Week 4: Summer Play Trips
Libraries + Playgrounds, plus a local Junior Ranger Program
It’s a big week for me since my right shoulder surgery is happening to repair the fracture from my accidental fall - after the original surgery date got delayed by 4 weeks due to me getting a cold/virus. I’ll be so relieved to be on the road to healing up and getting completely stable. I’m thankful for all the good wishes and grateful to have you send me healing thoughts. It all helps!
I have to be honest that this has been harder than I imagined. Summer is my busiest time and not being able to drive and tiring easily at everything (including the awkward posture required to work at the keyboard) has definitely been a challenge. Not to mention my right arm in a sling 24/7! I’m definitely not able to work at my normal overdrive pace.
Even so, this Week 4 Summer Play Trips newsletter is coming to you a bit early (today, on Monday — instead of Thursday). I figured since you had a break in Summer Play Trips newsletters last week for the holiday weekend that you might be feeling like: “Now, what?” on the Monday after.
Well I have weeks and weeks of ideas packed into this week’s newsletter! Save this one! The Week 5 edition will be coming to you next week on or right after July 17th.
Today, I’m covering the magical combo of libraries + playgrounds as an option for slowing down after a busy weekend. And in case you need even more play ideas or missed the first weeks, I also made sure to include links to the Week 1 - Week 3 newsletters below.
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.
Week 4: Summer Play Trips
Libraries + Playgrounds
Make libraries part of your play day. They have so much to offer and are an under-appreciated place to find air conditioning! Keep in mind that the picks are based on the LIBRARIES and the parks are ones nearby — not always destinations, but fun nonetheless.
North OC
Pair this park in Cerritos (LA County, but close for North OC families) with Cerritos Library where the Children’s section is awesome and there’s even a splash pad outside the library. In the past, we’ve paired this trip with a visit to Amor y Tacos which is a whole flavor experience for your tastebuds with a pretty extensive kids menu. “Critically acclaimed Chef Thomas Ortega brings his signature Alta California cuisine back to his hometown of Cerritos with Restauranteur and lifelong friend Todd Tsujioka.”
This playground in Anaheim Hills is right across the street from the Canyon Hills branch of Anaheim Public Libraries. You can visit the new Canyon Rim Park playground if you happen to be in the area.
Yorba Linda Library is really worth a visit and I like this playground for its proximity. Not a lot of shade, but go before the library opens. Yorba Linda Town Center is nearby with lots of restaurant and food options. Or you can try for Yorba Linda Adventure Playground (after 5pm-7:30pm weekdays during summer hours) but the hours and reservations can be complicated - and prioritize residents. Always refer to their official website.
Central OC
San Miguel Park is just up the hill a bit from the main Newport Beach Library. You can always pair with a visit to Rogers Gardens or Fashion Island. I also have a reel about a park and breakfast morning at San Miguel Park.
Corona del Mar Library is near the beach and Grant Howald Park is also nearby. Restaurants all up and down PCH. You can add on Corona del Mar State Beach or Sherman Library and Gardens, too.
I’m always impressed when I visit the main Orange Public Library. You can also wander around Old Towne Orange and Grijalva Community Park in Orange at Santiago Creek is a fun one with shade covers. Randomly, if you are a Huell Howser fan, there is an exhibit dedicated to him at Chapman University that’s worth a visit for fans.
South OC
This is a favorite Summer Play Trip for me! Mission Viejo Library is just awesome and Oso Viejo Community Park is a nice escape.
Laguna Niguel Library (branch of OCPL) is smaller than many, but we still always find some treasures and enjoy grabbing a few books. Chapparosa Park is good for all ages and not as busy when school is not in session up the street.
The whole reason to go to the Laguna Beach Library is to visit the Fairy Garden outside. They even have a scavenger hunt this year. And then you can make your way to Main Beach Playground to play or Heisler Park for views near the ocean and a stroll! (I always have to put in a caution to pay attention to the parking signs here - theI have a whole list of day trip ideas for Laguna Beach here.
Did you know OCParks has a Junior Ranger Program?
I know this was years in the making and just want to send some gratitude to the interpretive specialists that make these kinds of things happen for our community! Special thanks to Nathan for letting me know about it!
And there are all sorts of corresponding guided events coming up in July (starting July 11th!).
Check out all the information on their website! Or watch the video explaining all about it on YouTube.
Thanks OCParks!
Summer favorites
Here are the 2025 Summer Play Trips newsletters so far, in case you want to go back!
Here are some favorite posts for summer. 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 libraries above + some farms and gardens to visit in our neighboring counties!