Donuts and pick-a-park play trip
Plus, free Summer Play Trips preview with a schedule for what to expect
The only problem with doing everything yourself: is that you’re doing everything yourself. So sometimes it’s not possible to get everything done!
I’d planned to release the Summer Play Guide printable this week, but it became clear as this past week went on that my schedule was not going to allow enough time for me to get it done. Happily, I have some definite blocks of time coming this week which will allow me to release it in your next newsletter. (As I’ve explained in past newsletters, the printable is for paid annual subscribers and will also be available in the bookshop if you don’t want to pay to subscribe).
As for the FREE weekly Summer Play Trips that come to you over 8 weeks of summer in this newsletter, you are going to get a fun smattering of themes to keep you entertained and surprised each week. Every week, you’ll get: 3 local play trips (1 North OC, 1 Central OC, 1 South OC)! Each week will have a different theme or focus, but it will always prioritize the play. The “play-filled extra” for paid subscribers during this summer will be a day trip idea for outside OC.
Here is the loose schedule for the Summer Play Trips. The dates listed are Thursdays, but sometimes it takes me a day or two past that to get it to you.
Week 1 - June 5th + Summer Play Guide printable release date!
Week 2 - June 12th
Week 3 - June 19th
Week 4 - June 26th
BREAK - July 3rd
Week 5 - July 10th
Week 6 - July 17th
Week 7 - July 24th
Week 8 - July 31st
I have a play trip for you this week, too! Think of it as a preview. In fact, this one required extensive updates to 2 park guides and a few updates to a 3rd. I hope you have as much fun playing as I did scouting this all out for you.
In play,
Michele
As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.
Fun Question of the Week
So curious about this one!
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: What are your summer travel plans?
This is how your answers ranked:
A few overnight/weekend getaways (38%)
More day trips (24%)
“No travel” tied with “Big extended family vacation” (both 18%)
Something different (3%)
So only about one-fifth of you who answered are going on a big extended family vacation this summer. I think my answer would be “More day trips.”
Parks and Play Trip Ideas: Donuts + Pick a Park
I’m going to try a different format this week for the Play Trips itineraries.
A series of photos first, then I’ll reveal the locations or you can always click on the photo to get the mystery solved!
Just adding a little extra element of fun. Play the game to see if you can guess the locations.
Summer Play Trip: San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point
JD Flannel Donuts & Coffee in San Juan Capistrano - Not too sweet donuts with a new menu each month + 12 oz. /16 oz. coffees that come in at $5.50 or under! My favorite was the brown butter & salt donut. They also have gluten-free and vegan donuts.
Thunderbird Park in Dana Point: Renovations just finished and they moved the dinosaur over from Dana Crest Park. No restrooms.
Dana Crest Park in Dana Point: This one got a re-do in 2024 so if you haven’t been in a while it’s changed. Play equipment is similar to Thunderbird. No restrooms.
Sea Canyon Park in Dana Point: This is a favorite of mine! And there is absolutely a restroom here.
If you want 1 more option, try Creekside Park on Stonehill. It’s another favorite and it has restrooms, too.
Do you have a Play Trip to share? Send it to me and I might use it in a future newsletter!
Parks and Play News
Free summer outdoor concerts and summer outdoor movies are starting! Check your city to see when/if they are hosting them. Or I bet OCParentGuide has them on her event calendar. Fun Tip: For the Sunset Cinemas hosted by OCParks, don’t miss the pre-movie fun! “Guests of all ages are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy lively pre-show entertainment such as character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m.”
Stanton Library branch of OC Public Libraries Grand Re-opening is scheduled for June 3rd.
Summer favorites
Go ahead and click the photos for the link to the lists & guides. I’ll keep including them here every week of summer!
Play-Filled Extras are waiting below this paywall each week for all paid subscribers.
Extras for This Week: A beach walk to enjoy with the Summer Play Trip above, plus 2 tiny hikes near nature centers from the archives. Even a couple behind-the-scenes pics from my scouting trip.