Benson's Wild Animal Farm Park | Hudson, NH {photos}

I love exploring new parks and playgrounds within a short drive of our house. Last week we discovered this gem, the former Benson's Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, New Hampshire. It was operational from 1926 to 1987. In 2009 it became town property and is now being developed as a public park and nature area (Wiki info here). Most of the work is done by volunteers and I've got to say they've done an incredible job! I've seen pictures of what it looked like when everything was abandoned and completely falling apart, it's like night and day. 

Baby T's Favorite at the Playground

We went on an overcast June day, a half hour drive. There were barely any people there and we only shared the park with about 10 other people. We first stopped at the playground, which is impressive. It's huge! Baby E's eyes were filled with excitement when she saw it. The park is very spacious and the playground is far enough away from the ponds that you wouldn't need to worry about little ones wandering off toward the water. 

There is a variety of structures for toddlers and older children. Plenty of benches to sit on, trees nearby for shade. Parking is free and there is plenty of it. There is also a dog park, it's very much separated from the kids area on a different side of the parking lot. 

Posing for Grandma

Baby E's Favorite at the Playground

There is so much room for kids to roam here, that's one of my favorite parts. Some parks can feel so crammed, there is plenty of space here. I love how there are so many ins and outs, nooks, picnic tables, a lot of private spots that are great for bringing a picnic and spending some time with family. 

View of Part of the Playground

There are so many photo opportunities here, don't be caught without a camera! I decided to take ours last moment and I'm so glad I did! I would have certainly regretted not having the camera with me. There are many restored buildings and structures that are original to Benson's Wild Animal Farm, I'm not really showing them here because I didn't get a chance to go off to take photos of some of them. We are definitely coming back here to explore some more of the periphery of the park and some of the trails. For now, I'm just letting the pictures do the talking... 

One of the Restored Structures

Beautiful Walkways, Lots of Shade

Alongside a Pond

Great Picnic Spot!

Beautiful Nature

Remains of an Old Tree 

Check out the Benson's Wild Animal Farm Facebook Page

If you're from the New England area, have you ever been here during your childhood?