Shade (play area)

Oak Creek Community Park in Irvine

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Every time I visit Oak Creek Park in Irvine, the playground is bustling with one mom’s group or another.  I had to hit it early in the morning to grab photos without kids, but the South Irvine Stroller Strides was gearing up for their morning workout.  It’s about a block away from Valley Oak Park [...]

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Concourse Park in Portola Hills: More Shade plus New Sand and Water Play

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Concourse Park is in the Portola Hills neighborhood of Lake Forest. I never knew how to get to those “houses on the hill” on the way up El Toro Road towards Santiago Canyon and O’Neill Regional Park. You notice the homes up to the left and I always think about what a great view they [...]

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Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills: Dive Into Undersea Fossils

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Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills is the most common name I’ve heard for this amazing fossil-themed park behind the Laguna Hills Community Center at the corner of Alicia and Paseo De Valencia. I’ve also heard it called: Dino Park and Prehistoric Park. It’s a great run-around park with 2 different levels and all sorts of [...]

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Alicia Park in Mission Viejo

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Alicia Park in Mission Viejo is best for younger kids.  There’s a bench right by the playground and a nice covered picnic area for lunch. Location: From Interstate 5, exit at Alicia Parkway and head towards the foothills. You will drive up Alicia past Jeronimo and turn left onto Via Linda, then right into the [...]

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Barcelona Park in Mission Viejo

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Barcelona Park in Mission Viejo is a nice, small neighborhood park perfect for toddlers. It has the biggest “Little Tykes” playground I’ve ever seen.  It’s like they super-sized those backyard play sets. Location:  Exit I-5 at Alicia Parkway and travel towards the foothills.  At Muirlands, turn left (to get to Los Alisos Blvd.).  Turn right [...]

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