From the category archives:

Nature hikes

Our Nature Play Club: Reporting on Our June Beach and July Play Events

August 9, 2010

I’m way overdue on reporting our Nature Play Club fun. Here’s the scoop on our June and July events. I’m also logging this info over at NaturePlayClub.com with templates for invitations and the annual calendar. Think about starting your own Family Nature Club. It’s set up like a monthly book club – except it’s families [...]

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Crystal Cove Nature Ramble

August 5, 2010

A Crystal Cove nature ramble is a fun alternative when things are hot inland. On one of the hotter days a few weeks ago, we headed to the coast and just hopped out at the state park to see some nature and cool off. It’s amazing what we spotted on such a short trip. Location: [...]

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Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center: Easy Hike and Ocean View

July 25, 2010

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The City of Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center opened in April 2010. It’s open 10-4 everyday (except closed on Mondays). I’m one of those who is very sad to see the Dana Point headlands disappear to development. However, the part that is still protected as open space provides a scenic glimpse of the beauty which [...]

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Color Walks with Kids and a Camera

July 21, 2010

Color walks are soooooo easy. They are perfect for any age. When my children were younger, finding colors provided a great opportunity for learning identification. Now they are pointing out different shades and patterns in the colors! Color walks are not a new idea. I first read it in Fun Outdoor Activities (a guest blog [...]

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THE Backpack: A Practical Way to Pack for Outdoor Adventures with Kids

June 28, 2010

I take my mom backpack on all our outdoor adventures. I call it THE Backpack because it accompanies us everywhere we go. I’ve been known to shout “Do we have THE backpack?” or “Where’s THE backpack?” or “Did we forget THE backpack?” I panic if I open the trunk and it’s not in the car. [...]

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Salt Creek Trail: It’s All Downhill from Here

June 7, 2010

Salt Creek Trail is one of my favorite walks with the kids. I’ve done it with them in a stroller and this time they were old enough to walk on their own. The ocean breeze, and sometimes fog, make for a cool excursion when temperatures heat up inland. Trail Head Location: We parked on Camino [...]

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San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine: Wildlife Spotting in the Wetlands

May 18, 2010

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San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine is an oasis of hidden nature. The ponds are tucked away between bustling Jamboree Road and the quieter Harvard Avenue with an entrance off Michelson. It’s the perfect location for the Sea & Sage Audubon House – the first stop on our visit. The volunteer staffing the house was [...]

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How To Enjoy the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center, Even When It’s Closed

April 27, 2010

The Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center is a great bonus trip after you visit the playground (which we posted back in March 2010). The Nature Center sits atop a hill overlooking the park and features a lookout tower to take in the beautiful views. Caspers is part of Orange County’s regional park system. Look for [...]

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CA Open Space: Photo Journal of OC’s Outdoor Places

April 8, 2010

CA Open Space is a personal photo journal of California’s outdoor spaces written by OC outdoor enthusiast, Cindy Crawford (no, not the same Cindy). Cindy and I have been e-mailing back and forth over the past few weeks. She’s shared some great stories of her outdoor adventures and given me glimpses of OC places as [...]

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