There's a whole science to figuring out the best times to tidepool. What is the tidal range (difference between high and low tides)? Is it a minus tide (super-duper low in comparison to the rest of the year)? Is it happening during daylight hours? December and January tend to be the best times to … Continue Reading
Popular Posts
How to Buy a California State Parks Annual Pass
The California State Parks celebrated their 150th year. Buying a pass is a great way to support our state park system or give someone the … Continue reading
3 Ways to Make Your Investment in California State Parks More Affordable
You know I'm a park lover, so I'm happy to pay $195/year for my California State Parks Surf Explorer Annual Pass. If you think your taxes should … Continue reading
Play Trips and Park Tips
OC Great Park Playgrounds
Wondering what’s going on with the OC Great Park playgrounds? You’ve probably heard about the community ice center, the championship soccer stadium, and the tennis courts of the 194-acre Sports Complex. OC Great Park (OCGP) PUBLIC Playgrounds The OCGP has a number of PRIVATE playgrounds for residents only. But there are two kids play areas […]
10 Best Orange County Playgrounds (by Feature)
The 10 best playgrounds (by feature) in Orange County may not be the ones you’d expect. The idea for this post came to mind after I rode an awesome zip track at Ronald Reagan Park in Anaheim Hills. It was the BEST zip track I’ve been on in a while. “People need to know about this!” […]
Accessible Playgrounds in Orange County
Accessible playgrounds in Orange County have play equipment designed for children with special needs. Many times, that means the actual play structure has ramps that accommodate children in wheelchairs. It also means much of the play surface around the equipment is a flat recycled rubber surface. I’ve seen accessible swings and “boats” which fit wheelchairs and […]
25+ Sand Free Parks in Orange County
It’s easy to find parks without sand or “Sand Free Parks in Orange County” with this list. Thanks to the reader who wrote in requesting the information. “I am looking for parks that don’t have bark chips or sand. I would prefer the rubber padded flooring. My granddaughter is autistic and due to the sensory issues […]
100+ Ideas for Kids Indoor Play in Orange County
Writing about kids indoor play areas in Orange County is a little hard for this mom/writer who MUCH prefers outdoor play experiences. But play is play no matter where you go and I’ve had a lot of moms ask me about where to play when it’s too hot outside or raining. Until I got into […]
TeWinkle Park: Angel’s Playground for Expansive Accessible Fun
TeWinkle Park and Angel’s Playground is adorned with names of generous individuals and philanthropic groups who helped create Angels Playground. According to the Angels Charity website, “the plan was the inspiration of Costa Mesa residents, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Hansen, whose daughter, Angel, is severely disabled.” Groundbreaking for the park occurred in November, 2007. Location […]
Outdoor Play Activities for California “Cold” Weather
Outdoor play activities can be challenging when it’s chilly. California “cold” weather isn’t really that cold. Still, it’s tough to convince my friends with kids to get outside and play when rain threatens or there’s a blustery wind. I guess we’re spoiled by great beach and park play day weather? Outdoor time is still important any […]
Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park: Color It With Play
Open year-round (10AM-DUSK) – except for City-recognized holidays – and completely free to the public. The Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park is home to many happy childhood memories. In the 1970s, it opened with one structure: The Shack. What came after was created by the children. This undated historic photo shows just how long the Adventure […]