Nature hikes

Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm Trip: Celebrating Fall with Family

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Apple picking in Oak Glen is a U-Pick family tradition for many in Southern California. I’d never heard of Oak Glen or Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho apple farm (not to be confused with Riley’s Farm right down the street). You could come to this area every year and have a different experience at a [...]

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Fullerton Arboretum: Explore Outdoor Rooms Full of Trees

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The Fullerton Arboretum was on my list of places to visit with the kids ever since I heard about it from a blogger friend.  She said, “Oh, you’ll love it!” and “Get on their email list!” We made it a family trip on the weekend and it was perfect! It wasn’t crowded at all and [...]

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Road Trip: Malibu Legacy Park for a True Coastal Treat

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Malibu Legacy Park is one of my favorite new parks in Southern California. My parents live in Ventura County, so I make the drive between Orange County and Ventura often.  I love to take the coast route along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). For years, that meant viewing a big vacant lot smack in the center [...]

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Discovering the Butterfly Habitat at Mason Regional Park in Irvine

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The Butterfly Habitat at Mason Regional Park in Irvine opened in November 2010.  The kids and I finally stopped by to find the hidden garden during our summer exploring in 2011. As with most of our amazing regional parks (OCParks.com), Mason is pretty massive to cover on foot.  There are 3 play areas scattered throughout [...]

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Top 12 Whale Watching Parks and Beaches

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“Hey Michele, what’s the hike near the coastline that might give us a peek at some whales?” was the question that came to me by way of the Lead Blogger at OCFamily.com, Suzanne Broughton.  Hmmm . . . Let’s see what I can come up with for the Top 12 Whale Watching Parks and Beaches [...]

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