I put together 6 summer activities for your family play calendar. (If you aren't able to be home with our kids over summer, click over to my post on OC Summer Camps with Outdoor Themes or just plan your summer activities on the weekends.) I'm a big proponent of free play and just hanging out. I don't want you to overschedule your kids over the summer - but routines and … [Read more...]
Nature Hikes
Find the best nature hikes to take with families in Orange County. Many are more like nature walks and designed more for connecting your family to the outdoors. Families can relax together!
Over 15 Playgrounds with Nearby Walking Trails in Orange County
In honor of Kids to Parks Day coming up on May 20th, 2017 -- I'm celebrating with a special post about over 15 playgrounds with nearby walking trails in Orange County to inspire you to get outdoors and go exploring. Whenever we go to playgrounds, I'm always looking for somewhere to stroll. The playgrounds I picked for this post have walking trails RIGHT off the playground. You … [Read more...]
17+ Family-Friendly Nature and Interpretive Centers in OC
Family-friendly nature centers are home to my favorite rangers and resource specialists. Our family loves our visits to these hubs of wilderness displays and outdoor enrichment. We can't wait to put our hands on the interactive displays and Eagle Scout projects. We can stamp out animal tracks in the sand, pan for gold, see historical and archaeological artifacts, learn about … [Read more...]
Newport Beach Civic Center and Park: Natural Area with Blue Bridges and White Bunnies
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 Center and Park (NBCC) should match that vision. The roofline looks like waves and when I walk into the park the paths wind and turn in a natural rolling motion. I can see … [Read more...]
Top 5 Family Friendly Hikes in Orange County
Brian & Ashley ran a local hiking blog until 2016. They recorded their adventures on the trails -- in much the same style as I record our visits to parks and playgrounds. The young married couple share detailed directions to trailheads, photos, and maps of their hikes on their blog. In 2011, they put together this list of Top 5 Family Friendly Hikes in Orange … [Read more...]