Tiny hikes are really for non-hikers
Plus OC's top 15 destination parks + list of enclosed parks
Trust me when I say you have never seen a trail guide like the ones I create for OC Tiny Hikes. I initially worried about hikers subscribing and being disappointed because these really are TINY if you are a seasoned hiker. However, by including “hikes” in the name, I may have made it seem unattainable to the non-hikers out there? Those of you who have NO interest in hiking or becoming a hiker!
Well, that’s why I designed them to be TINY!!! You will love them! When I write up these spots that you can’t find on Google (not the way I write them with toddlers and grandparents and strollers in mind!), I am thinking of short & sweet family wanders & walks that don’t require any gear, any maps, or any prep besides what you would normally bring to the park.
Instead of a park experience, you are getting a mini nature experience.
I have received the best feedback! One mom of an 18 month old said: “Even though hiking is something I used to love to do before becoming a mom, I never would have discovered this spot or dreamed of “hiking” with a toddler without your account.”
We talked about how this OC Tiny Hikes concept is hard to explain unless you see the mini trail guides and actually try them out. She said: “I think it’s also hard to convince someone that their toddler can hike. Truly it never occurred to me until I saw your account and I’m a total hiker. And maybe some moms don’t consider themselves to be hikers, but they could do these bite size ones with their kids.”
The “why” behind these OC Tiny Hikes? Getting outside to play, to pause, to be in nature (even little corners of nature), to connect with your child(ren) and family. And you don’t need to be a hiker to do it! Going beyond PLAY at a playground. But, it will help if you had my trail guides to know where to go and what to expect when you get there so you don’t even think about the “what,” “where,” and “how”!
It brings me so much joy to hear your stories, please keep sending them in!
I’ve had moms write in requesting this info about Enclosed Parks in Orange County - and also parents who help me keep the list updated via social media and email. This is a community resource and it doesn’t run without your participation, so thanks for helping keep these lists up-to-date! Have another one? Hit “REPLY” to this email.
I also just wanted to do a quick round-up of what are generally considered “Destination Parks” for Orange County. I don’t cover them much because they tend to be popular and possibly more crowded — and also news about them already travels by word of mouth. Plus, they are highly Instagrammable so they show up there a lot. But, in case you haven’t heard or want a reminder, here’s an informal Top 15.
Adventure Playgrounds: Irvine and Yorba Linda
If you want more best of the best, I have my classic post which is actually more like 20 Best because each one has at least one runner-up and links out to tons of my lists!
I know this is a really random thing for me to write about, but this is a labor of love that I’ve had on my blog for YEARS. It started because we’d go out for dinner with my in-laws and I became the local expert on where to go for other moms. Then, I started a blog post listing all the Thanksgiving Buffets in Orange County to make it easier for everyone and now I think I’ve got better info than TripAdvisor or YELP with dine-in AND takeout options! I update it almost daily once we get to November. Share with everyone you know who might be looking for places to eat out this year.
And don’t forget to set your clocks back this weekend!
You already get park updates from me each week for FREE. Imagine being able to get a mini trail guide here, too. Not in a separate email, not in a separate blog post — just a comprehensive family-focused trail guide right here!
I may not have done a great job of explaining how this works, but I am confident I am excelling at the creation of these guides which is more my talent! I’m hoping to once and for all clear up confusion about what OC Tiny Hikes is and how it works with this post.
I hope you become a paid subscriber (yes, because it helps support me and my work) but truly MORE SO because I want you to benefit from the experiences these tiny hike guides are bringing families already!