FAMILY FUN
Best Dog Beach/Park
Huntington Dog Beach
“It’s always so clean and it’s the best dog beach in SoCal! The waves are gentle and the tide doesn’t get super high so your dogs can splash around without having to actually go into the water. Plus, there is parking and restrooms right there!”
Sophia Valdivia, Costa Mesa
Best Waterpark
Wild Rivers
“Wild Rivers in Irvine is, hands down, the best waterpark in Orange County. It’s got that classic, laid-back waterpark vibe that’s just perfect for a hot summer day. Not too big, not too small, it’s got just the right mix of thrilling slides and relaxing attractions to keep everyone happy without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding drops on their big slides, a leisurely float down Castaway River, or splashing around with the little ones in Cook’s Cove or Kontiki Cove, there’s something to make every age group smile. Plus, being right here in Irvine, it’s super central and easy to get to for pretty much anyone in Orange County. It’s the ideal spot for a fun, no-fuss day in the sun, for the whole family!”
Anamarie Thomas, Mission Viejo
KIDS PLAY & PLACES
Best Mommy & Me
The Mommy Center
“This place is the best. My daughter has been taking her music class since she was 9 months old. Now she is 2 and loves it so much. Michelle understands the needs of both the kids and the moms, and caters to both parties tremendously.”
Ali Tracy, Lake Forest
CAMPS
Best Baseball Camp
Angels Baseball Camp
“My son really likes the coaches and has fun improving his skills. The campers have the opportunity to attend a camper reunion Angels game where they get to do a Q&A with a current Angels player and have the opportunity to get picked to sit in the dugout during a game.”
Sara Treadway, Rancho Santa Margarita
Best Traditional Day Camp
Camp James
“Camp James is the best traditional day camp as it is extremely diverse in the activities it provides and very inclusive to all kinds of people. On top of that, Camp James has amazing staff that are fun, creative, hardworking, friendly, and all in all, great people to be around. The fake camp names also bring an exciting aspect to the already exciting camp, offering the kids with something to look forward to knowing at the end of camp.”
Rowan Cicciarella, Mission Viejo
Best Soccer Camp
SoCal Reds FC
“SoCal Reds FC offers very organized soccer camps, with trained and professional coaches and affordable prices. They usually have good soccer fields, and my kid has really improved with every soccer camp he has completed with them.”
Haydee Vicente, Santa Ana
CLASSES
Best Swim Class
Aqua Ducks
“My family has been going to Aqua Ducks for 34 years! Scott and his team do an amazing job meeting kiddos where they are at and making sure kids have good experiences in the water while also helping them be safe! The one-to-one instruction is invaluable.”
Syd Lockard, Placentia
Best Music Lessons
Music Together
“Music Together is one of the most valuable, special and memorable things I did with my young children. The children are exposed to a wonderful array of songs and engage with them by exploring rhythm, movement and a variety of fun instruments. It helps build a musical foundation for life in a way that is fun and developmentally appropriate for little ones. It’s a really enjoyable and relaxing time — we all looked forward to it every week. It was really a sweet spot amidst the chaos of having two young children. I feel like it even made me a better parent, as I learned how music and singing could help transition the children or gently guide them to what I wanted them to do in a way they would respond to — it really reduced the stress in our household, which was a totally unexpected benefit! We loved our instructor (Miss April at OC Music Connection)! She is so sweet and caring, and really knew how to engage each child at their level so they could learn and have fun. I truly wish all families could experience Music Together! It’s pure magic!”
Harvest Riggio, Mission Viejo
EDUCATION
Best Public Elementary School
Foothill Ranch Elementary School
“My daughter has special needs and her teachers and staff spent extra time with her and gave additional support to make sure she was learning the material while maintaining her self-esteem. Staff provides a lot of activities and after-school programs for not only students but parents who both work full-time. My daughters feel safe and love their school, as do I.”
Nicol Hebein, Foothill Ranch
Best Public High School
Mission Viejo High School
“I went to MVHS in the ‘90s and my son just finished his freshman year there! We love the campus, teachers, staff, class options, the farm and sports. … Go Diablos!”
Lisa Matro, Rancho Santa Margarita
HEALTH, LIFESTYLE, & BEAUTY
Best Speech Therapy
Avid Speech Therapy
“Avid speech therapy has a great team of caring professionals who look after their clients and families. They’re a passionate team who strive to provide the best possible care. They go above and beyond for their clients as each clinician takes the time to update and include families in their treatment.”
Jennifer Santiago, Costa Mesa
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