From the category archives:

Shade (play area)

Aliso Viejo Community Park

December 26, 2009

Aliso Viejo Community Park is centrally located along the border of Aliso Viejo/Laguna Hills next to Aliso Viejo Middle School. However, it’s at the end of a dead end street so it can feel quite isolated and quiet. This is one of the few playgrounds I can think of with a fenced-in toddler area. Location: [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Tustin Sports Park: For Play Days Under the Sun Shade

August 22, 2009

Tustin Sports Park is home to tennis courts, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, a picnic area, and a SHADE-covered playground. Its bright red color makes it feel festive and happy. A number of families were there on a hot weekend morning when we visited. Thanks to the family who took the time to fill out the [...]

2 comments Find out more →

Crown Valley Community Park: Secret Gardens for Knights and Ladies

June 7, 2009

Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel is truly a great place for community gatherings and exploration. “Thank you, thank you!” to Staci who recommended Crown Valley Community Park. I’ve driven by it a million times and thought the only thing up the street was the South Coast YMCA. There’s much more to Crown Valley [...]

2 comments Find out more →

La Veta Park: A Favorite Off Chapman Avenue

May 27, 2009

La Veta Park sits tucked back in a neighborhood off Chapman Avenue in Orange. Thanks to the special visitor for a recommendation that was so detailed, I was able to use almost every word! When we went for our photo trip – my daughter met a little playmate and I got the scoop from another [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Grand Park in Aliso Viejo

May 24, 2009

Grand Park in Aliso Viejo is a hidden gem above Aliso Viejo Town Center. Take the kids for book shopping at Barnes & Noble or a frozen treat at Golden Spoon, then head to the fountain to run it all off. Follow the paved path up the hill to this small play area overlooking the [...]

3 comments Find out more →

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 [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Orchard Park in Irvine

May 5, 2009

Found Orchard Park in Irvine when we were playing around Castle Park and Heritage Park. It’s halfway in between those parks in Irvine’s Northwood neighborhood. Location: Orchard Park is at the corner of Yale and Roosevelt near Interstate 5. You will need to exit at either Jeffrey or Culver depending on which direction you are [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Alta Laguna Park: Why It Tops Them All

April 4, 2009

Alta Laguna Park overlooks the 133/Laguna Canyon Road. I’m a pushover for parks with views and, so far, this one tops them all. It wasn’t a crystal clear day when we visited – but you can bet we’ll go back on one of those. We heard about this park from my nephew’s T-ball coach who [...]

2 comments Find out more →

Liberty Park: I Pledge Allegiance to Shade in Summer

July 16, 2008

Liberty Park is another park in the Talega development of San Clemente. It is across the street from the Welcome Center and a bit more centrally located than the Red Barn playground. My kids started playing Spiderman for all the climbing apparatus, including a free-standing spider web. Location: Centrally located in Talega. Turn onto Avenida [...]