Recreation

OC playgrounds with shade covers – mostly in Orange County. With recommendations on summer activities and how to keep cool on hot days.

Eastbluff Park in Newport Beach features a playground with a clubhouse where kids can watch and hear the planes taking off from the airport.

Serrano Park in Orange is an excellent spot for volleyball or basketball. The playground sits on a recycled rubber play surface.

What to bring to the beach on beach trips for families — and how one person can carry it all – from a SoCal beach family mom with checklist!

Heritage Park in Irvine sports a water feature and lots of nautical play on its playground. It’s also near the public library and small lake.

Tri-City Regional Park in Placentia boasts a lake and green lawn for picnics. New restrooms and fitness equipment added in 2021/2022.

Calafia Beach at San Clemente State Beach is a small stretch of beach north of the State Beach campground with its own day parking lot.

Craig Regional Park in Fullerton offers fun for kids with multiple playgrounds and an easy picnic spot for families near the Brea Mall.

I’m not a fan of hot playgrounds. Make that heat, in general. I’d rather bundle up on a chilly day than sweat like a maniac in 100 degree weather. We …

I first “met” Christopher on Twitter. He sent out a message as he was driving through Orange County and we’ve chatted on and off since then. He’d traveled to over …