This is a family guide to the Crystal Cove Historic District via Los Trancos - the closest large parking lot to this location. The Crystal Cove Historic District & Cottages at Newport Coast are what most people associate with this state park. It's popular for its cottages which are available for … Continue Reading
Popular Posts
2019 Wildflowers and Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them
In Orange County, wildflowers tend to bloom starting in March. My husband and I accidentally stumbled upon a whole bunch when we took an … Continue reading
OC Summer Camps with Outdoor Themes
2019 OC summer camps providers in Orange County offer a number of outdoor camp themes for families looking to enroll their kids in options … Continue reading
Play Trips and Park Tips
Valencia Park in Irvine
Valencia Park in Irvine is perfect for a picnic or some run-around time. I first visited this park back when my oldest was a toddler and loved that it was a bit sunken and contained him from wandering too far. The play surface has been improved in recent years from it’s former wear & tear. […]
Newport Beach Civic Center and Park (also known as White Bunny Park)
Everyone thinks of the Newport Beach Civic Center Park as the place with the white bunny sculptures. But when I think of Newport Beach, I think of sailing and the ocean. Even their city seal sports sails, fish, and the ocean. So that’s why it makes sense that the architecture of the Newport Beach Civic […]
9 Ideas for Spring Break Family Activities Away From The Crowds
Sometimes families face challenges planning their spring break family activities. If you have school-age kids, they’re home. If you don’t then you’re fighting crowds to do the things you normally do without competing with the droves of school kids. Here are 9 ideas for spring break activities away from the crowds. Check out my little inspirational […]
Sweet Shade Park in Irvine
Sweet Shade Park is one of Irvine’s city parks. It’s tucked off Harvard Avenue near the Villages of Columbus neighborhood. The bright blue geometric play structure caught our eye as we drove by back when the neighborhood was being built. Location of Sweet Shade Park in Irvine: It’s off Harvard Avenue which runs parallel to Jamboree […]
Los Olivos Community Park near Irvine Spectrum
Los Olivos Community Park near Irvine Spectrum opened in March 2019. It’s near the site of the old Irvine Meadows Amphitheater off of Irvine Center Drive. This land was once home to Wild Rivers, Camp James, a Christmas tree lot and a huge parking lot to support those big entertainment venues. Now it’s a massive […]
Portola Springs Community Park in Irvine
Portola Springs Community Park in Irvine is more like a small neighborhood playground inside a huge community park which has ball fields and a community center. This is a great spot for younger kids with the challenge of climbers and boulders, but the intimacy of a small space with caregivers nearby. Location of Portola Springs […]
Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea: The $5 Park with $10 Worth of Fun
Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea is ridiculously fun. FOUR playgrounds lie in sprinting distance of one another – with views of a small lake. Bring a picnic and plan to stay all day for nature hikes and wildlife viewing. Kudos to Orange County for bringing the best in playgrounds to its kids. Directions to […]
How to Be a Hummingbird Parent
Exploring how to be a “Hummingbird Parent” is the next step after learning the story and loose definition of Hummingbird Parenting. Hummingbird parenting isn’t anything new, it’s just the name I gave to my personal parenting strategy when I got fed-up with the helicopter parenting bashing from the media or experts, many of whom weren’t […]