Many times simple plans are the best plans. Like, this simple: grab a takeout dinner and drive to the bottom of the dam at Alum Creek for a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables and playgrounds for the kids. Bathrooms are nearby, the view is nice, and being near the water is just relaxing. Once or twice a summer we head out with my parents to enjoy some family time eating by the water.
After dinner on our last outing, I challenged my mom to climb the crazy steps. It was a great way to earn a brownie for dessert. 🙂 The view was worth the climb. 
Once you get to the top of the stairs all you see is water, people boating, the beach, rocks. I didn’t expect the view to open up like that and was a little shocked when I first laid eyes on it. I actually went back a few weeks later by myself to run the stairs a few times – great workout!
There is a bathroom and parking is really close to the playground and picnic tables. Great place for older family members 
to gather since the walk isn’t too far. I think you can call and rent one of the covered picnic areas too – just check with the Alum Creek offices. To get there, turn east onto Lewis Center off of 23N. Follow the signs that direct you to the bottom of the dam. Super easy.
Anyhow, just wanted to share because it was a relaxing evening. I’d like to do it one more time before school starts.
We love this park and the walk up along the dam from one side to the other. We live 2 minutes from there so we go there a lot. The best thing about this park is that my daughter, since about age 2 and a half, has called it the “dam park.” As in “Mommy, it’s a beautiful day, let’s go to the dam park!” Never ceases to amuse me. 😉
That is hysterical, Lara! What a cutie. She doesn’t even know, does she? ha!