Welcome to the first week of 2021 Summer Play Trips Bingo for families in Orange County, CA!
This is my 9th summer (2011-2012, 2014-2019 and now 2021!) of my annual tradition to deliver FREE Summer Play Trips to my regular email subscribers over the 8 weeks of summer.
This year, I’m branching out to Instagram (@ocplayparks) and the blog so more of you can play along. (But you should still subscribe to get the FREE printable version via email. The printable version is only in the newsletter.)
Here is what it looks like on Instagram. It’s designed so that you pair the BINGO card with a blog post. So this week the game card is Choose Your Play and it goes with this 2021 Summer Play Trips Bingo blog post. Next week will be a new theme, a new BINGO card, a new blog post — and on and on for 8 weeks during summer.
Are you sensing a theme? FREE. There’s no catch. No sales. I do this for fun and I do this especially for those of you who write me notes like this:
“I’m so excited for your summer play trips! I have never signed my girls up for summer camps because your ideas, your formulas for a week of summer, help me give my girls such a fun summer! When people ask what camps they are going to I tell them “Camp Mom” because I know it’s fun! I look forward to your new ideas and hope to see links to your past ones for easy access at the bottom. Thank you for all that you do!”
-Katie (mom of 2)
I will do my best to deliver! The emails and posts will come out every Thursday. I think you will be surprised and entertained with something new this year.
You deserve the love!
Choose Your Play
The theme for this week is: Play Choices. I set this up to get you oriented to all your options for play in Orange County.
This week's card has a bunch of list posts and some more open-ended choices.
We'll get more geographically specific next week!
And you can get a printable version of these BINGO cards by subscribing to my weekly email. That's an example of the email that went out this week.
Here are the posts that go along with your BINGO game card . . .
When you visit the playground map, you'll find markers to parks (darkest blue), splash parks (light blue), farmer's markets (yellow) and libraries (white).
Each of the markers has a pop-up when you click on it. (Hint: The underlined name of the park links BACK TO THE BLOG POST!)
Pick a new park on the map to visit.
Pick an accessible park to explore. These are some of the most popular parks in Orange County, so think about going early.
Shade covers are a must during summer and new ones are being added all the time. Here are my top picks for parks with shade covers
There are free splash fountains, but not all splash pads are open yet or will be open for summer. There is water play you can do at home, though.
A favorite activity for my kids was painting the sidewalk or a rock with water using a paintbrush. They can spell words, make shapes, scribbles, or just notice the patterns on the pavement.
If you are on Pinterest, do a search for "water play at home" or look for hashtags about water play on Instagram. Maybe you will find a new favorite activity?
Or, more like, figure out what you might bring to the beach. Beaches will play a role in future BINGO weeks.
If you are not a "beach person" you can always go fully-clothed at sunset and still enjoy the view, a walk, or just sitting to listen to the sound of the waves while your little one plays in the sand.
The first couple of outings in this list post aren't open yet (Fullerton Arboretum and Coastkeeper Garden) but there are plenty of others to explore. Plus, a list of LA and San Diego options if you are wanting to travel further.
What could be better during summer? Again, get there early or go on weekdays since beach crowds may impact your visit.
What to Do When You Are Done
I hope you have fun with this! What to do after you complete your BINGO card? You can take the pressure off and do NOTHING. Seriously, who needs more on their To Do List?
But, if you or your kids want some recognition for your efforts, send us one self-addressed, stamped envelope at the end of summer along with your card or some artwork or a note to tell us of your adventures (or multiple envelopes as you complete them) and I’ll mail you back a personal note and stickers — for as long as I can keep up!
Address to send your self-addressed, stamped envelope: Michele at FunOrangeCountyParks.com, c/o Play Parks Creative LLC, PO Box 52451, Irvine, CA 92619
[This info is provided by FunOrangeCountyParks.com is presented as a community service to those wanting to enjoy the outdoors in Orange County. You may used this information with the understanding that FunOrangeCountyParks.com makes no warranties, although every attempt will be made to make sure the information is accurate. This blog is not intended to replace official sources and information should not be considered error-free or not be used as the exclusive basis for decision-making. The use of the information provided by this blog is strictly voluntary and at your sole risk. FunOrangeCountyParks.com assumes no responsibility for liability whatsoever associated with the use or misuse of this data.]