Readers’ Choice Awards Winners — 2023
Congrats to all the places, services, schools, and more that our readers have chosen as the best around Orange County for the 21st annual Readers’ Choice Awards
Camp Invention
Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with our all-new Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot! Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25. invent.org/local
Camp James Summer Day Camp
Serving OC Families for over 30 years offering children ages 4-17 an opportunity to connect with friends and the outdoors. Camp James is an ACA Accredited Camp located in the beautiful Back Bay in Newport Beach. Activities include swimming, canoes, archery, Gocarts, kayaks, SUP, climbing wall, crafts, laser tag, drama, dance, STEM, martial arts, zip line, mini golf, Gaga, ping pong, Legos, and more. Hours 8:30-4:30 Campers and Parents love the unique setting, quality staff and wide variety of activities. Winner of Parenting OC Magazine Readers Choice Best Day Camp for ten years. 101 N Bayside Dr, Newport Beach,...
Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services presents Camp Newport
With hundreds of camps to choose from you’re invited to Newport Beach to explore our shores in a sailing, surf, and bodyboarding camp, enjoy the breeze in a range of outdoor sports and active camps, or embrace the shade in one of the many science, music, technology, and art camps awaiting you. For more information, visit campnewport.com. Sign up by May 4 and receive a 10% or more discount on most camps! 949.644.3151 | www.campnewport.com recreation@newportbeachca.gov
LePort Montessori
The essential purpose of a LePort Montessori education is to offer each child an environment in which they can develop the skills and habits they need for a lifetime of learning and happiness. Our seven locations in Irvine and Huntington Beach offer programs from infancy through middle school, as well as Spanish and Mandarin immersion. At LePort, our mission is to equip each child with Knowledge for Life: the essential knowledge, thinking skills, and strength of character needed to flourish as joyful children today and as successful adults tomorrow. Schedule your tour today! 949-544-8859 | leport.com
St. Paul’s Lutheran School
St. Paul’s Lutheran School exists to educate children, nurture their faith, and equip them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are fully accredited by WASC, and NLSA, School of Distinction and National Blue Ribbon School! When you enroll at St. Paul’s, you become part of our family. Our loving and caring teachers and staff prepare our students to be future leaders, to think critically, show empathy, and to share Jesus’ love with others. 901 E. Heim Ave., Orange 714.921.3188 | www.splsorange.org
Reader’s Choice Awards 2022: Health, Lifestyle, & Beauty Winners
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Terry Dubrow, MD You might recognize Dr. Terry Dubrow from his multiple TV shows, including “Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Botched” and “Botched by Nature,” or his books — but long before Hollywood fame, he was already known for his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery skills. As passionate as he is about plastic surgery, Dubrow advocates for minimal treatments producing natural-looking results. His practice is the destination for facelifts, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks and other specialty procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. drdubrow.com |...
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...
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...
Autism and Fanfiction
‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories. A study led by UC Irvine researchers and published in January in the Journal of Literacy Research found that those with autism—along with family members, teachers and advocates—use “Harry Potter” fanfiction to cast autistic characters in their stories that can help challenge stereotypes. “We expected to find that fanfiction authors with autism, or friends, family members and close advocates of autistic individuals, would write about autism in ways that challenged pervasive stereotypes about neurological difference that are often found in popular media,” said Rebecca W. Black, UCI associate professor...
In the Moment
Enter to Win Tickets Winner will receive a four-pack of tickets to various prizes in OC. Pictures should capture your little one(s) being "in the moment" - it could be something funny, something memorable, or something clever. 50 words or less. To enter, submit your photos below. *One win limited per year*
Cute Kid Cover Contest
Cute Kid Voting Has Begun! Photos have been taken, and the time to vote for this year's Cute Kids has begun! Use the voting form below to case your vote who you think deserves to be this year's Cute Kid, and who will be on one of our upcoming covers! Voting ends November 30, 2020, so tell your family and friends to vote! Voting is limited to 1 vote per household for each category (so you can vote for a baby, toddler, tot and a kid). Cute Kid Cover Contest Photographer
Autism & Health
Good health and wellness practices for children with autism are important to overall well-being. There’s a lot for parents to process when a child receives a diagnosis of autism. And there are some important needs to tend to beyond behavioral symptoms. Oftentimes, health and wellness practices can be compromised by symptoms and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is important for parents to make health and wellness a top priority for children with ASD to make a difference in their lives now, and for years to come. Feeling a sense of belonging within a community is an extremely...
Reader’s Choice Awards— Winners 2022
From food, fun for families, education, beauty and more we bring you the best of the best in Orange County you won’t want to miss — selected by our readers.
Private School Directory
List your school on our Fall 2023 list or update your school’s information for Spring 2024 with our easy form.
Top Teachers & Employees 2022 Winners Announced
Learning During the Pandemic is challenging every educator, administrator and school employee, not to mention the parents and students. The COVID Pandemic is the most disruptive force of our time, bringing health and safety concerns along with the pressure to continue quality education through a patchwork schedule and a hybrid model of in-class and online learning. All school workers and teachers are heroes this year, so it was difficult to find the very best of 2021-2022. In honoring the top, we honor all. Top Teacher - Top 10 Teachers - Top 25 Teachers Top Employee - Top 10 Employees Top...
Top Teacher & Employee Awards
2025 Nominations are Now Open! Each year we ask our readers to submit nominations for those educators who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty.
Planting Change
A Huntington Beach student leads a beautification project to bring some vibrancy back to her high school. Pauline Blumenkrantz finds power…
Tangled Web
A local mental health professional offers useful tips on how to protect and prepare children in an increasingly online world. Nicole recently arrived at the youth shelter I oversee. She is 15 and in crisis. Her home life is pretty overwhelming, so she turned to social media to escape and numb out. But over time, that source of solace grew into a full-blown addiction. Nicole is disengaged from extracurricular activities, choosing instead to spend hours each day on social media. She will often miss meals, classes and sleep as she stares into her cell phone. Her addiction has exacted a...
5 Tips for Emotional Regulation
Teaching children emotional regulation is essential for ensuring that they can move through life without emotional outbursts that leave them feeling out of control. Emotional regulation is fundamental to…
Toon-Up
The redone Mickey’s Toontown awaits families with a freshly designed experience. Your kids might have been missing Mickey’s Toontown for a few years now…
Summer Family Movie Guide
A sneak peek of the best of the big screen for families this summer. Disney, Marvel and toys will set the tone for summer movies in 2023…
Moms with Unique Passions
Meet these fascinating local moms with driving passions ranging from Bollywood dance to scare acting. Apra Bhandari Family: Daughter, Saanvi,…
Best Hikes in OC
Family fun in the sun! Find the best family friendly hikes that Orange County has to offer. 1. Crystal Cove Trails Crystal Cove State Park has 18 miles of hiking trails with stunning views of mountains and the ocean. The routes are suited for beginners and advanced hikers alike, giving families options to choose their own adventure in the native wilderness. With differing levels of hiking difficulty available and plenty of great photo opportunities, Crystal Cove trails are perfect for the whole family. crystalcovestatepark.org | Laguna Beach (Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cove) 2. Salt Creek Trail A family-friendly retreat amid...
Best Beaches in OC
Family fun in the sun! Find the best family friendly beaches that Orange County has to offer. 1. Huntington Beach Once you’re on the beach sand, it’s no surprise that dogs and their owners love Huntington. Known as “Surf City USA” Huntington Beach is a popular spot among tourists and locals alike. Big crowds can often be found on the pier with local artisan markets, tons of restaurants and other large events like the annual US Open of Surfing. Ideal for animal lovers, the 1.5-mile stretch on Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets is designated for dogs with...
Best Bike Trails in OC
Happy Trails! Find the best biking trails that Orange County has to offer. 1. Back Bay Loop (Photo Courtesy of Sunny Zhao) The Back Bay Loop Trail is a 10.5-mile, well-marked trail that goes around Upper Newport Bay and is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. It has multiple entry points with options for scenic stops. The flat paved trail easily accommodates bikes and strollers so the whole family can experience the bay. newportbeachca.gov | Newport Beach 2. Oak Canyon Nature Center Trail (Photo Courtesy of Mucio Vidales: All Trails) Nestled in the Anaheim Hills, Oak Canyon Nature Center...
Best Fishing Spots in OC
Hook, Line, Sinker! Find the best family friendly fishing locations that Orange County has to offer. 1. Huntington Beach Pier (Photo Courtesy of Eric Chalifour:Flikr) Huntington Beach Pier is the place to be when it comes to fishing. At 1,850 feet long, the iconic pier is one of the longest on the West Coast. It’s open from 5 a.m. until midnight and because it’s public, a fishing license is not required. Bring your gear and try to get your catch, and if the effort makes you hungry, Bud & Gene’s restaurant sits at the end of the pier for a...
Best Parks in OC
Play in the Park! Find the best family friendly parks and play places that Orange County has to offer. 1. Irvine Regional Park (Photo Courtesy of OC Parks) Irvine Regional Park features close to 500 acres of picnic areas, sport fields, hiking and equestrian trails. Other attractions include Orange County Zoo, Irvine Park Railroad and pony rides, bike and paddle boat rentals and plenty of playgrounds. The park’s train guides passengers through the historic park, which sits in the foothills of Orange. The petting zoo is nestled among the park’s live oak and sycamore groves, where families can feed goats...
OC Professional Sports Teams
Sports for the whole Family! Find the best sports venues that Orange County has to offer. 1. Los Angeles Angels (Photo Courtesy of Jeffrey Hayes/Wikimedia) The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team founded in 1961 that competes in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League West division. Known for their high-powered offense, their star players include Mile Trout, Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero and Nolan Ryan, who have all contributed to the team’s success. Purchase the Angel’s Coca-Cola Family Pack Tickets and enjoy a day full of food and fun at their home stadium...
Best Museums in OC
Explore, Learn, Discover! Find the best kid friendly museums that Orange County has to offer. 1. Discovery Cube Orange County (Photo Courtesy of Discovery Cube) Discovery Cube Orange County claims the top-ranking spot on our list for the sixth time. The interactive activities at the kids’ museum make science education fun for young visitors. Jump into a hurricane, take a simulated helicopter ride, survive the bed of nails, explore the solar system or go on a dinosaur quest, the immersive attractions can easily offer hours of entertainment. discoverycube.org | Santa Ana 2. Pretend City Children’s Museum (Photo Courtesy of Pretend...
Circus Vargas Ticket Giveaway
See Circus Vargas’ amazing 2023 production at Laguna Hills Mall May 5-May 22! A must-see, show-stopping spectacular certain to spark the imagination.
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.
Navigating Divorce with Children
My husband and I are currently getting divorced and I know that it can be traumatic for kids, so how can I help them work through these kinds of traumas?
Destination Mission Bay
Mission Bay offers vacationing families access to the very best of San Diego. School’s out for summer and most families are in need of a getaway — something fun
Q&A with a Lifeguard
City of Newport Beach Lifeguard Department Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda answers important questions about beach safety in time for the summer season.
Difference Maker
Matthew Kenslow, a Costa Mesa man with autism spectrum disorder raises awareness and inspires children as a teacher, volunteer, social media star and juggler.
Standout Dads
These OC dads go above and beyond at home and work. Travis Hartman works as a police officer with Westminster Police Department; former K9 officer
AI in OC
How artificial intelligence may impact the future educational landscape here and beyond. Baby Boomers were the first to be raised with television.
What to Ask Your New Pediatrician
I’m going to be a new parent soon. What should I ask the pediatrician? Adults Congratulations, you are having a baby soon! You are excited, nervous and probably
10 Picks for Summer Fun
Start your summer off right with some of our favorite options for family fun in Orange County. Take a Family Hike Crystal Cove TrailsCrystal Cove State Park has
Fairmont Schools’ Legacy of 70 Years of Student Success
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Since its founding in 1953, Fairmont Schools has stood as a leader in education and a model of what education should be. This year marks Fairmont’s 70th anniversary and while many things have changed over the past seven decades, one has not — the school’s commitment to transforming the lives of its students through best-in-class educational programs and people. Since its humble beginnings as a summer program run out of the home of founder Kenneth Holt, Fairmont has grown to five campuses that serve Orange County and beyond. Today, it is the county’s oldest and...
Bucket List of Summer Mindfulness
Mindfulness means children can concentrate without anything else distracting them. Everyday life stress can overwhelm and make it difficult for children to refl
Wild Rivers is Back
We introduce our new blog focused on finding fun, themed adventures in and around OC. Wild Rivers is pumping with activity, rides and water. The OC Zoo has a new
Summer Safety
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) How can I protect my kids during summer outdoor activities? All ages Summertime means more outdoor time with sun, water and bugs. So, what are the best ways to keep your family safe during warm summer days? Sun Protection Barriers are the best forms of protection from those sunny rays. For babies, sunscreen can be added for skin protection starting at 4 months of age with products that have limited or no perfumes or additives. In addition, it is always wise to keep on using blankets, hats/clothing and shade as well to protect the skin from...
Business in Detail
An Orange County nonprofit teaches children how to become entrepreneurial leaders through the work of auto detailing. You might look at a dirty car and see a mess that needs to be taken care of. Kevin Jones sees a blank canvas. An opportunity to bring back its shine through auto detailing. “When people come out, and you see a smile on their face, it puts a smile on my face as well,” he says. He looks at today’s youth similarly: as a blank canvas he can fill with practical knowledge to help them advance in life and avoid falling into...
Summer Family Art
Learn about the benefits of practicing art as a family and some creative activities for parents and kids for fun, summer self-care. The art process allows the family to strengthen their bond through creativity and to appreciate each other’s different perspectives. It also empowers the family’s creative thinking and stimulates the family’s identity as a team. This, in turn, improves mental health and well-being for the family. Creative expression through the therapeutic art process allows the family to gain new insights about themselves and each other. It fosters creative thinking and is a healthy, creative outlet for the family. It...
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
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
7 Mom Entrepreneurs
From writing to baking and organizing, these OC mompreneurs are putting their own unique stamp on business. Leslie Bruce Lives in: Laguna Beach With: husband, Yashaar, and her daughter, Tallulah, 5, and son, Roman, 1.5 Profession: Author; writer of “You Are A F*cking Awesome Mom” Connect: @leslieannebruce on Instagram, @lesliebruceamin on Twitter, unpacified.com Background: “As cliché as this might sound, I’ve actually been writing my entire life. As a little girl, I always kept journals, and would make little books out of construction paper and crayons. As an adult, I received my graduate degree in journalism at the University of...
Have a Mindful Summer
Try one or more of these practical ways to help your family mindfully ease into summer. Mindfulness is a healthy coping skill that can help you regain focus
Fiesta Time
A new and improved Fiesta Village is back at Knott’s Berry Farm. The bright colors of Fiesta Village light up a little brighter this summer. Fires burn and a
Making Waves of the Future
Discovery Cube Orange County launches two new interactive, ocean-themed exhibits for fun, education and hands-on experiences to inspire the next generation.
Stay & Play
Cool down, chill out and zip along while staying close to home this summer vacation. The itch to get out and go do something only gets worse for the average kid
Back to School for Athletes
Find out how to get your athlete in back-to-school shape for fall. Looking to get a solid start for the new school year? Put these recommendations into play
Dealing with School Anxiety
How do I help my young child with anxiety about starting school this fall? Ages 2-6: Are you stressed about your little one starting school?
Mindfulness for Back to School
Tips for getting your family back-to-school ready. Heading back to school after the summer break is a big moment for any child and requires a shift of gear
Q&A with Ramon Miramontes, Ed.D.
Orange County Department of Education’s deputy superintendent of Instructional Programs talks education challenges, successes and the new school year.
High Expectations
Special education teacher Nicole Messick has a deep passion for helping nurture student potential. They may look different. They may behave differently.
OC Report Card
Amid falling test scores nationally and statewide, Orange County schools’ outlook is a bit brighter. The news was disappointing but not shocking.
When You Inspire a Passion for Learning … the Extraordinary Happens
When You Inspire a Passion for Learning… the Extraordinary Happens. At Stratford School outstanding outcomes only occur through intentional balance.