Orange County

American Ninja Warrior Kids Learn Parkour at this Freerunning Orange County Gym

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 3:01pm

If your kid bounces off the walls even after a full day of activities, you might be raising a little ninja warrior, and a candidate for Orange County's hip and hopping gym, Firestorm Freerunning & Acrobatics. This Santa Ana gym is owned and operated by local fitness guru Justin Taylor (who appeared on the reality TV show American Ninja Warrior). It's also a premier training site for parkour, the latest fitness craze to capture the imagination of active kids.

30 Ways To Keep Summer Going after School Begins

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 08/12/2017 - 4:11am

Whether you're relieved by the quiet or disturbed by the abrupt ending, most LA families are using those three little words (back to school) a whole lot earlier these days. Of course, dropping our kids off at school doesn't change the weather; there might be no child left behind at the beach, but it's still summer until close to Halloween. So if your family is not yet ready for summer to end, pick a few items off our Endless Summer List and go have some fun while the sun still shines!

Free (and Almost-Free) Archery Classes for LA & OC Kids Who Love Bows and Arrows

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 6:07am

A fair number of kids who see Brave or The Hunger Games end up curious about archery, and a fair number of their parents end up scratching their heads and saying, "Where do we do that??" Gymnastics, swimming—that's easy. But where to bring a would-be archer to string a bow and shoot some arrows? Less obvious, perhaps, but not as hard as you might think. And the even better news? It's usually free!

Buccaneer Cove: OC's Pirate-Themed Water Park Cools off Little Kids

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on Sat, 08/05/2017 - 8:31am

Aarrgghh! Beating the heat is no easy feat when SoCal temperatures can rise well into the hundreds. Luckily, little pirates can stay cool all summer long at Buccaneer Cove. This Orange County pirate-themed water park, located just off the 405 freeway in Irvine, is the perfect spot to introduce mini swashbuckling adrenaline junkies to the rush of riding water slides. It's great for younger children, is easy to navigate, and doesn't plunder as much treasure as other water parks–so parents won't feel like walking the plank after paying the entrance fee.

Public Swimming Pools With Extras Worth the Drive in LA and OC

Submitted by Kathie Bozanich on Fri, 07/28/2017 - 12:00pm

Sure, there are miles and miles of beaches in SoCal, but sometimes you need a break from the sand and you want water that's a little less, well, wavy. Most of us are willing to go out of our way to find a pool that’s open to the public for recreational swimming and offers something special: Think slides, water play features, extended shallow areas for the little ones to splash in, or a beautiful, peaceful setting. Here’s our list of cool destination pools worth a drive in LA and OC. Most range in price from $1 to $12 per person, and several offer discounted season passes (check websites for details).

15 Great Barbecue Grills and Pits in LA Parks for Cooking Out with Family

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 8:56am

Nothing says “summer” like barbecue. Many of our local parks are standing by with grills and pits to satisfy that craving for charred food. And the beauty of life in Southern California is that "summer" can be practically any time of year; the 15 parks below have year-round, mostly free barbecue facilities, ready for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, spontaneous picnics, or family dinners al fresco.

Kids Bowl Free: Truly Free and Cheap Bowling for Kids All Over LA

Submitted by KristinB on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 2:22pm

My son went to a bowling party recently that sparked an obsession with the game. Ever the supportive parent, I soon found myself at bowling outings all around town on behalf of his newfound interest. And I realized something: bowling is a really great sport for kids. The ingrained turn-taking structure, team camaraderie, and relaxed competitiveness offer kiddos a dose of sportsmanship at a fun pace. Accommodations like gutter bumpers and starting ramps guarantee success for even the youngest bowlers. Seriously, bowling is like the unsung hero of children's athletics. And it must have been this idea that fueled the creation of Kids Bowl Free, a fantastic nationwide program designed to give youth a constructive way to beat the heat. Read on to find out how your kids can bowl free every day this summer.

10 Reasons To Visit Orange County Great Park Today

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on Sat, 07/08/2017 - 6:46am

Some days call for adventure beyond the same old stomping grounds—like maybe taking a closer look at that intriguing giant balloon just off the 5 Freeway in Orange County. If your crew is primed for an outing beyond the local playground, head for Irvine to explore Orange County Great Park, home to so much more than a playground. Your day's adventure can include a carousel, exhibits, workshops, outdoor entertainment, and, of course, a ride up in the air on a giant, bucket-list-worthy, orange balloon.

Pageant of the Masters in Laguna: These Paintings Aren't What They Seem

Submitted by Roberta B on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 3:00pm

Every city has something uniquely its own, some quirky event or phenomenon that defies description yet defines by association. Houston has its rodeo; Boston has its tea party, and Laguna Beach has the Pageant of the Masters.

If you've never experienced this curious gem, the private treasure of the people of Laguna, opportunity awaits you every night all summer long. But get ready to clean your glasses, because you won't always be sure what you're looking at. The extraordinary event is unlike anything else I've seen; it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're raising a budding artist, or if you love hitting museums en famille, you owe it to yourselves to check the Pageant of the Masters off this summer's bucket list.

Bring Your Kids to these 8 Fun Happy Hours in Orange County

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 3:03pm

Most busy parents would love to kick back on a terrace with a cold beer after a long day spent organizing playdates, meeting work deadlines, and changing diapers—but spring for a babysitter just for a drink out? Not so much. Thankfully happy hour is no longer limited to rowdy twentysomethings looking to score cheap drinks. A plethora of Orange County bars and restaurants now target families with an appealing proposition: cheap drinks with cheap bites in a kid-friendly environment. Mom and Dad get the margarita they've earned, while kids get an early dinner that barely opens the wallet—talk about win-win! From beachfront restaurants to upscale bowling alleys to pizzerias, we found eight wonderful, kid-friendly watering holes in Orange County that know how to treat parents right.