From the category archives:

Regional parks

Capistrano Beach Park: Ocean-Side Train Watching and Sand Play

July 3, 2009

Capistrano Beach Park, better known as Capo Beach, is one of my favorite Orange County beaches – not for swimming – but just to pull into the parking lot, pile out, and be in the sand right away. It’s often foggy in the morning, like the slideshow photos. It neighbors Doheny Beach and boasts brilliant [...]

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Take Father’s Day Outdoors

June 17, 2009

Planning to play outdoors for Father’s Day? This personal blog covers all Orange County parks without regard to who maintains the park (state, county, city, neighborhood, etc.). The mission of Fun Orange County Parks is to promote play by providing in-depth information on all local outdoor play places. If you’re looking for some especially beautiful [...]

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Riley Wilderness Park in Coto de Caza

June 15, 2009

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 [...]

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Carbon Canyon Regional Park: The $5 Park with $10 Worth of Fun

May 13, 2009

Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea is ridiculously fun. FOUR playgrounds lie in sprinting distance of one another – with views of a small lake. Bring a picnic and plan to stay all day for nature hikes and wildlife viewing. Kudos to Orange County for bringing the best in playgrounds to its kids. Location: We [...]

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Hidden Playground and Nature Hike at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

April 1, 2009

Try a Laguna Niguel nature walk with the whole family. We cover Laguna Niguel Regional Park’s main playground in depth HERE. Did you realize there’s a HIDDEN playground? Past the tennis courts. And some fun places to roam around and explore with the kids? Location: Near the intersection of La Paz and Aliso Creek Road [...]

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Laguna Niguel Regional Park

March 23, 2009

Laguna Niguel Regional Park is a great place to take the jogger stroller and do a turn-around with the play area as a final destination and reward for your little one. Location: Near the intersection of La Paz and Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel. Take the Crown Valley exit (head away from the mall [...]

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O’Neill Regional Park: Go Wild Outside

February 17, 2009

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 [...]

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2009 OC Parks Permit for Regional Parks, Wilderness Areas, Beaches and Harbors

February 16, 2009

Please refer to the new post for the 2010 OC Parks Permit for Regional Parks, Wilderness Areas, Beaches and Harbors LINK HERE

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Mason Regional Park: Family Gatherings and Long Strolls

January 17, 2009

William Mason Regional Park is a massive park near UC Irvine and the Turtle Rock neighborhood of Irvine. It’s especially good for families who want to take long strolls/bike rides on winding sidewalks beneath towering sycamores. The park is relatively flat, so perfect for young riders. My favorite time to visit is sunset. Location: Between [...]