Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park isn’t necessarily a summer-friendly location, since it can get rather hot.  I speak from experience – I think it was 95 degrees on the day I took photos and met my blogging friend, Kara-Noel.  I always get turned around when I head to Rancho Santa Margarita, but I’m starting to learn my way to the town’s center.

Location: I usually take Alicia to Santa Margarita Parkway. You will turn right onto El Paseo. You can either park in the shopping area between Kohl’s and the library. Or you can turn left on La Miranda and pull into the Bell Tower parking lot. I parked on the street closer to the playground.  MAP TO RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA CENTRAL PARK

Recommended by: #1 Robin and #2 Jenny:   The first mom to recommend this park to me had a PLAN. Robin told me to go to the park early, before it gets hot. When the kids are good and worn out you can check out books across the street at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library and head to Cinnamon Productions for a scrumptious snack (she specifically recommended sharing a quesadilla for lunch). Jenny pointed me in this direction so I could add it to my list of train parks. Thanks for the great tips!

Highlights:

• Big kid structure looks like it has lily pads growing above it. Lends itself to “bug” play. There is a cool crawling tunnel and a variety of slides.
• The huge bank of swings (4 bench and 2 baby) sits near the big kid structure.
• Train is a definite highlight with multiple boxcars.
• Lots of options for younger kids with the train and structure for 2 -5 year olds.
• Fun green-netted spider web climber! I even like climbing these.
• As always, my kids liked to play OFF the playground the best. There’s a great hill for “adventuring” and the amphitheater is perfect for impromptu shows.
• Nice shade from tall sycamore trees – unfortunately it’s off the playground.
• Picnic tables are mostly shaded. Lots of benches surrounding the park.

Be Aware:

• Slides and sand are HOT on hot days.
• Lots of play choices, but I know if my kids were toddlers they’d be drawn to the tallest points with the steepest drops.
• I call this a “run around” park. There’s central seating area where you could probably see the kids everywhere – but it was full and I wanted to stick to the shade. If you like to have visual contact with your kids then it’d be a little tough here.

Checklist:

• Park on the street or in dedicated parking lot
• Mostly sand play surface with some recycled rubber (It gets HOT in the summer!)
• Bring sand toys and even spray water bottles to cool off.
• Restrooms (key card needed) and drinking fountains near the playground. If no one pities you and to let you into the park restroom, the library is very nearby.
• “SAMLARC” stands for Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Registration Corporation. They are responsible for parks, events, and landscaping in RSM.
• Sunday Concerts in the Park during summer
• SAMLARC Park Map with Trails

My family and I recently explored Riley Wilderness Park near the entrance to Coto de Caza at the east end of Oso Parkway. We didn’t know we’d find such a peaceful spot. The wind whipped through our hair and the dry grass rustled as we hiked the ridge viewing the surrounding mountains. I liked visiting on a June gloom day. The clouds were breaking up in the afternoon and it was cool enough to be enjoyable.

Location: Exit Interstate 5 at Oso Parkway and head east following the signs to Riley Wilderness Park. Don’t miss the right turn (before the Wagon Wheel entrance sign) to enter the park. It’s a short drive on a dirt road to the parking area on your left. There are signs posted warning the park can be closed for up to three days after a rain – you’ll discover the reason as you drive over a big dip/creekbed. [Address: 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza] MAP

Highlights:

• Riley Wilderness Park provides easy hiking trails for kids
• Beautiful butterfly garden with kid-friendly exhibits (bridges to climb over, an artificial tree stump to climb in, a fountain visited by ravens, bunnies jumping through the underbrush).
• Small, but educational visitor center filled with activities for kids. Lots of items for touching and close examination.
• I’m still amazed at the projects scouts created for the enjoyment of all.
• Super nice rangers who sent us on our way with maps and information.

Be Aware:

• I’m guessing it’s SUPER hot here in the summer (still, there’s a nice shady grove of oaks, shade at the visitor center, and shade along some parts of the trails)
• Definitely a wildlife setting. Be aware. Talk to the rangers about precautions at the given time and day you visit.
• Bring water and basic first aid out on the trails.

Checklist:

• Parking in a dirt parking lot. I highly recommend getting an OCParks parking pass (see OCParks.com fees) or pay $3-$5 at the yellow automated kiosk
• Portable toilets in the parking lot
• Drinking fountain in butterfly garden and near parking lot
• Shade from sycamores and oaks

O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon has a distinctly wilderness feel with options for hiking and camping. I haven’t been up to O’Neill since I camped there when I was a college student. Rancho Santa Margarita sure cozied up next to it, huh? It’s nestled back up in the foothills at the intersection of Live Oak and Trabuco Canyon roads. This is a beautiful time of year to go with the green hills and blue skies. Added 8 new photos from March 12th hike of Edna Spaulding Trail and playing near the creek.

Location:

• Option #1: Drive up El Toro Road and take a right before Cook’s Corner (the oldest roadhouse in Orange County) onto Live Oak Canyon. O’Neill is three miles up on the right. If you hit downtown Trabuco Canyon near the elementary school, then you’ve gone too far.
• Option #2: Take Santa Margarita Parkway turning left when it dead ends into Plano Trabuco Road. Plano Trabuco Road turns into Trabuco Canyon Road. Turn left into park entrance.
• Address: 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon. MAP to O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon

Recommended by: Double the Adventure.com

Highlights:

• Sharlene says: “It had a cute playground, but makes you feel you were someplace far away. The tot trail is short but fun.”
• I loved the original educational panels teaching California natural history (rattlesnakes, hawks, Vaqueros, map of Orange County ranches).
• Great zip track like the one at Pioneer Park.
• Nature Center open on weekends.
• Outdoor amphitheater, complete with campfire pit, behind Nature Center.
• Freedom to roam and explore a wilderness area. Complete calm and peace only found in natural areas like this one.

Be Aware:

• Sharlene says: “I’m sure there were critters around.” And I would definitely agree. Talk to the park rangers at the entrance before heading out to play. However, the playground is very near the busiest part of the park.
• No baby swings
• Play area more suited to older children (not just one connected structure – gaps and monkey bars)
• Must pay for parking. I recommend getting an annual parking pass.

Checklist:

• Fee for parking in Oak Creek lot near park entrance
• Sand play surface and recycled rubber under swings
• Restrooms across parking lot
• Drinking fountains near restrooms and near play area
• Shade from gorgeous oaks surrounding play area
• Easy to view kids as they play
• Official OC Parks page for O’Neill
• Sharlene’s coverage on Double the Adventure