Torrey Pines Story
The trails at Torrey Pines offer spectacular views of the coastline.(Photo Courtesy of The Lodge at Torrey Pines) At the Nature Reserve and luxury Lodge, spring means adventure and indulgence on the bluffs. If you are thinking about nearby spring break travel options that combine outdoor adventure with indoor splendor, consider Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. In about an hour by car from much of OC, you and the kiddos can be walking on a seaside bluff at the wild and spectacular Torrey Pines Nature Reserve, then kicking it afterwards at...
Reader’s Choice Awards 2022: Community Comments
Education (Photo Courtesy of Eva Esparza) Best Faith-Based School Covenant Christian School “My son attends here and they’re so encouraging in each of their teachings and have the best and most patient teachers. All the staff knows my son’s name and it just feels like a big family that we’re a part of. Love it!” — Eva Esparza, Tustin (Photo Courtesy of Jeannine Torres) Best Single-Campus Private School Heritage Oak Private Education “Amazing academics, caring teachers, incredible music program. They take nurturing the whole child to heart by not just having strong academics, but also by taking the time to...
Nominate A Mompreneur
Know a mom who balances work with family life? Use our form to tell us about a mompreneur in Orange County who can be featured in our Moms at Work Issue.
Glacial Escape
Luxury Sailing Meets Alaskan Adventure on the Re-imagined Celebrity Millennium. The southbound glacier sail on the Millennium starts with a two-hour scenic drive
Family Fun
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County fun for families and plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Toys for All Needs
Playfoam Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends has a surprise in every container. In each of these fun, colorful and squishy Playfoam pods, there lies a Fantasy Friend who is waiting for your child to be their best friend. Not only that, but the Playfoam that hides the Fantasy Friend can be used to shape and sculpt nests, beds, perches and anything else your child dreams up. The foam is three-toned and covered in eye-catching sparkles and it never dries out—letting the fun go on and on while your kid makes different shapes, animals, props and more out of this extremely versatile...
Moms at Work Spotlight
(Photo Courtesy of Foster Family) These OC moms share their personal challenges and offer advice to being your own boss. Savannah Foster Family: Husband, Brooks, Beckham, 4, Romy, 2, and Millie, 6 months City: Aliso Viejo Business: NFL agent and vice president of client relations at Athletes First Biggest challenge: “With a 24/7 career, I find myself on my phone way too much, and I struggle with unplugging and remaining fully present while at home with my family. I’m constantly working to maintain a better balance and give my kids the best version of me.” Best advice for mompreneurs: “Take...
Back to Sports
How can I keep my child healthy and on the field? All ages Outdoor sports have officially returned to Orange County. With all of the time away from their sport, what is the best way to keep your athlete healthy and on the field? Although many young athletes have been training, conditioning and playing games, the intensity will definitely be ramping up with more practices and games each week. The COVID-19 pandemic put many sports on the shelf for a significant time, and with club and high school coaches raring to go, the volume of practices and games will definitely...
Pollen Problems
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) Are we having a worse allergy season in 2021? All ages The answer can be complicated. Yes … and no. No: Face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially reduced not only the number of communicable viral illnesses but also allergy symptoms. A recent study (by Dror et al.) showed that self-reported nasal allergy symptoms (such as stuffy, runny, itchy nose and/or sneezing) were significantly reduced in nurses wearing either N95/surgical mask versus no mask. The size of most airborne allergens ranges from 10 uM to 100uM and can be filtered out by most standard surgical...
Overcoming Sheltering-In-Place Tantrums
[caption id="attachment_36168" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Robert Norton on Unsplash[/caption] A family therapist shares some simple steps for handling kids acting out during stay-home orders. Raise your hand if you have been feeling challenged by your children lately. I raised my hand. Did you? Under optimal circumstances parenting is a demanding, albeit rewarding, balancing act of meeting needs, setting limits, getting tasks accomplished, and nurturing minds, bodies and emotions. Under COVID-19 limitations, these duties are even more trying. For starters, parents are managing dual roles as parent (or working-parent) and educator. Yet many no longer have go-to incentives, such as...
Tips for Picky Eaters
Packing a healthy and tasty school lunch can seem like an overwhelming task. If you are like most parents, you spend a fair amount of time and energy on preparing something healthy for your kids. And it can be discouraging to open the lunchbox at the end of the day to find that lunch half eaten … or not eaten at all. If you have a picky eater at home—which according to WebMD, is one in five kids today—packing lunch is even more challenging. No kid can live on PB&J only, can they? So, to make it easy, here are...
Trips with Kids —A Castle in Carlsbad
Beyond LEGOLAND and sandy beaches, a great resort is transformed into something extraordinary. Ranging from laid-back to luxurious, Carlsbad has many looks
Ocean Lessons
The Dana Point-based nonprofit has been educating 100,000 children, teachers, parents and visitors with 60 plus marine science and maritime history programs.
Letter from the Publisher
This February issue marks a milestone for me as the publisher of Parenting OC. Twenty years ago was the first Parenting OC ever published by Tierney Publishing.
Pixar Haven
Get immersed at Disneyland Resort’s new Pixar Place Hotel. Splashes of color are everywhere you look at Disneyland Resort’s Pixar Place Hotel
Big Changes and Big Feelings: A New Sibling
Adding a child to your family is an exciting, joyful time! Especially if you have other kids who will become big brothers or sisters. Will they be excited?
Moms Who Care
Get to know some local Orange County moms who give back to the community in their own unique and charitable ways.
Pixar Summer
Pixar Fest brings light, color and food to summer at Disneyland Resort. You and your kids probably have a favorite moment from a Pixar film you can think of now
A Glowing Little World
A few summer nights a month, Dana Point’s Ocean Institute leads a Bioluminescence Night Cruise that is popular among Orange County families.
Kids Play & Places
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County kids’ play and places, plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
How to Level Up to High School
Discover tips to find the perfect high school for your child. From academic to extracurricular activities, make a choice to spark their success.
Editor’s Picks: July 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH Wednesday - Sunday, July 12 - August 11 You can explore “Acres of Fun” (that’s also this year’s theme) at the OC Fair. From carnival rides to rodeos; animal competitions to Moto-X racing; acrobats to karaoke—everyone will have many things to enjoy. And don’t forget all the sweet and savory (and sometimes just strange) foods to try! The musical lineup is an event all its own. This year the entertainment summer lineup features 81 performances across the three venues, Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. Pacific Amphitheatre will kick off its summer concert season...
Editor’s Picks: October 2017
PICK OF THE MONTH Halloween at Disneyland October 1 to October 31 Halloween spirits will be haunting both Disneyland and California Adventure this year. Jack Skellington will prowl around the Haunted Mansion Holiday, while special spooks haunt a reimagined Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. A true crowd favorite, the Diá de los Muertos skeleton display, resides as always in Frontierland accompanied by a wild and ghoulish band. But the otherworldly fun isn’t restricted to just one park, this year. In California Adventure, Cars Land will receive an awesome new “Haul-A-Ween” makeover while seasonal surprises in the Guardian of the Galaxy ride...
Holiday Fun-cation
Get your fix of holiday fun locally — at theme parks, theaters and more. You can almost set your watch for the falling snow. At many of our favorite places…
A Disney Lunar New Year
Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the holiday with food, entertainment and more. Red and gold. The colors symbolize good luck, health and prosperity..
Be My Valentine Sugar Cookies
These beloved sugar cookies are the perfect way to spread a little love this Valentine’s Day! A fun and easy activity for the whole family, these cookies are…
Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena
At the new Great Park ice rink, you can enjoy winter fun all year round. An affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks’ network, this new rink is open to the public and offers four different arenas. Three of the ice sheets meet National Hockey League size regulations, and the fourth meets the Olympic requirements. Two arenas are open now for family fun and special events from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. A grand opening is planned for March 7, when the rest of the facility, including a new restaurant and multiple retail spaces will be completed. The Anaheim Ducks will use...
Garden Grove’s Parks and Recreation Guide
The 2023 Winter/Spring Parks and Recreation Guide is the primary source of recreational activities and cultural programming in the city of Garden Grove. Inside the guide you’ll find a multitude of activities, classes, and programming that will engage the body and mind for everyone that resides in the Orange County area. Explore youth sports and creative arts; adult activities and fitness; special events and more by visiting ggparksandrec.com or contact us at (714) 741-5200.
Movies & Music
Discover free summer films and live music events in Orange County. Find the best spots to enjoy entertainment without spending a dime…
Alps Adventure
Pristine Lake Cauma was formed 10,000 years ago from a massive avalanche. It's a swimmer's delight, as its temperature reaches 74 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Father and son hike, bike and dine to the sound of cowbells in the stunning Laax region of Switzerland. If you find yourself day-dreaming about your next family vacation as you sit in the school drop-off line, consider a mind-expanding, activity-packed Swiss mountain adventure, namely a trip to the Alpine recreation area of Laax, Switzerland. Laax is located 2.5 hours south of Zurich, but the journey there is not as arduous as it might...
Invested in Community
Stratford offers an advanced STEAM curriculum that is intentionally balanced. The school focuses on core subjects with the addition of specialty classes in Spanish, music, arts, physical education and computer science.
Rainforest Café
Downtown Disney in Anaheim [Editor’s note: As a parent of a picky eater, I can sympathize with the plight of those fighting the good fight when it comes to mealtime. So we planned an entire page dedicated to making food extra enticing.] You might have passed by this Downtown Disney eatery without ever suspecting just how very, ahem, wild it would be to enjoy a meal inside. The Amazonian jungle-filled interior will calm your beast of a picky eater by its highly elevated fun factor alone. Apes beat their chests, brightly colored macaws squawk from all corners, a trumpeting elephant...
Christmas in July? How about an Extra Helping of Thanksgiving…
Thankfulness should come easy. I preach thankfulness to our kids, correct my husband if he forgets to say thank you, and have taught the dogs to bark and smile when I give them their morning treat. Not really, but I wish. I can spell “thank you,” define the word perfectly, say it in 3 different languages, and know that spelled backwards it means—absolutely nothing. I was trying to be impressive. In my effort to be consistently thankful every day and not just near the Thanksgiving holiday I struggle. Thankfulness at Thanksgiving is expected, everyone is doing it. Thanksgiving in July...
Roy’s Restaurant
Located inside the Anaheim GardenWalk, chase a day of park fun or just treat dad to a delicious fresh seafood feast of inspired bites and enticing cocktails in a vibrant dining room that features Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen. Classic dishes like the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi in a savory browned butter sauce pair nicely with a bevy of freshly made tasty sushi rolls to start dinner right. For a spicy cool kick, order dad a jalapeño margarita subtly sweetened with agave. Pacific Rim fusion sets the tone for the expansive menu, which leans heavily on fresh fish popular in Hawaii,...
Seeing Double (or Triple!)
If your joy (and possibly panic) has been multiplied by news of twins, triplets or more — fear not. We’ll help you keep your sanity with these tools for new little bundles of bliss. Pump In Style Advanced Backpack Not only might you need to pump to enlist helpers during group-feeding time, when on the go you will likely need a hands-free tote, as yours are bound to be occupied. Sling on this backpack-style double pump set and you are good to go. This will also work well for those observing post-cesarean lifting restrictions and those in need of a...
The Power of a Wish
Taylor Mayes is the spunky Make-a-Wish child who graced our cover last April. We met Taylor and her family as we joined forces with businesses and organizations across Orange County, and Ellen K of 103.5 KOST FM, to help make Taylor’s wish of becoming a singer and living the popstar experience come true. Taylor had been fighting Ewings Sarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissue, and had only been released from the hospital after a grueling final round of chemo a few days before our cover shoot. We have had so many readers want to know how she is doing,...
Family Camp?
Q: [School-Aged] We are looking at camps for the summer. Some have sibling discounts, which has us wondering — is it a pro or con to send sibs to camp together? We don’t join up with other friends for camp because we like our child to branch out and make new friends and get a fresh perspective on life, but should that extend to picking different camps for our kids, too? A: The question of whether to send siblings to the same camp is an interesting one and has a variety of considerations. If your camp of choice offers a...
Serenity Now! Sleep Makeover
Those of us in, or remembering, baby days know the key to peace and happiness (and sometimes survival) can be as simple as a good night’s sleep. Too rarely do we make it a true priority, though. Our bedrooms are an afterthought. It’s the one room where friends generally aren’t traipsing through, so we don’t give it the same attention when it comes to décor or even comfort. And in the priority game of keeping the kids happy and healthy, crawling around picking up legos a little sibling might choke on, or making a platter of nachos or grilled cheese...
Mommy Works
Have you ever dreamed of bringing your kids to work with you? Well, now you can. Mommy Works is a child-friendly office that gives work-from-home moms a space to engage, collaborate and work with other professionals, all while keeping a watchful eye on their children. The office, which describes itself as a “co-working community for all moms”, offers desks, Wi-Fi, coffee and conference rooms for moms and a safe, supervised playroom for kids. Geared at children aged six months-to-six years, Mommy Works also features breastfeeding and pumping stations, a child-friendly kitchen and a quiet room with a children’s reading corner....
Wagly
Tails will surely be wagging thanks to a new pet care facility that aims to offer kibbles of convenience to both Fido and his fur-baby mom. Wagly, which launched its first California location October 31, is a one-stop shop for pet owners. It offers veterinary services, boarding, grooming, training, consultations and more. A soon-to-be-launched app will also give pet parents access to a slew of Wagly home services. This includes hiking, walking, house sitting and nutritional support. Wagly says its goal is to help give pets the best possible care, while alleviating the workload of busy parents Tustin | www.wagly.com...
The Emotional Side of SIDS
Parents usually do not bury their children. Children outlive their parents and make way for the next generation. For me, that reality shattered when my third child, and only son, died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at three months of age. I felt my sanity slip through my fingers the morning I found my sweet Erik in his crib, as purple as an eggplant. I called the police; they came and cordoned off the room, forbidding me to see my son. The police had to rule out foul play. And one does not learn the cause of death until...
Mon Reve Dance Studio
The latest dance studio to hit OC’s “culture of character” is defined by “Le Gros Trois” (the big three):1. Hard work 2. Respect 3. Kindness. Mon Reve offers ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop classes for children ages 2-12, but was created to combine a strong culture of character within the beauty of dance for all children. “Establishing the ballet program for children with Down Syndrome helped me realize that dance is about so much more than just dance,” says Paige Peplow, founder of Mon Reve (my dream). “It can help children build self-esteem, confidence, a work ethic, et cetera.”...
Backyard Pool Safety
Q: [Infants & Toddlers] My husband surprised our family by announcing we were getting a backyard pool. The kids are thrilled, but with a toddler in the house and two often distracted or forgetful older kids running in and out, how do I keep my little one safe? A: Keeping a toddler safe around a body of water is difficult. Throw in a couple of older siblings and it becomes a much tougher task. There is hope though. Although you can never fully substitute for good adult supervision, you can offer yourself peace of mind by enrolling your toddler in...
Hot Musical Products
Get those tiny (or tween) toes tapping with these fun musical products that will be harmony, or at least a lot of fun, to your household. Karaoke Machine Portable Speaker System This all-in-one machine plays CDs or allows streaming from smartphones/tablets, with 3.5” screen display for lyrics (or show on TV for parties and sleepovers). Auto-tune and “voice coach” keeps things sounding great and even fills in the blanks when a singer forgets a line. $69, www.ElectroHome.com Aquatune Floating Water Speaker A lot of speakers claim to be waterproof, but this puppy actually floats. Let them get their groove on...
Special Products, Born in the OC
Babies hit developmental milestones at their own pace, and those with sensitivities (emotional to physical) can especially benefit from products with their needs in mind. Bonus —these goods were born (or their creators were) right in OC! Laceez Anaheim Hills dad, Jason Flores, has created a simple fix to the stress of trying to get tiny shoes on, and keeping those laces tied. These brightly colored accessories look like real laces, but are elasticized and stay put with a t-aglet design. $8, www.laceez.com Cibo Made by Ladera Ranch mom, Amy Chandler, who got tired of crawling under the table and...
Insect Protection
Zika-Freaked? We’ve got you covered. Spring break vacation plans might not look so inviting for those expecting or trying, with the latest in the Caribbean and countries south of the border. We get it. Arm yourself with the latest knowledge from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/zika) and these safe items to ward off the day-biting bugs. Insect Shield Buffs and Yoga Pants When your first trimester-tummy is already whirling, rubbing scented spray around your nostrils isn’t very appealing. You can still save face with these odorless treated buffs and scarfs. IS maternity leggings offer comfy coverage, though yoga pants one size up...
Brady Gardner
Brady Gardner, 13, of Huntington Beach goes to bat for kids with challenges. When Brady Gardner, 13, of Huntington Beach steps up to the plate, he’s already batting a thousand in the eyes of the players and parents affiliated with the Little League Challenger Division. The league is designed to help kids with challenges enjoy a classic sports team experience, and it couldn’t happen without Brady and his friends. “It’s fun helping others who don’t get a chance to do what everyone else can. I used to play Little League — this gives them the opportunity to do the same....
A Lesson in Boundaries
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) This Father’s Day, we’re reflecting on the life lessons that fathers can pass on to their children — particularly boundaries. Father’s Day is just around the corner. There are so many essential life lessons that dads pass on to their children. Father’s Day is a reminder of how much dads impact their kids’ lives. One of the most important things that we think dads can teach their kids is how to set boundaries. Why Are Boundaries So Important for Kids? It’s easy to picture boundaries as being imaginary lines that we draw that we don’t...
Football Fears
My son wants to join the football team at school but I’m worried about concussions. If I let him join, how can I keep him safe? …
Mom Time
Mompreneur Cristina Gamarnik saw a need in the community for a safe space for new moms, and The Mommy Center was born…
Family Hiking Magic
The wonders of hiking can be enjoyed by the whole family with just a bit of planning. This is shaping up to be a spectacular hiking season. The early, drenching rains set the creeks flowing with water again. The warm sunshine interspersed among the storms provided just the right conditions for colorful wildflowers to pop open by mid-January. If you haven’t taken your family out on the trail yet this year, don’t worry. The very best of the season is in March and April, when the blooms are at their most abundant, the hills are thick with greenery and the...
OC Cooking and Baking Classes
Whether it’s girls’ night out or family bonding time, these OC cooking and baking classes will make you feel like a domestic goddess with fun, food, and laughter. Sweet Crumb Bakery Every little girl dreams of owning a pet unicorn, and while they can’t be bought, they can be made. Sweet Crumb Bakery runs a class that teaches moms (and children ages 10 and up) how to bake a cake that takes the form of the mystical and elusive horned horse (pictured). Students begin the class by learning how to assemble, cut, fill and level their cakes. Next, they crumb...
Performing Arts Camps for All Ages
OC performing arts camps teach more than just drama and dance numbers. Whether your child dreams of lighting up Broadway, dancing in “The Nutcracker,” or is just looking to make lasting memories with their peers, performing arts camps may be the way to go this summer. Back in the day, parents with stars-in-the-making used to have to commute to Los Angeles for prestigious summer theater and dance programs. However, the performance bug took a big bite out of OC for the past couple of decades with nationally recognized theaters, universities, and institutions popping up all over the county offering onstage...
Top Teacher & Employee Awards 2023 — Winners Announced
We celebrate our 10th Annual School Heroes — Top Teachers, Top Employees and Top Leaders — of Orange County Awards and Issue. With more than 200 nominations, we were impressed as we are year after year with the caliber of teachers, employees and administrators that are clearly making the lives of our students and families so much better. This year we expanded our criteria to include all kinds of education — from private and public to alternative and online schools — and the response was truly overwhelming. Adrienne Kessler Speech & Language Development Center Rebeca Martinez Los Amigos High School...
Sensory Summer
How to support your child’s sensory needs this summer. For many kids, summer is a time for fun, play, rest and discovery. But summer can be difficult for kids.
Deserving Mom Makeover Giveaway —2023
To celebrate the hard-working, selfless moms of our community, Parenting OC Magazine teamed up with local businesses to give two lucky moms a fabulous makeover package. Family and friends submitted essays about why a mother in their life is deserving of a makeover. A huge congratulations to Maria Ferrel and Kimmie Le for winning Parenting OC’s Mom Makeover! Our deserving moms received the following prizes… Therapeutic spa services Haircut and styling Makeup Manicure Customized eyebrow microblading (Photo Courtesy of Madison Amirehteshami) Deserving Mom Essay Winner... Maria Ferrel, of Orange My mother is deserving and in need of a makeover. In...
Reader’s Choice Awards 2020: Kids Play & Places Winners
Best Mommy & Me My Gym A fifth-year winner, My Gym in Yorba Linda is the perfect place to get kids and babies moving. Arts and crafts, music and games help keep kids engaged and active. From tumbling to handstands, classes grow with your kids, and drop-off programs and pay-by-day options make choosing My Gym easy. Birthday party packages are available too, with so many themes to choose from like Hello Kitty and Star Wars. mygym.com/yorbalinda | Yorba Linda Best Party Caterer Chick-fil-A With multiple locations throughout Orange County, Chick-fil-A’s quality and customer service keep fans coming back. As one...
Meet Mickey the Jaguar
In spring of last year, the OC Zoo in Orange unveiled its brand-new Large Mammal Exhibit, with two young, orphaned mountain lion sisters, a young, injured male
Food
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County food for families and plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Rainy Day Fun
Rainy days as of late have made us search for fun things for the kids to do indoors. The kiddos can stay warm and dry at home while having a blast with these entertainment options. Beaker Creatures Whirling Wave Reactor Toys and books are all fun, but for a truly exciting reaction, Beaker Creatures’ brand-new Whirling Wave Reactor will have your children making their own creatures right in the comfort of home. For those parents whose kiddos are mad scientists in training, this is perfect for birthdays and special occasion gifts. This incredible and inventive Whirling Wave Reactor is virtually...
Moms Doing Good
(Photo Courtesy of Julia Bendis) Moms across the county share their stories of how and why they give. Julia Bendis City: Rancho Santa Margarita Family: Husband and two sons ages 17 and 22 How do you give back? “Since Day 1 of the war in Ukraine I got on the phone connecting with volunteers, civilians and military personnel on the ground, translating documents from the Ukrainian government with requests for medical supplies, connecting NGOs and other volunteers for evacuations, calling Ukrainian people stuck in their homes to get them evacuated safely, a lot of them elderly, disabled or with medical...
FAFSA and other Free Money for College
With money being tight these days, is there some kind of financial aid we can apply to for our college-bound teen? Teens and adults To maximize financial aid (free money), students need to file the FAFSA and the CSS Profile annually to qualify for grants/gifts and scholarships. The FAFSA can be filed annually starting Oct. 1 for the following school year. The CSS Profile is required by a small percent of top-tier schools. It is filed through the College Board. One-third of college students do not complete the FAFSA and in 2018 missed out on $2.6 billion. The other issue...
Dive Into Summer Fun
(Photo Courtesy of Larry Crayton/Unsplash) We hope this summer will be full of water and fun. But are there any precautions we should take as a family? All ages The CDC has advised that pools and beaches are relatively COVID-safe — but is your family water safe enough to hit those pools and beaches? As people emerge from their homes after more than a year of COVID restrictions, lifeguards are expecting to see record crowds at beaches and pools this summer. Many people, kids in particular, might be a bit out of practice when it comes to swimming. The combination...
The Importance of Children Playing
A new clinical report stresses the importance of play for children. If your pediatrician is up on the latest prescriptions for children, you’ll be told about whatever vaccines might be needed at this age and counseled about the importance of nutritious instead of junk food. And then you’ll be asked: Is your child getting enough play? Not sports leagues or piano practice and certainly not video games. Just plain play: building with blocks, imagining up a traveling circus in space with stuffed animals, climbing a jungle gym at the park with friends, playing a board game, putting on a talent...
The Importance of Early Childhood Screenings
Q: [All Ages] Does your two-month-old baby smile at the sound of your voice? Can your five-month-old grab and hold a rattle? Does your one-year-old clap his hands? Does your two-year-old engage in pretend play? A: These are just a few of the questions that developmental screenings explore. Even if your baby is healthy and thriving, it is important to take advantage of free developmental screenings as a way to learn more about your child’s specific behavior and development. Ideally, screenings are part of a well-child medical visit, but a number of community agencies provide access to them as well....
Animal Encounters
Get up-close-and-personal to all kinds of animal life with these unique adventures. Knott’s Livery Stable depending on the season, can have different animals
Maximizing Your Open House
(Photo Courtesy of Michael Merchan, Fairmont Schools) A guide for parents of young learners looking for a school to call home. Numerous studies have demonstrated that children who receive a solid education during their early elementary years are more likely to excel academically and to thrive personally as they advance through their education. As parents, you want to give your child every possible advantage, so the decision about which school your child attends is vitally important. Just as we encourage our young learners to do their homework, parents also need to do theirs in order to find the best school...
Winning Goals for 2024
Our past Top Teacher winners share their goals for the year. We have had some amazing Top Teacher award winners, and what makes them all stand out is how each a
Mother’s Day Makeover Giveaway —2024
Our Annual Deserving Mom Makeover Contest! Two lucky moms won a fabulous makeover package and a mini-portrait session to show off the final results!
Mompreneurs of OC: Baby Edition
When these hardworking and innovative mamas got down to business, they took inspiration directly from their little ones! Anna Dubrovsky City: Orange Mom to: Leela, 5, Rafael 4 Business Name: Wee Likey | weelikey.com Business Location: Wherever I happen to be Year of Business Creation: Incorporated in 2016, launched in 2017 What inspired you to become a mompreneur? I remember going to Babies“R”Us when pregnant and feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of products. I didn’t know what I would need or want. After my daughter was born, what I really wanted was sleep and the occasional shower. Earrings and bracelets...
Chronic Catalina
The impact of a million visitors a year and the arrival of dozens of activities can’t shake off the original Catalina. Here’s hoping it never fades away. By the nature of their isolation, separated by sea from other influences, islands can be slow to evolve. When a people, a way of life, a plant or an animal takes hold, these things happily cling and resist the forces of change as the world spins. Therein lies the charm of Catalina Island, at least for me. Most of Avalon took shape in the ‘20s and ‘30s. The shaper was William Wrigley Jr.,...
Back at the Ranch
OC Families share how their trips to Rankin Ranch, a Central California Dude Ranch, have become treasured traditions.
Spoil Your Dog Day Treats
What could be sweeter for your pup than homemade treats? They’re much healthier than store-bought treats and made with just four ingredients.
Family Fun
Best Amusement Park Boomers Boomers remains a reader favorite and fixture for family fun. With the variety of activities offered at the park, it’s easy to see why. From Go Karts, miniature golf, bumper boats and other rides, laser tag and climbing walls to batting cages and arcade games, just about anyone can find something entertaining. Private banquet rooms are available for special occasions, and post-prom and grad night lock-ins provide a safe, party-all-night venue. boomersparks.com | Irvine Best Arcade Dave & Buster’s Readers still love Dave & Buster’s arcade thanks to its longtime mix of food and games. There...
A Season of Reflection
It is all too easy to rush through the days. Cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and your children, embrace a mindful approach to parenting.
Editor’s Picks: June 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHDuck-A-Thon May 31 to June 2 More than 2,500 tiny rubber ducks will be battling for prizes in this unique competition. The first 60 ducks to reach shore after being dropped from the pier will win a prize for their owners. The first place winner wins $1,000. However, the real winners of this three-day event are the recipients of this fundraising effort—those in the AltaMed Medical and Dental Group’s program for the uninsured and medically underserved patients. Ducks are dropped from the side of the pier into a controlled area monitored by volunteers on surfboards. Volunteers and...
Editor’s Picks: September 2017
PICK OF THE MONTH Parenting OC's Learn & Grow Expo Saturday, September 30th The first annual Learn & Grow Expo is kicking off at the Discovery Cube OC with a dash of fun for the kids. A Bubble Dash, to be exact. Kids can sign up for this multi-activity obstacle course of fitness fun and win a chance to appear on next year's Parenting OC Summer of Fun cover. But this expo isn't all just fun and games. Families can find out about all facets of healthy living, education options and special needs services at this event. More than 60...
Holiday Gift Guide
Find the perfect gift for everyone in your family with this ultimate guide! Unique ideas to make their season special.
Activity Boost
Learn how physical activity at camp can benefit kids on all levels. Swinging, climbing, jumping, running, sliding and smiling. That’s the picture you see when..
Mother’s Day Makeover Giveaway —2025
Enter our Deserving Mom Makeover Contest for two lucky moms to win a fabulous makeover package and a mini-portrait session to show off the final results!
Family Volunteer Vacations
Family volunteer vacations balance doing good with having fun. For your next family trip, how about doing some good while also having fun. Sound intriguing? It’s called a “family volunteer vacation,” and thousands of people across the country are doing it every year. The trips can last for a few days or several weeks, but they all have one thing in common: Your family will spend some time helping out people or animals in need. Why do so many families choose to go on such vacations? According to Nancy Schretter, the founder of Together For Good, a non-profit organization that...
Road Trip!
On the go with tot-in-tow? No problem. Use these gadgets to make sure you never hit a bump in the road. Diono Dreamliner Travel Bassinet Naps are no small thing, it can be the crucial do-or-die element when on the road or in unfamiliar places. Keep them cozy in this Dreamliner, that sits nicely next to your beach chair under an umbrella, or the hotel pool while the older kids are splashing away. The travel bed even boasts an insect net, sun canopy and breathable sides for extra zzzzz’s. $99 us.diono.com 7AM Enfant Voyage Bag Packing for a...
Green Schools
California Green Ribbon Schools create a sustainable learning environment. If anyone eventually figures out how to fix our climate change woes…
Building Community
Learn how building community supports your child’s growth — and yours too. As parents, we are inundated with messages urging us to buy all the stuff that will
From Spooky to Sweet
You know your child best. Seasonal festivities offer a unique opportunity for young children to interact with adults in ways that are both new and meaningful. So how can families make fall celebrations feel more wholesome than hectic? YMCA of Orange County offers some “tricks” to help young families experience Halloween as a real “treat.”
Jodi’s Royally Fun Party
Jodi, 8, Newport Theme: Princess Mermaid Location: Once Upon an Island, Balboa Island Photography by: Jessica Miles Invites by: eVite Snacks and Refreshments: Homemade Decorated Sugar Cookies, Tea Party-style pizza and lemonade provided by Once Upon an Island Entertainment or Party Planner: Once Upon an Island, Rapunzel led dress up, story time, craft and beauty salon to do the girls’ hair & nails. The Goods on the Goody Bag: Mermaid Bouncy Balls, treats and Mermaid Stickers from Target “It was a great party! Princess Rapunzel and the mermaids were all in character and made it fun and special. The girls...
The Summer Fun Guide
The Chill List If climbing temps have kids climbing the walls, let off some steam with these cool options for summer fun. Seven New Water Slides at Knott’s Soak City One of OC’s best places to chill out just got cooler, with seven new slides making a total of 22 speed, tube and body slides plus the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool; the one-third-mile long Sunset Lazy River; and the three-story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Four of the new slides start with guests climbing a 60ft tower, stepping inside an Aqua-Launch...
Picking the Right Sunscreen for Your Family
Daily sunscreen use is essential to the prevention of skin cancer, skin damage and premature aging. But with so many options, picking the right one can become a daunting task. My recommendation? Choose one that meets your family’s skincare needs and lifestyle. So why so much emphasis on regular sunscreen use? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 5 million skin cancer cases are diagnosed annually. While some people are at an increased risk, individuals of all ethnicities and skin tones can develop skin...
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2017
Queen B(each) You’ll feel like royalty with this beach gear that ups your “cool factor” on even the hottest summer day. Sandusa Bean Bag Blue Boss We’ve long loved Sandusa’s nonstick sand and water-resistant towels, now they’ve gone next level and created a beach mattress which will have the kids happily cozying up for a nap, or mom kicking back with a book while Dad pulls Splash Duty. Perfect for a drive-up seashore day or stargazing. $99, www.sandusa.com It Cosmetics If you’ve seen the infomercials and thought “no way”… you would be wrong. We have tested for ourselves, and this...
Family Project
20 Green-Clean Hacks for Spring What if the microwave cleaned itself, or the shower never grew mold, or stains disappeared from clothing in the spring air? Okay, we can’t deliver that, but some of these tricks are so effortless (and with no caustic cleaners!), the kids can roll up their little sleeves and help. Make it fun by drawing rooms or tasks from a hat and planning a family treat to celebrate a job well done. Kitchen 1. Remove dried on food particles from the microwave without scrubbing. Cut a lemon in half and put both halves in a microwave...
Trappings of Gold
Q: [School-Aged] I have just been informed by my first grader that I am to help make a ‘leprechaun trap’ that will somehow result in a leprechaun leaving gifts on March 17th. I am all for celebrating holidays in fun ways, but why does everything have to involve the expectation of getting ‘stuff’? Even if we balk, there will be kids that score and then mine will feel sad when she gets to school empty-handed. Is there any hope of raising a child who is not materialistic in OC? A: What a wonderful opportunity to battle “entitlemania”. Entitlemania is a...
Good Hydrations
Q: [All Ages] I’ve noticed that while watching games, our daughter seems to be lagging during the second half. She seems to perk up shortly after the team takes water breaks, though. We also observed this at home after practices, but figured she was just tired. Could she be dehydrated? A: During the summer, we’re pretty good about following our young children around with water bottles, urging them to stay hydrated. But as the weather cools, keeping thirst at bay is no less important. Water helps regulate our body temperature, transport nutrients and oxygen to our cells and carry away...
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