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Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – PCH Entrance

September 1, 2010
Bolsa Chica

It was almost a year ago that I posted Bolsa Chica Wetlands. I’d been wanting to explore more of the Ecological Reserve ever since I read this post about it on Alive in Wonderland. Last year, we visited the interpretive center and took a hike to the heron nesting ground. My son was calling it [...]

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Talega Park: Tiered Play for Multi-Level Fun

August 31, 2010
Talega Park

Talega Park in San Clemente is unusual for its layout. It sits at the dead end of a residential street where the restroom building and swings are at the base of the park. Climb up one level and there’s a structure with monkey bars and swinging pedestals. Then one more level brings you to the [...]

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Top 10 OC Playgrounds with Shade Covers

August 25, 2010
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Back in June, when it was still nice and cool, I wrote about Cool Tips for Hot Playgrounds.  Now that we’re seeing temps in the 100′s, you might want to re-visit that post. Top 10 OC Playgrounds with Shade Covers Numbers 1 through 4 are the stand-out parks where the shade covers are BIG and [...]

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Lantern Bay Park: Harbor Lights and Sunset Barbecues

August 21, 2010
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Lantern Bay Park, located on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor and the coast, is a favorite for its sea breezes and proximity to the beach. Perfect for family barbecues and larger gatherings, too. It’s located across from the Laguna Cliffs Marriott with its distinctive red roof. There’s a long staircase leading from the harbor [...]

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Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center Pool and Playgrounds for Splash and Play

August 20, 2010
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I’d planned to do some splashing at the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center pool, but the summer somehow got away from me. Luckily, the center is open from May 1st through September 30th. So we still have time for some water play. Even after the summer is over, there are two playgrounds nearby which provide a [...]

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Little Cottonwood Park: The Busiest Little Playground Around

August 18, 2010
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Little Cottonwood Park in Los Alamitos is super popular. So popular, in fact, that it took me a very long time to get photos without kids!  I can see why, too. It’s a great and compact little park with two sizable picnic shelters to shade parents and host parties. Location: From Interstate 405, take the [...]

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Fred Barrera Park: Take a Spin on the Walking Trail or Hang from Loopy Monkey Bars

August 13, 2010
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Fred Barrera Park in Orange was dedicated in 2006 in honor of a man who gave many years of service to the City of Orange. A touching plaque at the park details all his endeavors. This small playground with some unusual monkey bars is right up the hill from Serrano Park and around the corner [...]

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Pavion Park in Mission Viejo: Fun with Giant Funnels

August 7, 2010
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Pavion Park in Mission Viejo was our mystery destination on a recent walk up the trail from Oso Viejo near the Norman P. Murray Senior Center. I had my two kids and two nephews with me (ages 4-8) and embarked toward Pavion thinking it would be a quick jaunt, but it turns out it’s a [...]

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Crystal Cove Nature Ramble

August 5, 2010
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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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