From the category archives:

Irvine

Turtle Rock Nature Center and Park

October 30, 2009

Visiting Turtle Rock Nature Center and playground turned into a very enjoyable afternoon for my kids and I back in September. I recorded our day on my Simple Nature Adventures post. I just got a comment on that post reminding me I never actually did a review of Turtle Rock Community Park or the nature [...]

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Sweet Shade Park in Irvine

October 28, 2009

Sweet Shade Park is one of Irvine’s city parks. It’s tucked off Harvard Avenue near the Villages of Columbus neighborhood. The bright blue geometric play structure caught our eye as we drove by. Location: This park isn’t even on the map yet. It’s off Harvard Avenue which runs parallel to Jamboree Road. The easiest cut [...]

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Aldrich Park Exploration at UC Irvine

October 26, 2009

Aldrich Park is the natural centerpiece of UC Irvine, but most outsiders don’t even know it exists. University students use it to shortcut to classroom buildings set on a ring road which organizes the campus. On quiet weekends, Aldrich Park is a dream for adventurous OC kids and families. We spent our $8 on parking [...]

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Blue Gum Park in Irvine

October 23, 2009

Blue Gum Park in Irvine is one of those great “insider” recommendations. We were playing at Tustin Sports Park with its massive red shade cover, when one of the moms told me about Blue Gum. It’s shaded largely by trees and provides a cool respite at the height of summer. Location: Off Bryan near Jeffrey [...]

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Woodbury Maze Garden: Paper and Crayons Lead to the Blue Chateau

August 2, 2009

The Woodbury maze garden sits within the Woodbury neighborhood in Irvine anchored by Woodbury Community Park. When we were visiting Settler’s Park, a family recommended we check out Woodbury. My kids had a blast at the small park tucked away in the neighborhood. It had a distinctly Santa Barbara feel to it. Location: Woodbury is [...]

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Settlers Park in Irvine

July 5, 2009

Sssshhhh . . . Settler’s Park is a secret! Kelly from Just Spotted recommended this park at great risk of personal sacrifice (she might have to share her little piece of paradise). We played at Settlers Park in Irvine tonight at sunset enjoying every minute. It’s a quiet setting among the citrus orchards and pepper [...]

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Splashy Play at Irvine Spectrum

May 18, 2009

Now that the weather is heating up, I’ve received lots of requests for water play areas at local parks. As always, I’m starting with what I know. And although I don’t know Irvine shopping – I’m pretty good at playing at the Spectrum. Last week, I took my 3 year old out to see what [...]

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Orchard Park in Irvine

May 5, 2009

Found Orchard Park in Irvine when we were playing around Castle Park and Heritage Park. It’s halfway in between those parks in Irvine’s Northwood neighborhood. Location: Orchard Park is at the corner of Yale and Roosevelt near Interstate 5. You will need to exit at either Jeffrey or Culver depending on which direction you are [...]

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Valley Oak Park in Irvine

April 27, 2009

I discovered Valley Oak Park in Irvine while searching for a good place to meet up with grandparents. It’s an ideal choice because of the level walking surface from the dedicated parking lot to the playground – and plenty of benches (not to mention, the proximity to the 405 freeway). Location: Easy to find from [...]