The Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest is an annual event that has been a community tradition since the mid-1980s. I've written a full blog post about visiting Heritage Hill Historical Park throughout the rest of the year, but for one weekend in December you can visit at … Continue Reading
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Beach Christmas Tree at Crystal Cove
The beach Christmas tree at Crystal Cove State Park does not disappoint. I'd seen photos from photographer friends and heard about this Christmas … Continue reading
Holiday Lights at Dana Point Harbor 2018
Are you looking to find out about holiday lights at Dana Point Harbor 2018? I feel like IlluminOcean in Dana Point Harbor made a big impression … Continue reading
Play Trips and Park Tips
Places to Help OC Non-Profits (& Play!) While You Shop Local
Did you know you can help OC non-profits as you “shop local” for gifts? I wanted to talk about my favorite places to actually GO and get gifts where you can give to a local non-profit while finding something really special for your friend or loved one. The other bonus for you – or the kids if you bring […]
Melinda Park in Mission Viejo
Melinda Park in Mission Viejo sits right along Rancho Santa Margarita Parkway on the border of Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita. It has great views of Saddleback Mountain. Directions to Melinda Park: Sits at the corner of Melinda and Rancho Santa Margarita Parkway. Melinda is between Alicia Parkway and Marguerite Parkway. It’s also reachable […]
San Clemente Pirate Park for Yer Little Maties! (Forster Ranch Community Park)
San Clemente Pirate Park best describes Forster Ranch Community Park because of its deserted isle feel and pirate theme. There are palm trees, alligators and pirate ships. The safari Jeep is another favorite play piece. Directions to San Clemente Pirate Park: Exit I-5 at Avenida Vista Hermosa OR Camino de Estrella. The park is on Camino […]
Pioneer Road Park: Log Cabin Picnicking and Uncovered Wagons
Pioneer Road Park is probably best-known for its summer water play. Thanks so much to Mary for recommending this one! It’s not even on the map. My kids “oooh-ed” and “aaaah-ed” upon arrival at the brick-paved parking lot. Planners thought of every detail to make it feel like you’ve traveled back to pioneer days. From […]
Irvine Regional Park=4 Playgrounds + 1 Zoo + 1 Railroad + 1 Lake + Lots of Ponies
Irvine Regional Park is located in Orange, but you’ll pass through Tustin, Irvine, and Orange as you climb Jamboree to reach this massive regional park. I even filed it under all three cities since it’s close to them all and worth a little extra drive. You can get in with your OC Parks annual pass […]
Springdale Park in Aliso Viejo: Sharpen Your Spider Skills on Giant Webs
Springdale Park in Aliso Viejo is known by two other names: Spiderman Park or Spiderweb Park. Upon driving into the cul-de-sac that features the park, you can immediately tell why. I’ve seen parks with one climbing apparatus, but this is two webs weaved together in brilliant red rope. During Summer 2018, the park was transformed […]
Fairy Trail Hike at Oso Creek in Mission Viejo
It was an artistic and miniature fantasyland brought to you by the same Fairyologist who created the Aliso Summit Fairy Trail. You may have read my posts about the Oso Viejo Community Park Playground and the Oso Creek Trail on this blog. In both of those posts, I have you access the trail from the playground […]
Outdoor-Places-to-Go Gifts for Southern California Families
They say the best gift is one you want yourself! I could go for ANY of these outdoor-places-to-go gifts perfect for Southern California families. Some are annual passes. Some are museum memberships. And one is a gift to support nature in California without anything in return. Picking just two or three of these outdoor gifts […]