Nature Centers + Playgrounds
Week 2 Summer Play Trips + a new playground in Anaheim Hills
Summer is such a great time to explore the nature centers of Orange County. We have so many and the multitude of volunteers really deepens the experience of exploring our local natural areas.
A Special Note
Having this yearly rhythm in OC where I come up with Summer Play Trips content each summer really puts me in touch with our community and what you need.
You think it would be boring and repetitive.
It’s not.
Most summers the mood is bright, like when I get to help mentor someone, or when I make fun park Bingo games, or when there’s a huge focus on all the new playgrounds that popped up since the summer before.
But I have to say it’s turned out that some summers the content is set against a dark mood, an unforgiving world. Like the summer of 2020 when ALL the playgrounds around OC officially closed. When children and families felt so isolated. When this happens, it’s like: “What the heck do I write?”
Back then? I wrote about playing at home. The goal was to be something steady and positive each week. Someone you could still count on even though things felt out of control.
Now?
It feels f*cking dark out there. But you keep me fired up to be here for you each week. I will strive to be that sliver of bright and lightness that comes to your inbox. Something steady. Something expected. I picked 2025 Summer Play Trip themes that will wait for you. In case you can’t use them now, save them for later.
In the meantime, we can all do our part to take care of each other. For resources or to help fill current needs, please follow Instagram accounts like @ocrrn and @ocvietrise . I am also trying to amplify relevant resources in my Stories, as well. I know this is random and completely unrelated, but a couple things that helped me this week:
If the Big Bear eagle cam was giving you a sense of peace and you miss it, then the Brown Bears / Salmon cams up at Brooks Falls in Alaska may be a good seasonal replacement? They just started broadcasting for summer this week. [Maybe you can try this wildlife cam or other cams at Explore.org - or just look out your window and take note of or draw what the sky looks like each day.]
- always resonates with me. His newsletter this week was a rough draft of a “Manifesto for the Stubborn Optimist.” I’m starting every day now reading it and molding it to what I need — and also playing the song Together by Ziggy Alberts. Not ALL the words in these picks fit, but enough to put me in a better headspace. [Maybe you have words or a song that can help you start your day?]
I’m appreciating everyone who has been taking care of me with that right shoulder fracture (without me even having to ask them)! Special thanks to Y, R.L, D.J., and my sis D.C. The latest bump in the road is that I got sick with a cold/virus on the day I was supposed to have surgery last week! So now surgery is delayed until July. That means 9 weeks in a sling with no driving versus the 5 weeks I was expecting. It’s okay, though. An inconvenience. Just wanted to give you the update.
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
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you follow me anywhere else?
Yes! You do. Turns out 81% of you follow me on one or both of my Instagram accounts (@OCTinyHikes and @OCPlayParks) and 19% of you don’t.
Week 2: Summer Play Trips
Nature Center + Playground
North OC: Chino Hills Discovery Center + Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Try pairing Chino Hills State Park Discovery Center in Brea with neighboring Carbon Canyon Regional Park. There is a $3/hr or $10/day parking fee for the nature center, but you can always check out a California State Library Parks Pass ahead of time to get your parking for free. Carbon Canyon Regional Park has a number of really neat playgrounds and walking paths surrounding a lake. It will cost you $3-$5 entrance fee per vehicle unless you have the $55/year annual pass.
South OC: Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center + Playground
Caspers Wilderness Park outside San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Mission Viejo really feels far away from it all and it has both a nature center AND playground. Dedicated day use parking lots, but you must pay the OCParks fee of $3 weekdays, $5 weekends, and $7-$10 on major holidays. Or use your $55/year annual pass.
Central OC: Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center + Wildlife Viewing Area Bridge + Wieder Regional Park
This time start at the playground at Wieder Regional Park! Get all the wiggles out at this accessible playground and then head to Bolsa Chica for some wildlife viewing on the wetlands bridge. And finish up at the Interpretive Center before heading home.
In summer, I usually recommend driving to the south entrance with the bridge to view the birds and wetland wildlife. (Mostly because the trails near the Interpretive Center have quite a few rattlesnake sightings during summer.) When you are
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Interpretive Center has some fun little exhibits and guidance for exploring the rest of the wetlands. Here is their official website.
New Playground in Anaheim Hills
Canyon Rim Park just re-opened with its new playground in May 2025. I think it’s a really fun re-do. Complete with baby swings and a Friendship swing. Getting there is a little complicated, so make sure you read the directions in my park guide.
Parks and Play News
Two new playgrounds in Westminster having Ribbon Cutting Ceremony’s this coming week. One on Wednesday, June 25th at 11am (College Park Playground, 15422 Vermont Street) and the other on Thursday, June 26th (Russell C. Paris Park Playground, 8582 Palos Verdes Ave).
McFadden Park in Placentia (900 S. Melrose) is also having a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, June 26th at 11:30am. Laura at NatureWonderKids pointed out that the design photo looks to have shade cover over the swings at this one! And it also looks to have an ocean theme.
Anita Street Beach Access Stairs in Laguna Beach “will be closed for reconstruction for the foreseeable future” according to Stu News Laguna. The caption of their Instagram post goes on to say: “Point of note, the Anita Street stairs will remain inaccessible through the summer. The closest alternative for beach access is one block to the south at Oak Street and the Thalia Street stairs to the north. The project is expected to be completed in December 2026.”
This is the last weekend Coffee Importers will be in its original location in Dana Point Harbor. So, go! Especially, if you want that last bit of nostalgia before it moves over to its new home at Ocean Institute on the other end of the harbor.
Construction on the new location of Pretend City Children’s Museum at The Cultural Terrace at the Great Park starts this month. The City of Irvine has completed demolition and grading, and building pads are ready. I’m very excited for the new outdoor space that is going to be part of the new museum grounds. Construction won’t be complete until the end of 2026.
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 few tiny hike picks to go with the play trips above + a day trip idea!