If you are a parent of children under 12 (and probably even over 12), you should really go and visit King’s Castle Provincial Park, near Murray River, Prince Edward Island.

It’s hard to exactly describe this place in a way that does it justice. Suffice to say that it’s a big playground, a forest with walking trails populated by concrete storybook characters, a pleasant beach, a wonderful place for a picnic, and has a canteen, washrooma and showers to boot.

It’s one of those rare summertime finds: a place on PEI that’s designed almost entirely with real everyday Islanders in mind, not as a demographically programmed tourist sponge.

You will enjoy yourself, and your children will thank you.

Important note: you may wish to prepare your children, if they are especially sensitive, for the fact that Papa Bear, leader of the Three Bears clan, has had his concrete arm amputated, and that Baby Bear, his son, is missing most of his ears and nose.