Things to do in the OC « Real OC Mom

And the Winner Is…

Comment #4 – Heather! Her family’s favorite meal is spaghetti with meat sauce (that seemed to be a favorite for a lot of families!)

Congratulations, Heather. Please email me so I can give you all the details to enjoy the Jr. Chef class at the Young Chef’s Academy!

If you didn’t win, but still want to try a Jr. Chef class at the Young Chef’s Academy, they are offering all Real OC Mom readers a special deal.

Register for a Jr. Chef class within the next 48 hours, tell them you were referred by the “Real OC Mom Blog”, and you get the class for only $15! The class is normally $35, but they’re offering a special rate for all Real OC Mom fans. What a great deal! Here’s the fine print:

One class per child, but you may purchase up to 3 classes (if you have multiple children or want to purchase for a friend). Please remember this is a Jr. Chef class for children aged 5 1/2 through 13. It’s not geared toward younger kids.

Class must be redeemed by September 30, 2011

You must purchase the class within 48 hours of this post (so, by 7 pm Saturday evening). You can get the registration form HERE.

Fill it out, scan and email it to them at HERE or fax it to them at 949-271-3638. Make sure to note “Real OC Mom Blog” on the registration form so you get the special rate.

Call 949-679-8390 to register and tell them Real OC Mom referred you so you get the special rate.

Happy Cooking!

Filed under: Giveaways, Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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31
Mar
2011

Young Chef’s Academy Giveaway!

Have you been to the Young Chef’s Academy in Irvine yet? It’s SO cute! And such a great way to get your kids cooking (check out their website HERE). If you read my post yesterday, you know how I feel about letting kids into the kitchen and why it’s so important. And the Young Chef’s Academy is a wonderful place for them to learn culinary skills that they can practice and use at home. The teachers there are so great at working with the kids, and their menus offer a variety of delicious meals the kids will enjoy making and eating.

To get your kids cooking, I’m giving away one free class to the Young Chef’s Academy! It’s a Junior Chef class, appropriate for ages 5 1/2 – 12, which normally costs $35. And you get to pick the class, based on your schedule and which menu looks interesting to you. For schedule and menus, click HERE (make sure you look at the Jr. Chef classes only). You’ll have 3 months to use the class once I announce the winner.

Want to know how to enter? Okay, here goes:

Just leave a comment on this post telling me your family’s favorite dinner. That’s it! One comment equals one entry.

For one additional entry, “like” the Real OC Mom Facebook page. Come back and leave a comment telling me you “liked” the page, along with your name so I can verify.

Next Thursday, I’ll announce the winner of the giveaway and send you an email with all the details.

And if you don’t win, don’t despair! I’ll follow up with a great coupon for anyone who’s interested in trying out the Young Chef’s Academy.

Good luck, and happy cooking!

Filed under: Giveaways, Reviews, Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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22
Mar
2011

This Weekend in OC – March 11th – 13th

Happy Thursday! Well, spring seems to be in full swing, and I don’t know about you, but I am FIRED UP for the time change Sunday! I love when it stays lighter later – it makes me feel like I have more energy and more time in my day. If you’re looking to plan for the weekend ahead, here are some fun ideas for the whole family. If you know of any other fun events happening locally, please feel free to add in a comment. Enjoy!

March 11th:

Wild Tales at the Muth Interpretive Center

11:00 am to noon

Visit with Preserve staff for story-telling fun! After a story, learn more about the natural history of the Bay through crafts, hands-on activities and nature walks. Come prepare for an exciting outdoor experience! Class fee is $5.00 per child aged 2-8 years. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923-2275, or e-mail unbic@ocparks.com to register.

Event Fee: $5.00 per student
Parking Fee: Free
Age: 2 to 8 years

Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949)923-2290

March 12th:

Family Concert

Family music mornings at Segerstrom Concert Hall presents Beethoven’s Blockbusters. Introduce your kids to the music of Beethoven through a family-friendly concert. Concert is 45 minutes long and geared toward kids aged 5 – 11. There are two concerts – one at 10 am and one at 11:30 am. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE

Story time at the Zoo!

2:00pm

Join for story time under the beautiful coastal live oak trees! Children of all ages are welcome!

Event Fee: Free with zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free)
Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry weekdays $3 per car; weekends $5 per car
Age: all ages

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6847

March 13th:

Free Second Sunday at OCMA

It’s time for Free Second Sunday at the Orange County Museum of Art again. And guess who will be there this Sunday…Robin Preiss Glasser, the illustrator of the wonderful “Fancy Nancy” books! The free second sundays at OCMA are always a lot of fun, but the book signing, story time, and activities with Ms. Glasser promise to make the event even more “splendiferous”! For more information, you can click HERE

Second Sundays at the Muth Interpretive Center

9:00 am to noon

Join Preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923–2275, or e-mail unbic@ocparks.com to register or receive monthly e-mail notifications. Minors aged 15 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.

Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: Free
Age: All

Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949)923-2290

St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the OC Marketplace

Come enjoy Irish step dancing performances, Celtic music, green lemonade, mint ice cream and more! Begins at 9 am. Included with the price of admission to the swap meet.

For all the details, click HERE

Weekend-long events:

New Lego Store Opening!

Friday, March 11th is the grand opening of the new Lego store in South Coast Plaza, and they will be having a celebration all weekend long. Kids will receive a commemorative Lego brick with picture of Yoda on it, and can help the master builders with an 8-foot tall statue of Yoda himself. The new store is in the Sears wing of South Coast Plaza and proves to be a fun addition to the mall!

Happy Birthday to the Santa Ana Zoo!

On Saturday, March 12th & Sunday, March 13th, the Santa Ana Zoo, home of the 50 monkeys, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, is excited to celebrate its 59th birthday. The activities will take place from 11:00am-2:00pm on both days, and the event is FREE with the price of admission for general public and FREE for Members.

There will be a modular train display by Del Oro Pacific Railroad Club, birthday themed crafts, animal presentations, birthday treats, live entertainment by Kids Are Music, DJ Steve McGuigan, and so much more! Conservation Carousel and Zoofari Express Train Rides will be available for $3 each, and combo tickets for $5 each.

Filed under: Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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09
Mar
2011

Love is in the Hair!

Okay OC Moms…anybody need a sexy ‘do for Valentine’s Day weekend? Then check out “Love is in the Hair”! Tera Rae Stephens at Tek Salon in Costa Mesa has assembled a team of incredible stylists who will be offering blowouts from noon until 6 pm on Saturday, February 12^th for $25. And here’s the best part – the cost is tax deductible and all proceeds go to help families affected by pediatric cancer!

Jen over at Tiny Oranges (www.tinyoranges.com) has helped organize this event. She has also put together a team to participate in the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Run/Walk on May 1 to raise money for pediatric cancer. If you are interested in joining her team, you can read all about it HERE. Jen has chosen the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation as her cause for 2011, and she and Tara are doing something really, really amazing to help these kids and their families!

So, please consider supporting this great cause! Below are the instructions to schedule your appointment.

1. Click THIS LINK to take you to the Schedulicity site to book your appointment. You should see “Love is in the Hair” at the top and a list of 10 stylists.

2. Click on ANY stylist – it doesn’t matter who – they are all amazing.

3. Select the appointment time you want.

4. Check to make sure the info is correct then click – BOOK IT!

5. You will then need to register with an email address & password for Schedulicity. When your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation.

6. After appointment is booked, CLICK HERE to go to Tera’s personal fundraising page and make your donation by putting $25.00 in the donation box and then complete the form. Your payment must be made at the time you make your appointment.*

*Please note, your donation is non-refundable. So, if you book an appointment and then have to cancel, no refunds will be given. But you can feel good that your money is going to an amazing cause regardless!

Tek Salon & Spa
230 East 17th St # 120
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
714.614.5588

Filed under: Doing Good in the OC, Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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27
Jan
2011

OCMA Fun Weekend Event – Free Second Sunday!

I’ve written posts about this event before (like this one), but I just wanted to remind you (in case you have a hundred other things on your mind like me!) about the Free Second Sunday event at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Thanks to sponsorship by Target, OCMA is open to the public on the second Sunday of each month at no charge! And not only do you get admission to the museum, but there are loads of fun projects for the kids, museum tours, and live entertainment.

This Sunday, December 12th, the theme is “Winter Wonderland”, and I’m certain that means lots of fun winter-themed projects for your kids to enjoy. In addition, students from the local Newport-Mesa school district will be performing throughout the day. The event runs from 11 – 4, and you can see a schedule for the day HERE.

The museum is located near the Island Hotel in Newport Beach at 850 San Clemente Drive.

Filed under: Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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10
Dec
2010

This Weekend in OC Oct 22 – 24

Friday, October 22:

Bats, Cats & Spiders – Toddler Program at the OC Zoo. 10 – 11 am. Head on over for Halloween fun! Learn all about bats, cats and spiders. Class includes hands-on learning and fun crafts. PLEASE NOTE SPACES FILL QUICKLY FOR THIS CLASS! Please see special instructions.
Event Fee: $5.00 per child (One parent included)
Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry weekdays $3 per car; weekends $5 per car
Age: 3-4 years old

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6847

Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

Storytime at the OC Zoo. 11:30 am. After Bats, Cats and Spiders, stick around for story time under the beautiful coastal live oak trees! Children of all ages are welcome!
Age: all ages

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6847

Full Moon Walk at the ENC. 6:30 pm. Join a naturalist for a walk under the full moon and learn the legends about it. Refreshments are provided, but bring your own mug, please. Cost is $5 per participant. Appropriate for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required – call 949-645-8489 to RSVP. For more information, click here

Saturday, October 23:

Saturday Morning Hike at O’Neill Regional Park. 9 am. Join a naturalist on a one hour interpretive hike. Learn about the plants, animals and history of O’Neill Regional Park. Meets at the Nature Center.
Parking Fee: $5

O’Neill Regional Park
30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
(949)923-2260 or (949)923-2256

Special Instructions: Wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, hats, and bring water. Fairly easy hike, but does include elevation change.

Tustin Old Town Art Walk. 10 am – 4 pm. Fine art on display and for purchase, bus tours of old town Tustin, wine tasting, children’s art at the library, and more! Event is free, wine tasting is $20. For more information, click here

Autumn Harvest Festival at Heritage Hill Park in Lake Forest. 4 – 9 pm. Celebrate fall at Heritage Hill!! Enjoy crafts, games, family entertainment, a haunted house, mazes, trick or treating throughout the park and a Halloween costume parade!! Fun for the whole family. Presented by City of Lake Forest.

Note: there is a “Haunt at Heritage Hill” event from 5:30 – 10:30 pm, as well. This event includes a haunted house, mazes, ghosts, music and a classic scary movie screening, but is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Event Fee: $3 for children (3-12yrs.) and $4 for adults.

Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Rd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
949-923-2230 or (949)923-2232

Haunted Campground at Doheny State Beach. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Arts & crafts, face painting, educational booths, and more! Admission is free, but donations of canned goods are greatly appreciated. For more information, click here

Sunday, October 24:

Pumpkins and Pancakes at South Coast Plaza. 8 – 11 am. Come enjoy a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, face painting, character greetings, silent auction, arts & crafts, and more! You can read more about it in my earlier blog post here

Weekend-long events:

Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Ana Zoo is open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from 5:30 – 8 pm. Family-friendly “merry, not scary” Halloween fun! $12 per person (members are $6), and kids 2 and under are free. Get all the details here

The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch continues all weekend. Train rides, pumpkin patch, bounce houses, panning for gold, tractor driving, face painting, and more! Click here for more details on the pumpkin patch and park.

Other fun ideas:

Disneyland – go check out the fall decorations and the special seasonal rides!

Knott’s Berry Farm - There’s the Halloween haunt for older kids, or Camp Spooky for the younger set (up to age 11).

The Curious George Exhibit at Pretend City is going on through January 30th. To purchase tickets or read more about it, click here

Fullerton Arboretum – a great way to explore the outdoors and totally free! They have a quaint children’s garden, duck pond, walking trails, orange trees, and more.

Apple picking - Apples are in season for picking just awhile longer. And we have great apple picking about an hour away! Check out Oak Glen for a list of farms, hours of operation, and activities.

Pumpkins, corn mazes and hay rides - we’ve got plenty of ‘em all over OC. For a list, plus a lot of other fun information on Halloween and fall activities, go here.

Catch a show - Peter Pan at the OCPAC, Annie at the Ebell Theatre, or Secretariat at the movies. Want to watch a movie at home? Disneynature “Oceans” was just released on DVD this week, and it’s a great educational movie for the whole family! I highly recommend it, particularly if your kids are into animals. There is one scene where a shark eats a sea lion, but it’s pretty tame, and at home you have that fast forward option! You can purchase it here (disclaimer: I do get a very small percentage if you buy it through my store, but that’s what helps keep Real OC Mom writing!)

Here’s wishing you and your real family a very happy weekend!

Filed under: Fall Activities, Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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21
Oct
2010

Pumpkins and Pancakes

Nothing says Halloween time here in OC like Pumpkins and Pancakes! It’s this Sunday, Oct. 24th from 8 – 11 am at South Coast Plaza (in the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wing). This fun event is a chance for kids to dress up in their Halloween costumes and enjoy a pancake breakfast and lots of fun activities. This year kids can meet lots of characters and special guests, including The Wild Thing, Curious George, Madeline, Wild Wing of the Anaheim Ducks, and more! Plum’s Cafe (notice how that rhymes with “yums”?) will be catering the breakfast, and there will also be music, face painting, balloon artists, crafts, and lots more fun!

Tickets are $30/person if purchased by Oct. 22 at noon, or $35/person at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Click here to purchase tickets.

This event is not only a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit, but it’s for a great cause, too. Proceeds benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA trains community volunteers to serve as mentors and advocates for abused, neglected and abandoned children. And I’ve gotta tell you, as a mom, this really tugs on my heartstrings. Every child deserves a loving home, but unfortunately, not every child gets one. CASA helps these kids find someone to care about them, to speak up for them, and to give them a voice where they otherwise would have none.

Even if you can’t attend this fun event, please think about sponsoring a CASA child to attend. Our family isn’t able to go this year, so we decided to send a child and her advocate to Pumpkins and Pancakes. It’s $30 to sponsor a child or $60 for a child and advocate. You can click here to send a child to Pumpkins and Pancakes, too.

Filed under: Fall Activities, Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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19
Oct
2010

This Weekend in OC Oct 15 – 17

Fall is definitely in the air! Well, kind of…it’s still a little warm outside. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things going on. And the weather is just right for getting outside! Here are just a few ideas.

Friday, October 15:

Tot Walk at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 9:00am to 10:00am Bring your wee ones, babies to 3-year-olds, to explore on this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
WILLOW CANYON STAGING AREA
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
949-923-2235 or (949)923-3702

Special Instructions: CALL FOR DIRECTIONS

Saturday, October 16:

The Muth Interpretive Center’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Join for the 10th anniversary celebration commemorating the opening of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center located at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Enjoy exploring open house exhibits, arts and crafts, natural and cultural presentations and refreshments. This family friendly event is free for all!
Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: Free
Age: All

Upper Newport Bay
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949)923-2290 or (949)923-2295

Sounds of the Lake at Dusk at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Bring your cameras and sketchbooks for a stroll to Orange County’s only natural lake with OC Parks Ranger Molly Stallcup. Enjoy this busy time of day in the wilderness with the awakening of nighttime animals. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235 Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
LITTLE SYCAMORE/NIX NATURE CENTER
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
949-923-2235 or (949)923-3702

Special Instructions: CALL FOR DIRECTIONS

Sunday, October 17:

Acorn Day at O’Neill Regional Park. 10:00 am to 3:00pm. Help revitalize the Oak Grove! Crafts, games, and the planting of Live Oak trees will begin at 10:00 am. OC Parks Rangers, OC Zoo and Park Naturalists will be conducting interpretive programs providing information on the area’s wildlife preservation and wilderness safety. Have some fun outdoors! Come early and take an interpretive hike at 9:00 am! For campsite reservations, go to www.ocparks.com or call 1-800-600-1600.
Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: 5.00
Age: All Ages

O’Neill Regional Park
30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
(949)923-2260 or (949)923-2256

Pretend City Children’s Museum celebrates the Grand Opening of the Curious George Exhibit. 10 am.

Visitors can:

- Meet Curious George in person every hour! Learn about Curious George’s endless adventures through book readings.
- Go bananas while participating in fun banana art activities in the Art Studio
- Take home a free Curious George take home activity kit!
- Listen to the Jack Johnson Curious George soundtrack

For more information, visit the Pretend City website

Annual Fall Faire at the ENC. 10 am – 3pm. Join for a day of natural fun! Find your favorite pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, listen to music, enjoy delicious food, play games, win prizes, visit our museum, and walk the nature center’s trails. You and your family and friends will be able to touch live animals and experience some of the activities offered during school programs. The ENC is located at 1601 16th Street in Newport Beach. For more information, go to the ENC website

Weekend-long events:

Goat Hill Junction Railroad in Costa Mesa is offering free public rides this weekend (and usually the third weekend of every month. Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am – 3:30 pm, come on out to the station for a free train ride while enjoying the scenery of varied terrain, bridges, and the back end of the Costa Mesa golf course. Each train ride lasts approximately 12 minutes and does two full loops through the park. Rides are free, but donations are strongly suggested to help maintain the railroad and the beautiful scale model trains. Get more information and location here

The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch continues all weekend. Please note that on Saturday, Oct 15th there is a cross country invitational inside the park which will delay parking and entry. If you plan to visit Saturday, they are recommending you arrive after 1 pm when the meet has ended. Click here for more details on the pumpkin patch and park.

Other fun ideas:

Disneyland – go check out the fall decorations and the special seasonal rides!

Knott’s Berry Farm – There’s the Halloween haunt for older kids, or Camp Spooky for the younger set (up to age 11).

Fullerton Arboretum – a great way to explore the outdoors and totally free! They have a quaint children’s garden, duck pond, walking trails, orange trees, and more.

Apple picking – Apples are in season for picking just awhile longer. And we have great apple picking about an hour away! Check out Oak Glen for a list of farms, hours of operation, and activities.

Pumpkins, corn mazes and hay rides – we’ve got plenty of ‘em all over OC. For a list, plus a lot of other fun information on Halloween and fall activities, go here.

Catch a show – Peter Pan at the OCPAC, Annie at the Ebell Theatre, the Festival Ballet Theatre at the Barclay, or Secretariat at the movies.

Here’s wishing you and your real family a very happy weekend!

Filed under: Fall Activities, Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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14
Oct
2010

This Weekend in OC Oct 8 – 10

Whew – this weekend kinda’ snuck up on me! Here are some fun things happening around OC. Enjoy!

Friday, October 8:

Bats, Cats and Spiders at the OC Zoo. 10am – 11 am. Halloween fun! Learn all about bats, cats and spiders. Class includes hands-on learning and fun crafts. PLEASE NOTE SPACES FILL QUICKLY FOR THIS CLASS! Please see special instructions.

Event Fee: $5.00 per child (One parent included)
Parking Fee: Irvine Park entry weekdays $3 per car; weekends $5 per car
Age: 3-4 years old

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6847

Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes

Storytime at the OC Zoo at 11:30 am. After Bats, Cats and Spiders, stay for story time under the beautiful coastal live oak trees! Children of all ages are welcome!
Age: all ages

Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6847

Saturday, October 9:

Placentia Heritage Festival. Pancake breakfast from 6:30 – 9:30, parade at 9:30, festival opens at 10. Plenty of games, vendors, food, entertainment and more! For details, click here

Amazing Raptors: Hawks, Owls and Falcons at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 1-4 pm. Get a close look at live hawks, owls and falcons from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. Learn to identify raptors in flight. Dissect an owl pellet. Find out how owls fly silently and discover other raptor survival secrets! Presentation from 2-3 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donations appreciated.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
LITTLE SYCAMORE/NIX NATURE CENTER
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
949-923-2235 or (949)923-3702

Special Instructions: CALL FOR DIRECTIONS

Visitor night at the UCI Observatory 8-10 pm. Bring your telescope and check out the stars! Get all the info here

Sunday, October 10:

San Clemente Sea Fest. Chowder tasting from 10am – 2pm, fresh seafood on the beach, Coast Guard demonstration, live entertainment, surfing contest and more! For more information, click here

National Chemistry Week/Chemistry Day at the Santa Ana Zoo: 11am – 3pm | Chemistry displays sponsored by the American Chemical Society. | FREE with price of admission. Get more information about the zoo and see the calendar of events here

Sports Day at Craig Regional Park for kids age 6 – 17. Noon – 4 pm. Learn skills of soccer, baseball, basketball, football, racquetball, volleyball and softball. For more details, click here

Weekend-long events:

The OC Auto Show runs Thursday, Oct 7 through Sunday, Oct 10. Adult admission is only $10 and kids under 12 are free. For more information, click here

The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch continues. Fun for everyone! All the details are available here

Free Admission to the San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park (Wild Animal Park) continues through the month of October. For more information, click here

Camp Spooky at Knotts Berry Farm continues this weekend. Not-so-scary Halloween fun geared toward kids aged 3-11. You can read all about it here

Peter Pan at the OC Performing Arts Center is running all weekend. A show unlike any other – 360-degree theatre with CGI effects. For more information or to buy tickets, go here

Filed under: Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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07
Oct
2010

This Weekend in OC Oct 1 – 3

Friday October 1:

Movies at the Muth at the Muth Interpretive Center. The YMCA of Orange County and OC Parks present: MOVIES AT THE MUTH Enjoy an evening under the stars with family and friends viewing Disneynature’s “Earth” – the story of three animal families and their amazing journeys across the planet we all call home. Come early for arts and crafts fun! Then, stay late for a night walk through the bay! Free – No Reservations Required

Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: Free
Age: All

Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949)923-2290

Saturday, October 2:

Saturday Morning Hike at O’Neill Regional Park. 9:00am. Join the naturalist on a one hour interpretive hike. Learn about the plants, animals and history of O’Neill Regional Park. Meets at the Nature Center.

Parking Fee: $5

O’Neill Regional Park
30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
(949)923-2260 or (949)923-2256

Special Instructions: Wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, hats, and bring water. Fairly easy hike, but does include elevation change.

Irvine Global Village at Bill Barber Park. 10 am – 2 pm. Food from over 44 local restaurants, entertainment, kids’ zone and more. Get all the details here

Discovery Science Center Free Admission with proof of Bank of American account. Show your B of A ATM, check or credit card on Saturday and receive free admission to the museum.

La Habra Children’s Museum Free Admission. Thanks to Target, the first Saturday of every month is free admission to the La Habra Children’s Museum.

Kids’ Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Center. 11 am. Every Saturday, come enjoy free kids’ crafts at all Lakeshore locations.

First Saturday Public Park Tour at George Key Ranch Historical Park. 12:15pm to 4:30pm. Join in for a tour of the park. Tour the 1898 Key Ranch Home, walk through our historic orange grove, picnic under a heritage oak, or relax in the verse garden. Individuals or small groups are welcome to join us at 2:00pm for a FREE tour of the ranch home. Groups of 10 or more, please contact park ranger in advance to schedule your tour.
George Key Ranch Historical Park
625 W. Bastanchury Road
Placentia, CA 92870
(714)973-3190 or (714)973-3191

Special Instructions: Small parking lot accessible through Bastanchury Rd. gate. Additional street parking available on Gilman Circle. Pedestrians may enter park through Bastanchury Rd. or Gilman Circle gates.

Caspers Campfire Program at Caspers Park in SJC. 8 – 9 pm. Come join a ranger for an hour of fun and learning about Caspers Wilderness Park. Our Campfire program may include a slide presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, animal adaptations, skins and skulls, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Topics may vary weekly. Camping not necessary, day use fee applies.

Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $5.00 Day Use Fee
Age: All Ages

Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy.( P. O. Box 395)
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.923.2210 or (949)923-2207

Sunday, October 3:

Fall Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 8:30am to 11:00am. Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
18751 LAGUNA CANYON RD
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
949-923-2235 or (949)923-3702

OC Children’s Book Festival at OCC in Costa Mesa. 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Authors, illustrators, booksellers, characters, storytellers and more. For details and schedule click here

Annual Sandcastle Contest at Big Corona del Mar Beach. 10 am – 4 pm. Come view amazing sand sculptures created by pros and novices alike.

Dig It! Archaeology Fair at Heritage Hill Park in Lake Forest. 11:00am to 4:00pm

Come and learn all about archaeology and our rich cultural heritage! Museums, archaeological organizations and cultural groups will all be here with hands on activities, displays, artifacts and demonstrations. There will even be several dig pits to learn the science!

Event Fee: Free admission
Parking Fee: Free

Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
(949)923-2230 or (949)923-2232

Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic at Dana Wharf in Dana Point. 12 – 12:30 pm come out and learn some fishing techniques from the pros! No reservations required. Click here for more information.

Sportfishing out of Dana Wharf in Dana Point. 12:45 – 5:30 pm (right after the free clinic), head out for a 1/2 day of sportfishing. One free kids’ trip with each paying adult, and free rental gear, too. Reservations are required. Click here for all the details and to purchase tickets.

Free Admission to the Bowers Museum and Kidseum. Thanks to Target, the first Sunday of every month offers free admission to these two great museums.

Weekend-long events:

Tustin Tiller Days at Columbus Park. Opens Friday at 4 pm and runs all weekend. An annual tradition since 1957, come celebrate OC’s agricultural roots. Live entertainment, food, games, rides, and more! Pancake breakfast and parade Saturday morning. For schedule of events and more info, click here

Irvine Railroad Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Regional Park. Hay rides, tractor driving, face painting, panning for gold, and more! Click here for all the details.

Filed under: Things to do in the OC
by real oc mom
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29
Sep
2010