A Crystal Cove nature ramble is a fun alternative when things are hot inland. On one of the hotter days a few weeks ago, we headed to the coast and just hopped out at the state park to see some nature and cool off. It's amazing what we spotted on such a short trip. Directions to Crystal Cove State Park: From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) turn into the park opposite … [Read more...]
Moro Beach at Crystal Cove State Park
Moro Beach is very confusing with all its names: El Moro, Moro Cove, or El Moro Canyon. The signage seems to indicate that they've decided on Moro Canyon Area - as a way to describe the beach, canyon, and hiking/biking trails. Whatever you want to call it, you enter near El Morro Elementary School off Pacific Coast Highway just north of Laguna Beach. And, yes, I … [Read more...]
Craig Regional Park in Fullerton
Craig Regional Park in Fullerton is in the most urban location of the regional parks I've visited. It's right across the Imperial Highway near Brea Mall. On the weekday we visited, I observed many visitors in high heels or suits walk over to the park with their sack lunches. Once you are inside the gates, the mall and busy city streets fade away--the only reminder … [Read more...]
Pirate Park in Bellflower: Fun for Your Little Pirate
I'd never heard of Pirate Park in Bellflower until one of my readers pointed it out to me. (Thanks for telling me about it, Cat!). It's a VERY small park and really geared towards the younger kids for that very reason. I think preschoolers and Kindergartners with BIG imaginations will love to play pirate here. And, yes, I realize that Bellflower is NOT in Orange … [Read more...]
Brio Park and Splash Pad in La Habra
Brio Splash Pad in La Habra comes with a park is a great summer destination for Orange County families because of its shaded playground and opportunity to cool off with the splash park. If you want to fill up an entire morning or afternoon, you can also visit the Children’s Museum at La Habra, which is directly across the street. Directions to Brio Splash Pad in La … [Read more...]
6 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves
You want to know the best toddler beaches with no waves in OC? I'm going to provide you with my Top 4 plus two bonus beaches, but they come with a note of caution. Still water beaches, meaning no waves or surf, have a general propensity for water quality issues and they can also be good stingray habitat - at least along the warm sandy edges. Check Heal the … [Read more...]
Bolsa Chica State Beach Bike Path
The Bolsa Chica State Beach bike path is an almost 3-mile portion of the 10-mile bike trail which Google Maps calls "Huntington Beach Bike Trail" and what Visit Huntington Beach calls the "Ocean Strand" in Huntington Beach. Whatever you call it, I'm talking about the short stretch that spans from an over-ocean bridge just past Seapoint Street on Pacific … [Read more...]
Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor
Doheny State Beach near Dana Point Harbor is one of my favorite spots in Orange County. We like to hang out at the harbor for breakfast, walks, and visits to the Ocean Institute. I always seem to be walking through Doheny State Beach or driving past it on my way to the harbor. How to Get to Doheny State Beach: The beach entrance is where Del Obispo turns into Dana … [Read more...]
21 Kid Friendly Things to Do Near Newport Beach
There are so many kid friendly things to do near Newport Beach that it's hard to pick for a list! From playgrounds to nature centers to beaches, Newport Beach is the epitome of California tourism. It's the perfect place to be outdoors with your family. Newport Beach feels like multiple cities because it is spread over a large section of the coast. In fact, Corona del Mar … [Read more...]
Castaways Park in Newport Beach
Castaways Park in Newport Beach is one of the best spots in Orange County to take in views of the Newport Back Bay and Newport Harbor. Directions to Castaways Park in Newport Beach: There are a lot of ways to get here! You can take Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the 73, and even the 55. It’s at the corner of Dover and 16th Street near Newport High School. You can set … [Read more...]
Riding Irvine CONNECT with Kids
Riding Irvine CONNECT with kids may be my new favorite way to get around Irvine for free! The City of Irvine describes this free service as: "Irvine CONNECT provides free shuttle service for community members – making it easier than ever to get around the City of Irvine. Ride on the Irvine CONNECT shuttle service to travel between the northern end … [Read more...]
Settlers Park in Irvine
Ssshhhh . . . Settler's Park in Irvine is a secret! Back in 2009, Kelly from an old blog called Just Spotted recommended this park at great risk of personal sacrifice (she might have to share her little piece of paradise). Now everyone knows about it! We played at Settlers Park in Irvine at sunset enjoying every minute. It's a quiet setting among the citrus orchards and … [Read more...]
Castle Park (Northwood Community Park) in Irvine
Northwood Community Park or Castle Park Irvine has an ACTUAL cinder block castle. It's just an amazing park, not ordinary in any way. Here, kids can get lost in their imagination as they use the castle to play knights, dragons, kings, and more! The huge play area incorporates a creative variety of play areas with equipment unique to this location. Directions … [Read more...]
Orchard Park in Irvine
We discovered Orchard Park in Irvine when we were playing around Castle Park and Heritage Community Park. It's halfway in between those parks in Irvine's Northwood neighborhood. The park is tucked away along a busy street, so you can almost miss it when you drive by. There are plenty of shade trees and a big lawn area. Location of Orchard Park in Irvine: Orchard Park is at … [Read more...]
Linda Lane Park in San Clemente is Ocean Blue with Views
Linda Lane Park in San Clemente holds the distinction of being one of the few playgrounds with beach access, as well as ocean views. I also loved watching the trains go by on the tracks below us. Directions to Linda Lane Park in San Clemente: You can walk to it off the San Clemente Beach Trail at an access point north of the pier on Linda Lane. To reach it by car from I-5, … [Read more...]
Baker Ranch Community Park in Lake Forest: Long Slides and Big Climbs
Baker Ranch Community Park in Lake Forest can make adults feel like kids going down a tunnel slide and provides new play opportunities for little ones. It opened in the community of Baker Ranch in May 2014 when it was all brand new! The big slide has stuck around as a family favorite since then. Directions to Baker Ranch Community Park in Lake Forest: From … [Read more...]
39+ Orange County Farmers Markets (Family Guide)
Writing about Orange County Farmers Markets with playground and library pairings has been a goal of mine for so long! I thought it would be easy, because my original list was around 12 farmers markets. It has grown so much over the years. This family guide or what I like to call the "play guide" is not as much a guide to the farmers markets themselves, because everyone has … [Read more...]
How to Visit Catalina Island: A Brief Tutorial on the Basics
We go to Catalina Island every summer. We've been visiting Catalina ever since I was in high school - so that's 30+ years. I'm surprised how many of my friends have never taken the trip over to the island. Granted, it is expensive to get to the island. Even if you just want to take a day trip to Catalina! It's a whole other world out there! You feel like you've … [Read more...]
Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove with the Green Sea Dragon Slide
Photos of Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove say more about this park than I could ever relay in words. It's funky, fun, and HUGE! The number one comment I hear from visitors is that Atlantis Play Center feels safe because the kids are contained and outsiders can't come in without paying admission. In fact, the City website states "Adults are not allowed without … [Read more...]
10 Orange County Things to Do in Spring
It's not hard to find Orange County things to do in spring outdoors. It's usually beautiful playground weather and this season is full of events. Thanks to Jill at SandyToesandPopsicles.com for adding in her traditions and adventures to fill out the post with a few events to try which we paired with some of my favorite posts that I tend to share in the spring. Bonus … [Read more...]
Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach
Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach near Top of the World overlooks the 133/Laguna Canyon Road. I'm a pushover for parks with views and, so far, this one tops them all. It wasn't a crystal clear day when we first visited - but you can bet we have been back many times. We heard about this park from my nephew's T-ball coach who rides his bike to the top of Park Avenue. It … [Read more...]
Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach
We pass Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach all the time while driving on Coast Highway between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Do you know where the Jack in the Box is at the corner of Coast Highway and where you turn onto the Newport Peninsula at Balboa Blvd? Well, diagonally across that huge intersection is a hill covered with drought tolerant plants. It … [Read more...]
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 video to get you … [Read more...]
Splash Parks and Water Play in Orange County
Orange County Splash Parks and Water Play (including Free Fountains, Splash Pads, Waterslides, and Hotels with Water Features) Always check official sources for Summer 2026 to see if the splash park you want to visit is open. Reservations may be required! One of Fun Orange County Parks' regular readers asked about local "spray parks" for water play - and even gave some … [Read more...]
Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park & Splash Pad
Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park & Splash Pad just became a more summer-friendly location because of the splash pad. However, if you are just going to the park it can get rather hot. I speak from experience - I think it was 95 degrees on the day I took photos and met my blogging friend, Kara-Noel. I always get turned around when I head to Rancho … [Read more...]
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 or pay $3 at the gate on weekdays ($5 on weekends or more on holidays). … [Read more...]
7+ Kid-Friendly Farm and Garden Outings
Are you looking for kid-friendly farm and garden outings around Southern California? I remember being allowed to wander through botanic gardens on my own. I guess my mom was probably watching, but my eyes were facing forward and I was an explorer in a new world! What was around the next bend? What exotic plants made up this new landscape? There are … [Read more...]
2026 Wildflowers and Best Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them in Orange County
In Orange County, wildflowers tend to bloom starting in March. In general, expect to see wildflower blooms from March-May. Not all spots are kid-friendly because some require long car rides, super steep or remote trails, or desert locations. The 2026 wildflower bloom has already been happening since February in little patches because of the rain we got this year. Always … [Read more...]
17+ Kid Friendly Things to Do Near Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor makes up a huge part of my outdoor life. One day we can be down near the Ocean Institute enjoying Baby Beach and another day we are up on the Headlands hiking down to Strands Beach. Even though there is water all around and the bluffs are high above the surf, there are plenty of kid friendly things to do near Dana Point Harbor. Dogs are not allowed on … [Read more...]
Heritage Park in Irvine with Water Play Fountains
Heritage Park in Irvine comes highly recommended by a Fun Orange County Parks visitor because of its beautiful lake, community center, Fine Arts Center and Irvine Heritage Library. It's a great place for strolls and picnics. How to Get to Heritage Park in Irvine: From Interstate 5, take the Jeffrey Road off-ramp or Culver Drive off-ramp. Take Walnut (a right from Jeffrey, … [Read more...]
Fairy Trails in Orange County
The old Fairy Trail Hike at Oso Creek in Mission Viejo was an artistic and miniature fantasyland brought to you by the same Fairyologist (Andre) who created the Aliso Summit Fairy Trail. During the summer of 2018 and the holiday season of 2018/19, the hike was located below the Oso Viejo Community Park Playground and along the Oso Creek Trail. It is no … [Read more...]
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!" is the first thought that crossed my mind. And there are so many other features for … [Read more...]
O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon
O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon has a distinctly wilderness feel with options for hiking and camping. I camped here with my husband when we were college students long ago. And we visit this park often ever since! The nature center at O'Neill Regional Park is on my list of 17+ Family-Friendly Nature Centers in Orange County. Rancho Santa Margarita sure … [Read more...]
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 StoryWalk and Mesa Trail at O'Neill Regional Park I've … [Read more...]
2026 OC Summer Camps with Outdoor Themes
2026 Orange County summer camps offerings will be much more varied than in the past few years. In fact, I came up with a list of 22+ summer camp possibilities! Camp providers in Orange County offer a number of OC summer camps with outdoor themes for families looking to enroll their kids in options to keep them active and learning outdoors this summer. Scroll through the … [Read more...]
University Community Park in Irvine for a Full Day of Play - and Reading
University Community Park in Irvine holds a strong spot in my mental checklist of Top 10 Parks in Orange County. I love the location and the arrangement of the play equipment. How to Get to University Community Park in Irvine: Exit Interstate 405 at Jeffrey Rd./University Dr. and turn towards the UC Irvine and Tanaka Farms. Turn right on Beech Tree Lane … [Read more...]
Mason Regional Park in Irvine
William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine is a massive park near UC Irvine and the Turtle Rock neighborhood. It's especially good for families who want to take long strolls/bike rides on winding sidewalks beneath towering sycamores. The park is relatively flat, so perfect for young riders. There are three separate playground areas each with different features. My … [Read more...]
Ultimate Guide to City Recreation Programs and Calendars in OC
Welcome to the ultimate guide to city recreation programs and calendars in OC with links to each city's community calendar or recreation classes and activities guides. If you live in Orange County, chances are you get a recreation guide mailed to you on a seasonal basis or at least a community newsletter. But we are all accustomed to traveling between many … [Read more...]
Strawberry Fields and Festivals: Sweet Red Goodness For The Picking
Strawberry season! A detour to the Carlsbad strawberry fields brought a rush of memories from a childhood filled with the decidedly California fruit which thrives along the coast. Rows upon rows of the plants with dark green shiny leaves and beautiful white blossoms fill crop land from San Diego north to Monterey Bay. From the blossoms, come a pale green version of … [Read more...]
150+ 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 the research about the best indoor playgrounds for kids in Orange County, I thought they … [Read more...]
New Playgrounds in Orange County
Wondering about the new playgrounds in Orange County? Each December since 2023, I get together with Heather from OCParentGuide to put together our lists for Instagram. We thought it might make it easier for you to find out more about these parks if I had a list to go along with it. These are the newest playgrounds by year from 2025 to 2024 to 2023. 2025 New OC … [Read more...]
15+ Winter Break Play Ideas
Winter break play ideas in and around Orange County created by me just for you! Ahhh, winter break. Time for being with family, sleeping in, and maybe some extra adventures? The ones that take a little more time and are a little more special? Whether you feel like the beach or the snow, I have play ideas for you. No matter if the weather is sunny or rainy, you'll find … [Read more...]