I’ve now lived in Orange County, California for a year. It’s flown by – with December through April being mostly a blur with a newborn. Nevertheless, I did my best to jump in and get as much out of this beautiful place as possible as a newbie. Here is a list of low-cost things I have tried out and what I think of them!
Shoutout to Heather at Orange County Parent Guide – her calendar alone has been the reason I found so many things to do in the first place!
Worth it
Huntington Beach Fire department open house
I think this was my favorite event to date although now I feel like I have seen the fire department dog Kingman at every HB public event, quite the mascot! Especially if you arrive towards the end of the event it quiets down (though you’d miss the pretty awesome fire demonstration). Free grub, drinks, and very friendly staff all around. Adults can enjoy a tour of the fire station
OCME Trains
These are incredibly well maintained model trains that run the third weekend of every month as long as it’s good weather. Train rides are free, there’s picnic area and food and souvenirs to purchase and we usually donate a couple of bucks each time we go to support this great program.
The libraries!!!!
The OC libraries are everything. They all have so many dazzling free events so if you have nothing to do go there. We also heavily utilize their state parks pass to save on going to crystal cove Beach
South Coast Plaza carousels
Almost everyone who has run into me has seen me by the South Coast Plaza carousel Court. Costing $2/ride it’s one of BBs favorite things to do and then he runs off to the Lego store
Playgrounds
Thanks to fantastic resources and playground reviews I find online like FunOrangeCountyParks.com, these continue to be my top destination for keeping my kids busy
Home Depot children’s workshops
While at this age it’s more like my husband builds something instead of our kid, it’s a fun way for them to bond and it also tends to be low key. These happen usually once a month and you can find more info on their website
Easter Egg hunts
My kid loved these so much we ended up attending at least 3! Especially the one Hosted by Huntington Beach Kiwanis (old flyer here). Well organized and utilized the large grounds at Central Park sports complex really well. Plenty of seating and also touch a truck opportunities. We went early before the band started and that helped too with the noise.
Jurassic Trails and Tails in Laguna Niguel
This was a little bit out of the way for us and face it, my kids were not into it because one was too young and the other one was too scared. However, I was really happy to have attended and I thought it was super fun as an adult. It does not take long and could be considered as a starting point for a day down in southern OC.
Mixed Review
Food festivals
Unfortunately mostly a bust. The 626 Night Market was the biggest one I attended and it was just a logistical nightmare. I spent the good majority of 3 hours just in lines and crying. I also tried the Cherry Blossom Festival in Huntington Beach which was better but still very loud. The best one by far is Weekend Night Market which is usually lower key. Need to bring Beach chairs or a blanket if you don’t want to fight for the few seats they have. Band gets loud. Irvine Nights is my new favorite – no loud band before 7pm, and a huge space with clean restrooms at the hangar and visitor center. Remote pagers for food so you’re not constantly hounding a truck. Lots of event security. An amazing kid play zone or for the more sensitive children, large playground nearby. Can usually find seats by the lawn area, hangar, or bring your own picnic blanket.
Touch a Truck – various versions
I personally think it’s really fun but… Went on a really too hot day. Tickets were really hard to figure out (their online system was slow) and BB didn’t get much out of it
Urban Kids Consignment
This is a pop up event in Irvine that is run by and for local families – parents sell unwanted things and can buy others. My experience as a consignor is best summarized as “too much work for too little return”. Not only did it feel like I needed a Ph.D. to follow all the rules for a seller, the rules also seemed to arbitrarily change and thus there were more clarifications needed by joining the fb group – I hate being on social media when not for work. Furthermore you are spammed endlessly afterwards because you’re being asked to return as a consignor. For the amount of time I put into it, the $60 I made was not worth it, and I didn’t love most of the items I ended up buying either.
Irvine Railroad Pumpkin Patch
This event is well done. Don’t get me wrong the decor, the activities, the pumpkins, are all VERY impressive. Oh dear but the lines. Don’t go here on the weekends. Don’t go here if your children are prone to melt down. Don’t go here if you want to wait in line for over an hour in the heat.
Outdoor arts and crafts markets
You know I’m just being sassy. I don’t need to add more trinkets to my house. So while I wish I could like these – so many events – I don’t.
