The Mom’s Guide to Choosing a Preschool
Learn how to find a preschool that fits the needs of your child and family…
Navigating the Return to Work for New Moms
Local parenting experts share their strategies and support for helping new moms return to paid work. Transitioning back to paid work after a baby is a journey.
‘Mommy & Me’ Time
Learning and fun abound at these local programs for moms and young kids. Whether you’re pregnant, taking care of a newborn or adding a sibling to your family
FAQ: Readers’ Choice Awards
Want to know how our Annual Readers’ Choice Awards work? See our frequently asked questions.
Living La Vida Garza
Butlers, Bidets and that Bon Vivant Feeling At Garza Blanca in Los Cabos. The sun was shining bright, and the temperature was a comfortable 80 degrees
“O” is for Octopus
Craft Supplies Colored construction paper or painted paper plate in a color of your choosing. Colored construction paper or crepe paper streamers Scissors Glue Googly eyes, or make eyes with white paper and black ink Cheerios, Apple Jacks or circular stickers for suction cups Instructions Step 1: Get a colored paper plate or paint a white paper plate any color you’d like. Step 2: Use colored construction paper to match your plate, and cut 1 inch strips lengthwise as the octopus’s 8 arms. Step 3: Glue or tape the octopus’s 8 arms to the back side of the plate. Step...
A Stoic Dad is a Mindful Dad
Learn how the ways of the ancient Stoics can help you as a parent. As modern fathers, we often express our love for our children through consumerism
Stay Water Safe
Learn some important tips for keeping your kids safe around the water this summer. In the next few months, families will be heading out to the beach.
Beat the Summer Slide
Educational experts offer proactive tips for lessening summer learning loss. It’s time for summer break, while that means free time and vacations for many kids
Choco Cookie Crunch Ice Cream
Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Perfect for kids who love chocolate and cookies, this super cool dessert is free of dairy and refined sugar.
Unearthing Dino Quest at Discovery Cube
Discovery Cube Orange County brings back its popular dinosaur exhibit bigger and better than ever. A dinosaur dig. A flying reptile called the Quetzalcoatlus.
Learn & Grow: Exhibitor Information
FREE Family Fun Event! Learn & Grow is back! Keep an eye out for more information to come! Learn & Grow Expo is a FREE EVENT where families can find exhibitors and experts focusing on all aspects of healthy living—offering the tools and wisdom parents need to know to help raise boys and girls with strong minds and bodies. There will be plenty of free resources! For more information, call 714-630-4510 https://www.youtube.com/embed/OuQNynRfjAY General Information and Download Forms Speak to your sales representative today for more information, or call the Parenting OC office at 714-630-4510. Directions to Learn & Grow at The District...
Sports Dads
Get to know some local dads, and their passion for athletics and coaching. Athlete dads are happy to share their passion for sports with children.
Summer OC Movie & Music Guide
Keep your summer schedule packed with these concert and film series in and around Orange County.
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
Back at the Ranch
OC Families share how their trips to Rankin Ranch, a Central California Dude Ranch, have become treasured traditions.
Learn & Grow 2024
An estimated 1800 visitors came out to be entertained and to meet the Learn & Grow exhibitors on Saturday, September 14, at The District at Tustin Legacy.
Coaching for Success
Learn what to look for in an Olympic-level coach for your young athlete. With the Olympics approaching this summer — July 26 to be exact — fans will wonder
Mindful Beach and Pool Games
Create bonding moments and inner peace as a family for your next beach or pool outing. Gathering with your loved ones at the beach or pool offers great memories
Festivities for the Fourth
Plan out your Independence Day celebrations with our guide to local fireworks fun and more.
Traveling with Kids and Pets
Get some tips from experts for safe, sane and fun travel with the whole family. Travel is a great way to experience new things, learn and gain enlightenment.
Strawberry Bliss Cake Bites
Recipe and Photography by Madison Amirehteshami Delightfully sweet and irresistibly fruity, these strawberry cake bites are the perfect treat for any occasion. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and nestled in a moist, tender cake crumb, each bite-sized morsel is a miniature celebration of summer. Get ready to savor the essence of strawberries in every bite of these adorable treats. Now let's get to baking! Ingredients: Cake 1 1/4 cups gluten-free 1 to 1 flour* 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/3 cup vegan butter, softened at room temperature ¼ cup plant-based milk 1/2 tbsp lemon...
Cute Kid Cover Contest 2020
Below are the little ones that have been crowned Cutest Baby, Toddler, Tot and Kid of 2020 as well as first and second runner-ups! Cute Kid Cover Contest Photographer And the Cute Kid Winners Are… Parenting OC is proud to announce this year’s Cute Baby, Cute Toddler, Cute Tot and Cute Kid Contest winners! Adam Corcoran, of Adam & Claudia Photography, skillfully captured the essence of each child in ultimate cute form. Parenting OC’s readers then voted for their favorites. Each winner was featured on a Parenting OC cover. Parenting OC would like to thank all of the participants, and...
Fairmont North Tustin Breaks Ground on Expansion to Meet Growing Need
Fairmont North Tustin has long been recognized for its exceptional academic outcomes, including its students achieving some of the highest test scores in OC.
Reader’s Choice Awards 2020: Camp Winners
Best Girls Softball League Mission Viejo Girls Softball Mission Viejo Girls Softball puts instilling good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and courage at the center of their program. With the goal of creating well adjusted, stronger and happier children, young girls between the ages 4.5 to 14 get the chance to bond with teammates through sports. And with no initial cost needed to register, young girls get the chance to experience the excitement of softball. mvgs.org | Mission Viejo Best Baseball Camp Coach Ballgame James Lowe, often referred to as Coach Ballgame, helps kids fall in love with baseball by emphasizing a...
The District at Tustin Legacy to Host Learn & Grow Family Fun Fair
Join us on September 14 for a free, fun, family-friendly fair that features learning resources and after-school activities at The District at Tustin Legacy.
What to Know About Bird Flu
I’ve been hearing a lot about bird flu lately. Should I be concerned for my family? If you are worried about the bird flu, you are not alone.
Theme Park Fun
New adventures await at local theme parks this summer. Bright summer sunshine is the best medicine after a long El Niño winter. Southern California adventures
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.
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.
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.
November Thanksgiving Craft: Thankful Turkey Centerpiece
(Photo Courtesy of Adriene Madden/Adventures in the Schoolhouse) The Little Red Schoolhouse’s (adventuresintheschoolhouse.com) latest crafting video is ready to instruct you and your family on how to create a Thanksgiving Turkey Centerpiece. As you craft, don’t forget to snap some photos. https://youtu.be/SXYawt-fyEw Craft Supplies Fall-colored construction paper or card stock 2 round foam spheres from the floral section of any craft store (1 small and 1 large) 2 large balls or skeins of yarn 1 7-10 inch skewer or wooden dowel Scissors Glue gun Stick pins Googly eyes Colored felt Enter Our Craft Photo Contest Submit a picture of your...
Easy Holiday Craft: Christmas Wreath
(Photo Courtesy of Adriene Madden/Adventures in the Schoolhouse) The Little Red Schoolhouse’s (adventuresintheschoolhouse.com) latest crafting video is ready to instruct you and your family on how to create a Christmas wreath. As you craft, don’t forget to snap some photos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3FYZ6bRkME&t=3s Craft Supplies 1 wooden ring from any craft store floral or fabric section Faux or real festive greenery Baker's twine Scissors Ribbon (optional) Enter Our Craft Photo Contest Submit a picture of your child with this craft or any other craft of your choice below for a chance to be featured in Parenting OC Magazine, on The Little Red...
Freedom in Play
Why Children Should Participate in Extracurricular Activities. The old adage “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” still holds true even today.
Q&A with Superintendent Stefan Bean
O.C. Board of Education trustees, from left, Jorge Valdes, Ken Williams, Tim Shaw and Mari Barke with newly appointed Orange County Supt. Dr. Stefan Bean, seated.(Photo Courtesy of Orange County Department of Education) We get to know the new Orange County superintendent of schools. The Orange County Board of Education recently appointed longtime educator Stefan Bean as Orange County’s 12th superintendent of schools. Bean is completing the rest of former Superintendent Al Mijares’ term, which ends in January 2027. Mijares announced in April that he would step down on June 30 after more than a decade in the role because...
In the Green
Learn about the Orange County public schools that are California Green Ribbon Schools award winners, and one school district awarded for environmental efforts
Back to Sports
How do I keep my young athletes from getting injured as they head back to sports? With summer winding down, parents now shift to getting kids ready for school.
Starry Nights
Astronomy Nights at The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo offer wonder of the night sky. If there’s one thing to love about a night spent looking at stars
Fall into Mindfulness
Follow this parent’s guide to embracing presence and peace this fall season. As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, fall presents an opportunity
Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal has been a beloved breakfast choice for families for generations, evolving from simple, hearty porridges into the delightful dish we know today.
Health, Lifestyle & Beauty
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County health, lifestyle, and beauty plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
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!
Education
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County education for all ages plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Classes
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County classes for kids plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
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!
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!
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...
DIY Halloween
Discover 4 creative and easy DIY Halloween costume ideas that you can create last minute with items that you already have at home. Perfect for all ages!
Pumpkin Spiced Loaf Cake
These modern-day muffins capture the essence of the cozy season in every bite, transforming simple pumpkin puree into a comforting delight…
Building Dreams
The Orange County In-Home Licensed Childcare Program helps meet childcare needs one small business at a time.
Blanca Acevedo runs Estela’s Playhouse Daycare
Mindful Monsters
Try these Halloween activities to enchant your kids’ minds. Halloween is a season filled with excitement, creativity and a sprinkle of spookiness!
Tackling Fear
Deciphering anxiety vs fear: Is your child afraid of the dark? Do they often worry about death, wildfires, bad people or you not being there when they need you?
Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Discovery Cube
The annual celebration melds the fun of Halloween with educational science. Discovery Cube puts the science into Halloween with its third annual Pumpkin Palooza
Home Haunts
Home haunters create a (friendly) nightmare on your street. They scare because they care. They are the home haunters. Regular folks in regular neighborhoods.
Halloween Spooktaculars
Have a scary good time at all the fun Halloween events and pumpkin patches in and around Orange County.
Halloween Treats
From theme parks to local mom-and-pop shops, what are some of the hot Halloween treats families can find in and around OC?
Parenting OC 2025 Events with The District at Tustin
We are excited to announce an expanded partnership with The District at Tustin Legacy in 2025. In September of 2024, The District hosted the wildly successful return of our Learn & Grow event. Next year, 2025 brings the return of our Summer Opportunities Jamboree. FREE FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT Both events offer a free, fun-filled day, with entertainment on stage, strolling princesses and super heroes, face painting, balloon artists, bubble artists, arts and crafts, contests, prizes, and games. JAMBOREE, MARCH 15, 2025: GET READY FOR SUMMER In March 2025, families looking to plan summer activities—like summer camps, learning programs, sports,...
Jamboree 2025
GET READY FOR SUMMER In March 2025, families looking to plan summer activities—like summer camps, learning programs, sports, and travel will find what they are looking for at the Summer Opportunities Jamboree. PLUS Family Fun Attractions and Activities from all over OC. Entertainment Sponsors Exhibitor Information Directions to Jamboree at The District at Tustin Exhibitor Packages Sponsorship Opportunities Exhibitors Map Space Reservation Form Welcome Packet Book Learn & Grow along with Jamboree and receive a 10 percent discount on both!
Learn & Grow 2025
Sponsored by... SCHOOL-YEAR PREP In September of 2025, with the new school year starting off, the Learn & Grow event offers families after-school activities, school choices and other learning options, and special needs resources. Entertainment Sponsors Check out what happened at our Learn & Grow 2024 event! Exhibitor Information Directions to Learn & Grow at The District at Tustin Exhibitor Packages Sponsorship Opportunities Exhibitors Map Space Reservation Form Welcome Packet Check out Learn & Grow 2024 Book Jamboree along with Learn & Grow and receive a 10 percent discount on both!
2024 Top Teacher & Employee Award Winners
Winners were featured in our 2024 March Issue! Samuel PerlaFranklin Elementary School Elizabeth EllisonRobert C. Fisler School Tania MoralesBeyond Blindness Top Leader Finalists Top Teachers Finalists Top Employee Finalists ALL FINALISTS [ninja_tables id="64185"] [ninja_tables id="64187"] [ninja_tables id="64189"]
Sponsorship Opportunities & Exhibitor Information
More photos from our 2024 Learn & Grow Event Book both events at the same time and receive a 10 percent discount! Testimonials "The Learn & Grow event was fantastic! It was wonderful to connect with so many young families and share our program with interested visitors eager to stop and learn what we offer and how we serve the homeschool community. The event staff was very friendly and available to help if needed, and they did a great job in the venue location and vendor set-up. Thank you for making this a nice venue for Excel Academy to reach...
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!
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.
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.
The Montessori Method
What is experiential learning in Montessori education? All ages Maria Montessori, a pioneer in the field of neuroscience and child development, was the first to recognize the connection between movement and cognition. Her scientific observations led her to conclude that physical action helps to create stronger neural connections in the brain. Her idea of the “absorbent mind” clearly describes a process where the child integrates information from the environment through experiences gained from sensory integration. She stated, “What the hand does, the mind remembers.” To put it simply, children learn by doing. They need to explore and discover through hands-on...
Moms at Work
Discover the inspiring journey of working moms balancing career and family. Highlighting the joy, chaos, and the resilience that defines their every day lives.
Thanksgiving Recipes
A beloved staple, the pot pie. A comforting dish, wrapped in tasty nostalgia, with a vegan twist that will keep bellies full during the holiday eating season.
Maple Kissed Pecan Bliss
A classic Thanksgiving dessert, Pecan pie. A delightful blend of gooey texture and nutty flavor, capturing the warmth and richness of the giving season…
Outlook Bright
New surveys show kids today are resilient and optimistic, prioritizing mental health, while experts encourage fostering independence and resilience.
Home Office Essentials
Standing Desk ConverterNowadays with work and home life blurring together, there couldn’t be a better addition to your office than a compact sit-stand desk converter. Make your work days more productive by periodically standing to help boost your energy and focus. No need to buy a whole new furniture set as this tabletop desk converter offers a trendy, gray, wood-grain work surface that will up the look of your home office. There are even small compartments for your smartphone, tablet and coffee mug that give freedom to personalize your space. $199.99, amazon.com Echo DotMeet the all-new Echo Dot that will...
From One Hero to Another
Local pastor, diagnosed with brain cancer, completes Ironman for his daughter, Hero…
Editor’s Picks: July 2020
PICK OF THE MONTH: Knott's California Marketplace Knott’s Berry Farm’s first public “attraction” was its roadside stand, so it makes sense that, during its 100th anniversary, Knott’s re-opens its Marketplace first while exiting its pandemic hiatus. Folks now can go to Marketplace stores and restaurants (like Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Peanuts Headquarters, Candy Parlour, and The Knott’s Berry Market and Bakery) — and perhaps more of the park will be open too by the time you read this. Knott’s is following state and CDC health guidelines and has implemented safety measures at the Marketplace — including that all employees...
Editor’s Picks: January 2020
PICK OF THE MONTH: California Adventure’s Lunar New Year CelebrationFriday, January 17 - Sunday, February 9At California Adventure, Lunar New Year is all about the mouse — the Year of the Mouse to be exact. You can celebrate Year of the Mouse with multicultural activities that salute Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures. Guests will enjoy 24 days of Lunar New Year celebrations from Jan. 17 to Feb. 9, 2020. The limited-time festival gives people of all ages the chance to experience unique holiday entertainment, special Disney-inspired Asian cuisine items, kid-friendly crafts projects, and popular Disney characters dressed up in festive...
Editor’s Picks: December 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH: Knott’s Merry FarmSaturday, December 1 - Monday, January 6The fun of Knott’s Merry Farm is now underway and continues through Jan. 5 with all its usual merriment and some new additions, too. This year, the park debuts a new holiday-themed production at the Calico Mine Stage called “Home for the Holidays” to enchant park-goers with traditional Christmas tunes, performers, festive lights, dancing toys and dazzling snow, all happening on the most ambitious stage ever created at Knott’s. Of course, some of the Merry Farm favorites are back, including the “Merry Christmas Snoopy!” ice show at the...
Editor’s Picks: November 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH: Holidays at the Disneyland ResortFriday, November 8 - Monday, January 6“World of Color — Season of Light” again illuminates evenings at California Adventure, where you can also experience Disney Festival of Holidays and Santa’s Holiday Visits. Disneyland presents the festive “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, with its magical snowfall finale. You’ll discover more holiday attractions at both parks too. Hours vary; check the website for full details.Disneyland, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim714-781-4565 | disneyland.disney.go.com Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayFriday, November 8 - Sunday, November 24Have a very...
Editor’s Picks: October 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHRoger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique: Malice in Wonderland Tuesday, October 1-Thursday, October 31 Roger’s Gardens has gone all Lewis Carroll for its Halloween Boutique (open 9 am-6 pm daily). Let the White Rabbit be your guide into this strange den of Halloween decorations, a labyrinth of decor ready to help make your home Halloween-ready. Explore the Mad Hatter’s treasure-stuffed workshop and perhaps sit down to celebrate a very merry un-birthday by pulling up a chair for a cup of tea at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. And watch out for the Red Queen — or you may just...
Editor’s Picks: September 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH Parenting OC’s Learn & Grow Expo Saturday, October 5 This health, education and special needs expo gives families the opportunity to connect with more than 60 exhibitors that focus on healthy living. These are experts in the community that can offer parents valuable tools, experience and wisdom to help them raise kids that are healthy in body and mind. The event includes free health screenings, nutrition and fitness demos and family activities, including face painting, balloon art and strolling entertainment. Also, for kids who can climb, dash, hop, roll and slide faster than any other kid,...
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: 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: 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: May 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHBear Awareness DaySaturday, May 4th Ursine enthusiasts will barely be able to contain their excitement over today’s activities (10 am–3 pm). Gather family and friends for a day of bear-themed activities, zookeeper chats and more. Chat with bear keepers and visit learning stations where you can discover the latest in bear research and conservation. Find out how to react in a bear encounter and ways to “bear-proof” camping sites. There will be bear-related craft projects designed for kids too.Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free)....
Editor’s Picks: March 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH 48th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales March 2-3, 9-10 This whale-sized festival crams an incredible number of events into two weekends at Dana Point Harbor during the gray whale’s annual winter migratory ritual. The Festival of Whales Parade kicks off the festivities on Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. Attendees can view the parade from the side of Pacific Coast Highway between Selva Road and Street of the Golden Lantern, where they can enjoy the parade featuring giant helium balloons, community organizations and more. The sand sculpting competition, the clam chowder cook-off, the Diamond Dig,...
Editor’s Picks: February 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH:Jamboree Summer Opportunities at the CubeMarch 2, 2019Parenting OC returns to the Discovery Cube for its 13th anniversary of the Free Kids’ Summer Opportunities Jamboree event. The event will take place on March 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the fourth year the iconic Orange County family destination has partnered with Parenting OC to host the summer-fun planning extravaganza. And it gets even better. Make sure to enter your cute kid in Parenting OC’s Cute Kid Cover Contest. The contest will be taking place at the Jamboree event. Everyone who enters will receive a free...
Editor’s Picks: December 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH Winter Fest OC Thursday, December 20 - Sunday, January 6 This seasonal extravaganza comes packed with ice tubing, ice skating, and two real Snow Play areas, along with carnival rides, games and special events, like a Flying Santa. This year also presents 40,000 square feet of new wintry adventures - a Festival of Lights, a Candy and Snowflake Wonderland and a SoCal Dickens Village. The SoCal Dicken's Village takes guests through the 1800s with holidays past, present, and future. The Candy and Snowflake Wonderland is an interactive wonderland full of candy and snowflakes with a selfie...
Editor’s Picks: January 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH - SAVE THE DATE Ocean Institute's Jazz Festival Friday, March 29 - Saturday, March 30 A March event in January? Yes, because tickets go on sale this month for this amazing parents' night out. The Jazz Festival is Ocean Institute's biggest fundraiser of the year with proceeds directly going to their Adopt-A-Class program, supporting 10,000 underserved students from Title 1 schools throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County and San Diego County. The two-day event, held March 29-30, 2019, will include two unique evenings of jazz performances, five-star dining experiences and hosted bars. Funds raised from the...
Editor’s Picks: November 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH The Mom-Made Market Saturday, November 17 - Sunday, 18th This market is truly the mother of all invention. More than 150 local mompreneurs make this holiday market a very unique shopping experience. Come out for a weekend of gift-buying, food, and fun. This event is too monumental to miss so come on out to support these moms in business. Kids can get a free photo with Santa each day from 10 am-11:30 am. The market is open on November 17 from 10 am-5 pm and 10 am-4 pm on November 18. The Hangar at the OC...
Editor’s Picks: September 2018
Pick of the Month Parenting OC's Learn & Grow Expo Saturday, October 6 This health, education and special needs expo gives families the opportunity to connect with more than 60 exhibitors that focus on healthy living. These are experts in the community that can offer parents valuable tools, experience and wisdom to help them raise kids that are healthy in body and mind. The event includes free health screenings, nutrition and fitness demos and family activities, including face painting, balloon art and strolling entertainment. Families who attend will receive a free child admission for a full day at Discovery Cube...
Editor’s Picks: August 2018
Pick of the Month The OC Fair Don’t let the summer pass you by without a visit to the OC Fair. With a theme of “Free Your Inner Farmer” this year, it’s the perfect time to teach your little ones more about agriculture. Wander over to Centennial Farm for photos of the adorable baby piglets and the energetic goats. Also, among the new attractions are the Selfie Pop-Up Museum and the nerve-wracking Daredevils & Wheels stunt show. And of course, there’s carnival rides and games, live performances, action sports events, agricultural demonstrations and animal competitions. You definitely don’t want to...
Editor’s Picks: July 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH Family, Fun and Fine Arts The annual Laguna Beach Festival of Arts invites families of all ages to indulge in the arts through hands-on activities and art projects that they can all participate in together. The festival presents its weekly Art and Story Time series every Monday for children ages 5 and under, which features a different book read aloud plus a hands-on art project. There may even be special surprise visits from illustrators, story characters, and more. The festival also presents Family Art Day on Sunday, July 8, which is a fun-filled, art-filled and...
Editor’s Picks: June 2018
Summer is a time for entertainment-filled festivals and Orange County is no exception. Throughout the month of June, there are a variety of family friendly festivals with packed scheduled full of everything from unique food and drinks, arts and crafts, dancing, live music and entertainment, kids' activities, and more. Each festival has its own theme as well, so festival goers can enjoy a new cultural experience. Choosing just from one of these exciting celebrations to highlight for this month's Editor's Pick is too difficult as each of the jam-packed festivals offer a different experience and entertainment for all ages. So...
Editor’s Picks: March 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH Dana Point Festival of Whales Saturday March 3 - Sunday March 4 Saturday March 10 - Sunday March 11 An over-whale-ming amount of fun is to be had at the 47th annual Festival of Whales in Dana Point Harbor. For two full weekends, this exciting event has a little (actually big) something for all ages – real life whales! The festival invites families to experience some of the greatest animals alive during the gray whale’s annual migratory ritual. Besides whale watching, the event also offers a gigantic list of activities, including sand sculpting competitions, a clam...
Editor’s Picks: February 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH Jamboree Summer Opportunities at the Cube March 3, 2018 Parenting OC returns to the Discovery Cube for its 12th Anniversary Edition of the Kids’ Summer Opportunities Jamboree event. The free event will take place on March 3rd, 2018, from 10 AM to 2:00 PM. This is the third year the iconic Orange County family destination has partnered with Parenting OC to host the summer-fun planning extravaganza. This year, Jamboree will have special guests, along with games and many new exhibitors featuring family travel destination sports, summer camps, and school information. The Aquarium of the Pacific will be...
Editor’s Picks: January 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH Polar Bear Plunge January 20th Sometimes to rally the whole family together to have a little fun, you need to amp up the cool meter. The Polar Bear Plunge certainly does that, no pun intended. This family-friendly event is perfect for kids, teens and fun-loving adults who long for a bit of winter without the long and stressful drive on snowy or icy roads to the mountains. At this annual Mission Viejo event, you’ll get a taste of winter and summer. Folks can have fun getting into snowball fights with 180 gallons of artificial snow as...
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...
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...
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...
Rhythm Service
Learn how Orange County Music & Dance has served both children and veterans with the healing powers of music throughout the pandemic…
Dad on a Mission
A local dad turns tragedy into teaching and helps other dads become the best they can be…