ESL Podcast 315 - Going to the Park

park - a natural area in a city with a lot of trees and grass where people can relax or play

The children are going to the park to play with their friends after school today.

to kill some time - to do something with extra time; to do something with one's free time; to find some activity to do when one doesn't have anything else to do

We went into the airport bookstore to kill some time while waiting for our flight to start boarding.

trail - a footpath; an unpaved (dirt) path to walk on outdoors

This map shows that there is a four-mile trail to the lake from here.

scenery - views; the beauty of the natural things around you, such as mountains, a forest, or a lake

Do you prefer the scenery in the mountains or on the coast?

to come across - to meet someone by chance; to find someone or something without planning to do so

While I was cleaning the closet, I came across some old letters that my grandfather had sent to my grandmother before they were married.

tree - a tall plant with wood at the bottom and green leaves on top

My parents have an apple tree in their backyard.

grass - a green plant with thin leaves that is cut short and used for people to walk or sit on, and/or to decorate the ground around homes and other buildings

We ate lunch together while sitting on the grass in front of the museum.

shade - an area that isn't in direct sunlight; an area that is darker and cooler than other areas because something is blocking the light and heat from the sun

Today it was too hot to walk outside, so we sat in the shade and drank iced tea.

spot - a place; a small area

They got married in a beautiful spot on the beach.

playground - an area for children to play, with equipment like swings and slides

Santiago spent hours with his cousins on the playground.

every so often - once in a while; occasionally; a phrase used to indicate that something happens occasionally, but not on a regular schedule

Every so often, the Stubbert family likes to do something fun together, such as going to the movies or going bowling.

picnic - a meal eaten outside; a time when people bring food to a place and eat together outdoors

Every Sunday, they have a nice picnic near the lake.

fountain - a piece of art or sculpture that sends water into the air so that it falls down beautifully, used for decoration

Many people like to throw a coin into a fountain to make a wish.

peaceful - calm; tranquil; without noise or stress

Sometimes it's nice to leave the city for a weekend and go to a more peaceful place in the country.

field - an outdoor area where a sport is played

Which soccer field is Russell playing on today?

to warm up - to prepare for exercise or a sports game by moving one's muscles slowly to get one's body ready for the activity

Doctors say that you should warm up for 5-10 minutes before exercising.

in ages - in a long time; since a long time ago

It feels like we haven't seen each other in ages!

take care - take care of yourself; a phrase used to say goodbye

Are you leaving for Albany right now? Take care, and don't forget to write to us!