Play Ideas

Make ahead family meals are one of my biggest strategies when it comes to finding extra play time!  I’m going to start sharing some of my favorite make ahead meals, …

Christmas in Orange County list with 29 mostly FREE things to do. Includes places to go and also experience-gift ideas! Also home holiday fun!

A simple list of Orange County 2024 Thanksgiving dinner restaurant buffets, dine-in, and Thanksgiving meals to go or takeout!

Kids naturally find stuff to build at parks and beaches and it’s okay to let them as long as there are no rules against collecting.

The Stick Game is a classic in our family for when the kids are out on a nature walk or hike with us.

My 7 year old came up with the holiday play idea of creating a Halloween candy house using Pop Tarts. I’m sure ideas like this can be found on the …

Blog readers, like you, turned me on to apple picking in Oak Glen in 2010 (see post from back then). Since then, everyone has posts on apple picking!  The thing …

Best places to see airplanes in Orange County! Including aviation museums, restaurants with views of runways, and parks with planes or views.

The Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach: beach playground, bike trail, the original Ruby’s on the pier, and Balboa Island ferry.

OC playgrounds with shade covers – mostly in Orange County. With recommendations on summer activities and how to keep cool on hot days.