Fun Orange County Parks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Nature Outings » Nature Hikes

Where Mommies Dare to Play

Grandma's watching the kids. Preschool is in session. Hubby tells you to take off for a break.

Okay, I know this happens rarely, if at all. Do you have a plan when it does???  You MUST have a plan!! (Target doesn't count.)

Playtime for mommies is the ever-elusive QUIET time.  I generally like to go to the beach, but here are my very special and secret places of solace and quietude.  I'm giving them away as a gift.

My only request: If I happen to arrive and you've taken my seat, can you scoot over and make some room? I promise not to say a word.

Heisler Park in Laguna Beach

Nix Nature Center in Laguna Canyon

Corona Del Mar Beach (benches)

Strands

Originally appeared on OCFamily.com.

More Nature Hikes for Families

  • 2025 Wildflowers and Best Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them in Orange County
  • 17+ Family-Friendly Nature and Interpretive Centers in OC
  • Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center
  • Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary and Birdwatching

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

Popular

  • 2025 Wildflowers and Best Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them in Orange County
  • San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park
  • 10 Best Orange County Playgrounds (by Feature)
  • Trestles: Beach Walking for Families in a Surfer's Paradise

Seasonal

  • Lake Forest Sports Park Playgrounds and Recreation Center
  • Sharing My Mother's Mom-isms in Celebration of Mother's Day
  • 20+ Parks with Big Slides in Orange County
  • 2025 OC Parks Annual Pass

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About + Start Here

Newsletter

  • Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2008-2025 Play Parks Creative LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclosure