The Fullerton Arboretum was on my list of places to visit with the kids ever since I heard about it from a blogger friend. She said, "Oh, you'll love it!" and "Get on their email list!" We made it a family trip on the weekend and it was perfect! It wasn't crowded at all and the place has such a nice feel to it. Directions to Fullerton Arboretum: It's right off the … [Read more...]
Irvine Terrace Park: Ride a Fast Tunnel Slide With a Window
Irvine Terrace Park in Newport Beach is tucked into a neighborhood along a busy section of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near MacArthur Boulevard. This park is surprisingly serene. Views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific peek from beyond the Japanese pines and statuary in the Rotary Club garden - a little quiet corner just blocks from Fashion Island. Visit in the … [Read more...]
Cedar Grove Park in Tustin: Under the Troll Bridge and Through the Woods
Cedar Grove Park in Tustin is a special place for picnics at the tables in the real cedar grove. See hummingbirds buzz around you and watch lizards skitter over the rocks. It's fun to let the kids get up and explore while leisurely munching. For once, a mealtime without any rules. The play areas offer many themes for pretending and a trail up to Peter's Canyon for the … [Read more...]
Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine – Everything You Need to Know
Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine opened in August 2009 when my kids were 4 and 8 years old. We were so excited to find an indoor play space with so many enriching play opportunities. Kids are naturals at creativity and imagination. There's really nothing parents need to do except stand-by and engage their kids with questions and pretend play -- even narrating their … [Read more...]
O’Neill Regional Park: Go Wild Outside
O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon has a distinctly wilderness feel with options for hiking and camping. I camped there with my husband when we were college students long ago. Rancho Santa Margarita sure cozied up next to it, huh? It's nestled back up in the foothills at the intersection of Live Oak and Trabuco Canyon roads. This is a beautiful time of year to … [Read more...]