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...]
Settlers Park in Irvine
ssshhhh . . . Settler's Park in Irvine is a secret! Back in 2009, Kelly from Just Spotted recommended this park at great risk of personal sacrifice (she might have to share her little piece of paradise). We played at Settlers Park in Irvine at sunset enjoying every minute. It's a quiet setting among the citrus orchards and pepper trees. We saw turkey vultures and even … [Read more...]
Bosque Playground at Great Park Trails in Irvine
The Bosque playground at the Great Park Trails in Irvine is yet another example of the complicated naming FivePoints uses for this area. They actually call this section the Upper Bee and Bosque with a "kids play area" included. I'm sure your kids will come up with more simple terminology to describe the parks and playgrounds open to the public inside the Orange County Great … [Read more...]
Valencia Park in Irvine
Valencia Park in Irvine is perfect for a picnic or some run-around time. I first visited this park back when my oldest was a toddler and loved that it was a bit sunken and contained him from wandering too far. The play surface has been improved in recent years from it's former wear & tear. So for those of you who like NO sand -- this is a great choice. I visited again … [Read more...]
Sweet Shade Park in Irvine
Sweet Shade Park is one of Irvine's city parks. It's tucked off Harvard Avenue near the Villages of Columbus neighborhood. The bright blue geometric play structure caught our eye as we drove by back when the neighborhood was being built. Location of Sweet Shade Park in Irvine: It's off Harvard Avenue which runs parallel to Jamboree Road. The easiest cut overs … [Read more...]