San Juan Capistrano

Camp Quick, Camp Local

Camping at Caspers

Mr. Play Parks spends long hours at his office and yearns to get outdoors on the weekends. Our day trips aren’t really enough for a guy who spent a childhood camping for family vacations.  I’m always up for an adventure, so we decided to test out Caspers Wilderness Park campground for camping local.  If you [...]

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Top 3 Orange County Train Trips for Locals

Train Rides in Orange County

Thanks to reader, Aimee, who requested a new list from me: “I’d love a list of fun things to do for 3-5 year olds within walking distance of train stations (that are reasonably priced, of course). Destinations could be LA, OC or San Diego.”  So for Orange County train trips, I will be looking at: [...]

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SJC Flag Hill and Patriot Trail – or Flagpole Hike – for Families

Flag Hill Thumbnail

I first hiked San Juan Capistrano’s Flag Hill and Patriot Trail in 2010 with my sis on a rare day without the kids. She called it the Flagpole Hike.  It was muddy after a rain and we got up the hill, to the flagpole, and back down in about an hour and half.  I just [...]

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

Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center

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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Caspers Wilderness Park: Discover Nature and Beauty Off Ortega Highway

Caspers Wilderness Park

Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano is absolutely beautiful. I hiked and camped here with my husband when we were college students. Spring is my favorite time to visit because of the greenery.  It’s an especially vibrant park in the official OC Parks system because of its representative native California plant species. We’ve seen [...]

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