Irvine Regional Park is located in Orange, but you'll pass through Tustin, Irvine, and Orange as you climb Jamboree to reach this massive regional park. I even filed it under all three cities since it's close to them all and worth a little extra drive. You can get in with your OC Parks annual pass or pay $3 at the gate on weekdays ($5 on weekends). You'll find the scoop on the … [Read more...]
Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange
Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange feels very accessible to those who might be hesitant to explore the greater wilds of Orange County with kids. I would feel comfortable taking a toddler here, because the hikes are short and the pay-offs are big. [NOTE: There are quite a few trail closures due to the October 2017 Canyon Fire 2 which heavily impacted this park. So make sure … [Read more...]
Playful Sponsor Feature: Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park
Many thanks to Wheel Fun Rentals for their sponsorship. Their generous support over the years helps ensure I can keep bringing play to Orange County. Remember when volunteer North County Parks Reporter, Lisa, took a spin on a Wheel Fun Rentals® surrey bike at Irvine Regional Park? Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Regional Park offers bike and paddle boat rentals. Their fleet of … [Read more...]
Coastkeeper Natural Play Garden
The Coastkeeper Natural Play Garden is (what I believe to be) the first public nature playground in Orange County. I cannot tell you how excited I am to share this magical place with you and your kids. All I did as a child was play outdoors and rarely on manufactured playgrounds, unless I was at school. This play space inside the Coastkeeper Garden will allow your kids to … [Read more...]
Steve Ambriz Memorial Park in Orange
Steve Ambriz Memorial Park in Orange features a large area dedicated to play with a little something for everyone. With two standard play structures and a large, abstract climb-on structure in the center, this place keeps my kids happily running from place to place for a very long time. There are ride-ons and plenty of swings to boot! Directions to Steve Ambriz Memorial … [Read more...]