Readers tell us their family’s favorite places to visit for summer.
With COVID restrictions lifting and locations reopening, we asked our readers to share their favorite family-friendly places to visit for summer. Those who responded were entered in a drawing for a chance to win a four-pack of Knott’s Berry Farm tickets.
Check out these reader picks of the best places in OC for family fun and adventure:
Dia Vechayiem, Laguna Hills — Winner
“We are excited to return to the Lyon Air Museum to see all the vintage planes and cars from the 1930s and 1940s. It’s also fun to see the planes land and take off at John Wayne Airport while inside the museum.”
Ardell Gutierrez, Laguna Hills
“We are looking forward to all kinds of summer adventures, but we especially love being outside at any beach, lake or park in OC. We especially like the Aliso Creek beach and grass area with our three girls!”
Cindy Su, Irvine
“We love to explore Irvine Regional Park. The kids always have a blast there on the train, at the zoo or on a bike. There’s never any complaints when we visit Irvine Park.”
Danielle Martell, Lake Forest
“Nothing better than picking sweet-juicy-fresh strawberries during a warm summer day at South Coast Farms in San Juan Capistrano. We love making strawberry lemonade! As a mom I enjoy talking to my kids about how foods grow and how important it is to support local farms. Tree of Life Nursery is right next door where we buy native drought-tolerant plants that attract butterflies and bees.”
Deb Dadlani, Huntington Beach
“We love exploring all the beaches and tide pools in Laguna Beach. Treasure Island is a great spot because it’s a quiet beach and right across from Ruby’s, our favorite diner.”
Elizabeth Villegas, Fullerton
“It’s like visiting a family member, the OC fair is an annual event. We are excited to see those smiling faces once more and enjoy the delicious food. The air is filled with BBQ and fried goodness. My family can’t wait to go again.”
Julianne Hamstrom, Mission Viejo
“We are looking forward to doing what we love — being outdoors and whale watching in Dana Point. It’s amazing to see whales, sea lions and a super pod of dolphins all up close!”
Lillie Horvitz, Fullerton
“Looking for rocks while hiking from Laguna Lake to Hillcrest Park keeps us healthy! Fullerton Rocks is a group that paints and hides rocks for others to find. We love it!”
Lisa Budianto, Huntington Beach
“Our family is looking forward to spending the summer at Huntington Beach together! The fresh air is the perfect setting to reunite with friends and family we haven’t seen in over a year!”
Megan Bright, Mission Viejo
“We love Newport Dunes in the summer! My kiddos have so much fun jumping and sliding on the large inflatables and playing in the bay! We also enjoy the campsite for impromptu weekend getaways!”
Shardai Gaines, Irvine
“We cannot wait to get back to Legoland for a proper visit post-pandemic. My girls absolutely love this place and every time we hear ‘Everything Is Awesome’ they ask to go back!”
Surbhi Kasbaum, Coto de Caza
“San Juan Capistrano has lots to offer for summer fun. The kids love visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano for its historic landmark, museums and beautiful gardens!”
Susan Lee, Fullerton
“My family loves to go to Knott’s Berry Farm to walk around. We are looking forward to riding all the rides, but my kid’s favorite is the airplane one!”
Compiled by Madison Amirehteshami
DiFrancesco Family says
My kids love the beach. We look forward to hanging out at their favorite beach, Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.