Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park  in Newport Beach make me think of the good ‘ole days at the beach.  There are always families wandering around the shops and restaurants, kids riding bikes, and tourists visiting from out of town.  On the summer day we visited, Junior Lifeguards were there, in force.

Location: There are two piers on the Newport Peninsula: the Newport Pier and the Balboa Pier. The Balboa Pier is the furthest towards the end of the Peninsula.  From Interstate 405, take the 55 Freeway towards the beach and it will take you right onto the peninsula on Newport Blvd. (eventually turning into Balboa Blvd.).  You’ll travel past all the numbered streets to the lettered streets. Get there early to get a spot in the lots off Palm Street or B Street (turn right to get to the lots). Pay at the machines by the hour or by the day.  MAP TO BALBOA PIER AND PENINSULA PARK IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

• Lots to do here besides the beach and playground!
• Playground is on the sand at the base of the pier
• My kids loved the big spiderweb climber
• Huge bank of swings!
• Play equipment appropriate for 5-12 year olds
• Peninsula Park has a huge lawn area appropriate for kite flying or soccer games, plus gazebo for bands or entertainment
• Balboa Fun Zone
• Ride bikes on the Newport Balboa Bike Trail along the peninsula
• Take the Balboa Ferry to Balboa Island for a stroll
• Eat at the original Ruby’s on the pier

Be Aware:

• The Peninsula can get extremely busy on weekends and holidays, especially because there’s only one way out (back the way you came)!
• Get there early to grab a parking spot and stay for the whole day.
• The beach can have big waves and I noticed a pretty sizeable drop-off (where it gets deep very fast on the south side of the pier). However, the north side looked good. I always talk to the lifeguards before I take a dip at a new beach, they always seem happy to give me pointers on any hazards BEFORE I get in!
• Fee for parking

Checklist:

• Parking in dedicated lots ($1.50 per hour with a max of $15.00/day). Click here for parking info from Newport Beach.
• Play surface: Sand
• Restrooms right next door to the playground
• Nice to have lifeguards nearby in summer, in case a need for first aid arises
• Picnic on the beach or find a nearby restaurant
• Bring bikes if you want to ride the trail (also available to rent)
• Fire rings available from 6am-10pm on first-come, first-serve basis (consult NB beaches page for details)
• Official Newport Beach website
• Nearest public library branch: Balboa Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library system

Nearby parks:

• 38th Street Park
• Newport Island Park
• Irvine Terrace Park

*Added to KaBOOM.org as part of their 2011 Park-A-Day Summer Challenge

Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor is near The Ocean Institute. I’ve never been to the beach because I’ve heard negative info about water quality in this part of the harbor.  However, I also haven’t done any research to debunk that hearsay.   The best thing to do is consult OCBeachInfo.com where they post closures and warnings. There’s even a phone number to call for recorded information (714-433-6400).  (Google Maps calls this area “Dana Cove Park.”)

Location:  I get to Dana Point Harbor from all sorts of directions (Moulton to Golden Lantern, Crown Valley Parkway to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), I-5 to PCH).  Look at the map to see what makes the most sense for you.  Taking the “Beach Cities” exit off Interstate 5 takes you right to the pedestrian bridge over PCH.  Turn left onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and wind past Doheny Beach and the main shops at the Harbor.  Keep driving past Golden Lantern and turn into the parking area right before Cove Road. (If you get to The Ocean Institute, you’ve gone too far.)  MAP TO BABY BEACH IN DANA POINT HARBOR

Recommended by: Cory (her comments in italics)

Highlights:

• CALM water (very little movement, no waves)
• Lifeguard on duty during the summer
• Beach and grass areas are within a few yards of the two parking lots (not a long or steep haul with the kids and all your beach “goodies”)
• Free parking
• Right next to The Ocean Institute that has a cool “pirate ship” right there for all to see (The Ocean Institute is open to the public on the weekends.)
• The crowd was all moms, babies, families, and young kids.
• I love walking around this harbor!

Be Aware:

• It’s in a harbor, so don’t expect a beautiful white sand beach and clear blue waters.
• Also, no food/drink or sundry options nearby, so BYO-everything.
• I think this rarely happens, but I know a family who visited this beach only to have the lifeguards close it around 11:30am due to water quality.  (Lantern Bay Park might be a good Plan B if this happens.)
• This place gets busier as the day goes on, so arrive earlier for less hassle. (Picnic areas, especially, fill up early!
• Remember, the weather at the beach can be very different than inland.  Don’t be surprised to find fog or a chilly ocean breeze (although it’s a more protected area inside the harbor than on outside beaches).
• As you stand facing the water, you’ll see cones on the beach to your far left.  This is where kayaks and paddle boards launch into the Harbor, so don’t put your beach blanket inside the cones.

Checklist:

• Pretty good parking availability (Dana Point Harbor has a parking map available in PDF for download. Baby Beach is marked on their map.)
• Nearby grassy area
• Picnic tables under a shade covering
• Restrooms were right next to the beach (between the picnic areas)
• Surfline tide and surf report for South Orange County
• An active reader, Elizabeth, pointed out that HEAL THE BAY Beach Report Card is the best website to learn about water quality over time.
• OCBeachInfo.com (714-433-6400) for closures and warnings due to water quality issues.
• Official City of Dana Point website with links to the beaches
• Nearest public library branch: Dana Point Public Library

Nearby parks:

• Lantern Bay Park
• Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center
• Doheny State Beach (by Bus)
• Shipwreck Park

*Added to KaBOOM.org as part of their 2011 Park-A-Day Summer Challenge

Harry M. Dotson Park in Stanton is a definite “find.” A reader recommended it ages ago – but I was never in the area to take photos until recently. It’s beautiful, enclosed, and fun for pirate pretend.

Location: The location was a little tricky. The maps I consulted didn’t take me to the right place. The address is 10350 Fern in Stanton.  Apparently there are two sections of Fern. The park is on the section north of Katella.  We took Katella from Disneyland and turned right onto Beach Blvd., right onto Cerritos, and a left onto Fern (park is on the right).  A more direct way, would be to take the 22 Garden Grove Freeway and exit at Beach Blvd.  Then you can just travel towards Adventure City and take the right onto Cerritos and left onto Fern. MAP TO HARRY M. DOTSON PARK IN STANTON

Recommended by: Tracy (her comments in italics)

Highlights:

• Pirate Ship Playground equipment!! SO NEAT!!
• Water Park Area
• Newer park in great shape, kept clean, and brand new play and picnic areas
• They have a pirate ship playground, a water park type area, a treasure chest, bathrooms, picnic area. Small park with great amenities.
• The pirate ship is mainly accessible for wheelchairs. There are a few steps at the very end of the ship, but the rest seems navigable.
• The “Wet Saloon” is the water park component. It wasn’t running when we were there. It’s located next to shaded concrete picnic tables.
• The main play equipment is the pirate ship, but there’s also a smaller “fort” near the picnic tables. The little ones that were there on our visit would bounce between the fort and the ship.  It was pretty easy to keep an eye on the kids here.
• There are two large boulders to climb with hand holds.
• The treasure chest doesn’t open, but the kids will try.
• Lots of interpretive learning boards on the structures and a chess board under the ship.
• All the slides got high ratings from my kids.
• I loved the little peaceful spot in the back with the lawn area and pathway.
• Read the signs about Mr. Dotson and how, for him, “It’s for the kids.”  I loved that quote and enjoyed reading about his community spirit.

Be Aware:

• It’s in a little crowded neighborhood. Not the nicest area but the park itself is really great and really worth it in the day time.
• There aren’t any swings in this playground but everything else is great!
• Just pay attention to the map and directions before you go. I have the marker set directly on the park so you can find it.
• Fountains only run during the summer!

Checklist:

• 6 parking spots right outside the gates, otherwise parking on the street
• Play surface is recycled rubber underneath the equipment
• Restrooms and drinking fountains
• Outside shower (just like at the beach) near the restrooms
• Mostly fenced
• Half court basketball
• Lots of shaded picnic tables and benches for parents to watch the kids
• Fitness trail and nice little path and grass at the back of the park

Heritage Park in Irvine comes highly recommended by a Fun Orange County Parks visitor because of its beautiful lake, community center, Fine Arts Center and Irvine Heritage Library. It’s a great place for strolls and picnics. I will miss the unique wooden water tower slide which didn’t make it into the new playground plan. The park just underwent a huge renovation (I originally posted it in April 2009).

Location: From Interstate 5, take the Jeffrey Road off-ramp and turn towards the west. Turn right on Walnut and turn right into Heritage Park Circle near the library. Drive to the back of the lot for the playground and lake. MAP to Heritage Park in Irvine

Highlights:

• WATER PLAY!  My kids went crazy with the fountain and it’s especially nice on these hot fall days. I didn’t see even see any slipping when we were there.

• KID SIZE BASKETBALL! There’s a lower to the ground basketball hoop right off the playground, separated from the adult courts by a handball wall.
• I loved the “shower head” play equipment (see below) where kids stand on the rotating bottom pedestal and hang from the top which also rotates.  I’ve seen these at other parks, but my kids can never reach the top and stand on the bottom. This one is smaller than most!

• Fun teeter-totter and ride on dolphin. Set up for pretend play revolving around an ocean theme with a bait & tackle shop and equipment that looks like ships and boats.
• I also liked the “climbing funnel” made out of net material. The kids loved it.
• Easy to see the kids from most points in the park
• There’s also an accessible “boat” – like the one at TeWinkle Park.  There’s a ramp and it fits a wheelchair. The best way to make it rock is for an adult to stand in the middle and almost do lunges back-and-forth.
• Big lake with ducks and geese
• Fine Arts Center, Irvine Heritage Library, Community Center all in the same area

Be Aware:

• Kids will be drawn to the water play, so make sure you bring a towel and a change of clothes
• Watch for goose poop! Wasn’t on the playground, but the sidewalks and some of the grass surrounding the park.
• I wouldn’t think this is the best park for really little kids, although I asked a few parents how they liked it and they weren’t complaining. They just took a more active role in the playing by getting on the equipment with the kids.
• Popular with school groups and moms clubs

Checklist:

• Large parking lot
• Restrooms beyond the basketball courts; accessible restrooms in the youth center
• Recycled rubber and sand play surface
• Swimming pools, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, baseball diamonds
• Plentiful barbecues and picnic tables
• Shady trees cover many of the seating areas
• According to the City of Irvine, the fountains run from 10am-6pm daily

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 Memorial Day through Labor Day. So we still have time for some water play. Even after the summer is over, there is a playground nearby which provide a place for active kids to get outdoors.

Location: The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center is off of Glenwood at Golf – in Aliso Viejo. Option #1: From Interstate 405, exit at Irvine Center Drive and go west towards the ocean. It will turn into Moulton Parkway and you can turn right onto Glenwood. (Option #2: You can also exit at El Toro and turn left onto Moulton for the right into Glenwood.) From Glenwood, take a right onto Golf and into the Glenwood at Aliso Viejo development. Option #3 would be to take the 73 Tollroad, exit at Glenwood and head down the hill, making a left onto Golf after crossing Aliso Creek Road. Once inside the development, drive straight ahead toward the fountain roundabout and park in the large lot. (Address: 29 Santa Barbara Drive, Aliso Viejo) MAP TO THE ALISO VIEJO AQUATIC CENTER POOL

Special note: The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center is open to the public, but residents of the City of Aliso Viejo receive special privileges not available to the public.  For instance,

• city residents pay $2 less than non-residents for daily admission.
• only residents may reserve the pool for parties.
• only residents may purchase season passes.

Pool

• 25-meter pool
• Recreation pool
• Splash pad
• Toddler wading pool
• The Oasis Cafe (snack bar)
• Locker room facility for use by Aquatic Center guests
• Swim lessons by Swim Venture
• Party reservations for residents only
• The City of Aliso Viejo has a comprehensive web page with hours of operation, activities, and amenities

The playground near the entrance to this community is PRIVATE. According to an HOA member and resident, the smaller playground near the pool is a public city park (see photo below).

Checklist:

• Admission to the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center for residents is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Non-residents pay $2 more. (For my family that would be a $24 investment.) So plan to stay all day when you go!
• Parking is free in the large lot outside the pool
• NO restrooms outside the pool facility
• Again, consult the AV website for calendars and hours. Limited weekend schedule begins in September.
• Link to Just Spotted’s list of Splash Pads and Pools.
• My local list of water play opportunities.