Does summer strike fear in your heart? It's like looking at an empty page for a writer; an empty canvas for an artist. Summer seems like a blank slate to fill. The thing to remember is that summer is fleeting, just like childhood. So here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Relish (Rather Than Dread) Summer With Your Kids: Reason #1 - Slowing Down for Long Lazy Days More … [Read more...]
7 Beach Playgrounds Right in the Sand
I never realized how many OC beach playgrounds we actually have for playing right in the sand! But, then again, why am I surprised with so many Orange County beaches suited for families? Years ago, I wrote up a similar list for the family travel website Trekaroo.com. You should check them out if you're planning family trips this summer. I know many of the prolific travelers and … [Read more...]
3 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves
You want to know the best toddler beaches with no waves in OC? And I'm going to provide you with my Top 3 plus two bonus beaches, but they come with a note of precaution. 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 Bay Beach … [Read more...]
Beach Trips: What To Bring To The Beach and How One Parent Can Carry It All
Beach trips can be a snap if you have a system and know what to bring. A big part of my system is having everything pre-packed so that when I decide to take the kids to the beach - we just load up the car and go. We go to the beach year round so I have our routine down. I even made a PRINTABLE PDF CHECKLIST for you! Sunscreen the kids before you go and bring some to … [Read more...]
Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach
Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach make me think of the good 'ole days at the beach. There are always families wandering around the shops and restaurants, kids riding bikes, and tourists visiting from out of town. On the summer day we visited, Junior Lifeguards were there, in force. Location: There are two piers on the Newport Peninsula: the Newport Pier … [Read more...]