Summer is rapidly coming to a close, the kids will be going back to school, and moms all around Orange County can be heard cheering! In all seriousness, if you are running out of ideas to entertain your offspring, here are 6 great ideas for you:
- Get messy at Adventure Playground. Located in Huntington Beach’s Central Park, Adventure Playground lets kids ages 5-12 raft in a small pond, navigate a rope bridge, slide down a mud slide and build forts. They’re only open until August 21, so don’t wait too long! Admission is $3 per child, adults are free. www.HuntingtonBeachCA.gov
- Climb and splash on the Moe B’s Watersports obstacle course. Day passes ($15) are available for the colorful inflatable water park on the Back Bay in Newport Beach. Rent sailboats, kayaks, electric boats, pedal boats, stand up paddleboards and beach cabanas at the Newport Dunes Waterpark. www.NewportDunes.com
- Go wild at the Coastkeeper Natural Playground at Santiago Canyon College, the first public nature garden in Orange County. Your kids will love exploring tree stump paths, crawling through willow tree tunnels, climbing rocky hills and playing hide-and-seek in the tall deer grass mazez. This is a unique experience and great for kids to explore in a safe, natural setting. www.coastkeeper.org
- Take the car ferry across Newport Harbor. The ferry ride itself is usually a hit with kids, but a ferris wheel, an arcade, a pier, chocolate-covered bananas and a gorgeous stretch of sand will be waiting for you on the other side. Rent beach cruisers, a surrey, take a submarine ride, and don’t forget to sample the saltwater taffy! www.thebalboafunzone.com
- Watch movies on the beach. Our last pick brings us back to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, which hosts free family movies projected on a massive screen Fridays and Saturdays at dusk. The whole family will enjoyt his outing; bring beach chairs and picnic dinners. NewportDunes.com
- Head to Long Beach for the Annual Great Sand Sculpture Contest. Check out the amazing sculptures created by professionals, then when your kids want to dig in and make their own sand masterpieces — just head on over to the kids’ zone, where kids can build sandcastles with parental supervision. In addition, everyone can enjoy arts & crafts vendors, live music, and food tents. http://www.alfredosbeachclub.com/seafest-sand-sculpture.html
We hope you are inspired by this list to enjoy the last days of summer. Make the most of it – your kids are only kids for a short while. Get out and make some memories!
