6 Things To Do Outdoors with Kids During California Winters

In the January Play Trips newsletter, I asked readers to email me about things to do outdoors with kids during California winters.  This again proves that FunOrangeCountyParks readers are the BEST!  I got some really thoughtful answers that should keep you all busy during the next few months of “winter.” And I put that in quotes to remind you how good we have it without minus temperatures and blizzards!  We must get out and play for those who cannot in other parts of the country.  Here are the best picks from readers on what to do in Orange County (I added links so you can research these play trips on your own):

• “Fun place to go in the winter… The Beach!! Strands Beach is great because it is an adventure just to get down to the beach. You can take the Funicular or walk the steps (great exercise). The beach is long and clean, there is a good amount of sea shells at low tide and the tide pools are also really great at low tide. It’s fun to play on the beach and pretend it is all yours as it is all locals and surfers especially during the months of January (with the exception of MLK day) and February.  Another favorite is walking Dana Point Harbor, checking out the boats, walking from one end of the harbor to the other and checking out the Ocean Institute (only open to the public on weekends). Grabbing a coffee, lunch or an ice-cream cone at Coffee Importers and just hanging out.” (From S.M.)
• “My family and I love to go to the ENC in Newport Beach for winter playtime! You can also walk across the street to Dover Park and playground.” (From S.R.)
• “I love taking my son to the beach in front of the Montage in Laguna Beach in the winter because there’s hardly anyone on the beach, there are really cool rock formations and an arch, and when the tide is low enough there are lots of fun little tide pools to explore.  Winter the southern California way. 🙂  It’s also great to walk along the sidewalk that runs in front of the Montage and enjoy pretty views, grass areas to roll around in, chase bunnies, smell pretty flowers, watch for dolphins, etc.” (From C.S.)

• “Our kids really enjoy doing picnics at the Laguna Niguel Regional Park throughout the year including cold days.  They play, ride bikes…it’s really a great place for discoveries!” (From G.V.)
• “During California winters, two of the places we like to visit are the Cal-State Fullerton Arboretum and the Santa Ana Zoo. :)” (From C.M.)
• “During winter we love to go tidepooling at the beach, visit our local parks, splash in puddles (in much needed rain).” (From J.K.)

Subscribe to my monthly Play Trips newsletters. So far, I’ve been able to include a giveaway in every one. It’s my way of providing exclusive content to my most dedicated readers.  And, just ask any reader, I don’t make you jump through hoops to enter a giveaway! Entry is usually one simple email or comment that takes less than 30 seconds.

Congrats to Christine who won the ice skating giveaway and thanks to all who entered.