I am trying to change the verbs to descriptive ones.

Here they are:

both of them had very distinct personalities (I need to find a better verb than had, was, were, etc.)

Bob was a really strong person.

They were out at the park.

"Both of them possessed distinctive personalities."

Now do you mean Bob had a lot of physical strength?
or that he had a lot of strength in the form of character?

Bob showed (displayed) a lot of strength.....(Not sure where you're going with Bob there).


"They went to the park." or "They played at the park all afternoon."

1st one - Both of them displayed, exhibited, projected.

2nd - can't think of anything

3rd - They spent the day at the park. Enjoyed a day at the park. They wandered around at the park.

Hope that helps.