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California Botanic Garden in Claremont: Wonderland of Spring Flowers

by Michele Whiteaker

California Botanic Garden in Claremont (formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens) is dedicated to California plants and offers lots of room to roam for families. My 2012 trip to the garden came at the invitation of my friend Debi at GoExploreNature.com - although she doesn't admit to being seen with us in her post about it.  We met up in the Claremont Village … [Read more...]

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista

by Michele Whiteaker

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens in Vista wasn't really our destination. We were searching for Brengle Terrace Park, but I noticed on the map that the park has an amphitheatre, the gardens, a disc golf course, tennis courts, and even a big recreation center. We are always looking for parks in North San Diego County, because Legoland is such a draw and there are such good hotels … [Read more...]

Color Walk at The Getty Center Gardens

by Michele Whiteaker

Taking a color walk at The Getty Center gardens was the highlight of my 2011 visit. I delayed visiting The Getty Center because I heard it was not appropriate for children. So my first trip was with my adult sister and cousin. It happened to be a "getaway day" so there seemed to be a large number of kids and the family room was full to capacity.  However, the grounds were … [Read more...]

Fall in Descanso Gardens

by Michele Whiteaker

Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge near Pasasdena is one of my favorite places to visit in Southern California. Walking the gardens revealed visitors reading books on benches, strolling with cameras, and wondering at the rich beauty of the grounds. Location: From Orange County, take the 5 to the 57 to the 210 towards Pasadena.  Stay on the 210 and drive up the hill … [Read more...]

Take Kids on a Spring Blossom Walk

by Michele Whiteaker

Oh, how the blossoms are blooming in our school garden! The brilliance is astounding! The peach tree pushed out the single blossom (above) a few weeks ago and now every branch is filled with blossoms (see next photo)! Take kids on a spring blossom walk around your neighborhood and you're bound to find some fruit trees with flowers. If not, there's surely new green weeds from … [Read more...]

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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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