Thanks for visiting from my @OCPlayParks Instagram!
Scroll down just a bit to get to the latest blog posts to match the Instagram Reels!
I'm Michele! Writer mom and nature guide.
I spend all my free time sharing park tips and play trips in Orange County, California.
What you will get from visiting my blog:
- Everything you need to know BEFORE you go!
- More park info than could ever fit on Instagram! Photos, parking instructions, maps, and details!
- Weekly emails sincerely written from me to you empowering so many families to prioritize PLAY!
What are you waiting for? Scroll down to match Instagram posts to blog posts -- or visit these links.
Thanks for supporting all the work I do to make this blog, Instagram, and my newsletter a FREE community resource!
Go to buymeacoffee.com/ocplayparks to claim digital downloads from my Shop and become a supporter!
If you happen to post any of the places you found/visited because of me, make sure you mention @ocplayparks in the caption or tag me! It makes me so happy to get credit and spread the word to others.
Best New Playgrounds of 2023:
As featured on Instagram (Fall 2023):
As featured on Instagram (Summer 2023):
Best California Playgrounds - OC Edition with @ParksinSanDiego:
Archive of my Spring 2023 Instagram posts:
[This is NOT an official park/government website - unofficial information provided as a free community service.]
Please make yourself at home! I keep things light, happy, and playful around here.
- Visit my OC playground map with park markers that link back to blog posts + scroll to the bottom of this page for links to beaches, nature hikes, nature centers, gardens, water play, aquariums, museums, zoos, and rainy day play.
- Sign up for my FREE fun weekly email which also sums up what's happening on the blog and Instagram so you don't miss anything.
Hummingbird Parenting Series #hummingbirdparenting
"Hummingbird parenting" is a term I coined back in 2010 to explain a parenting strategy of giving your kids time and space for nature play by working around the social norms and rules that stifle free play today. Each post is an exploration of EASY ways we can let our kids play in a way that gives them the greatest developmental benefits while fitting within our personal parental comfort zones.
Here are the posts from the ongoing series:
- Hummingbird Parenting Explained (Story & Definition)
- How to Be a Hummingbird Parent
- Sidewalk Hiking
- The Joy of Stairs
- Flat Biking
Feel free to follow my more personal account @planwritepost where I cover content strategy tips, nature, and travel.
All photos are protected by copyright. Please do not use them without permission or proper credit. I've worked for YEARS scouting locations and capturing the photos you see on my website and in my social media feed, so please do the right thing and email me before copying and pasting.
Thanks!