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rainy day play ideas orange county parent and child with umbrellas

The BIG List of Rainy Day Play Ideas for Orange County with Kids

by Michele Whiteaker

Rainy day play ideas for Orange County with kids aren't usually necessary. It hardly ever rains. When it does rain, we usually just stay indoors … Continue reading

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39 Stay-at-Home Kids Activities for Parents Who Need a Break

by Michele Whiteaker

My list of stay-at-home kids activities for parents who need a break is in response to all the blog posts and articles out there that push the … Continue reading

how to buy a california state parks pass

How to Buy a California State Parks Annual Pass

by Michele Whiteaker

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

Play Trips and Park Tips

portola park lake forest

Portola Park in Lake Forest

Portola Park in Lake Forest opened in 2020 with a pickleball court, sand volleyball court, dog park, a few fitness stations, and playground.

San Onofre Beach Trail 4

San Onofre Beach Trail 4 is one of six trails leading down to the beach from the bluffs at San Onofre State Beach. Dogs are allowed on Trail 1 and Trail 6 (but not in between). This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this California State Park. You can find my post on San […]

StoryWalk plaque with background of blue sky and surrounding nature

StoryWalk and Mesa Trail at O’Neill Regional Park

The StoryWalk and Mesa Trail area of O’Neill Regional Park is quite a ways from the entrance of the park which is off Live Oak Canyon Road. You would normally enter O’Neill Park from Trabuco Canyon, but you actually approach O’Neill from Rancho Santa Margarita to get to this part of the park. Directions to […]

View of Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Bluff Top Trail

The Dana Point Bluff Top Trail above Dana Point Harbor is less of a hike and more of a place to stroll. It takes less than 10 minutes to leisurely make it from one end to the other along the bluff between the streets of Violet Lantern and Amber Lantern in Dana Point. Location of […]

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – PCH Entrance

I posted about Bolsa Chica Wetlands at the start of my blogging career circa 2008. I’d been wanting to explore more of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve ever since I read this post about it on a blog in 2009. Back then we visited the interpretive center and took a hike to the heron nesting ground. My son was […]

Crystal Cove Historic District featured image of buildings at the beach

Family Guide to Crystal Cove Historic District via Los Trancos

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 rental through ReserveCalifornia.com, the Beachcomber […]

Sidewalk Hiking featured photo of paved trail

Sidewalk Hiking

I could just as easily title this Sidewalk Hiking post: “Sidewalk Skipping” or “Urban Walks.” The point is that walking around your neighborhood counts as a hike. No matter what anyone else says! It counts. This is part of my Hummingbird Parenting blog series. When I introduced Hummingbird Parenting, I talked about a playground parenting style that […]

Corona Del Mar Beach: Haven for Sunsets and Circle Walks

Corona Del Mar Beach offers three beach areas for families. Walk the loop from Ocean Blvd down to the beach and back up for views & exercise.

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michele profile photoWriter mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Click to subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

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