbing up there. When I found her again and found out she'd just decided she didn't have to wait for the other adult to arrive for her to leave to go to the bathroom like I had asked her to, we left. I won't go there anymore unless there are no fewer than 4 adults to keep track of the kids.

I hope you have someplace small and fun you can stick to. No one should have to go through the heartstoppage I did when we couldn't find her.

 

I definitely endorse the small park approach. I remember taking my kids (who are 18 months apart) to a big park by myself when they were like 3 and 2; I was in a state of panic the entire time! Where's that cloning device when you need it?

 

Yep, definitely need the enclosed parks just to maintain sanity!

 

The only way to manage the bigger playgrounds is to treat it like a trip to the gym. Expect to spend your time running between children. Mine actually love it when I decide I have the energy to do it and they tend to stay closer together because it ends up being a game. They are 2 and 4.

The rest of the time it's a small enclosed polayground for them and a bench and a thermos of tea for me.

 

Take this bit of advice for every trip, every outing, and any excursion especially to a crowded area:

Matching. Orange. Shirts.

And? If you can stomach it? Matching. Green/Yellow. Hats.

Seriously. I have never lost a kid when they were wearing orange. Especially when they're all wearing the same color. And? If one should happen to get lost? You hold up the spare child and say "He looks just like THIS ONE, only bigger/smaller!!"