Mental Vacations
Break away to a world of peace and tranquility – and still be back on time to pick the kiddies up from school. These day spas throughout OC offer everything from skin care to deep tissue massages, for the stress relief and relaxation every parent deserves. MassageLuXe Escape from carpool schedules, kids’ extracurricular activities, picking up the dry-cleaning, etc. etc. etc. that clouds your daily routine, and take two hours for yourself for a deep tissue or Swedish massage. Feel the ease from stress and tension, and improve your overall health, without having to book a getaway vacation. Expectant mothers...
Room with a Disney View
Inspired by the famous work of Walt Disney Animation Studios, the new 344 rooms immerse visitors in Disney stories while they relax near the gates of the parks.
Summer Camps for All
There are many local summer camp options for kids with disabilities. Here are some to get you started.Every quintessential summer includes summer camp. It’s
Spring Happenings
From north to south Orange County, here all the egg-citing activities for the Easter season.
Berry Best Mom’s Day Scones
Celebrate Mother’s Day than with a sweet treat! These blueberry scones perfectly crumble with even the softest bite and are absolutely scrumptious.
Dealing with Spring Allergies
Do you find yourself constantly wiping your child’s runny nose, soothing their persistent cough, or noticing red, itchy skin? It common for parents to worry
Summer OC Movie & Music Guide
Keep your summer schedule packed with these concert and film series in and around Orange County.
Mindful Communication
Take these tips for mindful communication to help ensure a successful school year. As the new school year approaches, it is essential to highlight mindfulness.
Camps
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County camps for kids plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Halloween for All Ages
SoCal has Halloween covered, packed with special and reworked attractions, Halloween-themed food and live shows. Family-Friendly chills all spooky season long!
Editor’s Picks: August 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHVans U.S. Open of SurfingJuly 27 - August 5 For the past 60 years the US Open has stood as one of the world’s top surfing events. Over the years, however, it has evolved to include world-class BMX and skateboard competitions as well.Some new additions this year are the Vans Showdown, Vans Rebel Jam, Vans Vert Demos, Duct Tape Festival and Vans Street Market. The Vans Showdown is an invite-only street jam skate competition, featuring trick contests and cash prizes. The Vans Rebel Jam is an invite-only BMX street contest. The Vans Vert Demos showcase high-flying action...
Editor’s Picks: November 2017
PICK OF THE MONTH The Mom-Made Market November 18 - November 19 To truly get in the spirit of our annual Moms at Work/Mompreneur issue, we thought we would highlight a one stop shop for holiday goodies and gifts for the whole family, all carrying mom's approval! This shopping experience returns to the OC Fairgrounds for the second year. The unique market provides a platform for mom-trepreneurs to sell their goods and services, network with one another, create new friendships, come meet their supporters in person, and to have a fun day enjoying the spirit of the season. Besides the...
Open House Guide
Attending a school open house is a valuable opportunity to gather insights and determine if the school aligns with your family’s values and your child’s needs.
Valentine’s Day Art
Show you and your family some love with these arts and crafts projects. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and why not show yourself some love in the…
Magical Mint Pudding Cups
These yummy, minty and chocolatey pudding cups are a fun and festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day! With creamy avocado and rich cacao, you’ll make a smooth and…
Family-Friendly Hikes in Orange County
Check out some of these family-friendly docent-led hikes in time for the Orange County hiking season. In most areas of the country, this is the dead of winter. In Orange County, it’s prime hiking season. Depending on when and how much rain arrives, this is often the time when the first wildflowers show up, water flows in previously dry creek beds and the weather is cool enough for everyone to be comfortable building up a little body heat on an uphill climb. If you know the signs along the trail, there are all kinds of extraordinary sights and stories. Fossils...
Small Zoo, Big Cats
https://youtu.be/kDPMq3XzFc8 The OC Zoo in Orange has expanded its ‘pawprint’ to house a new Large Mammal Exhibit and five large felines for families to enjoy year round. A waterfall flows through the rocky scenery of Santiago’s new digs. He’s still exploring the space, but the sound seems soothing. That, and the meaty treat he gets from a zookeeper who has stopped by to give him a quick health check. It’s barely been 48 hours, but the OC Zoo’s new big cat exhibit appears to be a hit. Especially with its oldest cat. Santiago, an 11-year-old mountain lion found orphaned in...
A Letter to Stoic Fathers
Learn how writing a letter can foster emotional intelligence, gratitude and mindfulness in your family from Anthony Cupo of Stepping Forward Counseling Center.
Strawberry Lemonade
Ready to sip on something sweet and tart? Try this sweet strawberry lemonade drink that brings sunshine to any moment.
Overcoming Fears
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding journeys, but it’s not without its challenges. Alongside the joy and laughter many parents experience fear and anxiety
Skypark at Santa’s Village
Nestled high in the San Bernardino mountains is an outdoor adventure theme park unlike any other. With a world-class bike park…
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Spend some time this spring creating art as a family.
Spring break and St. Patrick’s Day offer a nice opportunity for some creative family-bonding time with the help of themed arts and crafts projects…
Bilingual Babies
Digging into Dual Language Orange County, like many metropolitan areas in the United States, is becoming a true melting pot of culture and language. Almost half of all OC residents over age five speak a language other than English at home (Children & Families Commission of Orange County, 2015). In this increasingly diverse society, youngsters have a growing potential to excel when it comes to being dual language learners—but many parents have questions about the subject. Whether it is Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, Korean or another language, MOMS Orange County’s educators are often asked by parents of infants and toddlers, “am...
Simple and Delicious Summer Broccoli Salad
This article originally appeared on MommaChef.com. It has been reprinted here with permission. Looking for simple and tasty recipes for you and your family? Momma Chef features dozens of delicious dishes featuring no more than six ingredients and requiring no more than six minutes of prep time. This is a great recipe if you need a new fun salad or want something yummy to bring over to a friend’s home. I dress this with a simple olive oil/balsamic vinegar mix. For some crunch sprinkle some almonds on top, put the salad in a pretty bowl, and you have a beautiful...
Pool Party Concerns
Q: [All Ages] My first grader wants to have a birthday pool party at our house, but I am nervous. Is this a safe idea if we hire a lifeguard and have plenty of floaties on hand? A: For young families, water represents a challenging paradox: It can provide hours of enjoyable, carefree fun, but it can also quickly lead to tragedy. You’re no doubt familiar with the public-service admonition about water and young children: “Children drown without a sound.” In California, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under age 5. I’m not trying to ruin...
A Good Foundation
Mom might love a box of chocolates, but these collections of natural beauty-booyah will earn a (perfectly glossed) smile from even the most careful of mamas. LOVE GOODLY This eco-beauty company’s April/May box features a selection of 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, and stylishly vegan beauty + wellness essentials. Each purchase benefits Farm Sanctuary, a leading farm animal protection organization. Treat Mom with a one time gift or every other month subscription. $29 (with value over $125), www.LoveGoodly.com Whole Foods Beauty Bag Want to show you have good taste in eco-makeup? Head to Whole Foods. While they might be known for organic...
OC Eco-Heroes
From recycling to redefining green-clean, protecting the environment is more than a passion for these eco-heroes. Bo Glover Forefront on Bo’s mind as he jumped into his VW Bug and headed west to California was making sure the car would survive the nearly 3,000-mile trek from Pennsylvania to Newport Beach without breaking down. After several days’ journey, Bo was breathing in the beach air and charting a course for his new adventure. Instead of spending his days sipping sodas, toes in the sand, he immediately settled into his new community by seeking out ways to volunteer his time. Bo made...
It Isn’t Your Cooking…
Q: [Infants] Is the “witching hour” a real thing? Our normally chipper newborn seems to be happy all day and right as the house starts humming around dinnertime, the wails begin. Is it us? Is there too much chaos that it is stressing her out? Does she hate the smell of my cooking? HELP! A: It tends to strike when parents most need a break. At the end of the day, your well-fed, otherwise happy baby begins to fuss and cry and nothing seems to help. It isn’t your cooking, it’s colic. Colic is common. It is estimated about 40...
Why Camp is More than S’mores and Canteens
Parents spend a lot of time trying to motivate kids. We use chore charts, checklists, reminders and rewards to get them to feed the dog, clean their rooms, and complete schoolwork. But these techniques don’t change behavior long-term. Real motivation must come from within. The Psychology of Summer Camp Time at camp may be all it takes to spark a little self-determination in your kid. I know it sounds too good to be true. Your school-age slacker — the one who expects you to find his homework and pack his lunch — might start doing some things for himself. And...
Inspiring Families of OC
Sometimes life can seem overwhelming, even in the idyllic environs we enjoy in Orange County. As reflections about the past and new year kick in, we wanted to share the inspiring stories of a few OC families. The Brown Family 100 Miles and Counting Last December, Kelly and Allen Brown sat their small children, Eden 5 and Elijah 3, around the kitchen table. They felt it was important to teach their kids about the rewards of hard work and began an elementary conversation about goals. As January approached with resolutions soon to follow, the Brown family comtemplated setting a goal...
Speakers
Hear ye, Hear ye. Want great audio for your kids, or your backyard parties? Try out these tech’y finds. (We approve this message.) TURTLE BEACH ELITE PRO T.A.C. This tactical audio controller from well-known gaming headset and headphone operation is designed to make the most of audio needs for eSports, movie-viewing and gaming. The tech manages and controls Surround Sound and “Superhuman Hearing” with powerful chat and microphone tuning tools to cover all the AV bases. $199.95, www.turtlebeach.com WavHello’s SoundBub This lightweight bluetooth-enabled portable speaker and soother can be easily attached to the car seat or stroller, and features a...
Alexandria Marshall
There are times when one’s goals align with a well-plotted life journey. And there are times when that path changes directions and life hand delivers something different. A visit to Camp Footprints, a place for children with disabilities and their families, put a young OC teen on the path to giving. Alex has always loved having a big sister. From an early age she knew that her big sister was unlike other big sisters. Courtney, who was born with Down syndrome, grew up watching her little sister sing, dance, and perform. Whether Alex was a lost lamb in a skit...
Best Foot Forward
One of the most exciting things about the first day of school was busting out your new kicks for the year. Share the tradition with your little one with these picks for every personality. For Your Beachy Keen Kid If your little ones are in denial about summer’s end, these sneaker-sandal hybrids by Keen might put the skip back in their step. With a full back structure (that should satisfy those picky school restrictions) and open weave toed front, these reverse-mullet shoes are party in the front, business in the back. KEEN Newport H2 & Uneek Sandal $40/$60, www.keenfootwear.com For...
Summertime Chutes and Ladders
Q: [School Aged] I let the kids lounge for the first week or two of summer, but I can practically feel their little brains mushing out with every passing hour on the couch. How can I sneak in some learning so they don’t go into shock when summer is over? A: Without finding ways to spark educational enrichment, the dreaded “summer slide” can occur. According to National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), most students score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than at the beginning. Their retention of certain skills suffers even more: NSLA reports that most...
Food Portion Management
The Magic Trick to Meet Your Goals It’s almost always bikini season in OC, but with the kids about to hit the waterparks and invites to family pool parties rolling in, a little maintenance never hurt anyone. Rather than deprive yourself of favorites because they might not be on your personal plan, indulge…in moderation. Dr. Caroline Cederquist, M.D., founder of bistroMD (www.bistroMD.com) offers some tips on how to keep portions under control. When eating out at a restaurant, have the server box half your meal before it is served so you aren’t tempted to overeat. Don’t eat from the box...
Super Finds
The whole country is super excited over the latest hero movie. Your kids might be a little young to take in the flick, but they can still look the part with these heroic picks. DaphDaph Giggly Goggles They’ll be swimming faster than a speeding bullet with eyes protected by these goggles (and hair protected from tangles and pulling thanks to the neoprene-like band securing the back). $25, daphdaph.com Bumkins Super Diapies! Mom can be super-earth friendly, while kiddos are super adorable in these DC Comics printed cloth diaper covers…complete with CAPE! Snap-In-One diaper comes with soft Minky insert and is...
Dragon Kim
“Life is gone, but don’t cry, for you were just visiting.” —Dragon Kim, 2000-2015 The drive from Orange County to Yosemite this past August was meant to be a culmination of a summer filled with camps, college classes, and athletic events for Dragon Kim and his family. This vacation was supposed to mirror the other five Yosemite trips which consisted of morning hikes, sleeping in tents, grilling over an open fire and eating sticky s’mores at evening’s end. Dragon and his friend Justin Lee went to sleep in a tent under a massive star-splashed sky, and fell asleep discussing their...
Star Wars Birthday Party
Sofia, 7, Laguna Beach Theme: Star Wars Jedi Training Location: Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach Photography: Boyd Carr Invites by: Evite Cake (or Cupcakes) by: Cake from Albertson’s - Sandwiches and chips from Costco - Pizza from Pizza Hut Decor by: Party City Entertainment: Party Karacters , www.partykaracters.com The Goods on the Goody Bag: Halloween items, since Sofia’s party was in October. Vampire teeth, erasers, pencils, candy, stickers and plastic spiders. “Sofia had a great time with her friends and loved the Jedi Training with Darth Vader and the Girl Jedi! The kids were always occupied and having fun...
Goal-Setting for the School Year
(Photo Courtesy of Taylor Wilcox/Unsplash) How to help your kids achieve goals in the new school year with a sensory vision board. Does your child have ADHD, autism, anger problems or other issues that get in the way of effective learning? If so, you're not alone. Many parents struggle with helping their kids succeed academically. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to support your child with the goal of becoming an effective and enthusiastic student. One of the things that can be very helpful is a vision board. We'll talk about how to make...
Science and Craft
Take this time at home to create these educational and fun science projects with the kids. With schools closed, the kids have been home for weeks now and you’re running out of ideas for them. Remote learning might be going well but in any case, children are antsy and looking for new activities. The best possible solution is to combine some real learning with novel fun. Kids aren’t in classes where science experiments can take place, but there are plenty of science-related activities you can conduct at home. Of course, there’s a little extra challenge to this, given the stay-at-home...
Healthy Living Advice from a Fitness Trainer
Fitness trainer Nancy Anderson offers words of advice for keeping your family healthy. Family fitness is an important topic for trainer Nancy Anderson. She’s not only passionate about helping moms lose the “baby fat,” but she’s developing a new program specializing in all stages of motherhood—from preconception through pregnancy and beyond. “Everything I teach and include in my programs is completely evidence-based and grounded in research,” says Anderson, who is also a celebrity trainer, nutritionist and CEO of Nancy Anderson Fit, based in Dallas, Texas and Newport Beach. “I also take a unique and targeted approach to addressing common issues...
Gardening with Kids
Playing in dirt isn’t just loads of fun — it’s healthy, too! There’s no question, playing in the dirt tops the list of fun for young children despite the protests of many well-intended parents. If you’re one of those parents, you can put your fears aside. It turns out dirt is actually beneficial to the long-term health of kids, according to a Northwestern University article, “Germs at Four, Less Inflammation at Forty,” by Clare Milliken. Studies have found that early exposure to certain germs, like those found in dirt, actually help kids’ immune systems learn to better regulate inflammation. In...
Camps and After-School Programs Teaching Academic and Life Skills
Storymakery in Laguna Hills teaches children a passion for writing by giving them the tools to create stories. Camps and after-school programs can teach important academic and life skills while creating a memorable, enjoyable experience. Faith Vidal was only 6 when she started attending the Storymakery writing camp. And she wasn’t super excited about writing then, according to her mom, Gina. But that quickly changed for Faith, who is now 8, and has attended the camp for the past three summers. “For the past three years, writing is her favorite subject in school,” says Gina. “She loves to write all...
Orange County Surf Camps
Instead of surfing TV channels this summer, your child can surf the waves at these OC surf camps. What better way for your child to take advantage of SoCal living than hitting the waves this summer? Surf camps are an Orange County staple, sprinkled throughout the various beaches, and they offer a lot more than just learning the art of balancing on a board. Children of all ages can attend one of these many fun, engaging and educational camps to gain knowledge, friendships, and confidence in themselves and others. Banzai Surf School offers a great and safe location for beginners...
Summer Camp Prep for Special Needs
Summer camp offers the chance for new friends and experiences, and lifelong positive memories for all kids. Here are some tips on how to prep your special needs child for a great time at camp…
Inclusive Adventures
Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Disneyland and Legoland have made some improvements — for children of all abilities. New and Improved Mickey’s Toontown Mickey’s Toontown has reopened at Disneyland and while the land has been updated extensively in design, there’s one big focus underlying many of the changes: inclusivity. “We got a lot of guests who utilize our parks in different ways, who see, hear, feel our experiences in different ways. And we wanted every child to know that when it came to this land, this land was designed for them. That they were seen and that this place was welcoming...
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.
Urban Workshop’s Youth Programs
Urban Workshop isn’t just a makerspace, it’s a place where curiosity becomes skill, creativity turns into tangible results, and learning is hands-on, fun and…
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Top Teacher Finalists 2026
We spotlight the Top Teachers of Orange County. Congrats to the Top Teacher of 2026 Lauren Vargas of La Habra High School, La Habra
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...
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