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With the temperature here in Austin expected to reach 103 degrees today (and tomorrow, and the day after that), I can't think of a better idea than a Nordic Getaway!  Especially with a new Tea Collection wardrobe.  Fingers sweatily crossed...

Monstrum: Inspiring Playground Design

The Cod at Vejlebro School near Copenhagen

I absolutely love the Danish playground design team known as Monstrum (meaning behemoth or monster).  They are responsible for a gaggle of gorgeous playgrounds across Scandinavia (as well as in the UK), with many in the city of Copenhagen.  Their designs are uncomplicated, but totally inspiring - the colors and forms are beautiful and inviting, and the structures are elegant and solidly built. While they hold obvious appeal for a child, this kind of design is terribly alluring for adults too - I know I’m drawn in just looking at them.  It did not surprise me to learn that the founders - Ole B. Nielsen and Christian Jensen - have a background in theater design.

The Blue Whale in Gothenburg, Sweden

 Spider and Mushrooms in Hillerod, Denmark

The Pike in Annedals Park in Stockholm

We got to play in one of these when we visited Tivoli, in Copenhagen.  “Petzi’s World” (on Monstrum’s site they call it Rasmus Klump Land) nestles in a corner of the park and is filled with delightful structures drawn from the world of Comic Book favorite Petzi (or Rasmus Klump). While kids gave themselves over to play within the enchanted maritime landscape, adults chatted amiably amid sweetly painted structures and sculptural elements (we met a nice family from Greenland).

Rasmus Klump Land in Tivoli, in Copenhagen

At Fælledparken in Copenhagen, the newish playground by Monstrum (completed in late 2011) includes interpretations of five of Copenhagen’s most famous towers: City Hall’s tower, the tower of Our Saviour’s Church (Vor Frelsers Kirke), the Round Tower, the dome of the Marble Church (Marmorkirken), and the Stock Exchange (Borsen) Tower. I love the way real architectural ideas are incorporated into play buildings.

Fælledparken in Copenhagen

This unexpected playscape incorporates a giant roly-poly bug, in part because (in the words of the designers): “it is really a creature we don’t see enough.”  Here and there, interesting facts about roly poly bugs are carved into the wood.

The Roly Poly Playground in Gentofte, Denmark

One dramatic playground illustrates the perils of the Bermuda Triangle, complete with broken ships, airplanes, and a surfacing whale.  Just the place for a child to safely explore some dangerous situations...

The Bermuda Triangle in North Bridge Park (Norrebroparken) in Copenhagen

All of these photos are from Monstrum's own website; I encourage you to visit the site for more pictures and projects!

Stay: Hotel Kakslauttanen

My son has told me several times that he’d like to visit the North Pole (partly in order to verify Santa’s existence, but also just because it sounds exotic…).  Now that the heat of summer is bearing down upon us, this idea is becoming increasingly appealing.  I think we’d stay here:

These are glass-roofed igloos, part of the Hotel Kakslauttanen. The hotel is located 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Finland. Log cabins are also available, but why would you do that? Among the on-site restaurants is a Kota (a traditional Lapp teepee) and a Snow igloo; there are also more conventional options.

The remote resort offers all sorts of activities all year-round, including berry-picking, hiking, reindeer or husky "safaris," various sports, and much more. 

Reindeer Safari!

Ice Karting

While I would assume that Santa Claus was, er, busy at the moment (he is just so, so busy), I would desperately hope to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis.

You may also take cultural excursions among the Sami people, who are indigenous to the region, Excursions include visits to a reindeer farm and other significant sites, as well as a special Lappish dinner in the Kota, featuring - what else - reindeer.  And ice cream.  Count me in.