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Home » Play Ideas » Beach

Ocean Kids | Playing at Catalina Island

I'm an ocean kid.
My dad was a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Marines.
My great grandfather engineered steamships on the Great Lakes.
To quote Jimmy Buffet, "the sea's in my veins."
The experiences most kids have while camping, I had on a boat:

Family time.
No TV.
Fishing.
Swimming.
Nature hikes (on the Channel Islands).
Reading lots.
Playing cards and board games.
Cooking outside.
Limited resources (if you didn't bring it with you . . . tough.)
Rowing a dinghy.
Sleeping in tight spaces. Sleeping outside.
Seeing the stars.
REALLY seeing the stars.
Feeling at the mercy of the weather - and the ocean.
Sleeping hard after a day outdoors.
Sunburn. Ouch.
Feeling small because nature is big.
Exploring. Alone.
Creating memories etched forever in my brain.
Spotting wildlife - dolphins, whales, sharks, jellyfish.
Autonomy.
Learning fish names.
High speed rush on high horsepower tenders.
Bonding.
Navigation.

Enjoy some of my best shots from our 5 days on the water at Two Harbors (Isthmus).
It was nice to be "home."

Link to post on Tucker Playground on Catalina Island (Two Harbors/Isthmus)

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About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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